July 2025 - Page 9 of 46

A Texas candy company switched to natural dyes — but it wasn't easy

25

Jul

Why a Texas candy company changed to natural dyes — and what made it hard

A candy producer in Texas recently implemented a major change in its manufacturing procedures: transitioning from artificial to natural colorants. Although the choice met the increasing consumer demand for more natural ingredients, the shift was anything but straightforward.For years, artificial dyes have been a standard in the confectionery industry due to their consistency, vibrant hues, and cost-effectiveness. However, increased awareness about food ingredients has encouraged many companies to reconsider what goes into their products. As a result, this Texas-based company decided to take the leap and reformulate its sweets with plant-based and mineral-derived colorings.The goal was straightforward: eliminate artificial dyes…

'You just fight with your brain': How F1 driver Niki Lauda survived a devastating Grand Prix crash

25

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Culture and Entertainment

‘You just fight with your brain’: The incredible survival of F1 legend Niki Lauda after a Grand Prix accident

Niki Lauda’s name is etched into the history of Formula 1 not just because of his talent behind the wheel, but because of the resilience he demonstrated following one of the sport’s most harrowing accidents. His survival of the 1976 Nürburgring crash was not just a testament to medical intervention or luck—it was the product of unyielding mental determination. For Lauda, surviving wasn’t about bravado or physical strength, but rather a fierce internal struggle, one where, as he famously said, “you just fight with your brain.”When Lauda reached the notorious Nürburgring track in August 1976, he had already achieved the…

Ireland 'not exactly celebrating' Trump's deal with EU

25

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Economy

Ireland holds back on celebrating Trump’s EU arrangement

When former U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a trade understanding with the European Union, reactions across Europe were mixed. In Ireland, the reception was particularly reserved. Far from celebrating the deal, Irish leaders and stakeholders expressed a blend of cautious skepticism and concern over its potential consequences, particularly for key sectors like agriculture and technology that are deeply tied to transatlantic trade.Although the Trump administration portrayed the announcement of the trade agreement as a major step towards easing economic tensions with the EU, numerous policymakers from Ireland saw it differently. They perceived that the agreement provided limited concrete advantages for…

American musical satirist Tom Lehrer dies at 97, US media report

25

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Culture and Entertainment

US media confirm death of American musical satirist Tom Lehrer at 97

Tom Lehrer, the renowned American songwriter, mathematician, and satirist, has died at the age of 97, as reported by U.S. media. With a legacy built on sharp wit, biting humor, and musical brilliance, Lehrer left an indelible mark on 20th-century American culture. Best known for his satirical songs that tackled everything from politics and religion to education and nuclear war, Lehrer was a singular figure who used melody as a vehicle for commentary.Born in New York City in 1928, Lehrer showed early talent in both academics and music. He studied mathematics at Harvard University, where he began writing parody songs…

22

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Social Responsibility

Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy capable of recovering from his self-made crisis?

Volodymyr Zelenskyy—once a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and global wartime leadership—now confronts a serious domestic crisis largely of his own making. With anti-corruption institutions under threat, public demonstrations underway, and mounting international concern, his ability to rebound hinges on restoring institutional trust, honoring democratic norms, and maintaining support amid Russia’s intensifying war.Since 2019, Zelenskyy’s journey has been defined by two distinct political arcs. Initially elected on promises of ending corruption and reforming entrenched political elites, he faced early disappointment when progress lagged. His popularity dipped dramatically through 2021 alongside stalled reforms and unclear leadership direction. Critics argued he had overpromised and…

Meta is shelling out big bucks to get ahead in AI. Here’s who it’s hiring

22

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Investments and Business

Meta’s hefty AI push: Top talent being recruited

Meta is making a substantial push to secure its place in the competitive world of artificial intelligence, and a key part of that strategy involves aggressively expanding its talent pool. As the demand for cutting-edge AI capabilities intensifies across industries, Meta is investing heavily in acquiring top-tier researchers, developers, and engineers to strengthen its position.The company, known for its vast ecosystem of social platforms, is aiming to become a central force in AI innovation. This ambition has led to a hiring spree targeting individuals with deep expertise in large language models, machine learning infrastructure, and neural network optimization. Rather than…

Prescription fluoride faces FDA scrutiny despite widespread support from providers and the public

22

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Health

Prescription fluoride under FDA review amid strong provider and public support

Strong fluoride formulations available by prescription, often utilized to avert dental caries in patients at elevated risk, are currently being evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although dental experts have endorsed these products for many years, the FDA has initiated a re-assessment of these fluoride solutions because of intricacies related to their classification and approval process—sparking worries among healthcare professionals and supporters regarding the continued access to a vital resource in dental health maintenance.For many dental experts, prescription fluoride has long been a critical part of treatment for individuals vulnerable to cavities, including children, older adults, and…