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Increased risk of tularemia as the climate changes

Researchers at Stockholm University developed a method to predict impacts of climate change on tularemia outbreaks. The study shows that relatively small changes in climate and water conditions can sharply increase incidence of tularemia in humans.

SourceStockholm University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateOct 15, 2019

Gravitational lensing provides a new measurement of the expansion of the universe

Scientists have developed a new technique for measuring the expansion of the universe using gravitational lensing, which yields a somewhat higher Hubble Constant value compared to standard measurements. The method provides a valuable alternative approach to addressing the long-standing discrepancy in the Hubble Constant's value

Crisis and suicide prevention services struggle with demand after celebrity suicides

The NIH study found that a sudden increase in demand for suicide prevention services occurs after celebrity suicides, with a significant spike in calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The researchers emphasize the need for increased funding and efficient allocation of existing resources to ensure surge capacity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateApr 30, 2019

Democratizing data science

The tool uses Bayesian modeling to automatically generate statistical models from raw data, addressing a bottleneck in the data science field. By providing a user-friendly interface, it enables nonstatisticians to uncover insights and patterns in data, making data science more accessible to those without extensive expertise.

Thanks, statistics! A faster way to improve mobile apps

A new text-mining method developed by Cornell statistician Shawn Mankad and his colleagues can help developers improve mobile apps faster. By aggregating and parsing customer reviews in one step, the method provides guidance on a single app's performance and compares it to competing apps over time.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateNov 12, 2018

Australia's changing relationship with alcohol

A recent study by La Trobe University found that Australians are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol, with younger adults being key drivers of change. The research revealed that 30% of Aussies have reduced their drink intake and 6% have quit drinking altogether.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism·DateOct 28, 2018

Howzat: Limitations of batsmen rankings revealed

A new study analyzed 2,855 test match cricketers to reveal significant uncertainty in current rankings, with players like Joe Root and Kane Williamson having uncertain positions between 9th and 343rd. The study found that batting last is difficult and playing away from home is equivalent to playing on a pitch in its third innings.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalJournal Of The Royal Statistical Society·DateOct 2, 2018

Going to extremes to predict natural disasters

Researchers at KAUST have developed a systematic method for comparing the accuracy of different types of simulation models for predicting extreme events. The study found that nonparametric methods are more flexible but limited to small dimensions, while parametric methods can handle higher-dimensional problems but are sensitive to errors.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalStatistics and Computing·DateJul 9, 2017

New statistical method finds shared ancestral gene variants involved in autism's cause

A new mathematical method identifies ancient genetic variations contributing to autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a small effect of each variant. The approach uses discordant siblings to find a clear signal of these shared variants, which are common among individuals with autism in both affected and unaffected populations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Finding patterns in corrupted data

Researchers have developed a new algorithm that can efficiently fit probability distributions to high-dimensional data, even when the dataset contains corrupted entries. The algorithm relies on two insights: selecting an appropriate metric for measuring distance from distributions and identifying regions where cross-sections should begin.

Softwares for fMRI yield erroneous results

Researchers at Linköping University found that common fMRI analysis methods produce false positives, leading to inflated false positive rates. The team's alternative method yielded more accurate results, reducing the false positive rate from 60% to 5%.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

New statistical approach will help researchers better determine cause-effect

A new statistical technique can help scientists determine causation of effects they are studying, providing a direction for research and overcoming ethical boundaries. The approach was tested on studies involving ADHD and lead exposure, and found support for the link between high levels of lead in blood and ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateJun 21, 2016