Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Guy Anker, Holden Frith and Sorcha Bradley.
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
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UK drug use
The UK is Europe’s cocaine capital, and the latest analysis of wastewater in big cities suggests that use could have risen by as much as a quarter in just one year. This routine testing gives a better indication of drug use compared with surveys or seizings, but the picture is still incomplete. What we do know is deaths from cocaine poisoning have risen sharply since the early 90s, most rehab enquiries are now related to the Class A drug, and – thanks to a product that has never been so cheap, pure or accessible – the problem is getting worse.
Greener trees
Scientists this week in North Carolina are looking to turn over a new leaf… almost literally, as they announced results of a new study into gene-editing trees. Using Crispr technology, they managed to grow poplar trees that would contain less lignin, a polymer found in the wood that needs to be removed – a process that uses large amounts of energy and water – to make paper. The scientists suggest their gene-edited trees will result in 20% less carbon being emitted during paper-making. But could it come with other drawbacks?
High-speed podcast playback?
New research suggests that an increasing number of people are watching TV and listening to podcasts at higher playback speeds. ALmost one in 10 even listen to music at a faster-than-intended pace. Under-25s are more than twice as likely to listen at 1.25x or 1.5x normal speed. Is this a good use of time or a sign of diminishing attention spans? And how does it affect our ability to absorb and retain information?
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At least 8 dead in California’s deadliest avalancheSpeed Read The avalanche near Lake Tahoe was the deadliest in modern California history and the worst in the US since 1981
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Political cartoons for February 19Cartoons Thursday’s political cartoons include a suspicious package, a piece of the cake, and more
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The Gallivant: style and charm steps from Camber SandsThe Week Recommends Nestled behind the dunes, this luxury hotel is a great place to hunker down and get cosy
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The Week Unwrapped: Have televised confessions quelled protests in Iran?Podcast Plus, why has Elon Musk turned from Mars to the Moon? And will the BBC prove to be a puzzles champ?
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The Week Unwrapped: Why are there so many Russian ships in the Channel?Podcast Plus, what does a ‘feminist’ approach to cancer involve? And who is Mickey’s new boss?
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The Week Unwrapped: Why is China clearing out its generals?Podcast Plus, can the Conservatives win back the centre? And what’s gone wrong with Britain’s hearing aids?
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The Week Unwrapped: What can we learn from a tool-wielding cow?Podcast Plus, have we reached ‘peak billionaire’? When should troops disobey their superiors?
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The Week Unwrapped: Will Uganda’s pop-star politician prevail?Podcast Plus, is dodgy data undermining medical research? And what does a new app reveal about Chinese society?
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The Week Unwrapped: Is Elon Musk’s AI tool a platform for abuse?Podcast Plus can Mumsnet predict who will be the next PM? And who is still watching Avatar sequels?
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The Week Unwrapped: What’s the cost of PFAs?Podcast Plus why is George Osborne joining OpenAI? And has universal basic income finally come of age?
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The Week Unwrapped: what’s scuppering Bulgaria’s Euro dream?Podcast Plus has Syria changed, a year on from its revolution? And why are humans (mostly) monogamous?
