Debunking the Dunning-Kruger effect – the least skilled people know how much they don't know, but everyone thinks they are better than average

The idea that the least skilled are the most unaware of their incompetency is pervasive in science and pop culture. But a new analysis of the data shows that the Dunning-Kruger effect may not be true.

Eric C. Gaze, Senior Lecturer of Mathematics, Bowdoin College • conversation
May 8, 2023 ~8 min

Dobble: what is the psychology behind the game?

Dobble is a card game that originated in France in 2009. It involves observation, articulation and speed.

Helen Hodgetts, Reader in Applied Cognitive Psychology, Cardiff Metropolitan University • conversation
April 25, 2023 ~6 min


Pi gets all the fanfare, but other numbers also deserve their own math holidays

Pi gets a lot of attention this time of year, but there are plenty of other mathematical constants just as deserving of recognition.

Manil Suri, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
March 8, 2023 ~7 min

Cancer evolution is mathematical – how random processes and epigenetics can explain why tumor cells shape-shift, metastasize and resist treatments

An epigenetic model of cancer that incorporates the concept of stochasticity could also explain why cancer risk increases with age and how biological development can be reversible.

Andrew Feinberg, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University • conversation
Feb. 10, 2023 ~8 min

Limits to computing: A computer scientist explains why even in the age of AI, some problems are just too difficult

In the age of AI, people might wonder if there’s anything computers can’t do. The answer is yes. In fact, there are numerous problems that are beyond the reach of even the most powerful computers.

Jie Wang, Professor of Computer Science, UMass Lowell • conversation
Jan. 30, 2023 ~8 min

Betting on female jockeys can bring greater rewards – but it's not all good news

Horse racing can be at thrill for punters and jockeys alike. But sex discrimination could be skewing the odds.

Vanessa Cashmore, PhD student, University of Liverpool • conversation
Dec. 26, 2022 ~6 min

Synchrony with chaos – blinking lights of a firefly swarm embody in nature what mathematics predicted

Synchrony is ubiquitous throughout the universe. But physicists’ equations predicted there could also be erratic exceptions marching to their own beat. Now they’ve been spotted in firefly swarms.

Raphael Sarfati, Postdoctoral Associate, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Nov. 16, 2022 ~9 min

How maths can help the BBC with impartial reporting

The disinformation age is changing what it means to produce fair or balanced reporting.

Dorje C Brody, Professor of Mathematics, University of Surrey • conversation
Nov. 9, 2022 ~7 min


How a quest for mathematical truth and complex models can lead to useless scientific predictions – new research

The assumption that more detail is better is questioned by a new study.

Arnald Puy, Associate Professor in Social and Environmental Uncertainties, University of Birmingham • conversation
Nov. 3, 2022 ~7 min

Cost of living: four ways to stop banks and companies using complex maths against you

A few mathematical tools can help you save cash during the cost of living crisis.

Craig Anderson, Lecturer in Statistics, University of Glasgow • conversation
Sept. 2, 2022 ~9 min

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