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Category: Maths

Behind the numbers: should all over 60s be taking statins?

Behind the numbers: should all over 60s be taking statins?

There has been a flurry of media reports over new research from Harvard University suggesting that “almost all” men over 60 and women over 75 should be taking statins to reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack. The research explores the likelihood of people having a cardiovascular event across age ranges and aims to […]

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Rear view of a thoughtful woman who tries to solve math problems. Math calculations on black chalk board. Thinkstock

Special award for inspiring OU professor who champions womens’ careers in maths

A leading OU maths professor who has championed the career progression of women in maths in the UK is being recognised with a special award from the Suffrage Science Scheme at a ceremony at Bletchley Park on Ada Lovelace Day today (11 October). Professor Gwyneth Stallard OBE, Professor of Pure Mathematics in the OU’s Faculty […]

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Fizzy drink. Image credit: Thinkstock

OU expert on ‘pregnancy, artificial sweetener and overweight children’ stats

Research into women who consume diet fizzy drinks during pregnancy has revealed they’re more likely to have overweight children by the time they reach their first birthday. The study was conducted by a university in Canada with 3,000 women. But Professor Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics at the OU, says casual conclusions can’t be drawn […]

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Pregnant woman, holding in hands bouquet of daisy. Image credit: Thinkstock

‘50% increased risk of miscarriage’ due to thrush drug? OU statistician reveals the real risk to pregnant women

Professor Kevin McConway, Professor of Applied Statistics, writes about the numbers behind the headlines and reveals the real risk of miscarriage to pregnant women who are taking a particular drug to treat thrush is nowhere near 50%… A recent article in the Daily Mail with the worrying headline “Pregnant women who take drug to treat […]

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Is processed meat safe to eat? OU academic reflects on stats

Is processed meat safe to eat? OU academic reflects on stats

Processed meat has been reclassified to sit alongside substances like asbestos and cigarettes. Does this mark the end of the ‘Full English’, or is there more to it? The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) have reclassified processed meat to Group 1, alongside other products that are “carcinogenic to humans”. Professor […]

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