What in the World

Where’s the worst place you’ve ever gotten sick? Bet you cant beat space!For the first time since it launched in 1998, astronauts have been evacuated from the International Space Station because of a health problem. They are now back on Earth, but the rare incident has put the spotlight on just how much preparation goes into space flight - and what happens when things don’t go to plan. So - what can you do if you get sick in space?BBC science correspondent Georgina Rannard explains how astronauts treat illnesses in space and what it’s like being on the ISS (spoiler: it’s actually VERY hard to keep clean). Dr Na’im Merchant, an infectious diseases doctor interested in astro-microbiology, explains what kind of illnesses astronauts get in space. And we hear from a former astronaut about staying healthy before and after take-off.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler, William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

K-pop megastars BTS have announced their long-awaited comeback, after their military service for the South Korean army took them out of the game for four years. There’s gonna be a new album, a world tour AND an extravagant 360 degree stage, meaning tickets sales can be maxed out, allowing more fans into stadiums. Experts think it will all net the band over $1 billion.We hear from the BTS Army about how excited they are.But four years is a long time in K-pop, so how can BTS hold onto their crowns? BBC reporter Rachel Lee in Seoul joins us to explain why the band is so important to the South Korean music industry and how they can continue to dominate it.Latin America, Europe and the US are some of the places where dates have been announced but the ‘world tour’ has skipped over the continent of Africa again. More dates are due to be announced, but how are fans feeling there?Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

In this insightful discussion, BBC health reporter Annabel Rackham explains ultra-processed foods, emphasizing their rising prevalence and health risks. Nutritionist Priscila Machado shares critical insights on how these foods affect overeating and gut health. They delve into the surprising global variations in consumption and explore policy measures from various countries aimed at combating this issue. Listeners receive practical tips on moderation and recognizing ultra-processed items, making this a must-listen for health-conscious individuals.

Laura Cress, a BBC technology reporter, tackles the shocking implications of Grok, an AI tool that generates non-consensual nude images. She explains how Grok operates, its misuse for creating deepfakes, and the distress it causes victims like Daisy in the UK. Cress discusses governmental reactions, including bans in Indonesia and Malaysia, and sheds light on Elon Musk's limited response. The conversation raises critical questions about tech regulation and industry responsibility, while providing practical advice for victims facing these troubling realities.

American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in 1969. The landing was televised and watched by around 600 million people around the world. That and subsequent missions have brought back 382kg of moon rock. More than 400,000 people work on the American space programme to get people to the Moon; scientists, engineers, researchers and support staff along with the astronauts.But still, some people don’t believe the Moon landings actually happened and think the whole thing was staged or faked, possibly with the help of Hollywood. Among them are Kim Kardashian, Joe Rogan and YouTuber Shane Dawson. And they’re not alone. In some surveys, as many as 25% of those asked agreed with a statement that the Moon landings had all been a hoax. Results differ by age group, but some surveys have also found there’s even more doubt about the Moon landings in young people, compared to older age groups. In this episode, Nathalie Jimenez, our BBC reporter in New York and Jacqui Wakefield, a BBC global disinformation reporter debunk some of the conspiracy theories about the Moon landing and discuss why younger people are more likely to think it was staged.Audio of Moon landing used courtesy of British Pathé. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Video producer: Baldeep Chahal Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

The streets of Iran have been filled with protesters for the last few weeks. What initially started as dissatisfaction over the economy has turned into a nationwide uprising which keeps escalating.The Iranian security forces have responded by firing tear gas into the crowds of people. According to human rights groups, hundreds of demonstrators have reportedly been killed. Amongst those confirmed dead is fashion student Rubina Aminian, whose family have been able to identify her body. But information out of the country remains sparse, as the government has shut off the internet.Now the US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the protests, threatening military intervention. We’re joined by Ghoncheh Habibiazad, a senior reporter at BBC Persian - she explains why people are protesting and what life is like for young people in the country.Shayan Sardarizadeh from BBC Verify also explains how reporters are able to access footage despite limited connection.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Benita Barden, Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson Editor: Harriet Oliver

Singlehood is making a stylish comeback! With 45% of U.S. women aged 25-44 projected to be single by 2030, attitudes are shifting. A viral Vogue article questions if having a boyfriend is now seen as embarrassing. Listen as women from different cultures share their experiences and how societal pressures around singleness vary globally. Plus, hear some insightful thoughts on embracing independence and fueling that main character energy in life. It's all about celebrating yourself, whether single or not!

Georgie Thorman, a BBC Learning English producer, discusses the fascinating journey of English from 1.5 billion speakers to its current global dominance. Discover how British colonization and American culture helped English spread and the emergence of hybrids like Spanglish. Linguist Linda Heimisdóttir analyzes English's internet supremacy and its implications for AI performance and cultural influences. She warns about potential digital language death for smaller languages as English continues to dominate online.

Chelsea Coates, a BBC journalist focused on digital culture, and Andy Przybylski, a behavior expert from Oxford, explore the surprising resurgence of brick phones. They discuss the motivations behind digital detox trends and the impact of screen time on young people's mental health. Chelsea highlights innovative apps and devices to curb phone use, while Andy debunks myths about smartphone addiction. Listeners gain insights into practical tips for healthier phone habits, emphasizing moderation and real-life connections.

When you think of AI, you might think of funny generated pictures, help with your homework and dating advice. But, do you think of the effect using it might be having on the environment? AI firms usually have huge data centres, which power the technology. And with that great usage, comes great amounts of energy zapped up by AI companies. There’s long been a rumour that every ChatGPT query you make uses one pint of water. So is there any truth to the claim? And is it damaging the world around us? We speak to tech reporter Laura Cress, who explains the environmental impacts of the technology. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Imogen James, Benita Barden and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde