I teach empathy with babies

Thanks to the ‘80s gem Three Men and a Baby, we all know the effect a baby can have on a group of bachelors. It turns out babies can have the same effect on young school children. To see how, read up on Marie’s “Roots of Empathy” program.

I recycle rare earth metals

With the miniaturisation of all our electronic devices, the demand for rare earth metals is exploding. Thanks to the method developed by Wolfram, recovering these minerals from discarded devices could be very profitable. This is one to watch.

I opened an arts school for vulnerable children

Children love the circus. Why not use it to encourage them to go to school? This producer took on the challenge–and it’s allowed children in Salé on the outskirts of Rabat to shoot for the moon. Breathtaking.

I’m reducing crime with urban planning

The construction of a cable car in one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellin completely changed the face of the city. The street no longer belongs to drug cartels but have been reclaimed by the residents and even tourists. An exceptional model of urban planning.

I give people back their smiles

This clown, one of the most celebrated in Spain, wanted to offer a few moments of happiness to uprooted children from around the world. He makes them laugh with his “Clowns Without Borders” association.

I created a blanket coat for the homeless

Veronika, a young designer, created a coat tailored to the needs of the homeless. It is manufactured in Detroit by an all-female workforce made up of women from difficult backgrounds. Social conscience pervades every aspect of this admirable project.

I use the forest judiciously

The mayor of an industry town left behind by the new economy, Peter has restored citizen morale by exploiting the undreamt-of riches of the area. It’s a rare story of a successful economic conversion.

I use dogs to sniff out prostate cancer

To avoid a long, costly, and often ineffective testing procedure, this professor of medicine works with a dog specially trained to detect the odour of prostate cancer.

I bring electricity off the grid

To get electricity to households living off the energy grid, this young American has set up a rental system for rechargeable batteries. It’s a simple, efficient way to watch TV, turn on a light, or recharge a mobile phone. Clever.

I put your computer to work for a good cause

Did you know your computer could help to perform crucial scientific research? All you need to do is install the free, secure BOINC software; it then automatically puts your computer’s calculating power at the disposal of researchers. Since it only works when you’re not actively using your computer, you won’t even notice.