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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The Week Unwrapped: Can bullfighting win over young SpaniardsPodcast Plus, is online fandom inherently unhealthy? And is Putin’s economy running out of gas?
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The Week Unwrapped: Who had the last laugh in Riyadh?Podcast Plus are imported eggs undermining animal welfare? And what can we do about AI deepfakes?
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The Week Unwrapped: Was life sent to Earth by aliens?Podcast Plus why did Nepali voters use a gaming app to pick their next PM? And will a new national park boost the case for Welsh independence?
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The Week Unwrapped: Why is horse-racing going on strike?Podcast Plus, will the South Korean women who worked in state-run brothels set up for US soldiers succeed? And what’s behind a surge in leg-lengthening surgery?
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The Week Unwrapped: What does Bake Off say about Channel 4?Podcast Plus, why are Scottish drug deaths so stubbornly high? And are women in their 30s too anxious about their eggs?
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The Week Unwrapped: Could robotic dogs help clear landmines?Podcast Plus, what can we learn from a new approach to urban renewal? And how much power rests with political spouses?
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The Week Unwrapped: Is it time for a new world map?Podcast Plus, why is the pope getting flatmates? And why are seagull 'muggings' on the rise?
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The Week Unwrapped: Has Donald Trump secured his Nobel Peace Prize?Podcast Plus, what does the use of North Korean and Indian labour tell us about the Russian war economy? And why have we all gone crazy for pickles?
