Every week, we scour the web to bring you interesting bits and pieces from around the world. Enjoy!

Family-Friendly Fallout

Apparently family-friendly policies are like unicorns — or at least like Odysseus navigating between Scylla and Charybdis: Mythical, and nearly impossible to find the right balance. This article, which examines family-friendly work policies around the world, finds that many have unintended negative consequence, particularly for women. One proposed solution is gender-neutral policies that support families, which we wholeheartedly applaud!

Greening The Ceiling 

France recently mandated that all new buildings in commercial zones must have roofs at least partially covered in plants or solar panels. This article explains the regulation and points out the benefit of green rooftops, from providing a home for birds, to combating pollution (as well as other, less obvious advantages). Can you all imagine the roofs of our metros filled with gardens someday?

Getting Beyoncé’s Body

This food editor followed the same diet as the hip hop star and chronicles every minute of it. A vegan regimen that also restricts sugar, gluten, alcohol, coffee, and soy sounds like no fun to us, but we’ll let you be the judge. Read about her dietary adventures — and results — and decide for yourself!

The Worst Country For Women

On the other end of the spectrum is this article on the lives of Nigerian women and girls. The title speaks volumes. It may be a depressing read, but we believe it doesn’t do to shut out these stories; if we do, we can never hope to change them.

Sexism In India’s Labs

Sexism in scientific fields is a problem all over the world, but especially here, where gender equality has a long way to go in general society. It’s refreshing to hear some of our most respected female scientists calling attention to it, notably at risk to their own careers. Need a related laugh after reading the article? Check out Congrats, You Have An All-Male Panel. It will leave you giggling … between your sobs of fury.