Current Events in August 2017

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    Uber gets a new CEO

    Expedia chief Dara Khrosrowshahi is the reported choice

    If you're waiting for an Uber driver to pick you up, the identity of the company's CEO is probably the farthest thing from your mind. But selection of a CEO to replace the ousted Travis Kalanick could be a vital element in how the company fares in the future.

    Kalanick, you'll recall, quit under pressure in June following various allegations of sexual harrassment in the ranks. The board of the high-flying on-demand ride service has been searching for a replacement ever since.

    Various well-known names have been floated publicly but today, press reports say the final choice is Dara Khrosrowshahi, since 2005 the head of Expedia. While not exactly a household name, Khrosrowshahi is credited with turning Expedia around, pulling it out of a sales slump and repositioning it to deal with intensifying competition.

    Service providers

    Seen in that light, Khrosrowshahi's selection becomes more understandable. Both Expedia and Uber are, after all, transportation service providers. Neither owns large fleets of airplanes or cars but both manage millions of trips per year, taking a small slice of each transaction.

    The selection process -- which at times included Hewlett Packard CEO Meg Whitman, GE Chairman Jeff Immelt, and numerous others -- was particularly chaotic because of internecine warfare in the board room, where one group of investors led Kalanick's ouster while other directors objected and pursued their own agendas.

    Khrosrowshahi's selection, reported by today's Wall Street Journal, had not at last word been publicly confirmed and it was not known whether he had formally accepted the job.

    If you're waiting for an Uber driver to pick you up, the identity of the company's CEO is probably the farthest thing from your mind. But selection of a CE...

    Drinking coffee significantly cuts risk of death, study finds

    Researchers say the findings are especially true for middle-aged and older adults

    While it might leave you tasting things differently for a little while, further research has tied drinking coffee with lower overall risk of death.

    An observational study was conducted in conjunction with a long-term cohort study called the Seguimiento Universidad de Navaraa (SUN) Project, which analyzed coffee’s effect on Spanish university graduates starting in 1999. In all, the research involved approximately 20,000 participants, with results showing that the morning staple can be especially healthy for middle-aged and older adults.

    "In the SUN project we found an inverse association between drinking coffee and the risk of all-cause mortality, particularly in people aged 45 years and above. This may be due to a stronger protective association among older participants,” said cardiologist and researcher Dr. Adela Navarro.

    Cutting risk of death

    The long-term study analyzed participants over the course of ten years, with information such as coffee consumption, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, previous health conditions, and mortality rates being tracked at regular intervals. The average enrollment age for the study was 37.7 years old.

    After the study period concluded, the researchers cross-checked 337 resulting deaths with coffee consumption and found that those who drank at least four cups of coffee per day had a 64% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who never or almost never consumed the beverage. The results indicated that there was a 22% lower risk of death for every two cups of coffee that were consumed per day.

    However, the researchers say that age and coffee consumption had an especially significant bearing on mortality rates. They found that participants who were at least 45 years old lowered their risk of all-cause mortality by 30% during follow-ups if they drank two additional cups of coffee per day.

    "Our findings suggest that drinking four cups of coffee each day can be part of a healthy diet in healthy people," concluded Navarro.

    While it might leave you tasting things differently for a little while, further research has tied drinking coffee with lower overall risk of death.An o...

    Tips on choosing a color palette for your kitchen

    Different colors can convey different moods, design experts say

    Changing up the color scheme in your kitchen is a relatively low-cost way to breathe new life in the heart of your home. But with a sea of color options to choose from, finding the perfect shade can be a daunting task.

    To narrow your options, the design experts at HGTV.com suggest honing in on a hue that will reflect the mood you want the space to convey. White, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green are good choices for kitchens, the experts say.

    “Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space,” HGTV says on its website.

    Appetizing red

    For a kitchen that will get your loved ones in the mood to eat, consider choosing a color from the red family.

    “Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens,” says HGTV. “Red is incredibly versatile and there are multiple shades that would really pop in a kitchen, either on the cabinets or the walls.”

    Reddish oranges such as cabernet, persimmon, or brick add vibrancy and warmth, say the experts at Better Homes & Gardens. The shade works especially well when presented in large sweeps, such as on cabinets or islands.

    Energizing white

    White continues to be a popular color palette in kitchens for its clean, fresh, and energizing look.

    “An all-white kitchen will really wake you up the minute you step in it. You can also have more fun with your countertops and backsplash in an all-white kitchen and choose brighter colors or designs for those,” says HGTV.

    Crisp white can be decorated around in an endless number of ways. Make it modern by pairing it with stainless-steel accents and clean lines or give your kitchen a cottage feel by incorporating beadboard and white cabinets.

    Complementary appliances

    Painting walls and cabinets isn’t all home decorators can do to bring color into their kitchen. These days, appliances can also complement the color scheme of a kitchen.

    Black stainless steel finish appliances can can add an elegant, modern touch. KitchenAid calls the new material “a softer, warmer alternative to traditional stainless.”

    KitchenAid recently expanded its line of appliance offerings to include four new stoves in different colors: signature red, cobalt blue, imperial (matte) black, and imperial (matte) white.

    "These new models give those who design with color in mind a way to combine commercial-style performance with a fresh, new look,” KitchenAid said in a statement.

    With a pricetag in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, the commercial-style ranges may not be practical for everyone. But as more home decorators seek to round out their kitchen color palettes with appliances in complementary tones, colorful appliances could soon become more prevalent among manufacturers.

    Changing up the color scheme in your kitchen is a relatively low-cost way to breathe new life in the heart of your home. But with a sea of color options to...

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      Dr. Martens Vegan boots recalled

      Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to benzidine

      Dr. Martens is recalling about 31,000 pair of its Vegan 1460 boots sold in the U.S. and Canada.

      Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine.

      No incidents or injuries have been reported.

      This recall involves Dr. Martens unisex Vegan 1460 eight eye boots sold in cherry red with black shoelaces in all sizes. The boots have a chunky sole and a golden heel pull tab with “AirWair” printed on it. “Made in Vietnam” and product code 14585 are printed on the tongue label with the batch code starting with “GV” and ending in Q, R or S.

      The boots, manufactured in Vietnam, were sold at Dr. Martens, Journeys and independent stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, DrMartens.com, Shoebuy.com and other websites from January 2015, through July 2017, for about $125.

      What to do

      Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled boots and contact Dr. Martens for a full refund or free replacement product.

      Consumers may contact Dr. Martens at 800-460-3930 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday, by email at dmservice@drmartens.com, or online at www.drmartens.com and click on “Product Recall” for more information.

      Dr. Martens is recalling about 31,000 pair of its Vegan 1460 boots sold in the U.S. and Canada.Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining...

      Hurricane Harvey hammers Texas, threatens energy production

      Houston freeways, airports flooded, causing flight delays nationwide

      Although it smashed ashore over the weekend, creating a storm surge estimated at more than six feet in many areas, Hurricane Harvey is just getting started. The Category 4 storm is expected to linger over Texas throughout the week, dumping up to 40 inches of rain.

      The massive storm is a catastrophe for those in its path and its effects will likely be felt by consumers throughout the country. Already, one quarter of oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut down and Bloomberg estimates that 5 percent of U.S. refining capacity is out of action.

      Experts have been predicting the storm will have little impact on gasoline prices, saying the extremely heavy rainfall over a vast area of Texas will dampen demand, thereby canceling out any effect on prices. 

      Could be, but in 2005, retail gas prices rose steadily after two devastating hurricanes badly damaged the Gulf's oil and gasoline production capability. It's still too early to measure the extent of the damage to refineries, pipelines and the oil rigs that dot the Gulf of Mexico.

      In Houston, with a population of more than 2 million, every major roadway was flooded Sunday. Thousands of motorists were stranded on freeways for hours because off-ramps were flooded with up to 15 feet of water.

      “This is catastrophic,” said Greg Waller, a service coordination hydrologist with the National Weather Service’s West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth, according to Bloomberg. “When we say record setting it means you cannot use history on your side because the rivers have never been this high before.”

      Flight cancellations

      Harvey was disrupting airline operations throughout the United States, as delays and cancellations rippled out from the storm's center. More than 3,000 flights had been canceled by early Sunday. 

      All flights were grounded at Houston Hobby Sunday, as water covered runways. Hobby is one of Southwest Airlines' biggest hubs and also serves several other major airlines. Bush Intercontinental, a major hub for United, canceled about 75% of its flights Sunday. 

      Two cruise ships that had been scheduled to return to Galveston Saturday were diverted to New Orleans. Passengers praised the crew of the Carnival Cruise Line ships for staying out of the storm's way and keeping passengers safe and comfortable. 

      Disaster declaration

      President Trump was quick to issue a disaster declaration for the affected counties, releasing a flood of federal dollars and personnel to help with rescue and clean-up operations.

      The U.S. Health and Human Services Department flew in teams of doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers from as far as as California, New York and Minnesota and positioned them around the areas expected to be hardest hit. Veterinarians and other specialists were also in place and ready to go to work.

      HHS also provided local officials with information from its Medicare database, identifying consumers who rely on life-maintenance machines and processes like dialysis, oxygen, electric wheelchairs and home health services.

      "These citizens are among the most vulnerable in their communities and most likely to need life-saving assistance in prolonged power outages," HHS said.

      The Disaster Distress Helpline, a toll-free call center, is available at 1-800-985-5990, to aid people in coping with the behavioral health effects of the storm and help people in impacted areas connect with local behavioral health professionals.

      Food safety

      Those in or near Harvey's path face possible long-term loss of power. The U.S. Agriculture Department issued these recommendations for safe food storage and hangling when power is lost:

      • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).
      • Place meat and poultry to one side of the freezer or on a tray to prevent cross contamination of thawing juices.
      • Use dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible during an extended power outage. Fifty pounds of dry ice should keep a fully-stocked 18-cubic-foot freezer cold for two days.

      When power is restored:

      • Check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer. Discard any perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or leftovers that has been above 40 degrees F for two hours or more.
      • Check each item separately. Throw out any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture or feels warm to the touch.
      • Check frozen food for ice crystals. The food in your freezer that partially or completely thawed may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees F or below.
      • Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water — this would include raw fruits and vegetables, cartons of milk or eggs.
      • Never taste a food to decide if it’s safe.
      • When in doubt, throw it out.

      Scams & price-gouging

      Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned residents in hard-hit areas to be alert to scams and price-gouging.

      “Unfortunately, in the wake of the damage from storms and flooding, we also see bad actors taking advantage of victims and their circumstances. To that end, I’d like to caution everyone in any area that may be affected by Harvey to be extremely cautious with people who may offer to help residents with rebuilding or repairs,” Paxton said.

      Texans in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey who suspect they are being scammed or who encounter price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508, email consumeremergency@oag.texas.gov or file a complaint online at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.

      Consumers elsewhere should be wary of appeals for help from charities they have never heard of. The American Red Cross is on the ground providing help to storm victims and welcomes contributions of money, blood and other assistance. 

      NASA photo shows Hurricane Harvey SaturdayAlthough it smashed ashore over the weekend, creating a storm surge estimated at more than six feet in many...

      Will Hurricane Harvey cause a spike in gas prices?

      Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did in 2005, but experts don't think Harvey will

      Hurricane Harvey is plowing through the Gulf of Mexico oil fields and heading toward the Texas coast.

      The storm comes a dozen years after Katrina, then Rita, slammed the region, damaging oil rigs in the Gulf and refineries along the shore. Consumers with long memories may recall that gasoline prices surged in the aftermath.

      Will history repeat itself? Industry analysts -- and the oil market itself -- are saying probably not. Despite the threat to oil production and refining capacity, oil prices went down Thursday.

      Bloomberg News reported a 2.6% one-day drop in crude prices, mainly because only a few oil platforms had shut down in advance of the storm. The market, in fact, doesn't seem to be too concerned that the massive amounts of rainfall threaten to flood Texas refineries.

      Kyle Cooper, director of research with IAF Advisors in Houston, explained to Bloomberg that the extremely heavy rainfall will also drastically reduce demand, at least temporarily, so the two will balance out.

      Different story in 2005

      It was a very different story in 2005, however, after two devastating hurricanes badly damaged the Gulf's oil and gasoline production capability. In the years before the storms, retail gasoline prices were steadily rising.

      In 2003, the national average gas price was $1.56 a gallon. A year later it had climbed to $1.85. But after Katrina and Rita, it shot up to $2.27.

      All over the country, states cracked down on alleged price-gouging. As we reported at the time, New Jersey inspectors visited 400 gas stations and wrote up 100 of them for violating state gasoline price regulations.

      At the time, New Jersey Consumer Affairs director Kimberly Ricketts said she, along with the state's motorists, expected gasoline prices to fall once the Gulf refineries resumed full production. But that didn't happen.

      $3.25 a gallon three years later

      Gasoline prices rose each year, not because of interruptions in supply but because the world economy, led by China and India, was said to be heating up. In 2008, months after the U.S. entered the Great Recession, gasoline prices topped out at a national average $3.25 for the year.

      Fortunately for consumers, very few expect anything like that to happen this time. For one thing, AAA reports there are ample stockpiles of gasoline, so the market should be able to handle a short-term supply interruption.

      For another, market speculators may not play the oil game like they did after 2005. Then, global economic growth was used to justify climbing oil prices. There was a theory that the world was approaching peak oil production, with declining supplies -- and higher prices -- for the foreseeable future. The smart money kept buying oil futures.

      Then the fracking revolution came along, increasing supplies and forcing the Saudis into an oil price war in the vain hope of driving the frackers out of business.

      Today, the prevailing wisdom on Wall Street holds that oil isn't the future, that electric cars are. They might be, but in the meantime, consumers driving gasoline powered cars probably aren't going to face dramatic price hikes for fuel.

      Hurricane Harvey is plowing through the Gulf of Mexico oil fields and heading toward the Texas coast.The storm comes a dozen years after Katrina, then...

      Amazon plans big price cuts at Whole Foods Markets

      The Amazon Prime program will become Whole Foods' discount program

      Whole Foods may need to borrow some of those "Watch for falling prices" signs from Walmart. Amazon says it will slash prices on many products as soon as it closes on its purchase of the upscale market chain Monday.

      Amazon will also be extending its Amazon Prime program, making its 60 million members eligible for rewards and discounts at Whole Foods Markets.

      “We’re determined to make healthy and organic food affordable for everyone,” said Jeff Wilke, Chief Executive of Amazon Worldwide Consumer, in a news release. “To get started, we’re going to lower prices beginning Monday on a selection of best-selling grocery staples, including Whole Trade organic bananas, responsibly-farmed salmon, organic large brown eggs, animal-welfare-rated 85% lean ground beef, and more."

      You won't have to drive to Whole Foods to get in on the action. Wilke said Whole Foods' private label products -- including 365 Everyday Value, Whole Foods Market, Whole Paws and Whole Catch -- will be available through Amazon.com, AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry, and Prime Now.

      It will work the other way too. Amazon Lockers will be available in select Whole Foods Market stores. Customers can have products shipped from Amazon.com to their local Whole Foods Market store for pick up or send returns back to Amazon during a trip to the store.

      Competitors shudder

      While the news may be greeted enthusiastically by shoppers, it is striking fear into the hearts of competing supermarkets and the Wall Street analysts who follow them. Stocks of Kroger, Walmart, and other major chains plummeted after the announcement, shaving billions off their market value.

      The grocery business has been under increasing pressure for quite awhile and there has been something of a mini-price war for such staples as eggs and milk. If Amazon really begins slashing prices of organic meats, produce, and other high-end items, it's likely to be a major headache for competitors who already face very low margins.

      The supermarket business has already been upset by the entry of Aldi and Lidl, the European discounters who have been expanding rapidly in the U.S.

      The grocery business has always operated on very thin margins, but the common wisdom is that high turn-over makes up for the slim profit on each item. In other words, a carton of eggs that sells for $2 may cost the supermarket $1.90 but since it's not likely to sit on the shelf for more than a few days, the investment is quickly recovered.

      High-end items like organic products and gourmet desserts and baked goods, on the other hand, can be quite profitable, making up for the thin margins at the dairy case. Amazon's plans could upset that pattern and put a huge dent in stores' overall profit pricture.

      As is so often the case, what appears to be bad news for business is likely to be good news for consumers, at least in the short term. Shoppers who have restricted their buying to Walmart or Costco's utilitarian warehouses may soon be wandering the more decorous aisles of Whole Foods, snapping up exotic cheeses, produce, and meats.

      It should be fun while it lasts. 

      Whole Foods may need to borrow some of those "Watch for falling prices" signs from Walmart. Amazon says it will slash prices on many products as soon as it...

      Why your morning coffee could leave you craving for sugar

      Researchers find that caffeine temporarily alters our taste buds

      Just about any doctor will tell you that cutting down on sugar is a great first step to losing weight. But a recent study shows that this can be a lot harder for some consumers who enjoy their morning coffee.

      Researchers from Cornell University have found that coffee can temporarily alter a person’s taste buds to make foods and drinks taste less sweet. While this isn’t necessarily a debilitating side effect on its own, senior author Robin Dando says that it may also make consumers crave sugar more, which could lead to overeating or consuming unhealthy snacks.

      "When you drink caffeinated coffee, it will change how you perceive taste -- for however long that effect lasts. So if you eat food directly after drinking a caffeinated coffee or other caffeinated drinks, you will likely perceive food differently,” Dando said.

      Sugar cravings and alertness

      To test this effect, the researchers conducted a blind study where participants were either given the equivalent of a strong cup of coffee or decaffeinated coffee, both of which contained sugar. Overall, panelists who were given the caffeinated beverage were more likely to say that their drink was less sweet.

      In a second part of the study, participants were once again split into two groups and received either a caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. After drinking their beverage, the panelists were asked to estimate how much caffeine was in their drink and report on how alert they felt.

      The researchers found that all participants reported the same increase in alertness after drinking their beverage, regardless of whether it was caffeinated. The team believes that the trial may have discovered a sort of placebo or conditioning effect tied to the act of drinking coffee.

      “Think Pavlov’s dog. The act of drinking coffee – with the aroma and taste – is usually followed by alertness. So the panelists felt alert even if the caffeine was not there,” Dando said. “What seems to be important is the action of drinking that coffee. Just the action of thinking that you’ve done the things that make you feel more awake, makes you feel more awake.”

      Whether that finding will have consumers reaching for decaf is more doubtful, but it could be a viable option for consumers who want to avoid sugar cravings.

      The full study has been published in the Journal of Food Science.

      Just about any doctor will tell you that cutting down on sugar is a great first step to losing weight. But a recent study shows that this can be a lot hard...

      Owners of lost pets: watch out for these scams

      Several scams will leave pet owners poorer and still without their furry friend, the BBB warns

      Earlier this month, we reported on a text message scam that targets owners of missing pets. Victims of the Pay-Me-First Scam are contacted by a person claiming to have found their lost pet and promised to have their pet returned in exchange for a monetary reward.

      But the scammers are not actually in possession of the pet, and sending money will not result in the pet’s return. The scammer simply acquired the worried pet owner’s phone number from an ad or public social media post and saw an opportunity to make a quick buck.

      Unfortunately, this isn’t the only lost pet scam to watch out for. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to be aware of a few other scams that prey on the emotions of missing pet owners.

      Lost pet scams

      If you included your contact information in an ad for a missing pet, be wary of the following lost pet scams.

      • The Truck Driver Scam. In this scam, you are contacted by a person claiming to be a long-haul truck driver who says he came across your pet while driving. He’ll ask you to send or wire money so that he can send your pet back to you or have it boarded until he can send your pet back with another truck driver who is traveling toward your home.
      • The Tag Team Scam. As its name implies, this scam involves two scammers working together. You will receive a call from someone who thinks they have your pet. After a conversation intended to extract information about your pet, they will apologize and say that they do not have your pet after all. They will then pass along information about your pet to a partner, who will have plenty of accurate information about your pet and will attempt to collect reward money in advance.
      • The Airline Ticket Scam. If you get a call from someone claiming your pet somehow ended up in another state, be wary. In this scam, victims are asked to send money for a kennel and a plane ticket in order to have their pet shipped back. But just like the other scams, the caller does not actually have the pet and owners will not hear from them again after they send money.

      Tips to avoid falling victim

      Before putting up a flyer or public social media post about a missing pet, be sure to follow these tips from the BBB to keep from falling victim to a scam.

      • Include only essential information. If you must post an ad, withhold some information about your pet. Callers should be able to tell you about your pet’s unique markings or physical attributes.
      • Ask them for a phone number. Scammers often use spoofed numbers in order to appear to be calling from somewhere else. If you get a call from someone who says they have your pet, ask them for a phone number where you can call them back.
      • Ask for a detailed description. If someone claims to have your pet, ask them to describe something about the pet that wouldn’t be visible in photos you posted.
      • Never send money. Don’t wire or send money to someone claiming to have your pet. Charging a ransom to return a lost pet is illegal.

      Earlier this month, we reported on a text message scam that targets owners of missing pets. Victims of the Pay-Me-First Scam are contacted by a person clai...

      Delaware warns consumers about unclaimed property scams

      Third parties are collecting fees to reclaim supposedly abandoned stocks and other property

      State officials in Delaware are warning consumers about websites that promise they can retrieve missing financial assets -- for a fee.

      The Delaware Department of Finance and the Office of Unclaimed Property say some consumers have been told that their unclaimed property can be returned to them just by paying small fees that can range anywhere from $12.00 to $29.99.

      "The Office of Unclaimed Property would like to assure citizens that it does not cost anything to retrieve unclaimed funds from the State of Delaware, and websites such as www.neverclaimed.com are not in any way affiliated with the state," the agency said in a press release.

      Delaware is home to many major corporations, which generate payments a number of different ways. According to the state, unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, un-cashed checks, proceeds from an insurance policy, stocks, dividends, and utility deposits and refunds.

      The state of Delaware says it does not change fees for searching the unclaimed property website database, or for making a claim.

      “We are committed to returning the funds that are rightfully yours,” State Escheator David Gregor said. “Our goal is to ensure that no Delaware citizen is taken advantage of by one of these websites.”

      Inactivity is the key

      To be considered an abandoned asset in Delaware, accounts must be inactive for a number of years. And that number is not that high.

      The Wall Street Journal recently reported that two French scientists are suing the state after it seized and sold their shares in Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc., declaring the stock to be abandoned property.

      The scientists said they had not abandoned their shares and were unaware that the state -- which declares assets abandoned after only three years of inactivity -- had seized their stock. After Merck acquired Idenix, the scientists said they could have reaped a $13 million windfall, except that the state had seized and sold their shares.

      The plaintiffs accuse the state of “willfully, recklessly and negligently” failing to safeguard their assets. In its court filings, Delaware says it followed the letter of the law.

      The dispute serves as a good example for consumers who have widely scattered financial assets, sometimes in small amounts. It's a good idea to regularly review these assets, always cashing dividend checks, no matter how small, and regularly logging into online trading accounts.

      State officials in Delaware are warning consumers about websites that promise they can retrieve missing financial assets -- for a fee.The Delaware Depa...

      Scientists create smart label that can detect if food has gone bad

      The paper-based technology could one day help consumers find out when to throw out food and cosmetics

      At some point or another, you’ve probably found yourself carefully scrutinizing a food item to find out whether it’s gone bad. But the days of banking on visual examinations, sniff tests, and unreliable expiration dates may soon be coming to an end, thanks to technology.

      At the 254th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), researchers presented their work on a paper sensor that can detect when food or cosmetics are spoiled or contaminated.

      “My lab has built a versatile sensing platform that incorporates all the needed reagents for detection in a piece of paper,” said Dr. Silvana Andreescu of Clarkson University. “At the same time, it is adaptable to different targets, including food contaminants, antioxidants and free radicals that indicate spoilage.”

      Smart labels

      Unlike similar sensors that migrate on channels, the smart labels use “stable, inorganic particles that are redox active,” says Andreescu.

      “When they interact with the substances we want to detect, they change color, and the intensity of the change tells us how concentrated the analyte (the substance being measured) is,” she said.

      Because the paper contains all the reagents needed for it to work, the labels are extremely easy to use. Simply add the sample being tested to the piece of paper and watch for a color change.

      Once development is completed, Andreescu and her colleagues believe sensors like these could be incorporated into labels on food and cosmetic products to allow consumers to see when they should throw a product out.

      The sensors could also potentially be used to authenticate teas and wines by their antioxidant content, search for new medicinal herbs in the Amazon, or detect salmonella and E.coli to prevent food poisoning, the researchers say.

      At some point or another, you’ve probably found yourself carefully scrutinizing a food item to find out whether it’s gone bad. But the days of banking on v...

      A 2017 low point for 30-year mortgage rates

      It's the fourth decline in as many weeks

      The 30-year fixed mortgage rate (FRM) as charted by Freddie Mac has fallen to its lowest level since November 10, 2016.

      The benchmark rate averaged 3.86% in the week ending August 24, down three basis points from the previous week's level of 3.89%. The FRM was at 3.43% at this time a year ago.

      “The 10-year Treasury yield fell 6 basis points this week amid concerns over lagging inflation,” said Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sean Becketti. “The 30-year mortgage rate also declined for the fourth consecutive week, dropping 3 basis points to a new year-to-date low of 3.86 percent."

      The rate for the 15-year FRM was unchanged at 3.16%, well above the year-ago level of 2.74%. and the 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) inched up one basis point from a week earlier to 3.17%. A year ago at this time, it averaged 2.75%.

      Bankrate

      Bankrate.com, meanwhile, is reporting that it's calculation shows mortgage rates tie the lowest level of 2017.

      The 30-year FRM is now at now 4.02%, a level not seen since June 14th and lowest since November 2016.

      The 15-year FRM rate is 3.23% -- down 4 basis points from last week, and the5/1 ARM is up 1 basis point to 3.50%.

      Analysts at Bankrate say high stock market valuations are increasingly prompting investors to move into safe haven government bonds at the first sign of trouble. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government bonds, which moved lower over the past week as markets were buffeted by political drama in Washington and a terrorist attack in Barcelona.

      Bankrate estimates that at the current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 4.05%, the monthly payment for a $200,000 loan is $957.14.

      The 30-year fixed mortgage rate (FRM) as charted by Freddie Mac has fallen to its lowest level since November 10, 2016.The benchmark rate averaged 3.86...

      Do you live paycheck-to-paycheck?

      If you do, a survey shows you've got plenty of company

      Financial advisors urge consumers to save on a regular basis, not just for retirement but to also put money away to meet unexpected expenses.

      A new survey from CareerBuilder suggests the reason more consumers aren't doing this is because they often have no money left over at the end of the month. The survey shows 78% of employees sometimes live paycheck-to-paycheck.

      For many, that's a regular pattern. Forty percent of people in the survey said they usually or always have just enough money to get from one pay period to the next.

      While that's bad news for the households struggling to make ends meet, Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder, says employers suffer as well.

      “As an employer, your employees’ money problems can become your problem as well,” Haefner said. “Workers may become so distracted by their financial struggles that their quality of work decreases. Financial struggles can take a hit on employees’ morale, productivity and ability to concentrate."

      Higher salary not always the solution

      Earning more money isn't always the answer either. The survey finds it isn't just entry-level workers who are struggling. Nearly one out of 10 employees who earn at least $100,000 a year usually or always live paycheck to paycheck.

      There seems to be a common reason so many people struggle to make their income cover all their expenses, and have some left over for savings. In a word, it's debt.

      The survey shows 71% of people are in debt -- mostly credit card and student loan debt. Fewer than half describe that debt as "manageable."

      As a result, people simply are not putting money away in savings. Twenty-six percent save no money while 31% manage to save $100 or less each month.

      Employer assistance

      Haefner says employers can help by implementing financial wellness programs for employees, teaching basic money and budgeting skills.

      "It’s worth your time and effort to help employees manage their finances and ease some of their financial worries – by doing things such as matching 401(k) contributions, hosting financial planning seminars, or providing discounts to local goods and services,” she said.

      Still, the survey suggests it might not be easy to convince people to make sacrifices in order to build savings. It found there are a number of expenses people are very reluctant to trim or eliminate, including internet service, smartphones, dining out, and cable TV.

      Financial advisors urge consumers to save on a regular basis, not just for retirement but to also put money away to meet unexpected expenses.A new surv...

      Amazon's Whole Foods acquisition wins approval from the FTC, shareholders

      The agency chose not to block the deal based off speculation

      Back in June, Amazon announced that it would be acquiring Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. Critics were quick to respond that the deal was a huge threat to competition in the grocery industry and that it shouldn’t receive approval from regulators.

      Nevertheless, it looks like the deal will likely close by the end of 2017. Both Whole Foods shareholders and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cleared the acquisition on Wednesday, according to a Reuters report.

      “The FTC conducted an investigation of this proposed acquisition to determine whether it substantially lessened competition under Section 7 of the Clayton Act, or constituted an unfair method of competition under Section 5 of the FTC Act,” the agency said in a statement. “Based on our investigation we have decided not to pursue this matter further.”

      Winning approval

      At the end of its statement, the FTC asserts that it “always has the ability to investigate anticompetitive conduct should such action be warranted,” butErik Gordon, a business professor at the University of Michigan, said that it was always likely that the deal would win government approval.

      “[The FTC] declined to block the deal based on a fear that a big, powerful company could use its muscle in some markets to reduce competition in another market. If Amazon actually does that, the commission can step in,” he said.

      Bitter pill

      However, despite this line of reasoning, the decision is still a bitter pill for opponents of the deal. Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy group that had pressured the FTC to block the merger, expressed its disdain for how things turned out.

      “Apparently the only way to hold Amazon accountable for its abuse of consumers is at the state level,” the organization said in a statement.

      Whole Foods' union workers were also dismayed. 

      “Amazon’s reach will ultimately reduce the number of grocery competitors that consumers can choose from,” said Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, in a July statement. “Regardless of whether Amazon has an actual Whole Foods grocery store near a competitor, their online model and size allows them to unfairly compete with every single grocery store in the nation.”

      Back in June, Amazon announced that it would be acquiring Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. Critics were quick to respond that the deal was a huge threat to c...

      Healthy eating tips to remember as kids head back to school

      Here's what to pack in your child's lunch, according to nutrition experts

      Kids consume between 35 to 40 percent of their daily calories while at school, so it’s important for parents to make an effort to ensure the snacks and meals they eat during the school day are nutritious.

      While most schools serve healthy, balanced lunches under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act passed in 2010, parents who pack lunch for their child should make sure their child’s midday meal has a healthy mix of all the food groups.

      Looking for ways to boost the nutritional content of your child’s meals and snacks while also appeasing a picky palate? The nutrition experts at Sodexo, the largest employer of registered dieticians in the country, have a few tips.

      Tips for creating a healthy lunch

      The following tips were designed “to remind parents and students that making smart, balanced food and beverage choices is essential to a healthy lifestyle -- whether eating at home or at school,” said Roxanne Moore, national director of wellness for Sodexo Schools.

      "We want families to work together to make healthier, more nutritious food and beverage choices with less saturated fat, added sugars and sodium without having to sacrifice the flavor, enjoyment and love of food,” she said.

      To do so, the experts at Sodexo recommend keeping in mind the following advice while putting together your child’s school lunch.

      • Keep it balanced. All the food groups are essential in helping to ensure your child stays healthy. Make sure to include grains, lean proteins, colorful fruits and veggies, and low-fat dairy foods in your child’s lunch. Drinkable or squeezable yogurt can help your child meet their three daily servings of dairy. Cut-up fruits and sliced vegetables paired with a low-fat dip, peanut butter, or hummus can help round out the meal.
      • Throw in a protein. To help your child stay focused in the classroom and power through their busy school day, add a protein such as tuna, turkey, chicken or a plant-based option like edamame, beans, or tofu. In addition to packing a protein in your child’s lunch, be sure to send them off to school with some protein already in their system. You can opt for something quick and portable like hard boiled eggs, a smoothie with milk or yogurt, or peanut butter on whole grain bread.
      • Get creative. Fruits and veggies can be surreptitiously incorporated into many elements of your child’s lunch, from avocado as a sandwich spread to banana on a peanut butter sandwich. Pasta salads can be embellished with veggies like cherry tomatoes, spinach, broccoli florets, or bell pepper or zucchini slices.
      • Stick to water or milk. Skip the sugary beverages and opt for water or milk instead. “For kids of all ages, water and milk are the best beverage choices,” say the nutrition experts at Sodexo. Water is a zero-calorie beverage choice that will help your child stay hydrated, and milk can help provide calcium. Soy milk can be used as a dairy alternative if your child has an allergy -- just be sure to read labels to compare amounts of added sugars.

      To see how many calories your child should be consuming per day and find healthy recipes for creating a balanced meal, check out the resources available ChooseMyPlate

      Kids consume between 35 to 40 percent of their daily calories while at school, so it’s important for parents to make an effort to ensure the snacks and mea...

      Why having too much 'good cholesterol' may actually be a bad thing

      Researchers say extremely high levels of HDL cholesterol result in greater mortality rates

      For years, doctors have encouraged consumers to lower their levels of “bad” cholesterol -- low-density lipoprotein (LDL). But they have counseled them that high levels of “good” cholesterol – high-density lipoprotein (HDL). -- are OK.

      Now a new study shows that high levels of HDL can also be harmful.

      Researchers from the University of Copenhagen say that people with extremely high levels of good cholesterol are still at higher risk of mortality than those with normal levels. The finding challenges many preconceptions that the medical community has had about HDL up to this point.

      "These results radically change the way we understand 'good' cholesterol. Doctors like myself have been used to congratulating patients who had a very high level of HDL in their blood. But we should no longer do so, as this study shows a dramatically higher mortality rate," says study author Børge Nordestgaard.

      Greater mortality rates

      Nordestgaard and his colleagues analyzed health information on 116,000 patients who took part in two extensive medical studies, as well as mortality data from the Danish Civil Registration System. Their overall findings were based on six years of tracking on nearly 11,000 deaths.

      Results from the analysis indicated that men with extremely high HDL levels in their blood had a mortality rate that was 106% higher than men with normal HDL levels. For women with extremely high HDL levels, the mortality rate was 68% higher.

      However, the researchers say that having low levels of HDL was also found to be dangerous, while those with medium levels had the lowest mortality among all patients. Nordestgaard hopes that the findings will help change doctors’ perspective of HDL so that they can give patients more relevant information and improve health outcomes.

      "It appears that we need to remove the focus from HDL as an important health indicator in research, at hospitals and at the general practitioner. These are the smallest lipoproteins in the blood, and perhaps we ought to examine some of the larger ones instead. For example, looking at blood levels of triglyceride and LDL, the 'bad' cholesterol, are probably better health indicators," he said.

      The full study has been published in the European Heart Journal

      For years, doctors have encouraged consumers to lower their levels of “bad” cholesterol -- low-density lipoprotein (LDL). But they have counseled them that...