Business Daily

The podcast explores the use of biotechnology to recreate scents and bacteria, discussing the risks and opportunities of manipulating microbes. It also delves into the challenges faced by the theatre industry under social distancing rules, showcasing innovative ways to sustain productions.

Exploring the future of sustainable materials with biotech, guests Daniel Meyer and Christophe Schilling discuss creating synthetic spider silk and nylon using genetically modified microbes. They delve into challenges of feeding these microbes with sugar, potential solutions involving wood, and the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives to oil-based plastics.

Virologist David Evans shares concerns about biotechnology after recreating horsepox virus. Ginkgo Bioworks redesigns DNA for various products. Discusses biosecurity, risks of virus creation, and environmental impact of biotech solutions.

After several countries banned alcohol as part of their lockdown measures, we ask if prohibition ever works?Ed Butler reports from South Africa, where a recent ban on alcohol was welcomed by some healthcare professionals and those fighting violence in the country. Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron and University of California criminologist Emily Owens discuss whether limits on alcohol are ever really effective.(Photo: A man takes beers from a fridge inside a liquor shop in Soweto, Johannesburg, on June 1, 2020; Credit: Getty Images)

Journalist Peter Geoghegan explores how private money corrupts democratic politics, revealing shady connections in Brexit campaign funding. The discussion covers the erosion of trust in politicians, financial influence in political conversations, and challenges faced by democratic structures.

Many women feel they are ignored by the larger economy after they reach a certain age, and some of them aren't willing to accept that. Tamasin Ford speaks to Bonnie Marcus, host of the Badass Women at Any Age podcast, who explains how women over 60 can deal with the double-whammy of sexism and ageism in business. Meanwhile, Tricia Cusden tells us about how she started up the cosmetics retailer Look Fabulous Forever - a business run by and for women in their older years. And Ruth Saunders, author of Female Entrepreneurs: The Secrets of Their Success, explains why the larger business community would be smart to think more about older women in the economy.Producer: Frey Lindsay(Picture: Older woman looking fabulous; Credit: Getty Images)

As evidence mounts that Chinese authorities are continuing to incarcerate Uighur Muslims in work camps in the North West of the country we discuss the steps foreign companies should be taking to ensure their businesses don’t benefit from enforced labour. We also have a report on what could be the most severe housing crisis in the recent history of the US. In yet another consequence of the coronavirus pandemic; tenants are struggling to keep up rental payments and risk eviction. As lessons resume across many parts of the world we hear how some countries are managing to teach children who can’t go back to the classroom - and don’t have access to computers or the internet.Plus, as facemarks become compulsory in shared workplaces in France we hear from a top health expert who says mask wearing should be non-negotiable.Business weekly is presented by Lucy Burton and produced by Clare Williamson.(Image: T-shirts hanging on a garment rail, Image credit: Getty Images)

Security expert Nathan Collier from Malwarebytes discusses the prevalence of malware on Chinese-made smartphones in Africa, causing data theft and unauthorized subscriptions. Contrary views are presented by David Li from Shenzhen Open Innovation Lab. Kenneth Adu-Amanfoh emphasizes the need for better consumer education in Africa.

Western universities face financial challenges due to decreased Chinese student enrollment. Prof. Babones and Ms. Stern discuss the impact on Australia, UK, and US universities. Chinese students express concerns about studying abroad amidst uncertainties.

Architect Alison Killing and supply chain expert Kate Larsen discuss the use of forced Uighur labor in Chinese factories. They reveal the extent of detention facilities in Xinjiang, the challenges companies face in avoiding forced labor, and the need for transparency and risk assessment in global supply chains.