Author Archives: Frank Wang

Cancer Math

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Frank Wang

In a recent New York Times op-ed piece, Angelina Jolie revealed that she had a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer.  She had a family history of cancer and tested positive for flaws in the BRCA 1 … Continue reading →

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Sloppy Math and the Austerity Debate

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Frank Wang

In 2010, two Harvard economists, Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff, circulated a paper demonstrating that GDP growth is negatively correlated to public debt (debt-to-GDP ratio to be more precisely).  Their paper was highly influential and has been used to support … Continue reading →

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Polls, Observational Studies, and the Meaning of “Random”

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Frank Wang

Last week, Chancellor Goldstein posted a very interesting piece related to the Central Limit Theorem (CLT).  I think experienced statistics instructors will concur that few students truly grasp the essence of the Theorem.  I myself did not fully appreciate the … Continue reading →

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Why are so many Harvard students first-borns?

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Frank Wang

The noted political philosopher Michael Sandel has taught the wildly popular course “Justice” at Harvard University for many years.  The course can be viewed online, and in Episode 8 there was an amazing moment when Professor Sandel asked his students … Continue reading →

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Statistical Pattern in Music: Predictability and Surprise

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Frank Wang

Audio engineers have known for a long time that music generated by computers sometimes sounds unnatural.  One reason for this phenomenon is the absence of small imperfections that are part of every human activity.  In a recent Physics Today article … Continue reading →

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