statistics
Study: Dunbar’s number is wrong. You can have more than 150 friends
Dunbar's number is a popular estimate for the maximum size of social groups. But new research suggests that it's a fictitious number based on flimsy data and bad theory.
Math explains polarization, and it’s not just about politics
People often divide the world into "us" and "them" then forget about everybody else.
Were there “early warning signs” of COVID-19 on Twitter?
Could we have predicted COVID-19 through social media trends?
In 2020, more men and women are likely to consider sex with a robot
Would you ever have sex with a robot?
Can a quantum strategy help bring down the house?
Study finds quantum entanglement could, in principle, give a slight advantage in the game of blackjack.
4 key questions to challenge your views on genetic engineering
New research shows how Americans feel about genetic engineering, human enhancement and automation.
Why are so few people born on Christmas Day, New Year’s and other holidays?
Christmas Day is the least popular birthday in several countries.
You should be skeptical when it comes to hyped-up AI. Here’s why.
These questions can help us think more critically about new developments in artificial intelligence.
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The biggest problem in AI? Machines have no common sense.
Correlation doesn't equal causation — we all know this. Well, except robots.
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Why Australian men live the longest in the world
A new study challenges international life expectancies.
When should hockey teams pull the goalie? Study finds optimal time.
It's far earlier than most teams currently do.
Why eating ice cream is linked to shark attacks
Why are soda and ice cream each linked to violence? This article delivers the final word on what people mean by "correlation does not imply causation."
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Scientists claim the Bible is written in code that predicts future events
The controversy around the Torah codes gets a new life.
Cars Parts Show Us How Some Genetic Stats Mislead
We can “read” genes with ease now, but still can’t say what most of them “mean.” To show why we need clearer “causology” and fitter metaphors, let's scrutinize cars and their parts like we do bodies and genes.
Is It Tough Love Time For Science?
Is "science broken" or self-correcting? And who is going to do the grown-up thing and fix the game (instead of scoring points within it)?
Researchers Figure Out What Kind of Smiles Are Most Successful
A new study looks at how to make a successful smile.
Climate Change Will Lead to the Largest Transfer of Wealth in the Country’s History
A pioneering study provides a detailed look at how the U.S. economy will suffer from climate change.
Have Questions about the LGBTQ Community? It’s OK, You’re Fact-Curious.
If you want to know the state of equality in the US, statistics are a good place to start.
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Probability of Getting Killed by a Refugee Terrorist Is One in 3.6 Billion
A new risk analysis shows how the danger of terrorist attacks compares to other causes of American deaths.
How Not to Be Ignorant about the World: The Most Influential Man You’ve Never Heard Of
Hans Rosling was a physician and statistics superstar who advised world leaders and tech tycoons.
Your Lifetime by the Numbers
A fascinating international study takes a look at what the average person does in a lifetime, broken down by days and percentages.