The evidence of a possible link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and very rare blood clots identified in a very small number of people has led to some changes in recommendations of who should be offered the company’s jab. But given that the vaccine’s benefits still outweigh any potential risks in the vast majority of cases, these findings hopefully shouldn’t have too much of a disruptive effect, at least in Britain. People under 30 are to be offered a different vaccine, and the country’s supplies should allow for this to happen with minimal fuss. A greater concern is whether this raises vaccine hesitancy in other age groups.

Some European countries, and Australia, are being more stringent, restricting the vaccine’s use to older age groups, even where higher rates of circulating virus mean that people of all ages would benefit significantly from taking it. There’s a convincing case for lesser limits in these countries, akin to what’s been recommended in the UK, argues Anthony Cox.

The Conversation Weekly podcast, meanwhile, considers a huge financial challenge facing many companies around the world that took advantage of low interest rates before the pandemic and racked up large debts. Our editors also check out a conservation project in New Zealand that has sought to tackle the problem of non-native predators – by tricking them with fake bird smells.

Plus, new research shows that because of the false belief that women are oversensitive to pain, doctors routinely underestimate it in female patients – and often undertreat women’s pain as a result. And for the second time in the last few weeks, scientists have found hints of new particles or forces, which could mean changes to our laws of physics might be needed.

Contact us here to have your event listed.

For sponsorship opportunities, email us here