More or Less: Behind the Stats The pioneers of proof
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Apr 19, 2025 Explore the intriguing history of statistical proofs, from estimating German tank production in WWII to modern day predictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the challenges of validating data and how innovative methods have shaped our understanding. Uncover the fascinating work of a hero in statistics who highlighted the differences between breast milk and cow's milk. Plus, delve into the complexities of confounders in research, especially regarding childbirth and breast cancer risk. Statistics has never been more captivating!
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WWII Tank Serial Number Estimation
- During WWII, analysts estimated German tank production using serial numbers on tank wheels.
- They accurately predicted about 270 tanks a month, close to the real number 276.
Applying Historical Stats to COVID
- Epidemiologists applied WWII tank problem methods to estimate COVID infection levels from fragmented data.
- Simple calculations can quickly provide rough ballpark figures to inform responses.
Janet Lane Claypon's Cohort Studies
- Janet Lane Claypon used retrospective cohort studies to compare health outcomes of breastfed and cow-milk-fed children.
- She innovatively pieced together past data for quick, powerful nutritional insights.