With his “liberation day” sweep of tariffs just beginning to take effect, US president Donald Trump suddenly hit the pause button. After a week of market chaos, with one social media post the higher tariffs were on hold for 90 days. The UK had been facing a 10% rate while the EU stared down 20%. But now both parties are equal on the lower tariff.

Some observers had felt the UK’s previous preferential rate was evidence of a Brexit benefit. But even if the president hadn’t rowed back on his plans this week, it wouldn’t have been as simple as that. Our expert explains how the complex networks involved in global trade mean that, in reality, higher tariffs on other nations would also bite the UK somewhere down the line. And there’s another issue. Brexit left the UK treading a trickier path between the US and Europe. Tariffs just complicate this further.

Lab-grown meat could be coming to a supermarket near you, and sooner than you think. But regardless of whether this meat ends up on your plate, the technology could have huge benefits for medical research – potentially allowing scientists to create replacement livers or improve cancer treatments.

And increasing numbers of people are starting the day by checking a score on their fitness tracker. The devices take data like heart rate, sleep and activity from the user, analyse them and then feed back with a supposedly personalised number and tailored advice. But how much faith should we put in these? A team of experts carried out a systematic review of the health scores of wearable devices to find out.

We’re delighted to announce the return of our public event series, Social Science Perspectives. Join us in London on May 8th to hear from experts on the subject of democracy and the threat of autocracy. Be among the first to book in for free drinks and pizza here.

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