Latest news with #Princeton
The Hill
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Hill
On ultra-processed foods, let's move beyond talk
With Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly calling out Big Food, ultra-processed foods are finally entering the national spotlight. But the conversation risks becoming politicized, and that would be a mistake. The health harms of ultra-processed foods are becoming increasingly documented, yet public discourse too often gets bogged down in politics rather than advancing solutions. What we need now is action. For decades, ultra-processed foods — cheap, palatable, shelf-stable products engineered for maximum consumption — have dominated the American diet. Originally developed during World War II to provide affordable, long-lasting rations, these foods have since morphed into something far more extreme. What began as a wartime necessity evolved into a profit-driven industry built on super-sized portions, synthetic additives, and relentless marketing. Today, these hyper-engineered products comprise more than 73 percent of the U.S. food supply, according to Northeastern University's Network Science Institute. Conditions once rare in children, such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, are now rising, especially in low-income and minority communities where ultra-processed foods are often more accessible than nutritious alternatives. We are seeing mental health suffer too. Emerging research on the gut-brain connection suggests that additives and refined carbohydrates in ultra-processed foods may disrupt the gut microbiome, contributing to increased rates of anxiety, stress, and depression. The consequences go far beyond individual health. The U.S. obesity epidemic costs an estimated $173 billion annually, straining our healthcare system and undercutting national productivity. Our food system, reliant on ultra-processed foods, has created a vicious cycle. We produce foods that drive obesity, then market expensive GLP-1 drugs to treat it. Now we're even engineering new foods designed to be eaten alongside the drugs. Meanwhile, patients absorb the costs — physically, financially, and emotionally. But it doesn't have to be this way. Based on original research at Princeton including a nationally representative survey of over 2,300 Americans, expert interviews, participation at the World Food Forum in Rome, and international case studies, there are concrete, nonpartisan steps we can take to sidestep gridlock and break this cycle. First, the U.S. needs a clear federal definition of ultra-processed foods to guide policy and consumer understanding. Countries like Brazil have led the way by incorporating such definitions into their national dietary guidelines, explicitly warning against ultra-processed foods. In Italy, local governments have even stepped up with food policy councils to drive change. Without a consistent federal standard, consumer confusion persists and harmful products continue to slip through regulatory cracks. Next, implementing standardized front-of-package labeling that draws from Latin America's bold warning icons and Europe's color-coded Nutri-Score can help consumers quickly identify highly processed products. Evidence from places like Chile and France shows these systems not only influence consumer behavior but can also push manufacturers to reformulate their products. We must also formally recognize food addiction as a public health issue. This would open the door to expanded nutrition research, dedicated support services, and stronger marketing regulations, especially to protect children from predatory advertising. Countries like South Korea and the U.K. have led the way: South Korea restricts fast food near schools through 'Green Food Zones,' and the U.K. is banning junk food ads on television before 9 p.m. and across digital platforms. But in some parts of the U.S., there is already momentum underway at the state and local level. Initiatives in both red and blue states, like Texas's proposal to mandate warning labels for specific ingredients and California's push for additive bans, show that food policy reform can transcend partisan divides. California's actions have already prompted other states, including Illinois, Florida, Arizona, and Utah, to advance similar measures. This patchwork of state leadership is starting to drive industry reformulation and set the stage for broader national change. Improving food literacy and nutrition education is essential to building foundational understanding of health and food systems. Japan's Shokuiku policy and Finland's Tasty School program show how school meals can serve as nutrition education, fostering healthy habits early. Requiring U.S. schools, hospitals, and other public institutions to prioritize minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods would protect vulnerable communities and shift national demand toward real food. Perhaps the most innovative recommendation derived from my research is for the U.S. to adopt data-driven tools like GroceryDB and Food Compass 2.0 to improve food labeling. These AI-powered systems analyze products beyond traditional nutrient content, assessing the degree and type of processing to provide a clear, science-based score. Unlike existing labels, which often overlook the complexity of ultra-processing, these tools can help consumers easily identify truly unhealthy foods and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products. While still evolving, such technology holds promise to make food labels more transparent and accurate, offering a powerful complement to policy efforts. Still, tackling the ultra-processed food crisis will require more than isolated reforms. It demands a coordinated, cross-sector effort. The government must formally recognize UPFs, invest in stronger regulations and nutrition research, and empower localities to lead. Industry must shift its value proposition toward health, investing in tools like AI-powered nutrition scoring and product reformulation. And at the grassroots level, youth activism and community-based initiatives can drive the cultural change needed to make access to nutritious food the norm, rather than the exception. The evidence is clear, and the political moment is ripe. If enough people understand and care about the harms of ultra-processed foods, pressure from below can compel action from above. The question is no longer whether we can act, but whether we will. Lina Singh is a Fulbright Scholar and recent graduate of Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs. She is an incoming master's student at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy. Nicole Avena, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist specializing in nutrition, addiction, and eating behavior and an Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
SA rower Kerry Grundlingh killed in Johannesburg cycling accident
The South African and international sporting communities are mourning the tragic death of Kerry Grundlingh, a talented young rower and economics student at Princeton University, who died in a cycling accident while visiting Johannesburg during her summer break. Grundlingh, 21, was struck by a car while cycling in her hometown. The incident was confirmed by both Princeton Athletics and her alma mater, St Mary's School, Waverley, where she matriculated in 2022. 'Kerry lost her life in a cycling accident while visiting family and friends in Johannesburg during the American university summer holidays,' the school said in a statement. Grundlingh had distinguished herself both academically and athletically. As a member of Princeton's open water rowing team, she was a two-time Ivy League medallist and competed at the NCAA Championships in both her freshman and sophomore years. In 2024, she was part of the second varsity eight that took bronze at the Ivy League Championships and later finished sixth at the NCAAs. This year, she rowed in the first varsity eight, winning gold at Ivies and securing victory in the Petite Final at NCAAs. 'She leaves a legacy of her life lived as a tremendous daughter, sister, friend and teammate,' said Princeton head coach Lori Dauphiny. 'Kerry constantly gave the best of herself for the betterment of others in every daily interaction. All of us in the Princeton rowing community send our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to her parents, Debbie and Francois, her brother James, and all her family and friends around the globe.' Grundlingh also represented South Africa at the World Rowing Championships, earning widespread respect for her discipline, dedication, and quiet leadership. In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Rowing South Africa said she had left 'an unfillable space in those who had the honour of knowing her,' highlighting her dry sense of humour, infectious laugh, and deep commitment to high performance. Friends, coaches, and team-mates have remembered Grundlingh as a quiet force, a gifted athlete, and a warm, humble presence both on and off the water. 'The world has lost an amazing young woman,' Princeton's Dauphiny said. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lingraphica Unveils New Brand, Redesigned Website, and Previews Upcoming AAC Features in Celebration of 35 Years Supporting Adults with Aphasia
PRINCETON, N.J., July 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lingraphica, a leader in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for adults, has launched a refreshed brand and redesigned website as part of its 35th anniversary celebration. This milestone highlights the company's continued commitment to helping people with aphasia and other communication challenges reconnect with the world around them. Since 1990, Lingraphica has empowered thousands of individuals with speech challenges to make communication more accessible. The refreshed brand reflects a renewed focus on innovation, empathy, and user empowerment, while offering a look ahead at powerful new AAC features designed to make communication more personal and impactful. A Clearer, More Inviting BrandLingraphica's updated visual identity and messaging more clearly express its mission: to empower users through communication, strengthen human connections, and support more effective therapy. The refreshed look feels modern, approachable, and deeply aligned with the needs of those it serves. "This is more than a new look," said Kevin Self, CEO of Lingraphica. "It reflects the direction we're heading. We're continuing to invest in technology and the personal support that makes a real difference to our customers." New Features Released and Coming Soon to Lingraphica AAC DevicesAs part of its commitment to continuous innovation, Lingraphica has launched and is rolling out new AAC device features designed to improve real-world communication and therapy outcomes. Now Available: User-Created Visual ScenesUsers can now create personalized, photo-based scene displays, moving beyond static grids to reflect the real people, places, and routines that shape their lives. These customized scenes offer improved emotional relevance, context, and comprehension, supported by research showing real-life images are among the most easily recognized and meaningful to AAC users (Beukelman et al., 2015; Light, McNaughton, & Caron, 2019). "We've heard time and again how much users want to see their own lives reflected in the device," said Katie Driscoll, VP of Product at Lingraphica. "These personalized scenes make that possible by giving people a way to connect and communicate using what's most familiar and meaningful to them." Coming Soon: Advancing AAC Devices with Smarter, More Personalized Tools Message Window: A redesigned message window allows users to combine multiple cards to build phrases and full sentences with ease. Save a Phrase in Type: Users can now save typed messages for quick access and reuse, either in the Type app or as cards in Talk. Alternate Pronunciation: Users can personalize how cards and folders are pronounced, allowing for greater clarity, control, and natural expression. "These updates give users more flexibility and control over how they communicate," Driscoll added. "They're simple yet powerful tools that reflect the real-world needs of our community." A Website Built Around the UserThe redesigned Lingraphica website mirrors this user-first approach. It now offers: Streamlined navigation and cleaner content structure Personalized journeys for SLPs, caregivers, and AAC users Easier access to therapy tools, device support, and educational resources As Lingraphica steps into the future, it remains grounded in the same values that defined its first 35 years: clinical excellence, authentic empathy, and world-class customer support. "We're proud of how far we've come, and we're just getting started," said Self. "We'll keep listening to our users and delivering tools that help them connect and thrive." To explore the new brand and website visit About Lingraphica Lingraphica is a pioneer and leading innovator in augmentative and alternative communication technology. Empowering individuals with speech and language challenges, Lingraphica develops state-of-the-art devices, software, and tools to foster connection and improve quality of life. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Lingraphica serves users, caregivers, and speech-language professionals nationwide with compassionate support and evidence-based solutions. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Amanda Harrellmedia@ 609-275-1300
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
They Own Their Homes—So Why Are Mobile Park Residents Still Getting Evicted?
Mobile home parks have long been one of the last bastions of affordable housing in America. For millions of residents, they offer the dream of homeownership at a fraction of the cost of traditional housing. But that dream comes with a catch: Residents typically own the structure, but not the land beneath it. That legal distinction leaves them vulnerable. Despite being homeowners, they can still be evicted under landlord-tenant laws, sometimes for falling just a few hundred dollars behind on rent. This vulnerability hasn't gone unnoticed. As real estate investors increasingly buy up mobile home parks, evictions are rising. In Florida, eviction filings jump by 40% in the months after a park is sold, according to research from Princeton's Eviction Lab. Nearly 22 million Americans live in these communities. Some are retirees, others are working families, but all face a troubling question: How can you own your home and still be forced to leave it? Why homeownership can still mean eviction Unlike traditional homeowners, who generally can't be removed without a lengthy foreclosure process, mobile home owners can face eviction with fewer legal protections. 'Speed is really a critical element here,' says Jacob Haas, senior research specialist at the Eviction Lab and co-author of a report on mobile park evictions. Evictions typically begin with a notice after a missed lot rent payment—sometimes after just a month. If the issue isn't resolved, the landlord can file a court case in as little as five days in Florida, compared with the months it takes for a foreclosure proceeding. 'But past research has found that giving tenants more time in the eviction process reduces eviction activity dramatically in a given area,' Haas says. 'Doing something, for example, like increasing the eviction filing fee for a landlord or property manager—that also reduces eviction activity dramatically.' Without that friction, though, some mobile park owners have 'perverse incentive' to evict homeowners. 'Because if they can evict the current residents from a mobile home in their park, then they can rent it out and make more money,' Haas says, referencing legal aid work that's been done in Michigan. The result is a system that gives mobile home owners all the obligations of ownership with few of the protections, and the consequences are playing out in real time. In Florida alone, mobile home owners faced an eviction rate of 1.5% per year—triple the foreclosure rate for traditional homeowners, according to the Eviction Lab's analysis of more than 60,000 eviction filings in mobile home parks between 2012 and 2022. And yet, despite facing more risk, they're often granted fewer protections than homeowners in conventional housing. In some regions of the state, annual eviction rates in parks exceeded 6%. When the park gets sold, residents get displaced When a park is sold, mass evictions spike, putting even the longest-standing residents at risk. These parks are often targeted for redevelopment because the land underneath them is worth far more than the income generated from modest lot rents. In Florida, eviction filings jump by 40% in the months following a park's sale, according to the Eviction Lab's research. Even if their land is not targeted for redevelopment, residents are vulnerable to dramatic rent increases after sales. At Portside at the Beaches, a manufactured home community near Jacksonville Beach, residents were hit with a 30% rent increase just months after a sale to RHP Properties, the nation's largest owner of mobile home parks. One resident, Dylan Olson, told News4JAX that his lot rent jumped by $258 a month with no improvements to the park's infrastructure. 'It just seems like they're, you know, taking from people that can't afford it,' Olson said, noting the size of the corporation. He began organizing neighbors to legally petition the rent hike under Florida law, collecting signatures to trigger mediation with the new owner. While some new owners promise to keep parks affordable, stories like Olson's show how quickly that can change. For residents, it's a precarious reality: You might own your home, but you can still be priced out or evicted when the land changes hands. The financial and emotional toll of being forced out When facing eviction, mobile home owners are often left with three options: abandon their home, sell it for far below its value, or attempt relocation—which can be prohibitively expensive, costing up to $15,000 in some cases. Each option represents a blow that's not only financial but also deeply personal. Many residents have lived in their homes for decades, poured time and money into maintaining them, and built communities around them. It's important to note that while the examples in this article focus on Florida, this is happening across the country. We just have the best data in Florida, thanks to Eviction Lab's partnership with Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, which collected data on more than 60,000 eviction cases in the state. Ownership doesn't have to come with this much risk Florida's Mobile Home Act offers residents a few modest protections such as longer notice periods before eviction and limits on the reasons a landlord can force someone out. But these safeguards often fall short in practice, especially when residents face rising lot rents or park sales. The state also offers a relocation assistance program, but it can be difficult to access. Funding is limited, and the help rarely covers the full cost of moving a home. And in many parts of the country that are similary affected by this problem, those protections and resources are nonexistent. For millions of low- and fixed-income Americans, mobile homes offer one of the last affordable paths to homeownership. But the way most mobile home parks are structured today leaves residents vulnerable to the very instability they sought to escape. When you don't own the land beneath your home, your future is never fully secure. A missed rent payment, a change in ownership, or a decision not to renew your lease can all lead to eviction—even if your home is paid off. It's a contradiction at the heart of this housing model: You can 'own' your home—and still lose everything. 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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Boogie Fland recovering from surgery, expected to be back for Florida basketball fall camp
Florida basketball point guard Boogie Fland is on track to return at full strength by the start of fall camp after undergoing sports hernia surgery, head coach Todd Golden announced at a booster event Thursday evening. Fland, a transfer from Arkansas, had the procedure on July 3 and has been held out of summer workouts over the last three weeks. Golden expects him to be back on the court when the fall semester begins in early September. "He'll be back when school starts," Golden said. "He could have played through it, but it made more sense to get it taken care of so he didn't have to worry about it during the season." Fland arrives in Gainesville after averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals over 21 games last season with the Razorbacks. With Golden's reloaded backcourt, Fland joins Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee and Ohio transfer AJ Brown. The trio is expected to fill the void left by departing guards Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, Will Richard and Denzel Aberdeen, who transferred to Kentucky. With this new group, the Gators are aiming to replicate their 2024 magic, which included a 36-4 record, a 12-game win streak and a dramatic run through March Madness that ended with the program's third national championship. If Fland's recovery stays on track, Gator Nation should expect to see him at full speed by September, ready to be one of the backcourt leaders for the Gators next season. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
