Education Startups Boost Online Learning

College education particularly in private universities is becoming more expensive these days. In the U.S., for instance, one needs tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to support his four-year tertiary education. But this scenario is changing as more affordable options are now available to people around the world.

Fortunately, there are now education startups that play a significant role in solving some problems associated with the traditional instructional methods. They are help make college education more affordable to people eager to obtain knowledge in their chosen fields of study but who lack the financial means. These companies offer various services to both students and institutions. Many of them provide digital learning tools such as study guides, class notes, flash cards as well as tutoring and coaching services. Some even offer free online courses from top universities. Read More

The Case of Sudden Unintended Acceleration Among SUVs

Nobody wants to get hurt while driving his or her vehicle much more get involved in a road accident. But accidents do happen the reason why drivers must be responsible enough to develop the right driving habits and observe traffic laws at all times.

While negligence is often the cause of road mishaps, the vehicle itself can cause problems. One of the most recent issues that plagued sports utility vehicles (SUVs), particularly in the Philippines, is the sudden unintended acceleration or SUA. Specifically, this problem pertains to the unexpected and uncontrolled acceleration of a vehicle with an apparent loss of braking effectiveness. Possibles causes include mechanical or electrical problems, driver error or a combination of these two. Read More

Court Orders Woman To Destroy Frozen Embryos After Divorce

A San Francisco court made a decision regarding the future of a divorcing couples‘s frozen embryos. Mimi Lee was told that the five frozen embryos that she created with her ex-husband, Stephen Findley must be destroyed. San Francisco Superior Judge Anne-Christine Massullo said that the couple must abide by an agreement they entered when they were married. Findley and his attorney claim that the couple had agreed to discard the embryos if they were to ever separate. Lee acknowledges the agreement, but argued that the embryos were her last chance to ever have children. She claims that her doctor has advised her that a pregnancy would be risky after enduring cancer. Despite the controversial nature of the case, Massullo explained that the decision had to be made. Read More

Undocumented Immigrants in California Now Eligible for Financial Assistance

California is home to millions of immigrants looking to find a better life in America. However, not all are legal residents as more than a million are considered undocumented or illegal aliens. Many have been overstaying in the country after their visas expired.

Data from Pew Research Center showed that as of 2014, there were 11.3 million unauthorized illegal immigrants in the U.S. comprising 3.5 percent of the entire U.S. population. Of this figure, Mexicans make up half of unauthorized immigrants at 5.6 million. Additionally, six states account for 60 percent of illegal aliens with California, Texas, Florida and New York in the lead. Read More

Britons Support Sugar Tax Despite Gov’t Suppression

Despite the rejection by British Prime Minister David Cameron, a national poll reveals that majority of Brits are in favour of a sugar tax on foods with high sugar content as a way to fight obesity.

A Comres poll ended in results showing 54% of British respondents supporting a levvy on sugary foods and drinks, while the remaining 43& would be opposed. A total of 85 per cent of people suggested compulsory warning labels on food and drinks which are high in sugar are sorely needed, while 72 per cent supported legal maximums on the amount of sugar allowed in food and drinks to curb sugar intake in youths.

David Cameron has indeed mentioned that he would never be in favour of and legislate a sugar tax, even when the said report commissioned by his own government showed that the tax would be an effective way to combat obesity in Britain.

In addition to the aforementioned results, Public Health England (PHE) says the NHS could save £15 billion as well as nearly 80,000 lives from diet-based disease such as Diabetes, renal failure, hypertension, and heart failure, by curbing the hankering for sweet foods in the following generations from a very early age. The dossier reveals that today’s children consume as much as three times the recommended amount of sugar on a daily basis – a piddling 5% –, with adults faring just as badly.

The dossier continues to expound that such a sugar tax has shown to be effective in other countries, resulting in positive outcomes such as reducing the amount of soda drinks consumed by up to 25%.

PHE also has called for a complete removal of sweets, chocolates, and other sugary foods from supermarkets and other point-of-sale locations, where placing said treats may encourage a habit for shoppers to add the sweets as a last-minute decision in the total purchase off groceries. This suggestion has proved unpopular, with 52% of British respondents in opposition, and 46% in favour.

Meanwhile, Cameron still has to read the report on British obesity and its links to sugar. However, he has shown interest in pushing forward other proposals with the same goal in mind, such as restricting advertising on sugar foods and beverages.

The report was suddenly published on Thursday afternoon, amid mounting criticism and questioning of the ministers’ refusal to allow its distribution into the public domain. Until now, the Health Secretary had refused to publish the findings, originally due for publication last July, with the promise that they would be released alongside a forthcoming childhood obesity strategy.

On the other hand, certain doctors have begun questioning the efficacy of such bans in the fight against obesity. Dr Alison Tedstone, PHE chief nutritionist, criticized a number of new rules set in place to dissuade children from eating sugary foods, from banning cartoon characters and mascots used on packaging, to using “advergames” , or advertisements couched as games on social media used to appeal to children.

Images courtesy of: Lauren Manning and Pink Sherbet Photography