More or Less: Behind the Stats

Have you ever wondered how your expectations can influence your well-being? This discussion dives into the power of the placebo effect and its surprising impact on health. A study on hotel workers reveals how belief can transform perceptions of exercise. However, skepticism remains, as not all myths about the placebo effect hold water. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of how our minds can shape our physical experiences—could the right mindset truly lead to better health?

Conservative politicians have taken to the airwaves to tell us to forget the parties, and just look at the economic growth - but is the UK really growing faster than other leading economies?The Omicron variant has raised the chance that people are re-infected with Covid - how common is that, and should it change the way we read the statistics that are reported each day?The great statistician Sir David Cox has died; we remember his life and his contribution to the science of counting.And does comparing the number of food banks to the number of McDonald’s restaurants in the UK tell us anything about food poverty?

Despite lockdowns bringing couples closer, global birth rates are actually declining. Economic uncertainties are reshaping family planning, with countries like the U.S. and China facing significant drops, while Nigeria continues to see high rates. The podcast discusses how policies like China's three-child initiative respond to this crisis. It delves into the challenges of affordable childcare and work-life balance that affect fertility decisions today. Ultimately, the conversation raises concerns about the future of family planning and the economy.

Food writer Jack Monroe sparked national debate this week when she tweeted about food price hikes on the cheapest goods in supermarkets - but does inflation really hit low income households hardest?Social media and some news outlets have spread claims this week that only around 17,000 people have actually died of Covid. We debunk.We test the truth of the five second rule - is it a good idea to eat watermelon within five seconds of dropping it on the floor? And can you think yourself better?

This discussion investigates a striking claim that women are more likely to die after surgeries performed by male surgeons. It dives into a decade-long study highlighting gender disparities in surgical outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the complexity behind the statistics, exploring how these claims may oversimplify important factors. It challenges listeners to reflect on the nuances of gender dynamics in healthcare, urging a deeper understanding of the relationship between patient and surgeon.

Are women 32% more likely to die after operation by a male surgeon? Headlines asserting this were shared across social media recently - but the truth is a bit more complicated.We compare the price and the quality of the UK’s Test and Trace system with that of Germany and check on what’s happening to the Covid death toll during the Omicron wave.And we investigate the worrying statistic that one in ten people are planning to start a podcast in the coming year.

The podcast delves into the shocking claim of 365,348 children missing in the U.S. in 2020, exploring its origins and the misinformation that fuels it. Conversations reveal how political figures and conspiracy theorists, like QAnon, amplify misleading statistics. The discussion also distinguishes between temporary disappearances and long-term cases, shedding light on the real context of these numbers. Ultimately, it highlights the dangers of sensationalism and the importance of factual accuracy in combating misinformation.

The pandemic seems to be entering a new phase as Omicron has taken hold. Is it milder? And how might we make decisions based on the latest data?Predictions that lockdowns might lead to a baby boom have proven wrong - in fact fertility is falling.We re-examine a baffling claim about the number of children being abducted every year in the US after claims by a Republican politician on social media, and we run our statistical measuring tape up the inside leg of the government’s promise to give everyone a booster jab before New Year’s Day.

The urgent issue of plastic pollution in our oceans takes center stage as popular figures launch a $30 million campaign to remove plastic waste. With an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic currently floating around, they explore the daunting challenges of accurately measuring and collecting it. The podcast highlights ongoing efforts at beaches and rivers, while assessing the costs and feasibility of these clean-ups. It also delves into the complexities of tackling microplastics and the environmental impacts of current technologies, revealing the small steps being taken against a colossal problem.

Experts discuss the dramatic demographic shifts as Nigeria's population is projected to potentially outgrow Europe’s in the coming decades. Key factors include education and contraception's impact on fertility rates. Nigeria could hit 400 million by 2050, while Europe's population declines due to aging and migration issues. The conversation unpacks the complexities of these trends, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties in population forecasting.