The Explanation

In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the science of anaesthesia.
It’s estimated that around the world, more than 250 million people receive surgery requiring anaesthesia each year. But there are still plenty of unknowns. What happens to our brains and our consciousness when we’re put to sleep? Why do so many people around the world still not have access to safe anaesthesia? And could the colour of your hair affect how much anaesthesia you need?
In front of a live audience at Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia is joined on stage by Dr Kevin Fong, a consultant anaesthetist at University College London Hospitals and professor of public engagement and innovation at University College London; Jennifer Hunter, emeritus professor of anaesthesia and senior research fellow at the University of Liverpool; Emmanuel Stamatakis, professor of neuroscience at the University of Cambridge studying the science of consciousness; and Bruce Biccard, professor of anaesthetic science at the University of Oxford and author of the book Safer Surgery for Africa: Challenges and Solutions.
Producer: Dan Welsh
Editor: Martin Smith
Production coordinator: Stuart Laws
Sound engineers: Emma Harth and Steve Greenwood

Davos 2026 discussions underscore strains in US-Europe relations, as trade and security differences resurface and Donald Trump’s influence shapes debate over the future of transatlantic cooperation.

On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine whether President Trump is driving a breakup with Europe.

Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us a [email protected]

Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko
Editor: Gareth Bebb
Executive producer: Anna Holford

Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks back at the first year of Donald Trump’s second term, analyses the repercussions of the uprising against the clerical establishment in Iran, and explores whether a new blood test could transform the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

A public statement by Brooklyn Beckham has prompted extensive media coverage and online debate about how celebrity families manage press narratives. Katie Razzall is joined by Simon Boyle, former executive showbiz editor at The Sun, and Alexandra Shulman, former editor of British Vogue.
Donald Trump’s demands about Greenland have triggered an international crisis, with journalists tracking his statements made through official channels and on social media. Elisabet Svane, political analyst at Politiken, and Michael Birnbaum, White House reporter for The Washington Post, discuss their approach to the story.
As the UK considers restrictions on children using social media, Australia’s recent ban on accounts for children under 16 has become a reference point in media coverage. The Australian experience is explained by Bronte Gossling, reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content producer: Lucy Wai
Researcher: Phil Hawkins
Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins
Sound: Robin Schroder

Trump orders fresh sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials accused of directing the violent suppression of protests, while European allies deploy troops to Greenland amid rising tensions over renewed US territorial claims.

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at Trump’s fresh sanctions on Iran and European troops deploying to Greenland.

Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics - in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at [email protected]

Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko
Editor: Gareth Bebb
Executive producer: Anna Holford