The Week Unwrapped: Why is the world running low on blood?

Scientists believe universal donor blood is within reach – plus, the row over an immersive D-Day simulation, and an Ozempic faux pas

Two World War Two re-enactors at Omaha Beach in Normandy ahead of the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019
World War Two re-enactors at Omaha Beach in Normandy ahead of the 75th anniversary of D-Day
(Image credit: Sean Gallup / Getty Images)

In Britain and beyond, health services are desperately seeking blood donors. But could science help ease the crisis? This week scientists have taken a step closer to being able to convert blood from one type to another, which would allow donations to be used more efficiently and effectively. Plus an immersive D-Day simulation, and analysing a weight-loss faux pas.

On each episode of The Week Unwrapped, Olly Mann and writers and editors from The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. Each proposes what they think is the real news of the week – not the story getting all the headlines right now, but the one with deeper consequences for all our lives.

A podcast for curious, open-minded people, The Week Unwrapped delivers fresh perspectives on politics, culture, technology and business. 

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It makes for a lively, enlightening discussion, ranging from the serious to the offbeat. Previous topics have included whether solar engineering could refreeze the Arctic, why funerals are going out of fashion and what kind of art you can use to pay your tax bill. 

You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped wherever you get your podcasts: