The Daily Dish: This Toxic Insecticide Has Been Found In US Drinking Water For The First Time
This Toxic Insecticide Has Been Found in US Drinking Water for the First Time
The safety of our drinking water has become an issue of increasing alarm ever since the municipal water supply of Flint, Michigan, turned up dangerous levels of hazardous chemicals in 2014. But now we have to worry about another pollutant in our waters: toxic insecticides. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the University of Iowa have discovered trace amounts of neonicotinoids in Iowa tap water, even after treatment. Neonicotinoids are relatively new to the insecticide world, but they have already been accused of poisoning bee populations around the country. Although research is currently inconclusive regarding the exact effects of neonicotinoid consumption in humans, scientists are worried. Three out of four studies published by the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in a February report drew a connection between repeated exposure to neonicotinoid chemicals and accidental poisoning.
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Investor Warren Buffett Is the New Face of Cherry Coke in China
Coca-Cola is honoring renowned investor and Coke fan Warren Buffett by making him the face of its cherry flavor in China. The company introduced Cherry Coke throughout mainland China on March 10 in cans decorated with a grinning likeness of Buffett. According to Shelly Lin, marketing director for trademark for Coca-Cola China, the brand wanted to celebrate the launch with "its best-known fan." The limited edition product is currently only available in China, but will be available in America during Berkshire's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, in May.
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Can Eating Marmite Make You Smarter?
It may be unappealing to everyone but the Brits, but Marmite is some serious brain food, thanks to its high levels of vitamin B12. A recent study from psychologists at the University of York studied the effects on brain activity of eating the popular yeast spread. Vitamins like B12 can help reduce the "background noise" of stimuli to help maintain a healthy brain that can easily focus. Scientists say that the vitamin found in Marmite "regulates the delicate balance of activity needed to maintain a healthy brain." They also suggested regular consumption could help decrease epileptic seizures and reduce chances of dementia. "[Regulating brain activity] is important for preventing overactive neural responses, which might in extreme cases result in seizures," study author Dr. Daniel Baker said in a statement.
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These Edible Chopsticks Were Made to Save Agriculture, But Taste Like Traditional Japanese Mats
Although chopsticks are typically made from recycled material, it's not necessarily the most eco-friendly habit to toss utensils in the trash after a single use. One company, Marushige Confectioner, has found a way to counter the waste by creating edible chopsticks. According to RocketNews24, the chopsticks are made of igusa, a type of reed that's typically used to make Japanese tatami floor mats. While the chopsticks are technically edible, most people in Japan don't consider igusa a common ingredient; however, the company says it has found two Tokyo restaurants willing to provide the eating utensils to customers.
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Baileys' Newest Product Is Vegan and Gluten-Free
Baileys has expanded its offerings to those with gluten-free and vegan diets with its recently launched Almande Almondmilk Liqueur. According to the company, the vegan product is a "naturally light" spirit that has the same caloric content as a 5-ounce glass of wine. Almande Almondmilk Liqueur is available nationwide at spirits retailers for a suggested retail price of $21 for a 750 milliliter bottle.
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