Ever since Bill Gates and his wife Melinda founded the Gates Foundation, it’s been a beacon of hope, innovation, and charity for thousands across the world. A few years ago, they came up with the ‘Grand Challenges’ competition, which is essentially a soap-box platform for big thinkers. Each year, the foundation selects a few visionaries to receive a $100,000 grant to start their initiative. If their plan is successful, they can potentially receive another $1,000,000 grant later down the road. All are welcome to submit ideas covering a wide range of topics, such as healthcare, technology, energy, and more. Take… read more

It is naïve to think that human experiences have not altered the earth’s natural processes. Our daily activities have, in fact, been an irreversible detriment to many of the planet’s way of doing things. The field of environmental health seeks to identify how our surroundings affect human health and the environment. Research in this area uncovers many concerns about our relationship to our surroundings, but could there in fact be some positives to the human impact? The pressing question isn’t whether or not we have altered things, but what exactly is the full effect of our modifications. How does if effect… read more

To weed or not to weed. That is the question…not least because what some people consider a weed, others consider a boon. I recently helped a friend move into a cottage on 200 acres overlooking the Obi Valley in Australia’s Sunshine Coast hinterland. The dwelling sits near a spring-fed dam that sources a creek which runs into the valley below through assorted waterfalls and swimming holes. It’s an idyllic location rich in wildlife and majestic vistas. There is, however, a problem (the solution to which might also provide some unexpected benefits). The little dam is covered in duckweed. An aquatic… read more