Is the p-value pointless? | PLOS Biologue: For the first time in its 177-year history, the American Statistical Association (ASA) has voiced its opinion and made specific recommendations for a statistical practice. The subject of their ire? The (arguably) most common statistical output, the p-value....
Source: plos.org
The idea that there is a welfare-dependent underclass is wrong: A new book by John Hills explores key issues in the current debate about ‘welfare’ and the welfare state. The debate contrasts a stagnant group of people benefiting from it all with the rest who pa…
Source: lse.ac.uk
The UK has 'one of the worst healthcare systems in the developed world': The UK has one of the worst healthcare systems in the developed world according to a damning new report which said the nation has an “outstandingly poor” record of preventing ill health.
Source: independent.co.uk
Maps reveal US “hotspots” where crops could fail in the future: Wild bee dieoffs could affect crops that depend on the insects for pollination.
Source: arstechnica.com
Is this a circle? Your answer could reveal your political stance: A simple test has been devised that could determine your political outlook, according to a study. Researchers say those who see the shape above as a circle are more likely to have liberal political views.
Source: independent.co.uk
This Buddhist temple's 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree is dropping a sea of yellow: Thousands of people from all over China have headed to the Zhongnan Mountains to appreciate the simple beauty of a tree shedding its leaves for the 1,400th consecutive year. The storied gingko tree’s leaves start falling...
Source: independent.co.uk
NHS doctors quit rather than work for private firm: An NHS hospital has been forced to scrap highly rated services for patients with severe skin conditions including skin cancer after an “exodus” of senior doctors reluctant to work for a private-sector subcontractor.
Source: independent.co.uk
A fingerprint test for ivory has been developed to help identify poachers: Police officers may soon be able to identify wildlife poachers by retrieving fingerprints from smuggled ivory, new research has revealed. Around 50,000 African elephants are thought to be poached each year, but it had been thought...
Source: independent.co.uk
The official statistics watchdog just tore a piece out of David Cameron: Britain's official statistics watchdog has castigated the Government over David Cameron’s citation of questionable figures purporting to show how many European Union migrants claim benefits in the UK.
Source: independent.co.uk
Medical professionals back a sugar tax, so what's Mr Hunt afraid of?: Why doesn’t David Cameron want to impose a tax on sugar? Does he think it’s our “human right” to consume whatever we choose, and sod the consequences? Public Health England, which is funded by the Government, produced a report...
Source: independent.co.uk
The 'Good Right' isn't caring. It just knows what's good for you: Each term, my 12-year-old daughter’s class has a “topic”. The topics display the interests of her teachers. Last term it was “poverty in our back yard”. This term they are lamenting the plight of girls around the world who do...
Source: independent.co.uk
A report into NHS staffing levels has been delayed after talks with Westminster: The health watchdog NICE ditched plans to make public its research on safe nurse staffing levels minutes after an email exchange between the organisation’s chief executive and Jeremy Hunt’s office, it has emerged. Experts...
Source: independent.co.uk
Four doctors respond to claims of self-entitlement over the right to strike: For junior doctors (up to the age of 35 on average) the NHS is a single-monopoly employer. Australia offers three times the salary, lower living costs and, crucially, equivalent training to consultant level that is recognised...
Source: independent.co.uk
The mandatory criminal courts charge needs to be urgently reviewed: During my 18 years on the bench, I have known nothing cause as much angst and concern among magistrates as the mandatory criminal courts charge. This seismic change to the criminal justice system, which came into effect on 13 April,...
Source: independent.co.uk
Why it's time for English rugby fans to stop singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: The Rugby World Cup starts on Friday, with the hosts England facing off against Figi at Twickenham. As you'd expect, the home side's fans will be out in full force, and singing their hearts out in support of Stuart Lancaster's...
Source: independent.co.uk
Don't believe the headlines, as a doctor my job isn't to deny care to those with suspected cancer: A day doesn't seem to go by without a little “GP bashing”. Lazy, workshy, money grabbing, I've heard it all. Naturally I'd refute that. Over breakfast this morning I was greeted with the headline:...
Source: independent.co.uk
Google Street View arrives in Kenya's Samburu National Park: It’s in the arctic, it's in the desert, and now, eight years after Google commenced its quest to photograph every location in the world, it’s in the African bush. Yesterday the internet giant launched Street View in Kenya’s Samburu National...
Source: independent.co.uk
If VW can cheat regulators, how many other corporate scams are there out there?: The emissions test scandal at Volkswagen is not simply bad for one of the world’s more successful car companies. It has, understandably, led many to wonder if other auto giants have engineered their cars to give misleading...
Source: independent.co.uk
Everyone should read what this man has to say about the refugee crisis: The British government has announced it will take in 20,000 refugees from camps in Syria and its neighbouring states.
Source: independent.co.uk
Here's what Volkswagen did and how it got caught: Volkswagen fooled the state exams but was caught by independent testers
Source: businessinsider.com