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In most of the economic models that the world uses today, development simply means growth or an upward trajectory in some economic metrics. But most development models present an incomplete picture, because they do not take into account one metric that not only contributes to development but is also directly impacted by it: Nature. On Natural Capital by economist Partha Dasgupta lays out a new approach to economics, which puts on a value on nature just as it would on other metrics.
Growing up in Peru's Amazonian region, Rosa Vásquez Espinoza collected all kinds of insights and indigenous knowledge about the rainforest from her family. Now, as a biologist, she works to combine the spirit of scientific inquiry with indigenous knowledge to share the importance of preserving the natural world. Read about Espinoza's adventures in the Amazon, her acquired knowledge of its biodiversity and her conservation efforts in The Spirit of the Rainforest.
Plants are more than just sources of colourful flowers or food. Historically, some plants have led to building of global supply chains, facilitated formation of new empires and have even resulted in wars. Even today, we look to plants for sustenance, medicine, fuel and development. In 50 Plants That Changed the World, Stephen A Harris, curator of the Oxford University Herbaria, shares stories of species such as coffee, barley and palm that still influence global trade, politics and technology.
The field of neuroscience makes new strides every day, with scientists discovering new potential causes and impacts of conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and even addiction and anxiety. Yet, the world is far from finding cures for these conditions — all of which can debilitating impacts on people's quality of life. In Elusive Cures, academic Nicole C Rust shares exactly what we know about neurological disorders, and how far we are from eradicating them.