Temporal Networks, Where Page Rank meets Lord of the Rings - Computerphile
Computerphile
Mar 19, 2026
Traditional network analysis treats connections as permanent, missing the critical context of timing. By applying temporal graph theory—where links are annotated with timestamps—researchers can trace the flow of assets or information through time-respecting paths. This approach exposes hidden patterns like crypto-fraud or market manipulation that remain invisible in static, time-agnostic models.
Key insight: Temporal network analysis can identify 'wash trading' in crypto or NFT markets by revealing when assets are traded in circular patterns between a small group of wallets to artificially inflate prices.
