Netflix announces Squid Game reality spin-off show
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Netflix is recruiting contestants for a reality TV show inspired by its most popular series of all time, Squid Game. But unlike the premise of the South Korean dystopian drama, it will not be life or death at stake: the worst fate will be going home empty-handed, rather than with the $4.56m (£3.8m) prize. The streaming platform said that its new ten-episode series, Squid Game: The Challenge, would offer the “largest cast and lump cash prize in reality TV history”, noted the BBC.
Man gets shoes tattooed onto feet
A man who was “tired of paying” to replace his worn-out shoes has had his favourite pair of Nike trainers tattooed onto his feet, reported the Daily Mirror. “He’s tired of paying for shoes, so he decided he will get his favourite pair of Nikes tattooed on him and he can see the funny side to it,” said the tattoo artist, who said the procedure took ten hours. “Definitely a great conversation starter. His wife loves it too.”
Make way for the ‘millibot’
Scientists have announced a pea-sized amphibious robot that can swim through bodily fluids and navigate obstacles to deliver drugs exactly where they are needed. Experts at Stanford University have released footage showing the millibot leaping over hurdles and plunging into a tank of water to collect a small piece of cargo and then dumping its shipment. When people currently swallow a drug or have it injected, it spreads throughout the system, which limits how effective treatments can be, said The Telegraph.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Colleges are canceling affinity graduations amid DEI attacks but students are pressing on
In the Spotlight The commencement at Harvard University was in the news, but other colleges are also taking action
-
When did computer passwords become a thing?
The Explainer People have been racking their brains for good codes for longer than you might think
-
What to know before 'buying the dip'
the explainer Purchasing a stock once it has fallen in value can pay off — or cost you big
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical