The number of bilingual families is rising but there are still many misconceptions about early child bilingualism. Recent research shows that growing up with two languages can enhance specific cognitive skills and bring advantages that may last throughout the lifespan. A panel of cognitive scientists will present these findings and discuss their implications for parents, teachers, and policy makers.

‘The Invisible Enemy’ provides a compelling scientific account of microbes, their history, and the dangers they pose – now and in the future. Microbes are disarmingly small and simple. Nevertheless, the smallpox virus killed over 300 million people in the 20th century alone before it was eradicated in 1980. The AIDS virus, HIV, is now the world’s biggest killer infection and the single most common cause of death in Africa. In recent years, the outbreaks of several lethal viruses such as Ebola and Hantavirus have caused great public concern – yet most people remain woefully ill-informed. Professor Crawford illustrates her arguments with vivid and wide-ranging examples.

Image courtesy of bergen.org (Sars) (right)