The Week Unwrapped: EU vs. Apple, lab-made embryos and power naps

Will the bloc force another iPhone redesign? Why are scientists creating synthetic human embryos? And is napping the secret to better brain health?

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Rory Reid, Rebekah Evans and Suchandrika Chakrabarti.

In this week’s episode, we discuss:

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Apple vs. EU

Another iPhone redesign is on the cards after the European Parliament green-lit new rules that will force Apple and other tech firms to make batteries in their devices “easily” replaceable by users. The latest requirement comes less than a year after USB-C charging ports were mandated by the bloc. How will Apple react and what does it mean for iPhone fans?

Lab-made embryos

Scientists claim to have created the world’s first “synthetic” human embryos from stem cells. The reported development sidesteps the need for eggs and sperm and could aid research into genetic disorders. But concerns are also being voiced about the ethical and legal implications.

Power naps

Short daytime naps may improve cognitive function by slowing the rate at which our brains shrink with age, according to new research. The University College London study linked regular napping with larger brain volume, which is associated with a lower risk of dementia and other diseases. So can siestas really help keep memory loss at bay?