US ice cream makers to scoop out synthetic dyes under RFK Jr. push
These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic coloring, health advocates have long argued.
"I'm particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice cream," Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions.
"This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again," added the IDFA's President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" or MAGA.
Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said many commercial ice cream manufacturers had already phased out artificial colors or were in the process of doing so.
"By taking this step now, ice cream manufacturers are ensuring that ice cream remains a special part of our lives as consumer preferences change and the nation's regulatory priorities evolve," he said.
Industry data shows Americans consume roughly 19 pounds (8.6 kg) of ice cream a year. The frozen treat plays a major economic role -- contributing an estimated $12 billion to the economy and supporting more than 27,000 dairy industry jobs.
In April, Kennedy announced plans to revoke authorization for two synthetic dyes and to "work with industry" to eliminate six more -- an approach critics dismissed as too soft and overly reliant on voluntary action.
The Food and Drug Administration, in one of its final acts under president Joe Biden, had already finalized a rule to ban Red Dye No. 3, one of the most widely used and controversial colorings.
Yet there are signs that Kennedy's peer-pressure strategy is yielding some results.
Major food manufacturers including Nestle, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and PepsiCo have already signed on to ditch artificial dyes.
Kennedy on Monday said between "35 and 40 percent" of the food industry has now pledged to make the shift.
But key holdouts remain -- notably candy giants like Mars, which makes M&M's and Skittles -- in the absence of binding federal regulation.
The ice cream makers' pledge pushes past Kennedy's original target of end-2026, giving companies an extra year to adjust their supply chains.
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France 24
a day ago
- France 24
US ice cream makers to scoop out synthetic dyes under RFK Jr. push
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over 40 top ice cream brands, said its members would stop using petroluem-derived synthetic colorings by the end of 2027. These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic coloring, health advocates have long argued. "I'm particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice cream," Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions. "This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again," added the IDFA's President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" or MAGA. Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said many commercial ice cream manufacturers had already phased out artificial colors or were in the process of doing so. "By taking this step now, ice cream manufacturers are ensuring that ice cream remains a special part of our lives as consumer preferences change and the nation's regulatory priorities evolve," he said. Industry data shows Americans consume roughly 19 pounds (8.6 kg) of ice cream a year. The frozen treat plays a major economic role -- contributing an estimated $12 billion to the economy and supporting more than 27,000 dairy industry jobs. In April, Kennedy announced plans to revoke authorization for two synthetic dyes and to "work with industry" to eliminate six more -- an approach critics dismissed as too soft and overly reliant on voluntary action. The Food and Drug Administration, in one of its final acts under president Joe Biden, had already finalized a rule to ban Red Dye No. 3, one of the most widely used and controversial colorings. Yet there are signs that Kennedy's peer-pressure strategy is yielding some results. Major food manufacturers including Nestle, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and PepsiCo have already signed on to ditch artificial dyes. Kennedy on Monday said between "35 and 40 percent" of the food industry has now pledged to make the shift. But key holdouts remain -- notably candy giants like Mars, which makes M&M's and Skittles -- in the absence of binding federal regulation. The ice cream makers' pledge pushes past Kennedy's original target of end-2026, giving companies an extra year to adjust their supply chains.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'Not a Single Mistake': World's First Autonomous Surgical Robot Completes Complex Procedure With 100% Accuracy and Zero Human Intervention
IN A NUTSHELL 🤖 The SRT-H robot, developed at Johns Hopkins University, performed a successful gallbladder surgery with human-like precision. robot, developed at Johns Hopkins University, performed a successful gallbladder surgery with human-like precision. 📚 Trained on surgical videos, the robot can learn and adapt in real-time, enhancing its ability to handle complex procedures. in real-time, enhancing its ability to handle complex procedures. 🛠️ Equipped with machine learning technology similar to ChatGPT, SRT-H responds to voice commands and adjusts based on feedback. technology similar to ChatGPT, SRT-H responds to voice commands and adjusts based on feedback. 🔍 While not yet used on human patients, the robot's success in trials points to a future of autonomous surgery with minimal human oversight. In a groundbreaking development, an autonomous robot has performed a surgery with remarkable precision, moving us closer to an era where the only human presence in the operating room might be the patient. This achievement marks a significant milestone in medical robotics, showcasing the potential for machines to conduct complex procedures independently. The robot, trained by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, has demonstrated its ability to perform a gallbladder removal surgery with a level of skill comparable to experienced surgeons. This not only underscores the robot's capabilities but also highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Rise of SRT-H: A New Era in Surgical Robotics Named SRT-H (Surgical Robot Transformer-Hierarchy), this robot represents a leap beyond traditional surgical robots. Unlike its predecessors, SRT-H is not limited to executing pre-programmed tasks. Instead, it can respond and learn in real-time, adapting to the unpredictable nature of surgical procedures. This ability is a game-changer, as it allows the robot to navigate the complexities of surgery with a level of autonomy previously unattainable. The robot's training involved analyzing videos of surgical operations, enabling it to internalize and replicate the steps involved in a gallbladder removal procedure. During its trials, SRT-H successfully completed the surgery multiple times on a realistic human-like model, closely mimicking the intricacies of human tissue. This accomplishment is a testament to the robot's ability to perform tasks such as identifying ducts and arteries, applying clips, and using scissors with surgical precision. 'This Solar Ship Is the Future of River Travel,' Declares Visionary Engineer as 192 Sun-Powered Panels Drive the World's First Inland Marvel Understanding the Technology Behind SRT-H At the core of SRT-H's capabilities lies an advanced machine learning architecture, akin to the technology that powers AI systems like ChatGPT. This allows the robot to process voice commands from medical staff, making it a valuable assistant in the operating room. The robot's ability to adjust its actions based on real-time feedback is crucial for addressing unexpected challenges during surgery. The significance of this advancement is underscored by comments from medical roboticist Azwl Krieger, who highlighted the robot's transition from performing isolated tasks to truly understanding surgical procedures. This transformation is pivotal in creating autonomous surgical systems that are viable in real-world clinical settings, where unpredictability is the norm. 'This Ship Shouldn't Exist': Japan's Shocking Launch of World's First Dual LCO2 and Methanol Supercarrier Redefines Everything Real-World Implications and Future Directions While the SRT-H robot has achieved remarkable success in controlled environments, it is not yet ready for use on actual human patients. Nonetheless, its performance in trials provides a glimpse into the future of surgery, where robots could perform procedures with minimal human intervention. The development team envisions a future where SRT-H and similar robots are trained to conduct a wide range of surgeries, further reducing the need for human oversight. As Ji Woong 'Brian' Kim, a key figure in the development of SRT-H, noted, the reliability of AI models for surgical autonomy is now demonstrable. This progress opens up new possibilities for enhancing surgical precision and safety, potentially revolutionizing patient care by minimizing human error and improving outcomes. 'This Defies Everything We Knew': Sun-Powered Sponge Turns Saltwater Into Freshwater Without Using a Single Watt of Electricity Challenges and Ethical Considerations Despite the promising advancements, several challenges and ethical considerations remain. The transition from controlled models to live human surgeries involves significant scrutiny and regulatory approvals. Moreover, the reliance on autonomous systems raises questions about accountability and the role of human surgeons in the decision-making process. As the field of surgical robotics continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these ethical complexities while ensuring that technological advancements align with the principles of patient safety and care. The journey toward fully autonomous surgical robots will require ongoing collaboration between engineers, medical professionals, and ethicists to navigate these challenges responsibly. As we stand on the brink of a new era in healthcare, the question remains: How will the integration of autonomous robots in surgery reshape the landscape of medical practice, and what implications will it have for the future of patient care? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.2/5 (24)
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
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'Prostate Cancer Risk Slashed!': Scientists Declare Frequent Ejaculation the Most Powerful Prevention Tool for Men in Breakthrough Health Discovery
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Researchers explore the link between ejaculation frequency and reduced prostate cancer risk, with mixed findings from various studies. and reduced risk, with mixed findings from various studies. 📊 A significant study from the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that at least 21 ejaculations per month may lower cancer risk by 22%. ⚖️ Contrasting research suggests that while moderate sexual activity has protective effects, excessive frequency might not offer additional benefits. 🛑 Experts caution against formal recommendations, emphasizing proven preventive measures like a healthy diet and regular exercise. In recent years, the intricate connection between male sexual health and overall well-being has captured the attention of the scientific community. Among various lifestyle factors, researchers are now exploring the potential role of ejaculation frequency in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. This interest stems from the notion that regular sexual activity might contribute to the prevention of this prevalent disease. While the topic remains a point of contention among experts, it continues to provoke curiosity and debate within the medical field. This article delves into the existing research, weighing both the promising findings and the cautionary notes from the scientific community. The Science Behind Sexual Activity and Prostate Health Prostate cancer stands as the most common cancer among men in many parts of the world, including the United States, accounting for a significant portion of male cancer diagnoses annually. While factors such as age, family history, and ethnicity are well-established risk aspects, they are unfortunately unchangeable. Consequently, researchers have long been interested in identifying modifiable behaviors that could influence the development of this disease. One such behavior is the frequency of ejaculation. The hypothesis, dating back over fifty years, suggests that regular ejaculation might reduce the buildup of potentially harmful substances in the prostate. Known as the 'prostatic congestion theory,' this idea has gained traction through large-scale studies. A notable study from the Harvard School of Public Health followed over 31,000 men for nearly two decades. It found that men who reported at least 21 ejaculations per month between the ages of 40 and 49 experienced a 22% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to those with fewer than eight ejaculations a month. This reduction was particularly observed in less aggressive forms of the disease. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Debating the Correlation Between Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer Despite the optimistic results from American studies, other research provides a more nuanced view. A meta-analysis conducted in China, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, reviewed data from 22 studies involving over 55,000 men. It concluded that while moderate ejaculation frequency—around two to four times per week—was associated with reduced cancer risk, exceeding this threshold did not provide further protection and might even reverse benefits in some cases. Several explanations are proposed for these findings. High-frequency ejaculation could indicate increased hormonal activity, such as elevated testosterone levels, which may stimulate prostate cell proliferation. Additionally, men with numerous sexual partners might face a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, potentially leading to chronic inflammation in the genital area. Social and behavioral factors, including diet and medication use, also vary among individuals, complicating analysis. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Another significant limitation is the reliance on self-reported data, introducing potential inaccuracies. The slow progression of prostate cancer, often diagnosed decades after exposure to risk factors, further complicates data interpretation. Researchers note that even with extended follow-up, observed effects remain modest, primarily affecting early-stage cancer forms. Why Experts Urge Caution Despite Encouraging Data Currently, no medical authority explicitly recommends increasing ejaculation frequency as a preventive measure. The European Association of Urology, for instance, emphasizes proven benefits of balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. These factors hold stronger evidence for reducing prostate cancer risk. 'Your Breath Is a Signature': Scientists Reveal Human Breath Is as Unique and Traceable as a Fingerprint However, this does not mean that sexuality should be disregarded. Regular sexual activity, when part of a consensual and infection-free relationship, has no known detrimental effects on the prostate. It might even contribute to hormonal and immune balance, though mechanisms require further confirmation. The Harvard study highlights potential roles for oxytocin and endorphins released during orgasm, known to modulate inflammation and boost immune response. While there is a discernible link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, the correlation remains too tenuous for formal recommendations. Caution is therefore advised. Current data may reassure concerned patients, affirming that an active and fulfilling sexual life is not detrimental and might promote overall health balance. Navigating the Future of Prostate Cancer Prevention As research continues to explore the connection between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer, it invites a broader discussion on lifestyle choices and their impact on health. The potential protective effects of regular sexual activity introduce intriguing possibilities for future preventive strategies. However, it is crucial to approach these findings with a balanced perspective, recognizing the multifaceted nature of cancer risk factors. Individuals are encouraged to focus on established preventive measures, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity, while remaining informed about emerging research. As science advances, will we uncover more definitive links between lifestyle choices and cancer prevention, or will this remain a complex puzzle requiring further exploration? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (22)
