Aman has announced new cultural and wellness experiences at Aman Tokyo, a multi-stop journey across its Japanese properties, a landmark summer exhibition at Amanzoe in Greece and the debut of Mavi, a fine fragrance inspired by Amanzoe. Aman Tokyo Presents Urban Sanctuary Experiences Elevated above the city yet closely connected to its cultural heart, Aman Tokyo is positioned as an urban sanctuary where contemporary design, craftsmanship and traditional ritual shape the guest experience. New signature offerings at Aman Tokyo include private Iaido swordsmanship sessions that introduce guests to the discipline and refinement of samurai traditions, alongside seasonal wellness and omakase dining led by Master Chef Musashi. Curated Journey Across Aman Japan Properties The Aman Japan Journey invites travellers to embark on a multi-destination itinerary that connects the city views of Aman Tokyo, the gardens of Aman Kyoto and the coastal setting of Amanemu. The programme offers a structured way to experience contrasting landscapes and cultural contexts across the country in a single trip. Amanzoe Hosts Life Cycles Exhibition in Greece In Greece, Amanzoe has partnered with Zoumboulakis Galleries to present Life Cycles, a summer exhibition that brings together works by leading Greek female artists. The show creates a multi-generational dialogue that explores themes of continuity and change within contemporary Greek art. Aman Essentials Unveils Mavi Fragrance Aman Essentials has introduced Mavi, a fine fragrance inspired by the elemental landscape and calm atmosphere of Amanzoe. The scent is available for pre-order ahead of its planned early summer release through the Aman Essentials collection. By ML. Photo(s)/Aman

Miami-Dade County will present an in-person cultural grants workshop to help arts groups, nonprofit organizations, and artists navigate available public funding for cultural projects. The workshop, part of the Introduction to Miami-Dade County Arts Grants Workshop Series, is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Arcola Lakes Library Branch, 8240 NW 7 Avenue, Miami, FL 33150. During the session, County cultural affairs staff will outline the arts grants portfolio and explain which programs may be appropriate for different types of cultural projects. The presentation will be followed by an interactive question and answer segment, with questions accepted in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. ADA accommodations are available for attendees who request them in advance. Eligible projects typically emphasize community involvement, outreach that promotes inclusion and equitable access to the arts, services for underserved populations or under-resourced neighborhoods, tourism-generating activities, preservation of heritage and culture, and collaborative arts projects developed with social service organizations and cultural groups. Arts groups, cultural organizations, community nonprofit organizations, individual artists, and artist collectives may attend the free workshop to learn how to apply for County arts funding and identify which grant programs best match their cultural work. Participants can register online to sign up for the in-person session. By ML. Photo(s)/Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

Florida Grand Opera will hold auditions on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm EDT in Miami for singers seeking Auxiliary Chorister positions in the Florida Grand Opera Chorus for its 2026–2027 season. Auditions will take place at FGO’s Omni Office, 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 210, Miami, FL 33132, and are open to singers who reside in South Florida during the production period. All voice types will be considered, with particular interest in altos and tenors. The season repertoire includes Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti, with music rehearsals tentatively scheduled for October 12 to October 22, 2026, staging and technical rehearsals from October 23 to November 12, 2026, and Miami performances on November 14, 15, and 17, 2026. Il barbiere di Siviglia by Gioachino Rossini will have music rehearsals from December 30, 2026 to January 3, 2027, staging and technical rehearsals from January 4 to 7, 2027, and a Miami performance on January 9, 2027. The season also features Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with music rehearsals from January 10 to 17, 2027, staging and technical rehearsals from January 18 to 28, 2027, Miami performances on January 30 and 31 and February 2, 2027, and additional performances in Fort Lauderdale on February 18 and 20, 2027. Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco (Nabucodonosor) will have music rehearsals from March 13 to 25, 2027, staging and technical rehearsals from March 29 to April 15, 2027, and Miami performances on April 17, 18, and 20, 2027. Applicants must prepare three memorized selections from opera, oratorio, and art song repertoire in three different languages, including at least one in Italian, with at least one opera aria. Selections may not be heard in full, and singers will undergo range assessment. A pianist will be provided, and candidates should bring legible sheet music. Auditions will be heard by Chorus Master Jared Peroune and Company Manager Jennifer Tipton, who will evaluate musicianship, vocal technique, diction, volume suitable for the theater, vocal blend, and stage presence. To schedule an audition, singers must email a performance résumé and their audition time availability to Dr. Jared Peroune at jperoune@fgo.org by Friday, May 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm EDT. Specific time requests will be considered based on availability, and applicants will receive confirmation of their audition time by the evening of Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Auditions must be scheduled in advance, and walk-in applicants will not be heard. The Florida Grand Opera Chorus is a part-time professional chorus. Rehearsals take place on weekday evenings and weekends, and choristers receive hourly fees for rehearsals and performance fees for performances in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, subject to the AGMA agreement with Florida Grand Opera. The company does not provide transportation expenses for rehearsals or performances and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By ML. Photo(s)/Florida Grand Opera

Consumption of ultra-processed foods – including soft drinks, snacks and ready meals – is growing worldwide, despite evidence they are unhealthy. Getty Images Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) make up about 70% of packaged food products on supermarket shelves, and even more in convenience stores. In our new research, we explore how companies that produce these foods play on human nature to make such products seem the easiest, most rewarding and compelling option. We show that UPFs are designed to make us crave them and eat more. They are marketed to all groups, particularly children, in a way that makes them seem the most delicious and convenient option, giving the best value-for-money, despite many health harms. Our attraction to UPFs is no coincidence. UPF companies combine a range of tactics to drive up consumption. Many of these tactics exploit the ways we think, feel and behave. Why we keep eating UPFs UPFs are the most processed foods on the market. According to medical journal The Lancet, they are commercial formulations made from cheap ingredients extracted or derived from whole foods, combined with additives, but mostly containing little to no whole food in the end product. Photo by Jacinto Diego, Unsplash UPFs are heavily branded and marketed, and most are produced by large international corporations. But diets high in UPFs carry a risk of developing a wide range of serious health conditions, including excess weight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease and depression, as well as premature death. Our research asked why we keep eating diets high in UPFs when we know how unhealthy they are. To answer this, we decided to zoom out and explore the system that develops, produces and markets UPFs, and investigate how human nature is caught up in it. We reviewed a decade of published research on the food science and marketing of UPFs, and then worked with experts in these fields to create and refine system diagrams to visualise how it works. These maps are called “causal loop diagrams”, and their power is in showing reinforcing (positive) feedback loops that drive the system towards its ultimate purpose: selling more UPFs. We found the system is made up of many interconnected loops that capture parts of human behaviour and biology as key elements. Products designed for maximum consumption One feedback loop includes the use of addictive combinations of ingredients, particularly refined carbohydrates and fats. Biologically, carbohydrates (including but not limited to sugars) and fats activate different reward pathways between the gut and brain. When they are consumed together, their effects become addictive. Photo resource Depositphotos. These ingredients can be combined in many different concentrations to hit sensory “sweet spots”. In other words, they maximise pleasure and craving responses while minimising negative responses. Further strategies include processing methods that suppress peoples’ natural sense of being full or speed up digestion in order to give an immediate but quickly fading sense of “reward”, making us want more, sooner. UPF marketing strategies In terms of marketing, products are formulated to be easy and convenient to store and eat, and to appeal to our sense of getting good value. Various promotional techniques aim to capture consumers’ attention and desire, as well as giving the illusion of healthiness. Strategies targeting children in particular employ popular culture associations with coolness or fun. Photo resource Depositphotos. Another example of a feedback loop is how corporations collect large and complex data on our purchasing habits and our online lives, informing targeted digital marketing on social media platforms. This tends to be effective at driving purchases, providing more data to further refine these promotion strategies. Overall we identified 11 different reinforcing feedback loops. Our research is the first study to show this web as part of the UPF system, designed to essentially trap people into buying and eating more and displacing healthier options in diets. This product-level system also connects with feedback loops further up the supply chain in economic and financial spheres of the global UPF production. This matters because unhealthy diets and excess body weight cause 18% of preventable premature death and disability in New Zealand. Both risk factors are linked to eating too much UPF. Unfortunately, New Zealand hasn’t undertaken national nutrition surveys since the 2000s and we have to rely on data from similar countries such as Australia to estimate that UPFs make up about half of our energy intake. What to do about it Diets high in UPFs are not the result of people’s free personal choice or weak willpower, but of an intentionally designed system. Our research shines light on how the UPF system is taking advantage, particularly of children. International experts have framed UPFs as a major global health issue, and advise strong government policy to regulate these products to counter some of these mechanisms. Policy leadership already exists in other parts of the world, particularly in Latin America. New Zealand could follow other countries that have implemented taxes on UPFs and sugary drinks, regulations restricting advertising to children, strong front-of-pack labelling and transparency policies such as public disclosure of lobbying in government. Complacency is not an option. The food system needs rebalancing so that it serves and nourishes people now and in the future. Story/image courtesy of The Conversation. Writers Kelly Garton and Boyd Swinburn.

Image by DepositPhotos If you live in Chicago, you already know there’s no shortage of dispensaries. What matters isn’t just finding a dispensary, it’s finding one you actually want to go back to. Selection matters. Pricing matters. Staff matters. And if we’re being honest, convenience matters more than anything. You want a place that’s easy, consistent, and worth the trip. Chicago’s cannabis scene has matured a lot over the last few years. What used to be long lines, limited menus, and confusing product options has turned into a much more competitive market. That’s good news for you as a customer, because dispensaries now have to compete on experience, product quality, and pricing instead of just location. As a result, customers have more choices and higher expectations, which has pushed dispensaries to improve how they operate. Another thing that’s changed is how people shop for cannabis. Most customers browse menus online now, compare prices, look for specific brands, and then place an order for pickup. The dispensaries that make this process easy are usually the ones people stick with long term. Here are some of the best dispensaries in Chicago right now and what makes each one worth visiting. 1. Karma Club Karma Club has built a reputation in Chicago for being one of the most reliable dispensaries when it comes to product selection and overall experience. Their menu is expansive, especially if you’re looking for flower, pre-rolls, edibles, or vapes, and they tend to carry products that people actually want rather than just whatever is available. One thing Karma Club stands out for is its easy ordering process. You can browse ahead of time, see what’s in stock, and place your order without any guesswork. When you show up, you’re not stuck waiting around trying to figure out what to buy. That alone makes a big difference if you have a busy schedule or just don’t want to spend a lot of time inside a dispensary. Pricing is competitive with other dispensaries in the city, and they run frequent deals, which makes a difference if you buy regularly. Over time, those savings add up, especially for customers who purchase flower, vapes, or edibles on a consistent basis. The staff is also known for being helpful without making the experience feel intimidating, which is important whether you’re new to cannabis or you already know exactly what you want. Some dispensaries can feel rushed or overly technical, but the experience here tends to be more relaxed and straightforward. If you’re trying to find a dispensary in Chicago that balances product selection, pricing, and convenience, Karma Club is one of the top options right now. 2. Sunnyside Sunnyside is one of the more well known dispensaries in Chicago, and part of that comes from consistency. They usually have a large menu with a wide range of products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and vapes. Their locations are modern and organized, and the online ordering system is straightforward. If you like to plan your order ahead of time and pick it up without spending too much time inside, Sunnyside is a solid option. The only downside some customers mention is pricing, which can sometimes be a bit higher than smaller dispensaries, but the selection and overall experience are usually reliable. 3. Greenhouse Cannabis Co. Greenhouse Cannabis Co. is another popular option in the Chicago area, especially for people who want a dispensary that feels a little more local and a little less corporate. They grow a lot of their own products, so you’ll often see strains and products that you might not find everywhere else. The staff tends to be knowledgeable, and they’re usually willing to help if you’re trying to figure out what to buy or if you’re looking for something specific like sleep edibles, high THC flower, or balanced products. For people who care about trying different strains and house products, Greenhouse is worth checking out. 4. Curaleaf Curaleaf has multiple locations in and around Chicago, and they’re one of the larger cannabis retailers in the country. Because of their size, they usually have a very wide selection of products and brands. The stores are clean, the process is organized, and it’s generally a predictable experience. You more or less know what you’re going to get when you walk in, which some customers really like. Like Sunnyside, pricing can sometimes be slightly higher depending on the product, but the selection and availability are usually strong. 5. Verilife Verilife is another dispensary that serves the Chicago area and is known for having a good selection of products across multiple categories. They carry flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates, and more, and they often run promotions that make certain products more affordable. Customers often mention that the staff is friendly and that the stores are easy to navigate, which makes the experience smoother, especially if you don’t want to spend a long time inside. If you’re comparing different dispensaries in Chicago, Verilife is definitely one of the names that comes up often. Image by DepositPhotos How to Choose the Best Dispensary in Chicago Choosing the right dispensary really comes down to a few simple factors. Location is important, but it’s not everything. A slightly longer drive can be worth it if the menu is better and the prices are lower. Another thing to consider is product availability. Some dispensaries rotate products frequently, which means something you like might be out of stock the next time you visit. Others are more consistent with their inventory, which makes it easier to keep buying the products you already know you like. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a dispensary: Product selection: You want a dispensary that consistently has the products you actually buy, not just a few random options. Pricing and deals: If you buy cannabis regularly, this adds up quickly, so it helps to find a dispensary that runs promotions or has competitive pricing. Online ordering: Being able to reserve your order ahead of time saves a lot of time. Customer experience: Friendly staff and an easy pickup process make a big difference. Once you find a dispensary that checks all of those boxes, you’ll probably stick with it. Final Thoughts Chicago has a lot of dispensaries, and more are opening as the market continues to grow. That competition is a good thing because it pushes dispensaries to improve their menus, pricing, and customer experience. It also means customers can be more selective and choose dispensaries that actually provide a better overall experience instead of just choosing the closest location. If you’re looking for the best dispensary in Chicago, the five above are all solid options depending on what you care about most. Some people prioritize location, some want the biggest menu, and some are looking for the best deals. But if you’re looking for a dispensary that does a good job across the board with selection, pricing, and overall experience, Karma Club is one of the top dispensaries in Chicago right now and is definitely worth checking out. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Digital gaming changes fast, yet some formats never lose their place. Solo card games continue to attract players because they feel simple, familiar, and mentally satisfying at the same time. Their appeal does not depend on flashy design or constant updates to stay relevant. That lasting value becomes easy to see in Solitaire, which still holds attention across different devices and age groups. The game gives players a clear objective, a calm pace, and a steady test of judgment in every round. This balance helps explain why solo card games continue to matter in modern digital play. Image by DepositPhotos Offer Simple Access and Instant Play A timeless game should feel easy to enter at any moment. Solo card games meet that standard because a player can start a round in seconds without a tutorial or complicated setup. This quick access makes the format useful during short breaks, quiet evenings, or spare minutes in the day. Besides, someone new to digital gaming can understand the format with little effort, while experienced players can still enjoy its familiar structure. A game that welcomes both groups has a strong reason to endure. Reward Skill Without Extra Pressure Many digital games rely on speed, noise, or social pressure to create excitement. Solo card games take a different path by giving the player a personal challenge that depends on patience and smart choices. This makes the experience feel more thoughtful and less exhausting. The lack of outside pressure also adds to the long-term appeal. A player can move at a comfortable pace and learn from mistakes without feeling rushed or judged. That quiet sense of control gives solo card games a lasting place in digital entertainment. Fit Modern Routines With Ease A game stays relevant when it works well within real life. Solo card games fit modern routines because they do not require a large block of time or a fixed schedule. A player can enjoy a full round without changing the shape of the day. This convenience matters in a world where attention feels pulled in many directions. A short game can offer a useful pause without turning into a major distraction. That practical value helps the format stay strong even as gaming habits evolve. Image by DepositPhotos Keep the Mind Active Through Classic Play Timeless games usually offer something deeper than surface-level entertainment. Solo card games keep the mind engaged through pattern recognition, planning, and careful decision-making. This gives the player a reason to return beyond simple habit. That is one reason Solitaire remains such a strong example of classic digital play. The player must study the layout, protect useful moves, and think ahead before every choice. This quiet mental challenge helps the game feel rewarding even after countless rounds. Adapt Well to New Platforms A game lasts when it can move from one platform to another without losing its core appeal. Solo card games have done this well through computers, tablets, and mobile devices because the format stays clear and effective in any version. The rules remain easy to follow even when the screen or interface changes. This flexibility keeps the experience fresh without changing what players value most. Solo card games remain timeless in digital gaming because they combine ease, challenge, and flexibility in a way that still feels relevant. They fit modern routines, reward patient skill, and stay accessible across changing platforms. For players who want a format that feels calm, reliable, and mentally engaging, these games continue to stand out. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Al Fakher, the world's No. 1 hookah brand, is officially bringing its iconic flavor heritage to adult nicotine users everywhere with the launch of Al Fakher Nicotine Pouches, now available to shop at Hookah.com. A modern, tobacco-free way to enjoy classic Al Fakher flavors, the pouches are the newest addition to the brand's portfolio. Al Fakher Nicotine Pouches mark the brand's entry into modern oral, a category that has grown at a rate of 30% CAGR globally over the past five years, with the U.S. market alone valued at $5.95 billion and projected to reach 10.4 million users by the end of 2026. Despite that scale, no existing pouch brand speaks directly to the Arab consumer base – a community already deeply engaged in hookah culture and the brands that define it. That gap is exactly where Al Fakher Nicotine Pouches step in. Al Fakher Nicotine Pouches launch with four flavors, each available in 4 mg and 8 mg nicotine strengths: Frosty Apple – A nod to Al Fakher's iconic Two Apples flavor, blending icy mint with sweet apples Spearmint – A refreshing, clean mint with a touch of sweetness Mango – A bright, tropical profile built around sweet, ripe mango Wintergreen – A classic cooling mint with herbal sweetness Al Fakher Nicotine Pouches are priced at $5.99 per can, making them a competitively positioned option for adult nicotine users looking for a premium, flavor-forward experience. Each can has 15 pouches. “Al Fakher has always been rooted in delivering unforgettable flavor experiences, and now we are proud to bring that same legacy directly to adult nicotine consumers in a modern format with the launch of Al Fakher Nicotine Pouches,” said Marketing Director Ashley Bock. “These tobacco-free pouches give adult users a new, convenient way to enjoy the iconic flavors Al Fakher is known for, anytime, anywhere.” Known for consistency and high-quality, Al Fakher’s products are enjoyed by hookah enthusiasts in hundreds of countries worldwide. As the #1 hookah brand globally, Al Fakher is synonymous with premium flavors and unforgettable experiences. Disclaimer: Warning: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. The complete Al Fakher range can be found on hookah.com. By ML Staff. Photos: Hookah

The Lymphoma Research Foundation invited the community to tee up for a better tomorrow at the Third Annual South Florida Golf Invitational on Monday, May 4, 2026. Supporters putted for a purpose at the iconic La Gorce Country Club, one of the most exclusive private golf clubs in the United States, designed by Jack Nicklaus, while being a catalyst in finding cures. The exclusive tournament highlighted the Foundation’s strong donor base with a unique, intimate experience for the 72 participants. The event raised $575,000 to support the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s mission to realize the promise of science to eradicate lymphoma and serve the community touched by this disease. Proceeds will power breakthroughs in research that cure blood cancers and directly support cancer patients in need. Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer in adults and the third most common cancer overall among children. The Lymphoma Research Foundation is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to funding lymphoma research and supporting the lymphoma community through evidence-based education, support services and resources. The annual event kicked off with breakfast, while players warmed up on the driving range. The shamble-style tournament commenced with a shotgun start. Golfers enjoyed lunch, an open bar, and two-hole-in-one challenges to win a Cadillac Escalade generously donated by Murgado Automotive Group and a prize of $50,000 generously donated by Outsmart Labs. After the final hole was played, players gathered in the La Gorce clubhouse for a networking cocktail reception and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and the event’s signature cocktail, “Drive to a Cure.” The evening continued with an awards ceremony and an impressive culinary spread, including fresh sushi, a carving station, assorted pastries and a build-your-own sundae station. Guests listened to guest speakers, including hosted by Co-Chair Leigh Olson and Robert McAuley, a member of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Board of Directors. Every five minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with lymphoma, and more than one million people in the country are living with, or in remission from, lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). “We are incredibly thankful to everyone who joined us at our Third Annual South Florida Golf Invitational at La Gorce Country Club,” said Meghan Gutierrez, CEO of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. “It was an inspiring day that brought our community together in support of a shared mission. We are especially grateful to our co-chairs, Leigh and Cory Olson, along with our dedicated committee, board members, sponsors, and donors whose passion and generosity continue to drive progress in lymphoma research and provide hope to those impacted. Together we can accelerate breakthroughs, bring us closer to a cure, and create a brighter future for all impacted by this disease.” The event was co-chaired by Leigh and Cory Olson. The 2026 Benefit Committee was Walter J. Andrews, Barbara Freundlich, and Patricia Kaine. The 2025 Scientific Committee was Jacqueline Barrientos, MD, MS of Mount Sinai Medical Center, Morton Coleman, M.D. of Weill Cornell Medicine, Andrew M. Evens, DO, MSc, MBA of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Leah and John Leonard, MD of NYU School of Medicine, and Eduardo M. Sotomayor, MD of Tampa General Hospital. The Third Annual South Florida Golf Invitational Presenting Sponsor was Leigh and Cory Olson. The Mission Champion Sponsor was Eli Lilly and Company. The Platinum Sponsors were Laura and Lloyd Blankfein, The Patricia Kaine Family, and Allison and Howard Lutnick. The Gold Sponsors were The Connors Family, The Neighbors Family, The Prince Family Foundation, and Bob McAuley and Friends (Harmony4Hope), and the Foursome Sponsors were Walter J. Andrews, Chike Springer Foundation, Outsmart Labs, Kenneth C. Griffin and Griffin Catalyst, Amy and Joseph Perella, Kimberly and Kevin Shea, John Ventura, and Laura and Michael Werner. The Hole Sponsors included Stone Point Capital, Jean and Steven Eichberg, Leslie and Greg Ferrero, The Freundlich Family, Ellen and Efraim Grinberg, Hendriks’ Heroes, Terri and Jeff Krasnoff, Selma and Jeffrey Newman, Miriam and David Phalen, Starwood Property Trust, and Madhvi and Ramesh Subrahmanian. The Hole-in-One Sponsors included Outsmart Labs and Murgado Automotive Group. The Cocktail reception was generously sponsored by Gail and Larry Dobosh, Linda and Rey Mayor, and The Paul Foundation. By ML Staff. Photos: The Lymphoma Research Foundation.

With 104 matches in 16 stadiums across Canada, the United States and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be soccer’s biggest event ever. World Cup pitches take a beating. AP Photo/Bernat Armangue It’s our job as turfgrass researchers hired by FIFA, the game’s governing body, to make sure those pitches feel the same for players and that the grass thrives. That’s not so simple. In fact, it seemed like an impossible challenge at first. Picking the right turf The scale of this job was unprecedented: three distinct climatic zones, over 3,100 miles between the farthest stadiums, and venues ranging from stadiums open to the heat of Mexico City and Miami to enclosed NFL stadiums in Dallas and Atlanta, to the cooler climates of Boston and Toronto. Despite the unique situations of each stadium, FIFA has a long list of rules for how the fields must be built. The grass has to be real but reinforced so it can handle a lot of games and ceremonies. Each field needs an automatic irrigation system, good drainage, built-in vacuum and vents to keep the grass and soil aerated, and artificial grow lights to keep the grass healthy. Each host city is responsible for figuring out how to meet these requirements. Right now, eight of the 2026 host stadiums normally use artificial turf – how will they temporarily switch to real grass for the World Cup? Even trickier, five of the stadiums have domes, which means the grass gets less sunlight. How can they keep the grass alive for eight weeks? How can we make sure that a player competing in Philadelphia has the same on‑field experience as a player competing in Guadalajara or Seattle? The new turfgrass goes down in New England’s Gillette Stadium near Boston. WCBV. Our team at the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University has spent the past five years researching these questions to provide guidance to the host cities. Here, we’ll explore some of the most important questions we faced: which grass to grow, how it’s grown, how we plan to make it even stronger, and how to move it safely to each stadium. Growing the grass Typically, sod is grown on native soil. When harvested, the roots are cut, which shocks the plant and can delay root reestablishment for several weeks. That wouldn’t work for the World Cup because games may take place within just 10 days of installation. If the roots can’t become established fast enough, the grass will be weaker and more prone to damage. To address this, we decided to use sod grown on plastic with sand as a base. Sod grown on plastic allows the roots to spread out and stay intact, so when the sod is moved, the grass reestablishes itself quickly to be ready for games. John N. Trey Rogers Think of it like growing grass in a plastic tray, but on a much larger scale. When the roots reach the plastic, they spread sideways and intertwine, forming a dense rooting system. Because the roots stay intact during harvest, the sod experiences minimal stress and can be ready to play almost immediately after installation. Sod for sports fields is typically grown in a base of sand to provide quick drainage and prevent the grass from getting compacted as the roots become established. The problem is that growing grass in 2 inches of sand on a plastic sheet comes with risks. Because of the plastic, a single heavy rainfall while the grass is becoming established can wash the exposed sand away. To harvest sod, growers have equipment that rolls it up like carpet. The plastic sheeting is evident below the sod harvested here. The photo was taken at Carolina Green Turf Farm in June 2025. John N. Trey Rogers For warm‑season sod farmers – those that grow grass that thrives in high temperatures – sand washing away is less of a concern because the Bermudagrass they grow establishes quickly. On the other hand, cool‑season sod farmers usually grow Kentucky bluegrass, which germinates slowly compared to other turfgrass species, increasing the risk of washouts. We decided to mix a faster‑germinating species – perennial ryegrass – with Kentucky bluegrass grown on plastic and then tested various seeding ratios. We found that an 84% Kentucky bluegrass and 16% perennial ryegrass mixture produced a stronger sod than pure Kentucky bluegrass alone four months after seeding. Since 2025, these findings have been used on sod farms across North America, beyond those growing grass for the World Cup. Stabilizing the surface “One World Cup game is equal to a Super Bowl,” FIFA officials like to remind us. Since each field will host a lot of games and ceremonies, including up to nine games over six weeks, the fields need to be extremely strong. To make them tougher, we mix plastic fibers into the natural grass, which creates a hybrid turfgrass system. As the grass grows, its roots wrap around these plastic fibers, which helps to keep the surface stable and firm. These fibers are also colored to match the natural grass, so even if the real grass wears down, they help the field stay green. Hybrid turfgrass systems can be created in two ways: by stitching plastic fibers into an existing grass field or by laying down a carpet of plastic fibers that is then filled with sand and seeded to grow new grass. One way to insert plastic fibers into sod is stitching them into existing sod. Ryan Bearss Stitched systems have been used in World Cup games for a long time, but carpet systems are still fairly new to the tournament – they have been used only in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We tested eight carpet systems to see how they performed and found that all could be successfully grown on plastic. All the surface performance tests – ball bounce, rotational resistance and surface hardness – on these eight carpets also met FIFA standards. A carpet system for stabilizing sod involves starting with plastic fibers, then filling plastic trays with sand and the seed to grow new grass. Jackie Lyn A. Guevara One type of carpet was chosen by three host cities for their stadiums: Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Getting the sod from farm to stadium Most of the stadiums – 14 of them – will have sod that is grown on plastic, then rolled up and shipped to the venue during spring 2026. Some of the grasses won’t have to travel far, but some will be shipped in refrigerated trucks across the country. Since the sod remains fully intact after harvest, it can withstand long travel times. Five of those stadiums don’t get enough sunlight, so they will use cool-season grasses that require less light than warm-season grasses. While the open-air stadium in Miami will use Bermudagrass, the domed stadium in Houston, despite being at a similar latitude, will use the Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass mix. That means cross-country trips from cool-season sod farms in Denver and Washington to domed stadiums in the southern regions is essential. Sod is typically moved in rolls. Shipping time is important when choosing the variety and location. Jackie Lyn A. Guevara It’s wild to think that this is all necessary, but the length of the tournament and unique stadium environments call for innovation. Words by John N. Trey Rogers, Professor of Turfgrass Research, Michigan State University, Jackie Lyn A. Guevara, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management, Michigan State University, John Sorochan, Professor of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee and Ryan Bearss, Research Assistant in Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University. Special thanks for The Conversation. Support and donate today.

Many grocery shoppers know the routine: bring fruit and vegetables home, rinse them, dry them and hope they stay fresh long enough to be eaten. But fresh produce is delicate. Grapes shrivel, apple slices brown and berries can spoil quickly. Such washes can help remove pesticides and keep produce fresh, appealing and more likely to be eaten. (Unsplash/Melissa Askew) At the same time, many people worry about what may remain on the surface of fruit they buy, including pesticide residues. Cleaning and freshness are usually treated as separate problems that require different treatments. Washing feels like a simple act of control. But it’s not quite that simple. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends rinsing produce under running water and says soap, detergent and commercial produce washes are not recommended. Water helps, but it does not solve every problem. Our new study suggests those goals may be combined. We developed a dual-function biodegradable wash that is able to remove surface pesticide residues and form a thin protective layer to help fruit stay fresh for longer. The timing matters. Around one quarter of fruits and vegetables are lost or wasted globally each year. For fresh produce, even small gains after harvest can matter because quality can change quickly during shipping, storage and daily use at home. What’s inside and how does it works? Food science professor Tianxi Yang explains how the biodegradabe wash works. (UBC) The wash developed in the study is made from starch nanoparticles, tannic acid and iron. Starch is a plant-based material often used in food science because it can form films. Tannic acid is a plant compound found in many foods and plants. Iron helps connect tannic acid into a fine network on the surface of the starch particles. In plain terms, starch provides the base, tannic acid adds useful plant chemistry and iron helps hold the structure together. During rinsing, this structure can interact with some pesticide molecules on the fruit’s surface and helps wash them away. When immersed, the same wash can form a very thin coating layer. This is not meant to be a heavy wax-like layer. It is closer to a light surface film that can slow water loss and help maintain appearance. That matters because people often decide whether to eat or throw away fruit based on how it looks and feels. Removing surface pesticide residues Food science professor Tianxi Yang with students Tzu-Cheng Chiu and Ling Guo working on the wash at the University of British Columbia. (Sachi Wickramasinghe) The cleaning results were strong. On apple surfaces, the wash removed more than 85 per cent of thiabendazole, compared with 48 per cent for tap water, 65 per cent for baking soda and 61 per cent for native starch. Thiabendazole is a fungicide used on some fresh produce post-harvest. We also tested two other pesticides. The wash removed 93 per cent of the acetamiprid residues and 89 per cent of imidacloprid from apple surfaces. These results suggest the wash can work across more than one type of pesticide residue, rather than only one special chosen compound. There is, however, an important limit. The study focused on residues on the fruit surface. Some pesticides can move into plant tissue while the fruit is growing, which makes them much harder to remove after harvest. A better wash should not be understood as a way to erase all pesticide exposure. It’s a tool for reducing what’s on the surface of a fruit or vegetable. Keeping produce fresh longer Grapes and apples dipped in the UBC wash lost less moisture and browned more slowly compared to samples not treated with the wash. (Tianxi Yang/UBC Media Relations) The second part of our study looked at freshness. Over 15 days, untreated grapes lost around 45 per cent of their weight, while grapes treated with our wash system lost only 21 per cent. Fresh-cut apples also lost less weight over 48 hours, dropping from 17 per cent in untreated samples to nine per cent. Those changes can impact what people buy. Treated grapes looked fresher after storage, and apple slices stayed lighter for longer. That kind of change matters outside the lab because produce that looks dried out or browned is less likely to be eaten. The coating also showed an ability to slow oxidation and inhibited a test bacterium in laboratory experiments. This doesn’t mean the wash has completed all the safety tests needed for consumer use. However, it does suggest the coating may do more than simply sit on the surface. What this could mean in practice For now, a realistic use for our wash would likely be in post-harvest processing plants, not kitchen sinks. Processing facilities can control washing time, concentration, water handling and disposal more carefully than households can. We estimated the raw-material cost is less than US$0.032 per apple. Meanwhile, we are actively working on developing a household spray formulation for consumer use. More work is needed. The wash should be tested on more fruits and vegetables, under commercial conditions and through the regulatory steps required before real-world use. Still, the idea is useful because it reframes the problem. A fruit wash doesn’t have to be only a rinse. It could clean more effectively and then keep working, helping produce stay fresh, appealing and more likely to be eaten. Words by Tianxi Yang, Assistant Professor, Food Science, University of British Columbia, Ling Guo, PhD Student, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia and Tzu-Cheng (Ivy) Chiu, Master's Student, Food Science, University of British Columbia. Special thanks for . Support and today.

Physical activity is one of the most powerful health tools people have to improve mood, energy and sleep, even after just a few sessions. Research shows that doing exercise around other people improves your chances of sticking with it. Jordi Salas/Moment via Getty Images But the real superpower of an active lifestyle is what it can do for health and quality of life over time. Scientific evidence repeatedly demonstrates that physical activity reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and even some cancers. Despite this, most Americans are not getting enough physical activity in their daily lives. So why are so few people physically active when the benefits are widely known? As a physical therapist and rehabilitation scientist who studies how to boost movement for people living with chronic conditions and physical disabilities, I spend a lot of time thinking about that question. The short answer is that understanding the importance of exercise usually doesn’t translate into exercising. Making it a part of your lifestyle requires believing you can do it and knowing you can do it. Exercise is a lifestyle choice that helps reduce the likelihood of developing a chronic illness. But the good news is that if you’re one of the 194 million Americans already living with one or more chronic illnesses, beginning or maintaining an exercise routine can slow the progression, reduce symptoms and improve health outcomes. An array of health benefits The list of benefits from movement is long. Here are just a few examples: Physical activity improves the heart’s efficiency to move blood to the lungs and circulate it throughout the entire body. Engaging in physical activity protects against cognitive decline over time. Becoming more active contributes to improved insulin resistance, which protects against diabetes risk and helps manage diabetes symptoms. An active lifestyle can reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. Guidelines for getting and staying active While some movement is better than none, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer research-based guidelines for the type and frequency of activities to engage in weekly for long-term health benefits. The CDC encourages all adults, including those with chronic health conditions or disabilities, to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity, such as walking, jogging or swimming. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days per week, which could include weightlifting and body weight exercises. Older adults should add balance activities, such as tai chi or yoga, to help prevent falls by challenging the body’s balance systems. If you’re not achieving these recommended weekly physical activity guidelines, you’re not alone. Only half of Americans hit the aerobic target, and just 1 in 4 meet the full CDC guidelines. This gap represents a health crisis that, if addressed, could save lives. A 2024 large-scale review showed that people who engage in regular physical activity in adulthood may reduce the risk of early death by 30% to 40% from all causes, most specifically from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study also showed that beginning exercise at any time in adulthood can improve survival benefits. It’s never too late to reap the benefits of being active. Maskot/DigitalVision via Getty Images The difference between knowing and doing People are perpetually being sold on the benefits of physical activity, whether it’s from national healthcare organizations, their medical teams or social media influencers. But research is clear that education alone does not predict changes in behavior. Instead, shifting your beliefs about the barriers preventing you from exercise might actually be the key to get you moving more. In 1977, a psychologist named Albert Bandura proposed that the ability to perform a task even when it’s difficult – a concept called self-efficacy – is the most important personal characteristic that drives healthy changes in behavior. Half a century later, self-efficacy is still considered one of the most crucial personal factors for behavioral change when it comes to long-term physical activity. Researchers who develop and test exercise interventions, including me, evaluate novel tools and programs that are built to boost self-efficacy. Someone with high self-efficacy might say that they can get back to their exercise routine even if they miss a day. Or they might find a way to still exercise when they’re busy or tired. Someone with lower self-efficacy might be thrown off their routine if presented with the same obstacles. But how do you build this crucial trait and get moving more? A meta-analysis found that despite its importance, there is not one magic way to boost self-efficacy. That’s because people’s behavior is more complicated than individual factors alone. People and groups have varying needs and contexts that require tailored approaches. Doing exercise you enjoy is one key to consistency. Luis Alvarez/DigitalVision via Getty Images Tips increase exercise self-efficacy Self-efficacy may be affected by multiple factors, but people can still apply techniques to boost their ability to start and stay with an exercise routine. Make it manageable. It may seem intuitive to set personal goals, but many of us aim too high and end up discouraged. Goals focused on weight loss, heart health or muscle strength are fine, but they can take a long time to achieve. Long-range goals don’t tend to be motivating in the difficult moments – like when you want to hit snooze but promised yourself that you were going to take a long walk before work. Instead, try short-term goal-setting – such as aiming to get a set number of lunchtime walks in during the workweek. This will move you toward your long-term goals, while making it easier to see and feel progress. In 2026, the American College of Sports Medicine refreshed its guidance on strength training, which represents synthesized findings from 137 systematic reviews and the first update since 2009. The biggest recommendation difference? Consistency matters more than specificity of strength programs. What that means is that doing any strength training has health benefits as long as it is the kind you will keep doing. Make it add up. The CDC’s recommended 150 minutes of aerobic activity is meant to be spread throughout the week – not done all at once. Research shows that small bursts of activity still have significant impacts on your overall health, and you’re much more likely to stick with them. Only have 15 minutes while your kid is asleep? Have a short exercise video or app cued up for nap time. Waiting for your next Zoom meeting to start? Climb your stairs once or twice. Microwaving your lunch? Hold on to the counter and lift and lower your heels until the timer goes off. Every little bit matters to your mind and body. Make it meaningful. Prioritize doing things you enjoy. The gym is not for everyone, and luckily this style of structured exercise is just one of many options for physical activity. Go bird-watching, join a gardening group, binge watch your favorite show on the treadmill. Any activity you do that uses energy is like dropping a coin into your weekly physical activity bank. Make it more fun. Choose to be around people who are already exercising – and who encourage you to do it, too. Research shows that people who are sedentary will increase their physical activity by socializing with someone who is active. Another study shows that older adults can tap into the energy of their peers during group exercise, helping to build self-efficacy. Exercising with others can even reduce social isolation and loneliness. As a bonus, choosing physical activities you enjoy can improve your mood and boost your confidence. Overcoming the hurdles These strategies come with a very important caveat: Increasing self-efficacy is empowering, but context also matters. Some structural barriers to physical activity are beyond the scope of our individual motivation. Researchers and health professionals know that lower socioeconomic status, decreased neighborhood safety and lack of access to exercise programs make being and staying active even more difficult. But the thing to remember is that even small improvements can have big impacts. It is consistent practice – not perfection – that is key to reaping all the benefits physical activity has to offer. Words by Laura Baehr, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University. Special thanks for The Conversation. Support and donate today.

Broward Children’s Center (BCC) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving infants, children and young adults who are developmentally disabled and medically fragile and their families – is proud to continue its commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to medically fragile children and has launched a new animal-assisted therapy program at its Children's Comprehensive Care Center (CompCare). The Animal-assisted Therapy program is anchored by Wrigley, a one-year-old Boston Terrier certified therapy dog and marks a new chapter in the facility's approach to whole-child care at the only freestanding sub-acute pediatric skilled nursing facility in the Southeast United States. CompCare, located in Pompano Beach, is a 36-bed, freestanding, pediatric skilled nursing facility that serves children and young adults from birth to 21 years old who have medically complex conditions and are medically stable. The newly renovated 15-bed nursery serves newborns to eight-year-olds. The Animal Assisted Therapy program grew from an idea by CEO Marjorie Evans and CompCare Director of Nursing Meghan Nesom, MS, BSN, RN, who recognized the profound impact Wrigley's informal visits had on residents, especially an eight-year-old boy named Sam. Wrigley is the pet of Nesom, who would frequently bring him to visit the children. Once she realized the human-animal bond helped improve the children’s wellbeing and quality of life, Evans encouraged Wrigley’s formal certification as a therapy dog. Sam arrived at BCC’s CompCare after a terrible car accident changed everything. Sam was left with a spinal cord injury that took away his ability to move his arms and legs and breathe on his own. What followed were months in a pediatric intensive care unit, where machines hummed constantly and days blurred together. When he was finally stable, he moved to rehab, only to return to the ICU again for complications. By the time he was cleared for long-term pediatric care, Sam had learned something no child should learn so young: how to protect himself by shutting the world out. In 2025, Sam was flown from Texas to BCC’s CompCare. He arrived with a small collection of belongings and a heart that had quietly decided not to hope too much. The BCC staff was ready to welcome him and help him heal and grow into this new version of life, but Sam was not ready. He was quiet, withdrawn, and his answer to almost everything was a simple, automatic “no.” That was until the day he met Wrigley. Now, Sam is not the quiet, guarded boy who arrived with “no” as his shield but a child full of humor, preference, curiosity, and joy. Nesom now manages BCC’s Animal-Assisted Therapy program and personally funded all of Wrigley's training. Wrigley officially joined the program in January 2026, after completing his training as an AKC Canine Good Citizen, having been trained and tested through a private dog therapy company. He visits the facility three to five days per week , and all visitations are supervised. Wrigley is current on all vaccinations and receives regular veterinary care. His parents were temperament tested prior to breeding. BCC’s mission centers on maximizing the potential of every child in its care, and the animal-assisted therapy program reflects that commitment in action. Animal-assisted therapy addresses emotional support, anxiety reduction and trauma recovery, needs that are especially acute among CompCare's medically complex population. Dogs offer something clinical interventions alone cannot: unconditional acceptance. Wrigley does not distinguish between a child in a wheelchair and one who is developmentally delayed. He simply offers love, and that nonjudgmental presence has proven transformative for residents. Animal-assisted therapy contributes to individuals’ well-being, supporting physical health and improving cognitive, emotional-affective, and social aspects, leading to enhanced emotional well-being, reduced anxiety, and decreased stress levels. “Sometimes healing doesn’t come from medicine or machines. Sometimes, it comes on four small paws, with bright eyes and a wagging tail and the simple, life-changing gift of being seen, exactly as you are,” said Nesom. “Wrigley has given our residents something that no clinical intervention can replicate: the feeling of being loved without condition. For children who have faced significant medical challenges, that unconditional acceptance from a therapy dog like Wrigley is profoundly healing. It builds their courage to try, to engage, and to want more out of each day.” CompCare offers long-term care to some of the most medically fragile and technologically dependent infants, children, and young adults in the nation. The highly qualified and experienced staff delivers state-of-the-art medical, educational, therapeutic and recreational care to residents based on individual needs. Each child’s needs are addressed through individual treatment plans, and care is provided until the child is medically stable and can be moved to a less restrictive environment. The goal upon discharge is to send the child home with a network of care and support services to help maintain the child’s health and happiness in their own home environment. By partnering with clients and their families, Broward Children’s Center’s CompCare has been able to pioneer the development of community-based medical, educational, social, psychological and recreational programs for those it serves. Its mission is to deliver field-leading programs that promote the greatest quality of life for infants, children and young adults with special healthcare needs. The facility features Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Intravenous Therapy, Ventilator Weaning Program, Assistive Technology, Diaphragmatic Pacing, Pediatrician, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Rehabilitative Services, Social Work, Recreational Activities, Educational Services, Certified Nursing Assistant, Case Management, Nutrition, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), Pharmaceutical, Transportation, Cultural Needs, Discharge Preparation, Transition Preparation, Behavioral Therapy, Family Strengthening and Advocacy. By ML Staff.