Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Nordic countries are deliberately injecting measured risk back into childhood. This approach could lure children away from their screens.Topics covered:ScandinaviaParentingChild developmentListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Google DeepMind's boss sets out a comprehensive plan for how to harness AI safely. Topics covered:Demis HassabisGoogle DeepMindAI regulationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Record-breaking heatwaves have scorched much of the globe. The surprising rate at which Earth is absorbing sunshine will make the planet even hotter. Topics covered:Climate changeGlobal warmingNet zeroListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Human faces can help to explain behavioural, social and cultural patterns. A new book charts the history of the face.Topics covered:Pretty privilegeCultureHistoryListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. China’s government is steering domestic investment into favoured AI and tech startups. But state intervention may drive away private investors. Topics covered:Chinese technologyArtificial intelligenceCapital marketsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. One simple vaccination may dramatically reduce the risk of dementia. Wider use of the jab could save millions of minds. Topics covered:DementiaShingles vaccinePublic healthListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Russia’s biggest industrialist warns that Vladimir Putin’s rule will cause domestic collapse. He sets out how to avoid the worst outcomes.Topics covered:Vladimir PutinWar in UkraineAndrey MelnichenkoListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Rental electric bikes have become divisive on modern city streets. Are they a triumph of liberal capitalism, or a public nuisance? Topics covered:Micro-mobility firmsConvenience economyLiberalismListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.