Is China losing the microchip war? What is the Vatican doing in South Sudan? And has the podcast tide turned? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Rory Reid, Mariana Vieira and Suchandrika Chakrabarti

#314 Chinese chips, the Pope in Africa and podcasting

Have you missed the biggest news of the week? Olly Mann and The Week’s writers and editors talk about under-reported stories with long-term consequences

News

Politics

News Commentary

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.Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Arion McNicoll and Suchandrika Chakrabarti

378. Why is the world running low on blood?

Scientists are arguing that octopuses – and many other animals – experience consciousness. What does that mean for how humans treat them? Plus the size of the electric car market, and Morocco's controversial football kitOlly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Jessica Hullinger and Emma Smith

377. What does an Octopus feel?

What is happening in Sudan? Could London really end rough sleeping? And why has Joe Lycett been making up stories? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Mariana Vieira, Rebekah Evans and Jamie Timson

#376 Sudan, tackling homelessness and fake news

Is the "Hardest Geezer" a high-endurance trendsetter? Will Ted Baker survive? And what's the beef with lab-grown meat? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Leaf Arbuthnot and Holden Frith

#375 Ultrarunning, menswear and a meaty row

What's behind a row about an uninhabited rock? How did Bassirou Diomaye Faye get from a Senegalese jail to the presidency – in just two weeks? And how often should we wash? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Julia O'Driscoll, Arion McNicoll and Suchandrika Chakrabarti

#314 Chinese chips, the Pope in Africa and podcasting

Download our free app to listen on your phone