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Will 40% of the world's workforce really be in Africa by 2050?
Ruth Alexander examines US Secretary of State, John Kerry’s claim that 40% of the world’s workforce will be in Africa by 2050 and talks to the chief of the United Nations’ population division about i…
Published on 12 years, 6 months ago
Is a child dying of hunger every 15 seconds?
Ruth Alexander examines the claim that every 15 seconds a child dies of hunger. It’s a popular statistic used by celebrities and charity campaigners in support of the Enough Food for Everyone IF camp…
Published on 12 years, 6 months ago
Sex on the Brain?
Parents take note – what can numbers reveal about bringing up children? Plus, Tim Harford explore if men really do think about sex every seven seconds. This urban myth will not go away and yet pinnin…
Published on 12 years, 6 months ago
A&E, and the chances of having twins
A&E waiting times have been making the headlines - Tim Harford takes a look at some of the numbers and puts them into context. Today presenter Evan Davis explains his frustration with finding officia…
Published on 12 years, 6 months ago
The maths of spies and terrorists
In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing and the killing of a British soldier on the streets of Woolwich in London, it emerged that the suspects were known to the security services. But how feasibl…
Published on 12 years, 6 months ago
The maths of spies and terrorists
After the killing of a British soldier on the streets of Woolwich in London, it emerged that the suspects were known to the security services. But how feasible is it for the authorities to keep track…
Published on 12 years, 6 months ago
Ryanair punctuality; mistakes in academic papers
Tim Harford examines Ryanair’s claim that more than 90% of its flights land on time; and discovers that millions of scientific papers may be incorrect. Producer: Ruth Alexander
Published on 12 years, 7 months ago
The economics of Scottish independence
Tim Harford inspects the claims the UK Treasury and the Scottish government make about the economics of an independent Scotland; tests Ryanair’s claim that more than 90% of its flights land on time; …
Published on 12 years, 7 months ago
Angelina Jolie’s 87% cancer risk
As Angelina Jolie announces that an 87% cancer risk has prompted her to have a double mastectomy, Tim Harford assesses the probabilities associated with the disease. Plus, has the UK been hit by a Ro…
Published on 12 years, 7 months ago
Angelina Jolie’s 87% cancer risk
As Angelina Jolie announces that an 87% cancer risk has prompted her to have a double mastectomy, Tim Harford assesses the probabilities associated with the disease. Plus, has the UK been hit by a Ro…
Published on 12 years, 7 months ago