More or Less: Behind the Stats

There have been reports that those radical Swedes have decided to reduce the working day to just six hours because, it has been claimed, productivity does not suffer. Before you all rush to the Swedish job pages this is not quite the case – but there have been trials in Sweden to test whether you can shorten people’s working hours without having an effect on output. Tim Harford talks to our Swedish correspondent Keith Moore about what the trials have found. He also speaks to professor John Pencavel, Emeritus Professor of Economics, at Stanford University, and finds that reducing working hours may not be as radical idea as it first appears. (Photo: A business man carries a black briefcase)

A groundbreaking look at the Haber-Bosch Process, which revolutionized agriculture by turning nitrogen into fertilizer, saving lives and boosting food production. Hear about Clara Imovar's struggles as a female chemist in war-torn Germany and delve into the energy-intensive consequences of this revolutionary process.

Exploring how reliable data can target help for the poorest, Dr. Justice Ahedto's statistical models for malnourished children, and advancements in using data for health resource allocation and disease spread predictions.

Tim Harford poses a tough statistical challenge

Footballers strategizing to get suspended for Christmas, exploring the risks and motivations. Analyzing knockout patterns in boxing, focusing on heavyweight fights and factors impacting match outcomes.

Exploring the spike in notable deaths in 2016 and the misconception of increased celebrity deaths. Debating the return of the Royal Yacht Britannia post-Brexit and analyzing trade deals. Delving into Queen's speech vocabulary richness and the evolution of speech generation with Markov chains.

Exploring the history and potential side effects of the contraceptive pill, including its link to depression. Analyzing the impact of warnings on pill use, leading to increased unwanted pregnancies and abortions. Clarifying blood clot risks from hormonal contraceptives, comparing risks among different groups of women.

Behind the scenes of Brexit forecasts, debunking misleading childhood cancer stats, gains from trade using food examples, and a humorous look at economic systems through dining choices.

Exploring India's controversial demonetization policy and the biased survey conducted by the Prime Minister, highlighting the flaws in public opinion surveys and the impact on public perception and mass protests.

What are the odds of being related to a medieval king? and how many cows for a fiver?