What do an old-school game designer, the NCAA chief and Maggie Gyllenhaal have in common? They're all on TIME's list of the 12 education activists to watch in 2012.

In 2011, protesters didn't just voice complaints; they changed the world.

All tweens aged 9 to 11 should have their cholesterol checked to help head off cardiovascular disease early, according to new medical guidelines.

As the 7 billionth person is born on a planet already strapped for resources, TIME explores the most pressing population issues of the day.

A first-ever malaria vaccine tested in children in sub-Saharan Africa cut the risk of infection with malaria by about half.