mathematics

The 2020 census is going digital. We recently brought you a story of how this technological innovation could lead to undercounting Native Americans who live on tribal land.

Today, we’re flipping that equation and rather than looking at how computer technology is affecting the census, we’re asking how the census has affected the development of computer technology.

There have been ten mass shootings this year, and plenty of talk about the factors that contribute to the high rate of these devastating events in the U.S. Most research points to gun availability, but social contagion also plays a role. And, as with contagious diseases, researchers say early intervention is best. Sherry Towers of Arizona State University joins us. 

There are plenty of self help books out there that offer formulas for success. Now, there’s one that literally offers equations and mathematical models for everything from dieting and money, to marriage and conflict resolution. It’s called The Calculus of Happiness: How a Mathematical Approach to Life Adds Up to Health, Wealth and Love.

From Wall Street to the weather, statistics are a routine part of modern daily life. Statistical analysis is also critical to scientific advancement. And yet, even among scientists, there's a lack of understanding about how statistical tests work and what the results mean.