How can we maintain our physical and mental health in these times of new pandemics, chronic illnesses, increasing urbanisation and constant media bombardment? Based on extensive ecological observations and taking into account the latest scientific insights in microbiome research, Grassberger draws conclusions on the fundamental reciprocal processes between us and our environment – and demonstrates how we can lead a good and healthy life, despite disconcerting developments. In “The Invisible Web Of Life”, Grassberger focuses on the human experience and explains how each individual can protect themselves, their children and the environment.

While the world population is rapidly heading for 8 billion, and more and more people want to enjoy a slice of prosperity, chronic illnesses are gradually spreading across all age groups and social classes. Warnings about imminent threats such as environmental pollution, soil depletion and loss of biodiversity largely go unheard. Human biologist and doctor Martin Grassberger demonstrates a direct link between the ruthless destruction of nature and the creeping epidemic of chronic illnesses. The insights are sobering, but Grassberger also indicates possible ways to remedy the current global health and environmental crisis. A highly relevant book!

Time for change: Agriculture and sustainable nutrition have become hotly debated subjects across society, as we look to a near future in which our planet is home to ten billion people. But can we feed the human population through organic farming? Is eating animals a sin? Does industrial agriculture based on high tech farming practices destroy rural areas, deplete natural resources and drive people into the cities? In 'Everyone Full?' Urs Niggli outlines a visionary plan for feeding the world – a fascinating read for foodies and everyone who appreciates good food.

If we make the switch from agriculture to brewing kettles, we could drastically reduce the catastrophic impact of our diet on the environment and the climate. The thousands-of-years-old tradition of fermentation is having something of a renaissance thanks to advances in biotechnology. Now, with bioreactors, scientists are looking to produce real cheese without cows, real eggs without hens, and much more. The vision: much more food on much less land. But how are these new products made? What do they mean for us, and what will become of agriculture? Are we even ready for a fermentation revolution? To find the answers to these questions, Martin Reich has set out on a journey through laboratories, breweries and the intellectual world of researchers, critics and dreamers.

Few things are as diverse as deadwood. So much more than the remnants of old trees on the forest floor, it comes in an array of forms, providing habitats for insects and other organisms. Dead roots under the water, wooden coffins buried beneath the ground in urban spaces – this close interplay of decay and new life is all around us. If we look closely, we can see how the once-extinct beaver is now paving the way for other species, like the endangered saproxylic beetle. Deadwood also teaches us to have a positive outlook for our coexistence with local biodiversity, showing that there have already been a number of improvements in the past hundred years. An exciting journey through the secret world of insects, fungi and other creatures that live in the deadwood in our forests, parks and gardens.