A new Womens Leadership Center designed by Studio Gang is coming to Williams Bay, Wisconsin. The project is a collaboration between the Chicago office and Lincoln Road Enterprises, a philanthropic organization led by Ann Drake focused on elevating womens leadership. The 8.6-acre site Studio Gang was tasked with designing overlooks Geneva Lake, a popular tourist spot 90 miles from Chicago. The forthcoming Womens Leadership Center will be 24,000 square feet and provide retreat space.The Center, Studio Gang said in a statement will be comprised of three buildings of varying scales, stitched together by attractive landscape architecture.The design features ample exterior space for social gatherings. (Courtesy Studio Gang)The Lodge, the Womens Leadership Centers largest building, will have space for dining and socializing. The second largest building, the Council, will have meeting and conference rooms, and the third building, the Cabin, will have accommodation for visitors.The architecture itself takes cues from the surrounding wilderness. Renderings show gently curved spaces punctuated by large windows that offer stunning views of Geneva Lake, and a densely-canopied oak forest. There will also be skylights that wash the interiors with sunshine.The Center will have accommodations for visitors. (Courtesy Studio Gang)Natural light will pour into the interiors via skylights installed around the perimeter of a lounge space. (Courtesy Studio Gang)Materials and finishes included white oak harvested on-site, and also natural Wisconsin stone. To reduce operational and embodied carbon, the building is lifted up off the ground to promote passive cooling, and capture prevailing winds from the lake. The buildings will also have cross-ventilation, and be built with mass timber and low-carbon concrete. Our design for the Womens Leadership Center responds to the natural beauty and ecology around it, including views to the surrounding oak savanna and nearby Geneva Lake. The roof design delivers light deep into the interior spaces like the gaps in the tree canopy, Jeanne Gang shared. The different spaces create unique opportunities for gathering, reflection, and experiencing nature.Space will be set aside for conferences and meetings. (Courtesy Studio Gang)Elevated walkways will connect the three buildings which make up the Center. (Courtesy Studio Gang)I like to say, tomorrow starts here because we believe the Center can be the place where conversations happen that change the world, Dake added. Its where women leaders will come to generate new insights, new possibilities, new learnings, and new perspectives on complex issues. By supporting talented women leaders to do that, I believe we will make a better future for everyone.Construction on the Womens Leadership Center began in summer 2024, and is anticipated for completion in 2026.Studio Gang is targeting LEED Gold.

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Big Spring Sale runs from now through Monday, March 31.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?Deals on flagship Amazon products are typically the best during Amazon's own sales. These sales are also a great opportunity to scoop up decent savings across dozens of categories. Keep in mind that you'll be able to shop at plenty of other retailers during the same period as Amazon's sale as retailers look to compete.Will other retailers offer spring savings?Yes, other major retailers will likely offer their discounts via competing sales. Often, retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more directly match (or sometimes outdo) Amazon's pricing during sale events. It's not unusual to see the same products on sale for the same price across many retailers. I expect many competing sale events to precede, overlap, or follow Amazon's spring sale.How did we choose these anti-Amazon Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is on sale and how frequently it drops.We also reviewed customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we recommend. Our recommendations may also be based on our testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is finally here, and you can snag great discounts right now on everything from laptops and desktops to SSDs and headsets. Retailers like Best Buy and Walmart are running competing sale events, which means you can compare markdowns and prices to find the best deals and bundles.Also: The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals live nowNot only will you be able to find discounts on everything you need for PC gaming, but you can also find markdowns across Amazon for PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch games, console bundles, and accessories. I've created a list of the best deals for gaming PCs, consoles, and accessories to help you find the right fit for your budget.See at AmazonBest gaming deals for Amazon Spring Sale 2025Logitech G Pro wireless gaming mouse: $70 (save $60): An excellent wireless gaming mouse with an ergonomic design, 25,600 DPI sensor, and compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Chrome.Sony InZone H9: $200 (save $100): The official wireless headset for the PS5 with 360-degree spatial sound, noise-canceling tech, and support for PC use.HyperX Alloy Origins 60: $53 (save $47): A compact, ten-keyless gaming keyboard with HyperX linear red switches, RGB backlighting, and Ngenuity software support.Asus TUF A17 gaming laptop: $1,179 (save $321): An excellent mid-range gaming laptop with a 17.3-inch display, 144Hz refresh rate, RTX 4060 graphics card, and AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor.Samsung T7 Shield 2TB portable SSD: $150 (save $135): Expand your game storage with this rugged 2TB portable SSD, with IP65 moisture and dust resistance, and protection against shocks and drops.Gigabyte Aorus 16X: $1,500 (save $450): A high-end gaming laptop with a 165Hz refresh rate, RTX 4070 GPU, and Intel Core i7-14650HZ processor. Asus/ZDNET Current price: $1,180Original price: $1,500A mid-range gaming laptop with a 17-inch display that supports a 144Hz refresh rate, and is built with an RTX 4060 graphics card, AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, 1TB SSD, and 16GB of RAM. Show more View now at Amazon Samsung/ZDNET Current price: $150Original price: $285A rugged portable SSD with 2TB of storage and an IP65 rating for moisture and dust resistance to help protect your data from corruption and loss. Show more View now at Amazon Gigabyte/ZDNET Current price: $1,500Original price: $1,950A high-end gaming laptop with a 16-inch display that supports a 165Hz refresh rate and 2560 x 1600 resolution. The device is built with an Intel Core i7-14650HX CPU, RTX 4070 graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. Show more View now at Amazon Sony/PlayStation/ZDNET Current price: $200Original price: $300The official wireless headset for the PlayStation 5 features 360-degree spatial audio for better immersion and a noise-canceling microphone for clearer in-game chat. Show more View now at Amazon More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 gaming deals Gigabyte/ZDNETHyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless: $143 (save $57): The Cloud Alpha Wireless is one of my favorite gaming headsets with a 300-hour battery life, DTS Headphone:X spatial audio support, and a noise-canceling mic.Logitech G X52 Pro USB flight control system: $160 (save $70): A starter pair of joysticks for flight sim enthusiasts and beginners.Razer Viper V2 Pro HyperSpeed wireless: $85 (save $65): An excellent wireless gaming mouse with a 30K DPI sensor, 90-hour battery life, and 5 programmable buttons.Official Luna wireless controller: $45 (save $35): The official controller for use with Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service.SteelSeires Aerox 3 wireless: $60 (save $40): A great wireless gaming mouse with an 18K DPI sensor, ultra-lightweight design, and IP54 moisture and dust resistance.Netgear Nighthawk dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router: $113 (save $65): Get faster, more reliable wireless internet speeds and connectivity, and coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft.AMD Ryzen 9 9900X: $370 (save $130): While this is an older AMD CPU, it still offers great performance with a 4.4GHz base clock speed that can be boosted to 5.6GHz, 12 cores, and 24 threads.TP-Link tri-band BE19000 Wi-Fi 7 router: $350 (save $250): A cutting-edge router with Wi-Fi 7 support for faster and more reliable connections as well as VPN and mesh system integration.More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 gaming laptop deals HP/ZDNETAsus ROG Strix G16: $1,400 (save $300): A premium-grade gaming laptop with a 16-inch display that supports up to a 240Hz refresh rate, RTX 4060 GPU, 14th gen Intel Core i9 processor, and Wi-Fi 6E support.Alienware M18 R2 laptop: $4,080 (save $720): Dell's flagship Alienware gaming laptop has an 18-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate, 14th gen Intel Core i9 CPU, RTX 4090 GPU, and 8TB SSD.Acer Nitro 16: $720 (save $280): An entry-level gaming laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, RTX 4050 graphics card, and a 16-inch display that supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate.HP Victus 16 laptop: $700 (save $400): An entry-level gaming laptop built with an AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS processor, RTX 3050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD.Omen Transcend 14 laptop: $1,800 (save $450): A creator-grade gamign laptop built with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 32GB of RAM, 2TB SSD, and RTX 4070 graphics card, The 14-inch display gives you 3K resolution for better detailing and color accuracy.Alienware x16 R2: $2,200 (save $500): A high-end gaming laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, RTX 4070 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD.Lenovo Legion 5i: $1,400 (save $200): A mid-range gaming laptop with a 14th gen Intel Core i9 CPU, RTX 4070 graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD.More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 gaming desktop deals MSI/ZDNETIntel Core i7-14700KF: $295 (save $140): Upgrade your Intel-based gaming PC with this 14th gen Intel Core processor that sports 20 cores and is unlocked for overclocking up to 5.6GHz.Acer Predator Orion 5000: $2,100 (save $400): This high-end gaming desktop is built with an Intel Core i7-13700F processor, RTX 4070 Ti graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.HP Victus 15L desktop: $590 (save $440): A great entry-level gaming desktop built with a 12th gen Intel Core i5 CPU, Intel Arc A380 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.HP Omen 25L desktop: $720 (save $600): A mid-range rig built with an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU, RTX 3050 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD.Alienware Area-51: $4,650 (save $400): This high-end, creator-grade gaming desktop is built with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor, RTX 5080 graphics card, 65GB of RAM, 4TB of storage, and a 1500W platinum-rated power supply.More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 PlayStation 5 deals Sony/PlayStation/ZDNETMadden NFL 25: $30 (save $40): The latest entry in the long-running Madden NFL franchise with updated team rosters and streamlined controls.Star Wars Outlaws Amazon Exclusive Limited Edition: $50 (save $20): This Amazon-exclusive version of the game includes character cosmetics for Kay and Nix.Sony InZone H3 wired headset: $60 (save $40): Sony's officially licensed gaming headset for the PS5 with 360-degree spatial audio, Discord-certified microphone, and 3.5mm audio connection.Razer Kaira HyperSpeed wireless: $90 (save $40): A wireless gaming headset for use with the PS5 featuring a 30-hour batteyr life, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, and attached microphone.More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 Nintendo Switch deals Nintendo/ZDNETNintendo Switch OLED: $330 (save $20): The latest iteration of the Nintendo Switch console features an OLED screen for handheld mode and 64GB of internal storage.Power A Joy Con comfort grip: $10 (save $5): An ergonomic grip for the Joy Con controllers to make playing games like platformers and first-person shooters easier.Power A enhanced Nintendo Switch controller wireless: $35 (save $25): A pro-style gamepad for the Nintendo Switch with up to a 30-hour battery life and remappable inputs.Sonic X Shadow Generations: $35 (save $15): Modern and Classic Sonic team up with Shadow the Hedgehog to take on Dr. Eggman and the Time Eater.Star Wars Heritage Pack: $45 (save $15): This bundle includes seven classic Star Wars game titles, including Republic Commando and Knights of the Old Republic.The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: $53 (save $18): Link returns to Hyrule with new abilities and allies to take on Ganon.Epic Mickey Rebrushed: $36 (save $25): A remaster of the classic Epic Mickey game with new abilities and refreshed visuals.Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: $50 (save $10): The ever-popular kart racing game lets you take on friends in local or online matches or test your skill against several race modes.The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: $50 (save $10): Play as Princess Zelda as she embarks on a journey across Hyrule to save Link and the kingdom from the evil of Ganon.More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 Xbox Series X|S deals Microsoft/Xbox/ZDNETTurtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless controller: $165 (save $35): A pro-grade wireless gamepad for the Xbox Series X|S with a 30-hour battery and remappable inputs.Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma wired controller: $80 (save $70): A pro-grade wired controller with RGB lighting, remappable inputs, and an ergonomic design.Power A wireless controller: $80 (save $20): A Fortnite-themed wireless gamepad for the Xbox Series X|S with a 30-hour battery and 3-way trigger locks.Metaphor ReFantazio Launch Edition: $44 (save $26): A turn-based RPG from the developers behind the popular Persona series.More Amazon Spring Sale SSD and storage deals Samsung/ZDNETCrucial T500 1TB Gen 4 NVMe M.2 SSD: $80 (save $75): Instantly add 1TB of storage to your PS5 with this internal SSD. The drive also features an integrated heatsink to help keep your console running at optimal temperatures.WD_Black 8TB SN850P M.2 SSD: $665 (save $365): Instantly add 8TB of storage to your PS5 with this officially licensed SSD.Samsung 990 Pro 2TB with heatsink: $180 (save $90): This 2TB internal SSD features an integrated heatsink to help keep the drive running at optimal temperatures.Samsung 990 Evo Plus 4TB M.2 SSD: $250 (save $95): This internal SSD gives you read and write speeds up to 7250MB/s and is great for desktops, laptops, and consoles.Samsung Pro Plus microSD 512GB: $40 (save $35): This microSD card includes a full-sized adapter and is perfect for expanding storage on your gaming smartphone or Nintendo Switch.Kingston Fury Renegade 4TB M.2 SSD: $280 (save $104): An excellent choice for expanding your desktop, laptop, or PlayStation 5 storage with 4TB of space and read/write speeds up to 7300MB/s.Samsung 870 Evo SATA III 1TB SSD: $90 (save $55): A budget-friendly SATA SSD with 1TB of storage, making it perfect for smaller game libraries.SanDisk Extreme 4TB portable SSD: $250 (save $110): A ruggedized portable SSD with 4TB of storage and an IP65 rating for water, dust, and shock resistance.Lexar Play 1TB microSDXC: $64 (save $66): An officially licensed microSDXC card for the Nintendo Switch with 1TB of storage and read and write speeds up to 160 and 100 MB/s, respectively.SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB SSD flashdrive: $90 (save $55): Get the speed and reliability of an SSD with the portability of a flash drive with this 1TB option.Crucial X10 Pro 2TB portable SSD: $145 (save $65): This portable SSD is compatible with PC, PS5, and Xbox consoles to help you back up your entire game library.More Amazon Spring Sale gaming monitor deals Acer/ZDNETAlienware AW3423DW 34-inch curved monitor: $700 (save $400): This curved gaming monitor uses a QD-OLED panel for better color accuracy and contrast as well as 1440p resolution, a 175Hz refresh rate, and 0.1ms response time.Acer Predator X27U 27-inch: $500 (save $500): This high-end gaming monitor is built with an OLED panel for better color and contrast and up to a 240Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium VRR support, and a 0.01ms response time.Samsung Odyssey G6 curved 32-inch: $400 (save $400): A mid-range gaming monitor with a 32-inch display, 1440p resolution, and 240Hz refresh rate.Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd gen 55-inch: $1,800 (save $900): A truly impressive 55-inch Mini-LED gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, HDR10+, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support.LG UltraGear 34-inch curved gaming monitor: $260 (save $140): This widescreen gaming monitor gives you a 160Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.Samsung Odyssey G5 32-inch curved monitor: $200 (save $130): A great mid-range gaming monitor with a 1ms reponse time, HDR10 support, 165Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync VRR.LG UltraGear 27-inch: $180 (save $120): A budget-friendly gaming monitor with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync VRR support, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and a 1ms response time.LG UltraGear OLED 54-inch curved gaming monitor: $1,050 (save $650): A high-end OLED gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. 0.03ms response time, and support for both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync VRR.More Amazon Spring Sale deals on streaming gear Razer/ZDNETHyperX QuadCast S: $90 (save $70): A great USB microphone offering plug-and-play compatibility with PC and Mac for Discord, in-game chat, and content creation.Razer Seiren V3 Chroma: $90 (save $40): A USB-powered microphone with RGB lighting, built-in shock absorber, and compatibility with Discord, OBS, and XSplit.Logitech G Yeti Studio: $230 (save $120): A high-end XLR microphone with a built-in preamp, dual-diaphragm capsule, and internal shock mount.Razer Kiyo: $46 (save $54): This USB webcam features an integrated ring light as well as up to 60FPS output and 1080p resolution.Elgato Stream Deck Neo: $80 (save $20): A redesign of the Stream Deck featuring 8 customizable keys, 2 touch points, and compatibility with both Windows and Mac.Logitech Litra Glow: $50 (save $10): A budget-friendly lighting option for streamers and content creators with plug-and-play compatibility.Logitech StreamCam: $145 (save $35): A premium webcam with 1080p capture and 60FPS output as well as support for both Windows and Mac.Logitech Brio: $126 (save $74): A premium 4K webcam with HDR support and three field-of-view settings.Logitech Blue Yeti: $80 (save $50): One of the most popular choices for streamers of all varieties with USB power, 4 polar patterns, and plug-and-play compatibility with PC and Mac.More gaming deals at Best BuyMSI Stealth 18 AI: $2,500 (save $800): A creator-grade gaming laptop built with an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, RTX 4080 GPU, 1TB SSD, and 32GB of RAM.HP Victus 16: $900 (save $600): A mid-range gaming laptop built with an AMD Ryzen 7-8845HS processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and an RTX 4070 graphics card.Acer Nitro 27 gaming monitor: $170 (save $180): An entry-level gaming monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync VRR support, and HDR 10.LG UltraGear OLED 39-inch curved monitor: $1,000 (save $500): A high-end, ultrawide gaming monitor built with an OLED panel for exceptional picture quality, detailing, and color accuracy.Samsung Odyssey QD-OLED G9 49-inch monitor: $1,100 (save $700): Samsung's high-end OLED gaming monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time.Seagate Expansion 14TB external HDD: $200 (save $120): Back up your entire game library and have plenty of space left over for new titles with large download files.Life is Strange: Double Exposure for Nintendo Switch: $35 (save $15): Max Caulfield returns with new time-bending powers to help solve the mystery of her best friend's murder.Thrustmaster T248 racing wheel and pedals: $300 (save $100): Get enhanced control over your in-game vehicles with this realistic racing wheel and pedal controller.More gaming deals at WalmartLuigi's Mansion 3: $50 (save $12): The third entry in the Luigi's Mansion series has players join with Professor E. Gadd once again to explore and restore the Last Resort Hotel.Batman Arkham Trilogy for Nintendo Switch: $30 (save $30): This bundle includes all three Arkham Batman games plus all available DLC.Super Mario RPG: $37 (save $23): A remastered version of the SNES classic has players teaming up with Mario's allies and rivals to repair the Star Road.Nintendo Switch Pro controller: $55 (save $15) A pro-grade wireless gamepad for the Nintendo Switch that makes platforming and first-person shooter games easier to control.PlayStation 5 digital console slim + Astro Bot: $399 (save $110): This bundle includes the digital-only version of the PS5 console and a digital download code for Astro Bot.MSI Thin 15: $599 (save $240): An entry-level gaming laptop with a 144Hz refresh rate, RTX 3050 graphics card, and 512GB SSD.Acer Nitro 5: $749 (save $250): A budget-friendly gaming laptop with a 144Hz refresh rate, RTX 4050 GPU, and a 12th gen Intel Core i5 CPU.Nintendo eShop dealsResident Evil VIII Village: $16 (save $24): The latest entry in the Resident Evil/Biohazard franchise has Ethan Winters and his wife Mia living in a new location, but tragedy strikes again, forcing Ethan into a fight to save his family.Resident Evil 2 (2022): $10 (save $30): This remake of the classic Resident Evil 2 includes all new ways to experience the horrors of Raccoon City under siege by the undead.Resident Evil 3 (2022): $10 (save $30): A remake from the ground-up of the third entry in the Resident Evil/Biohazard franchise, revamping Jill Valentine's one-woman struggle to stop Umbrella.Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy: $10 (save $20): This digital bundle includes all three of the original Phoenix Wright games in one package.PlayStation Store dealsSilent Hill 2 (2024): $50 (save $20): A remake of the popular Silent Hill game featuring an updated camera system and combat as well as modern visuals and audio.Resident Evil 4 (2024) Gold Edition: $30 (save $20): A remake of the wildly popular RE4 with modern visuals and audio, updated controls, and support for PSVR2.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: $35 (save $35): A spin-off story set in the Yakuza universe that follows Ichiban Kasuga across Japan and Hawaii and offers a new RPG twist on the game format.Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 cross-gen deluxe bundle: $20 (save $30): A remake of the original THPS games that supports play on both PS4 and PS4 as well as exclusive in-game cosmetics.FAQs When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Spring Sale runs through March 31. This gives you almost an entire week to snag deep discounts on everything from SSDs and gaming laptops to digital game titles and headsets.Are games, consoles, and gaming accessories really cheaper during Amazon sales?They can be. While we usually see the best discounts on all things gaming during the winter holidays, Amazon's Spring Sale and competing events at retailers like Best Buy and Walmart mean you can compare prices and discounts to get the best deals.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?While plenty of gaming laptops and accessories are discounted for the Amazon Spring Sale, not all sales are created equal. I focused on reputable brands like PowerA, SteelSeries, HyperX, and more to find the best value in accessories and peripherals. I also focused on top brands like HP, MSI, and Asus for gaming laptops and desktops with higher-end builds to help you find the best configurations for the best prices.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals? ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends. Show more Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Woman pouring sugar in bowl near breakfastgettyIn today's fast-paced world, ultra-processed foods have become dietary staples, offering convenience, affordability and a tantalizing taste. But as scientists delve deeper into their effects, an unsettling reality is emerging: UPFs may not just be unhealthy they could be biologically addictive, contributing to a rise in obesity, metabolic disorders, and even cognitive decline.Recent research, including a New York Times report highlighting the addictive properties of processed foods, suggests that many of these products are engineered to hijack our brain's reward system, making them nearly impossible to resist.Here are the latest findings on how these foods affect our bodies and the changes we can make to protect our health.But First, What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?UPFs are industrially manufactured foods that undergo multiple levels of processing, stripping away natural nutrients while incorporating additives designed to enhance taste, texture and shelf life.While increasing evidence shows that foods are not the simple sum of their nutrients, it is also known that they often contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, emulsifiers and refined sugars absent in whole, minimally processed foods. Some of the most prominent culprits include:Sugary breakfast cerealsPackaged snacks and energy barsFrozen meals and fast foodCarbonated and artificially sweetened beveragesProcessed meats and instant noodlesThe problem? These products dominate grocery aisles and restaurant menus, often marketed as "healthy" or "natural" despite their significant health risks.The Hidden Dangers Of Ultra-Processed Foods 1. Engineered For OverconsumptionA key reason why UPFs are so challenging to resist is their hyper-palatability a term researchers use to describe foods formulated to maximize pleasure. By perfectly blending fat, sugar and salt, they create a feedback loop that triggers dopamine surges in the brain, much like addictive substances.Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and expert in nutritional psychiatry, explains: "Advanced technologies in food production allow our food supply to meet the demands of our growing population. But at what cost? Ultra-processed foods can be detrimental to our physical and mental health. Yet they now account for more than half of the calories in the standard American diet."A 2024 analysis by Drexler University and the University of Pennsylvania revealed that chronically high levels of UPF intake with UPF dependence have been "associated with disrupted dopaminergic signaling (increased hedonic drive for UPFs), dysregulated hunger/satiety hormones (increased hunger, reduced satiety), and alterations to the gut microbiome related to obesity risk."This explains why, beyond their overall impact on health, many people find themselves unable to stop eating chips, cookies or fast food, even when full.2. The Link To Metabolic DysfunctionUltra-processed foods don't just contribute to weight gain; they actively disrupt metabolic health. A 2022 study in The BMJ found that people who consume the highest amounts of UPFs have a 40% increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a condition that heightens the risk for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Why does this happen?Blood sugar spikes: Refined carbohydrates in UPFs cause rapid glucose surges, leading to insulin resistance over time.Inflammatory response: Many UPFs contain trans fats, emulsifiers and artificial additives that promote chronic inflammation, a key driver of heart disease and obesity.Disrupted hunger signals: Unlike whole foods, UPFs lack fiber and essential micronutrients, which can increase hunger and lead to overeating.3. Damage To Gut HealthOur gut microbiome the diverse community of bacteria in our digestive system plays a crucial role in immunity, digestion and mental health. Yet, UPFs can wreak havoc on this delicate balance.A 2024 study in Cell Metabolism found that emulsifiers, commonly used in processed foods, contribute to leaky gut syndrome. They allow harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation. Additionally, artificial sweeteners and preservatives alter the guts microbial composition, potentially increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases and mood disorders.4. Cognitive and Mental Health RisksEmerging research suggests a troubling connection between UPFs and cognitive decline. A recent investigation from Harvards T.H. Chan School of Public Health related high UPF consumption to a 25% increased risk of dementia. Scientists attribute this to chronic inflammation, blood sugar instability and a lack of brain-supporting nutrients in whole foods.Moreover, multiple studies have associated UPF-heavy diets with increased rates of depression and anxiety. Dr. Chris Palmer, a psychiatrist and author of Brain Energy, highlights the connection between diet and mental well-being. In short, Dr. Palmer's theory suggests that mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain.Breaking Free From The Ultra-Processed CycleGiven how ingrained UPFs are in modern diets, eliminating them may be unrealistic. However, shifting toward whole, nutrient-dense foods can help mitigate their harmful effects.Here's how to take control of your diet:Prioritize whole foods Opt for fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains.Cook more at home Home-cooked meals give you complete control over ingredients.Check food labels If a product contains more than five unrecognizable ingredients, it's likely ultra-processed.Swap out sugary drinks Hydrate with water, herbal teas or unsweetened alternatives.Choose protein- and fiber-rich snacks Nuts, seeds, yogurt and whole fruits keep you fuller longer.The Future of Processed Food and Public HealthAs research continues to uncover the profound impact of ultra-processed foods, the conversation around food regulation, marketing and consumer awareness is heating up. Some countries, like Brazil and France, have already implemented public health campaigns warning against UPFs while leading health organizations advocate for policy changes to limit their prevalence in schools and workplaces.Where knowledge and discipline drive success, naturally, the power lies with the individual. By understanding how UPFs affect our health and making conscious choices to reduce our reliance on them, we can reclaim control over our well-being.The same principles apply to your health. If you suspect ultra-processed foods are affecting your energy, focus, or mood, take these actions today:Track Your Intake Keep a food journal for one week and note how often UPFs sneak into your diet.Make One Swap at a Time Replace one processed food daily with a whole-food alternative.Plan for Success Meal prepping and mindful grocery shopping can prevent reliance on convenience foods.Listen to Your Body Notice how you feel after eating processed vs. whole foods. The differences in energy and mental clarity can be profound.The science is precise: ultra-processed foods arent just empty calories. They're engineered for addiction and long-term harm. You're investing in your longevity, mental clarity, and overall success by taking small, strategic steps to minimize them.

Automated Infrastructure-as-Code solutions are redefining cloud disaster recovery, dramatically ... More reducing downtime and enhancing business resilience.gettyOrganizations today rely heavily on complex, dynamic cloud environments. Yet, despite significant advancements, many enterprises continue to anchor their disaster recovery strategies primarily around data restoration. The critical question emerges: What if recovering data alone isn't sufficient to guarantee business continuity?The Limitations of Traditional Disaster RecoveryTraditional DR methods have primarily focused on data backups and restoration processes. However, studies indicate that approximately 40% of cloud recovery efforts fail due to overlooked infrastructure gaps.I spoke with Aharon Twizer, co-founder and CEO of ControlMonkey, and Ori Yemini, co-founder and CTO of ControlMonkey, about the challenges of cloud disaster recovery. Twizer identified this issue as an industry-wide blind spot, noting that many enterprises still follow outdated practices stemming from their legacy on-premise environments. According to Twizer, this oversight often forces DevOps teams into labor-intensive manual recovery efforts, significantly prolonging downtime and increasing business risk.Consider a healthcare provider facing a data outage: Restoring patient records is undeniably critical, but if network settings or security policies are misconfigured or incomplete, the consequences could escalate beyond mere data loss, potentially affecting compliance and patient safety.Infrastructure-as-Code: Filling the GapInfrastructure-as-Code allows organizations to manage and provision their cloud infrastructure through programmable code, significantly reducing manual processes and associated risks. Yemini pointed out that IaC's standardization across the industry simplifies recovery efforts because teams already possess the necessary expertise. With IaC, cloud infrastructure recovery becomes quicker, more reliable, and integrated directly into existing codebases, streamlining restoration and minimizing downtime.Yemini explained that by integrating infrastructure restoration into code-based frameworks, IaC ensures critical componentsincluding networking, security configurations, and compute resourcescan be accurately and rapidly restored.Automation: The Future of Disaster RecoveryThe shift toward automation in disaster recovery empowers organizations to move from reactive recovery to proactive resilience. ControlMonkey launched its Automated Disaster Recovery solution to restore the entire cloud infrastructure as opposed to just the data. Automation substantially reduces recovery timesby as much as 90% in some scenariosthereby minimizing business downtime and operational disruptions.Practically speaking, if significant portions of a cloud infrastructure are not captured within IaC, any deletion or loss of resources can result in extensive manual recovery efforts. Automation enables restoration in mere minutes instead of hours, significantly reducing downtime and alleviating the pressures associated with meeting service-level agreements.Real-World Impact and ScenariosImagine a financial services firm experiencing an unexpected outage during peak trading hours. Traditional recovery might take hours or even days, leading to substantial financial losses and reputational damage. In contrast, automated, IaC-driven recovery promises to rapidly restore critical services, maintain business continuity and preserve customer trust.Similarly, automated recovery can quickly provide a secure and verified environment after security incidents, facilitating rapid responses and reducing the complexity of restoration efforts.Redefining Resilience for the FutureShifting from data-focused recovery strategies to comprehensive infrastructure automation enhances overall cloud resilience. Twizer highlighted that adopting a holistic approach ensures the entire cloud environmentnetwork configurations, permissions, and compute resourcesis recoverable swiftly and accurately. Yet, Yemini identifies visibility and configuration drift as key challenges. Organizations must ensure they maintain comprehensive visibility into their infrastructure and proactively address deviations from the intended state to leverage automation effectively.The New Standard in Cloud ResilienceAs digital transformation accelerates, businesses must embrace infrastructure-wide automation to remain competitive and resilient. Twizer succinctly captures the significance: "Cloud infrastructure configurations change every day. When disaster strikes, automated DR solutions let enterprises turn back time on cloud failures, ensuring business continuity."By harnessing the power of IaC and automation, organizations can redefine resilience and ensure continuity in an increasingly dynamic digital world.

The genetic testing company 23andMe, which holds the genetic data of 15 million people, declared bankruptcy on Sunday night after years of financial struggles. This means that all of the extremely personal user data could be up for saleand that vast trove of genetic data could draw interest from AI companies looking to train their data sets, experts say. Data is the new oiland this is very high quality oil, says Subodha Kumar, a professor at the Fox School of Business at Temple University. With the development of more and more complicated and rigorous algorithms, this is a gold mine for many companies.But any AI-related company attempting to acquire 23andMe would run significant reputational risks. Many people are horrified by the thought that they surrendered their genetic data to trace their ancestry, only for it to now be potentially used in ways they never consented to.Anybody touching this data is running a risk, Kumar, who is the director of Foxs Center for Business Analytics and Disruptive Technologies, says. But at the same time, not touching it, they might be losing on something big as well.Training LLMsCompanies like OpenAI and Google have poured time and resources into making an impact on the medical field, and 23andMes data trove may attract interest from large AI firms with the financial means to acquire it. 23andMe was valued at around $48 million this week, down from a peak of $6 billion in 2021.These companies are striving to build the most powerful general purpose models possible, which are trained on vast amounts of granular data. But researchers have argued that high-quality data sources are drying up, which makes new and robust information sources all the more coveted. A TechCrunch survey of venture capitalists earlier this year found that more than half of respondents cited the quality or rarity of their proprietary data as the edge that AI startups have over their competition.I think it could be a really valuable data set for some of the big AI companies because it represents this ground truth data of actual genetic data, Kazlauskas says of 23andMe. Some of the human errors that might exist in bio publications, you could avoid.Kumar says that 23andMes data could be especially valuable to companies in their push for agentic AI, or AIs that can perform tasks without the involvement of humans, whether in medical research or company decisionmaking.The whole goal of agentic AI models has been a modular approach: you crack the smaller pieces of the problem and then you put them together, he says.Representatives for Google and OpenAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Industry-Based Value23andMes data could also be valuable across different industries using AI to sort through vast amounts of datafirst and foremost, medical research.23andMe already had agreements in place with pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, which tapped into the companys data sets in the hopes of developing new treatments for disease. Kumar says that at Temple, he and colleagues are working on a project to create personalized treatment for ovarian cancer patientsand have found that genetic data can be very, very powerful in understanding structures that we were not able to understand, he says.However, Alex Zhavoronkov, founder and CEO at Insilico Medicine, contends that 23andMes data may not be as valuable as some think, especially in relation to drug discovery. "Most low hanging fruits have already been picked up and there is significant data in the public domain published together with major academic papers, he wrote in an email to TIME.But companies in many other industries will likely be interested, too. This is an abnormally large and nuanced data set: This amount of genetic data, especially that which comes with personal health and medical records, is rarely publicly accessible, says Anna Kazlauskas, CEO of Open Data Labs and the creator of Vana, a network for user-owned data. All of that contextual data makes it really valuableand hard data to get, she says.Potentially interested industries include insurance companies, who could use the data to identify people with greater health risks, in order to up their premiums. Financial institutions could track the relationship between genetic markers and spending patterns in the process of assessing loans. And e-commerce companies could use the data to tailor ads to people with specific medical conditions.Ethical and Privacy ConcernsBut companies also face significant reputational risks in getting involved. 23andMe suffered a hack in 2023 which exposed the personal data of millions of users, severely hurting the companys reputation. Bidders who come from other industries may have even less data protection than 23andMe did, Kumar says. My worry is that some of the companies are not used to having this kind of data, and they may not have enough governance in place, he says.This is especially dangerous because genetic information is inherently sensitive and cannot be altered once compromised. The genetic information of family members of people who willingly gave their data to the company are also at risk. And given AIs well-known biases, the misuse of such data could lead to discrimination in areas like hiring, insurance and loans. On Friday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta released an urgent alert to 23andMe customers advising them to ask the company to delete their data and destroy their genetic samples under a California privacy law.Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, worries that 23andMes genetic data might exist in a state of permanent flux on the market. Once you have sold the data, there are no limits to how many times it may be resold, she says. This could result in genetic data falling into the hands of organizations that may not prioritize ethical considerations or have robust data protection measures in place.Insilico Medicines Zhavoronkov says all of these fears mean that potential AI-related bidders will be dissuaded from trying to purchase 23andMe and its data. Their dataset is actually toxic, he says. Whoever buys it and trains on it will get negative publicity, and the acquirer will be possibly investigated or sued."Regardless of what ultimately happens, Kazlauskas says she is at least thankful that this conundrum has opened up larger conversations about data sovereignty. We should probably, in the future, want to avoid this kind of situation where you decide you want to do a genetic test, and then five years later, this company is struggling financially, and that now puts your genetic data at risk of being sold to the highest bidder, she says. In this AI era, that data is super valuable.

Forward-looking: The now-deprecated Do Not Track browser non-standard was designed to provide a quick and easy way for netizens to opt out of ad tracking on the web. However, the feature had no chance of succeeding because compliance was entirely voluntary. Today, privacy advocates are proposing a new alternative based on a two-party, machine-readable "contract." The IEEE P7012 draft introduces a new standard for Machine Readable Personal Privacy Terms, offering a novel way for users to express their privacy preferences to third-party entities such as websites or mobile apps. Nicknamed MyTerms by Doc Searls who chairs the standard's working group this approach is founded on the idea that online services should agree to users' terms, not the other way around.The newly proposed approach is founded on the idea that online services should agree to users' terms, not the other way around...MyTerms addresses contractual interactions between individuals and service providers on a network, outlining how both parties can agree on a mutually accepted, privacy-respecting contract. The standard treats individuals as "first parties," while service providers are considered the second party.Users can declare their privacy requirements through a digital contract, selecting from a library of standard agreements maintained by an independent, non-commercial organization.Searls cites the NoStalking agreement from the Customer Commons platform as an example of a MyTerms contract. This agreement communicates to websites that the user does not wish to be tracked while being served ads. The agreement "is good for you, because you don't get tracked, and good for the site because it leaves open the advertising option," Searls explained.The MyTerms draft nicknamed similarly to how the IEEE 802.11 standard became known as "Wi-Fi" aims to give internet users true agency in their online interactions, Searls said.It focuses solely on the machine-readable layer of these interactions, allowing websites, browser developers, CMS makers, and other stakeholders the freedom to implement their own solutions in pursuit of the same goal. // Related StoriesAs clearly stated in the IEEE draft, the standard's purpose is to facilitate the negotiation of preferred contracts between users and internet companies. Direct negotiations over terms or the creation of additional agreements fall outside the scope of the technology. The draft does state, however, that when both parties agree to a specific contract, the agreement should be digitally signed by the parties or their authorized "agents."A coalition of consumer advocacy groups attempted something similar in 2007 with the proposal of a Do Not Track list for online advertising. However, the HTTP-based technology was eventually abandoned by all major browsers after it proved practically useless. Whether MyTerms will fare better remains to be seen in the years to come.

Its time for Matt Murdock to embrace his true self in the midseason trailer for Marvel Televisions Daredevil: Born Again.Disney+ has released new footage for the final five episodes of Daredevil: Born Againseason 1. At the beginning of the trailer, Matt (Charlie Cox) finds himself in the middle of a bank robbery with a gun pointed directly at his head. My mistake was thinking I was immune to darkness, Matt says before engaging in several violent confrontations. One of those fights will be with the masked serial killer Muse.After last weeks encounter with Daredevil, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) suits up as The Punisher. Additionally, Wilson Bethel returns as Benjamin Dex Poindexter, aka Bullseye, whose sights are set on Daredevil.Please enable Javascript to view this contentBorn Again also stars Vincent DOnofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, Margarita Levieva as Heather Glenn, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Zabryna Guevara as Sheila Rivera, Nikki M. James as Kirsten McDuffie, Genneya Walton as BB Urich, Arty Froushan as Buck Cashman, Clark Johnson as Cherry, Michael Gandolfini as Daniel Blake, Ayelet Zurer as Vanessa Fisk, and Kamar de los Reyes as Hector Ayala/White Tiger.Disney+Daredevil: Born Againreturns at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on March 25, with two new episodes. The series streams on Disney+. After March 25, the final three episodes will be released weekly, with the season 1 finale scheduled for April 15.Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is currently filming. Dario Scardapane returns as showrunner, with Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead returning as directors. Season 2 will consist of eight episodes and premiere in the first half of 2026.Editors Recommendations

Despite its freezing temperatures, thin atmosphere, and lack of surface water today, scientists believe that Mars could once have been capable of supporting life. No one knows whether life ever did develop there (though there is almost certainly nothing alive there now), but finding out if our neighboring planet ever did host microbial life is one of the great questions in astronomy today. Now, scientists are one step closer to answering that question.The NASA Curiosity rover has discovered the largest organic compounds ever found on Mars, suggesting that the conditions for life to develop could have been present on the planet billions of years ago. Organic compounds arent necessarily indicators of life, but they are its building blocks, so finding these compounds in such a large and well-developed state supports the idea that it may have been possible for life to develop there.Recommended VideosThe compounds identified are called decane, undecane, and dodecane, and are made up of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. They are thought to be fragments of fatty acids, which are a building block for life on Earth.Please enable Javascript to view this contentCuriosity has previously discovered small organic molecules on Mars, but these recently found compounds are larger and would have require chemistry to reach a more advanced state to be produced. The finding is also good news for potential life hunters, as it shows that the indicators of life could still be around even after billions of years.Our study proves that, even today, by analyzing Mars samples we could detect chemical signatures of past life, if it ever existed on Mars, explained lead researcher Caroline Freissinet of the French National Centre for Scientific Research.Curiosity has also found evidence that liquid water was once present in the same region where the compounds were found, called Yellowknife Bay. Samples taken from the area, which appeared to be an ancient lakebed, showed the presence of clay minerals which form in water, meaning that there likely was plentiful water there once. There are also signs of sulfur which helps to preserve organic molecules and nitrates and methane, which on Earth can be associated with living things (though which can come from other sources too).There is evidence that liquid water existed in Gale Crater for millions of years and probably much longer, which means there was enough time for life-forming chemistry to happen in these crater-lake environments on Mars, said fellow researcher Daniel Glavin of NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center.The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.Editors Recommendations

The U.S. hoped that if German POWs were treated humanely, Germany would reciprocate in its treatment of American prisoners.