Jeff Carr, Science editor at The Economist, dives into the alarming emergence of highly transmissible coronavirus variants from Britain and South Africa. He discusses their potential impacts on public health and vaccine effectiveness, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and adaptive strategies. The podcast also touches on the troubling opioid crisis in the U.S., highlighted by a significant lawsuit against Walmart for its role. Additionally, it explores the challenges employees face in managing unused vacation days during the pandemic.