Findings from a recent study show how dormant oral bacteria may provide a significant health risk

• Findings from a recent study found that bacteria from the mouth can hide inside artery plaque for years without causing problems.

• When these bacteria wake up, they can trigger swelling and weaken the plaque.

• This weakening can cause the plaque to burst, leading to a blood clot and possibly a heart attack.

Youve probably heard that high cholesterol is the main villain behind heart attacks.

New research, however, suggests an intriguing twist: some heart attacks may actually be set off by bacterial troublemakers hiding in your walls.

Scientists from Finland and the U.K. discovered that certain oral bacteria, nestled inside artery plaques, might stay silent for years only to awaken and launch an inflammatory attack when triggered.

Bacterial involvement in coronary artery disease has long been suspected, but direct and convincing evidence has been lacking. Our study demonstrated the presence of genetic material DNA from several oral bacteria inside atherosclerotic plaques, researcher Pekka Karhunen said in a news release.

The study

What did researchers do to uncover this surprising connection?

To figure this out, the scientists looked at plaque samples from people who had died suddenly from heart problems, as well as from patients having surgery to clear blocked arteries. They searched for traces of bacteria especially a common type found in the mouth called streptococci by testing the genetic material inside the plaque.

The findings

The researchers discovered that bacteria from the mouth were hiding in almost half of the artery plaque samples they tested.

These bacteria werent scattered randomly they were sitting in slimy clusters called biofilms. While the biofilms were intact, the bodys immune system mostly ignored them, so they didnt cause much trouble.

But in plaques that had ruptured the kind that can trigger a heart attack the story looked very different. Here, the bacteria had broken free from their hiding spots. Once released, they seemed to wake up the bodys defense system, setting off inflammation that made the plaque cap weaker.

A weak cap is more likely to tear, which can cause a clot to form and block blood flow to the heart.

For everyday people, the takeaway is that heart health may not only be about cholesterol and diet it might also have something to do with hidden bacteria. The research is still early, but it opens the door to new ideas for preventing heart attacks, such as ways to spot these bacteria in advance or treatments that stop them from causing damage.

Experts found that nutrient-rich grain foods whether whole or enriched can boost diet quality, metabolic health, and accessibility.

• A fresh analysis of over 14,000 Americans diets found that both whole and enriched/refined grain foods can offer excellent nutrition and affordability.

• Researchers used two scoring systems CFQS-3 and NRF9.3g to single out healthy grain foods based on nutrient density, then linked those choices to better overall diet quality and metabolic markers.

• Folks who ate more of these nutrient-packed grain foods tended to have healthier eating habits, lower obesity rates, and better insulin levels all without paying more.

Grains often get caught in a debate: are refined products like white bread or cereals bad, or are whole grains the clear winners?

A new study published in Nutrients challenges that oversimplified idea.

By analyzing diets of more than 14,000 Americans (20172023), researchers discovered that both whole and enriched/refined grain foods like certain breads, cereals, and tortillas can be healthy grain foods when you look beyond labels and focus on nutrient content and affordability.

Healthy grains are a critical component of healthy diets, Dr. Adam Drewnowski,Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington, said in a news release.

Our evaluation took whole grain content into account, along with fiber, vitamins and minerals. By delivering key nutrients such as fiber, iron, B vitamins and folate, grain foods can make a meaningful contribution to healthier eating patterns among all population groups.

How researchers defined and measured healthy grain foods

The researchers used two advanced scoring tools to evaluate grain foods:

• CFQS-3 (Carbohydrate Food Quality Score-3): This one gives points based on fiber level, whole-grain content, and added sugar. A grain gets up to three points if its fiber-rich, low in added sugar, and has plenty of whole grains.

• NRF9.3g (Nutrient Rich Food index for grains): This score balances nine nutrients (think protein, fiber, B-vitamins, iron, magnesium, vitamin E) to encourage against three to limit (added sugar, sodium, saturated fat). The highest-scoring third of foods were considered healthy.
  

Using those models, researchers sifted through 1,244 grain food items from USDA nutrient data and national surveys. They then looked at how peoples intake of these healthy grain foods connected to overall diet quality, nutrient intake, affordability, and metabolic health outcomes like obesity and insulin levels.

The results

• Better diet quality and nutrient intake: People eating more of these identified healthy grain foods scored higher on overall diet quality and consumed more fiber, protein, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

• Both whole and enriched grains count: Not just whole grains some refined or enriched items, like fortified cereals and certain breads, also scored highly and helped improve nutrient intake.

• Part of broader healthy habits: These consumers also tended to eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins suggesting healthy grain choices often go hand in hand with overall healthy diets.

• Links to better metabolic health: Adults who consumed more healthy grain foods had lower rates of obesity and lower fasting insulin levels two important metabolic indicators.

• Affordable options: Importantly, these healthier grain foods were no more expensive and in some cases even less costly than less healthy alternatives, based on national price data.

Advanced camera system offers the longest zoom ever on iPhone at 8x

• New A19 Pro chip and vapor chamber cooling deliver faster performance and longer battery life

• Advanced camera system offers the longest optical zoom ever on iPhone at 8x

• Ceramic Shield 2 now protects both front and back with improved scratch and crack resistance

Apple today introduced the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, its most powerful smartphones yet, featuring a redesigned aluminum unibody, cutting-edge thermal system, and professional-grade cameras. Pre-orders open Friday, Sept. 12, with availability beginning Friday, Sept. 19.

A new design built for performance

The iPhone 17 Pro lineup debuts a forged aluminum unibody crafted from aerospace-grade alloys, engineered to improve heat management and make room for a larger battery. At the heart of the design is an Apple-developed vapor chamber, sealed and laser-welded into the chassis to move heat away from the new A19 Pro processor.

This innovation delivers up to 40 percent better sustained performance than the previous generation, Apple says, while still keeping the devices comfortable to hold. Combined with iOS 26s advanced power management, the iPhone 17 Pro Max achieves the longest battery life ever on an iPhone. Both models can charge to 50 percent in just 20 minutes using Apples new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter.

Stronger, brighter displays

Available in 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch sizes, the Super Retina XDR display boasts Apples highest-ever peak brightness at 3,000 nits, along with ProMotion refresh rates up to 120Hz. A new anti-reflective coating improves outdoor visibility, while Ceramic Shield 2 provides three times better scratch resistance than before.

For the first time, Ceramic Shield also protects the back of the devices, improving durability and offering four times better resistance to cracks compared to previous glass backs.

A19 Pro: Apples most advanced chip

The new A19 Pro chip powers gaming, creative workflows, and Apples AI-driven Apple Intelligence features. The six-core CPU is the fastest in any smartphone, and the upgraded GPU supports ray tracing and console-level gaming performance. A 16-core Neural Engine enhances graphics and on-device AI models, while the new N1 wireless chip brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and improved AirDrop reliability.

Cameras with pro-level versatility

Apples camera upgrades position the iPhone 17 Pro as a true professional tool. The system includes three 48MP Fusion cameras: main, ultra-wide, and a new telephoto with a larger sensor and advanced tetraprism design. Together, they provide the equivalent of eight lenses, including a 200mm 8x optical-quality zoom the longest ever on iPhone.

The new Center Stage front camera introduces a square 18MP sensor, offering wider views and AI-assisted framing for group selfies and video calls. Users can also record with both front and back cameras simultaneously using Dual Capture.

Video tools for filmmakers

For video creators, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup is the first smartphone to support ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock a professional tool that synchronizes video across multiple cameras. These features integrate seamlessly with Final Cut Camera and Blackmagic Design hardware, cementing the iPhones role in professional productions.

iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 17 series ships with iOS 26, which introduces Apple Intelligence a suite of AI-powered features designed for privacy and on-device performance. Live Translation enables real-time language translation in calls and messages, while new call-screening tools help reduce distractions. The update also refreshes CarPlay, Apple Music, Wallet, and introduces Apple Games, a dedicated hub for mobile gaming.

Colors, accessories, and availability

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max arrive in three new finishes: deep blue, cosmic orange, and silver. Accessories include TechWoven and silicone MagSafe cases, a clear case, and a new crossbody strap available in multiple colors.

Pre-orders begin Friday, Sept. 12, and both models will hit stores Sept. 19.

Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary stay allowing President Trump to remove FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

• Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary stay allowing President Trump to remove FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter.

• Slaughter, the lone Democrat on the Commission, had recently been reinstated by a divided appeals court panel.

• The administration argued that her return undermined presidential authority, while her attorneys cited long-standing precedent.

High court action halts reinstatement

Chief Justice John Roberts on Monday issued a temporary stay permitting President Trump to again remove Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, who had been reinstated just days earlier by a divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Slaughter, the lone Democrat on the five-member commission, had been fired without cause earlier this year along with Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya. Both challenged their dismissals, arguing that the FTC is an independent agency whose members are protected from at-will removal.

Administration presses constitutional argument

In seeking the emergency order, Solicitor General D. John Sauer urged the Supreme Court to consider the case on the merits, saying the reinstatement harms the Executive Branch by permitting a removed officer to continue exercising executive power despite the Presidents objection.

He argued that Article II precludes a court from ordering the reinstatement of an executive officer removed by the President, and stressed that the modern FTC wields far greater executive power than in 1935, when the Supreme Court upheld for-cause protections in Humphreys Executor v. United States.

The administration emphasized that todays FTC can initiate lawsuits, issue rules, conduct investigations, and engage in foreign relationspowers not at issue in the 1935 case.

Slaughters attorneys cite precedent

Slaughters attorneys countered that the Humphreys Executor ruling directly governs the case, since it addressed the same statutory protections now at stake. They said the district court correctly found that the facts almost identically mirror those of the earlier precedent.

They also argued that no harm would come from Slaughter serving again on the commission. With a three-Republican majority, they said, there was no reasonable prospect that returning Ms. Slaughter to her position will result in any meaningful regulatory action opposed by the Commission majority.

Bedoyas challenge was dismissed as moot after his resignation earlier this year.

California, Colorado, Connecticut targetting businesses that don't honor opt-out requests

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

• California Attorney General Rob Bonta leads investigation with Colorado and Connecticut targeting businesses that fail to honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) opt-out requests
• The enforcement sweep follows California's $1.2 million settlement with Sephora and reinforces consumers' rights to stop companies from selling their personal data
• Coalition sends compliance letters to violating businesses as part of broader effort to protect privacy rights across state lines

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a coordinated investigative sweep targeting businesses that appear to be violating consumer privacy laws by failing to process opt-out requests submitted through Global Privacy Control technology.

The multi-state enforcement action, conducted alongside the California Privacy Protection Agency and attorneys general from Colorado and Connecticut, focuses on companies that do not appear to be honoring consumer requests to stop selling or sharing personal information to third parties through the GPC system.

What is Global Privacy Control?

Global Privacy Control is a browser setting or extension that automatically signals to websites a consumer's preference to opt out of having their personal information sold or shared with third parties. The technology eliminates the need for consumers to manually submit individual opt-out requests to each website they visit.

"Californians have the important right to opt-out and take back control of their personal data and businesses have an obligation to honor this request," Bonta said in a statement. "Today, along with our law enforcement partners throughout the country, we have identified businesses refusing to honor consumers' requests to stop selling their personal data and have asked them to immediately come into compliance with the law."

Growing data collection concerns

The enforcement action comes amid growing concerns about data collection practices online. According to estimates cited by the attorney general's office, the average person produces 1.7 megabytes of data per second, or 6,120 megabytes per hour, as websites track pages visited, time spent browsing, clicks, and purchase information to build detailed consumer profiles.

Apps and software can collect even more sensitive information, including precise geolocation data, creating comprehensive profiles that are often shared with third parties without explicit consumer consent.

Legal framework and consumer rights

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act, businesses cannot sell or share personal information after receiving an opt-out request, with some exceptions. Companies must wait at least 12 months before asking consumers to opt back into data sharing arrangements.

California consumers have two primary options for opting out of data sales:

Global Privacy Control: Users can enable GPC through browser extensions or built-in browser settings to automatically signal opt-out preferences to all websites they visit.

Individual Business Requests: Consumers can use "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" links that businesses are required to display prominently on their websites.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong emphasized the collaborative nature of the enforcement effort. "While many businesses have been diligent in understanding these new protections and complying with the law, we are putting violators on notice today that respecting consumer privacy is non-negotiable," Tong said.

Enforcement history

The current sweep builds on California's previous enforcement actions, including a $1.2 million settlement with cosmetics retailer Sephora for GPC compliance violations. The action also reinforces educational efforts launched on Data Privacy Day 2025 to inform consumers about their rights under privacy protection laws.

Tom Kemp, executive director of the California Privacy Protection Agency, highlighted the importance of interstate cooperation in privacy enforcement. "Collaboration with our partners in other states is essential to the CPPA's work. We are proud to join this effort to ensure that consumers' opt-out rights are honored, and we will continue working across jurisdictions to protect Californians' privacy."

The coalition has requested immediate compliance from businesses identified in the sweep and indicated that privacy rights enforcement will remain a priority across the participating states. Consumers who encounter businesses with non-functional or hard-to-find opt-out links can report violations to the California Attorney General's office through oag.ca.gov/report.