
StatisticsMay 7, 2026
Math and statistics help explain the FBI's “missing scientists” cases
Statistical principles show you don’t need a nefarious plot to explain clusters of missing scientists and lab workers
Faye Flam is a science journalist and podcaster who has written for Science, Sky & Telescope, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the New York Times, Psychology Today, Bloomberg Opinion and The Free Press.

Math and statistics help explain the FBI's “missing scientists” cases
Statistical principles show you don’t need a nefarious plot to explain clusters of missing scientists and lab workers