Anderson W. White, Author at IIB Network

FDA warns about unapproved thyroid pills — then says it'll 'ensure access' to them

11

Aug

Health

FDA sends warning about unapproved thyroid pills — then affirms ‘ensure access’ to them

The recent announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding unapproved thyroid medications has created a complex and, at times, contradictory situation for both patients and healthcare providers. On one hand, the agency has issued a strong warning about the safety risks associated with these drugs, primarily a category of "animal-derived thyroid" (ADT) products. On the other hand, the FDA has stated its intention to "ensure access" to these very same medications, at least for a transitional period. This dual message reflects the delicate balance the FDA must strike between its mandate to ensure public safety and its responsibility…

This New York skyscraper had a 1-in-16 chance of collapse. Only one man knew

11

Aug

By Anderson W. White

International

A New York skyscraper’s deadly 1-in-16 collapse odds—revealed by one man

The narrative about the Citicorp Center skyscraper in New York, an iconic structure with a concealed and almost disastrous design error, stands as a significant illustration of the essential importance of honesty and skill in the field of engineering. For years, the public remained unaware that one of the city's most recognizable towers was, in truth, a looming disaster awaiting the right storm to occur. This daunting secret was solely known by a single engineer, whose steadfast moral compass ultimately preserved countless lives. The account is a fascinating mix of design arrogance, mathematical accuracy, and the silent bravery of a…

Intel shares jump after report of possible US stake in chipmaker

11

Aug

By Anderson W. White

Economy

Intel stock jumps after speculation of US stake in chipmaker

News that the U.S. administration might contemplate acquiring an equity position in Intel has caused a notable increase in the company's stock worth. Should this proceed, it would mark a significant and unorthodox method of government involvement in the semiconductor sector. This anticipation arises from a recent, more straightforward strategy to back local tech champions, especially as the United States aims to enhance its supply chain durability and safeguard national security within a highly competitive international arena. This indicates a possible transition from basic grants and loans to a closer public-private collaboration, where the government takes on the role of…

Dow hovers near record territory as Wall Street gets rate-cut fever

11

Aug

By Anderson W. White

Investments and Business

Dow nears record peak with Wall Street focused on potential rate cuts

The stock market has been experiencing a notable surge, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearing all-time highs, propelled by a widespread belief among investors that a series of interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve is on the horizon. This sense of anticipation, often referred to as "rate-cut fever," has become a dominant force on Wall Street. It is driving investor behavior and reshaping expectations for the economic landscape in the coming year. The market's enthusiasm is a powerful signal of its confidence that the central bank will soon shift its monetary policy from a restrictive stance to a…

Man who asked ChatGPT about cutting out salt from his diet was hospitalized with hallucinations

11

Aug

By Anderson W. White

Health

Man develops hallucinations after seeking ChatGPT’s advice on salt-free diet and is hospitalized

The story of a man who was hospitalized with hallucinations after following dietary advice from an artificial intelligence chatbot has brought the risks of relying on unverified digital sources for medical guidance into sharp focus. The individual, who had asked ChatGPT for a low-sodium diet plan, experienced severe health complications that experts have linked to the bot's uncritical recommendations. Este evento actúa como un recordatorio contundente y aleccionador de que, aunque la IA puede ser muy útil, carece de los conocimientos fundamentales, el contexto y las medidas de seguridad ética necesarias para ofrecer información sobre salud y bienestar. Su resultado…

Will AI make language dubbing easy for film and TV?

11

Aug

By Anderson W. White

Culture and Entertainment

AI technology: Changing the landscape of film and TV dubbing

The advent of artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally alter the landscape of media localization, particularly in the realm of film and television dubbing. For decades, the process of translating and re-recording dialogue for a global audience has been a laborious and expensive undertaking, dependent on a network of human translators, voice actors, and sound engineers. AI technologies now promise a new paradigm, one where the barriers of time, cost, and access are significantly reduced. This shift could democratize content distribution, allowing creators of all sizes to reach audiences worldwide, but it also introduces complex questions about artistic integrity, employment,…

VW introduces monthly subscription to increase car power

11

Aug

By Anderson W. White

Economy

VW presents monthly subscription option to raise car power

Volkswagen has reportedly introduced a new monthly subscription service that allows owners to unlock additional horsepower for their vehicles. This move places the automaker at the forefront of a growing industry trend toward on-demand features and software-based upgrades. Rather than offering a one-time purchase for a permanent performance boost, Volkswagen is reportedly testing a model that provides flexibility but also creates a new, recurring revenue stream. The core of this strategy is to monetize features that are already physically present in the vehicle but are locked behind a software paywall.This approach is part of a broader shift in the automotive…

A New Zealand mother and her 6-year-old son made a brief trip to Canada. They have spent weeks detained by ICE

11

Aug

By Anderson W. White

International

Weeks in ICE custody: New Zealand mother and son detained after Canadian visit

The tale of a mother from New Zealand and her little son, who have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for several weeks after a brief visit to Canada, has highlighted the intricacies and frequently harsh conditions of today's immigration enforcement. What started as a short family holiday has, according to reports, turned into an extended and distressing detention, bringing up critical concerns regarding the procedures and humanitarian factors within the U.S. immigration framework. This situation has incited anger among immigration supporters and global onlookers, who are challenging the justification for such a drastic reaction to what…

An Irish town makes all the world’s Botox. Trump’s trade deal could leave a mark

10

Aug

By Anderson W. White

International

Irish town’s Botox monopoly faces challenge from Trump’s trade deal

The small Irish town of Westport, the global hub for the manufacturing of Botox, is facing an uncertain future as a new trade deal proposed by the Trump administration looms. The town's economy is heavily reliant on the Allergan plant, the sole facility responsible for producing the world's supply of the popular cosmetic and medical product. The potential changes brought about by this trade agreement could have far-reaching consequences for the town's workforce and its economic stability, highlighting the delicate balance of global supply chains and international relations.The Allergan facility is not just a major employer in Westport; it is…

UK economic growth slows but beats forecasts

10

Aug

By Anderson W. White

Economy

UK economic growth slows though beats market forecasts

The economy of the United Kingdom underwent a marked deceleration in the year's second quarter, even though the results surpassed the forecasts of numerous financial specialists. Based on official statistics, the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at a slower rate in contrast with the year's start. This slowdown had been predicted; however, the genuine numbers were sturdier than the broadly negative predictions, delivering an unexpected positive outcome for both the government and market evaluators.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) outlined that the UK economy expanded by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025, which is a notable decrease from…