This week we’re diving into the world of what is called underwater "bioprospecting". The trend for creating products such as drugs from the plants and microbes that dwell in the deepest parts of the world’s oceans is highly lucrative. Deep-sea enzymes are a great example of why. They thrive and continue to catalyse chemical reactions in the harshest environments possible, so they're great for commercial application, such as in detergents and pharmaceuticals. But any company looking to profit from these aquatic miracles must proceed with caution, as we found out from two scientists who recently published this paper on the subject.

They may be able to tolerate freezing temperatures and total darkness, but could a deep-sea enzyme survive the greatest endurance test on land — the mid-morning meeting at the office? If you’ve ever sat through an hour-long brainstorm that could have been an email or a decision-making session that lacks the people who need to make the decisions, we’ve got some tips for you — and your boss. Here’s a guide to turning meetings into a worthwhile exercise for everyone at the table.

Evidence has been mounting for some time that humans are ingesting microplastics when we eat. But worse still, new research suggests that we may be inhaling them through our noses and into our brains. This briefing on the latest findings explains the new theory.

And as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, we've put together a timeline of key events in the history of Israel's various incursions into Lebanon, all of which have contributed to the current crisis.