(NewsUSA) - If you’re looking to freshen up your living space, it’s easy to get swept away in on-trend designs. But while trends come and go, savvy homebuilders and designers agree that there’s one thing that never goes out of style: natural wood details, such as those crafted from a versatile species like cypress. Here are a handful of helpful tips to flip your home from drab to fab.  

Accentuate Walls
For decades, accent walls have been a popular way to jazz up a room. But, today’s homeowners are ditching bold paints in favor of a wooden backdrop that can create a cozy setting in any room. “A shiplap wall can completely transform a mundane room,” says Stephen Ellis of MGB Fine Custom Homes in Sarasota, Florida. “I like working with shiplap cypress with a nickel gap. It’s available in multiple grades—offering the perfect combination of visual interest and texture without being overbearing—and it stands up to dings and dents better than drywall.”

Make a Statement with Ceilings
Accent walls are one thing, but have you heard of statement ceilings? Top designers are crafting elegant ceilings with wood. “Cypress is lightweight and easy to work with, making it ideal for ceiling treatments ranging from planks and beams to intricate coffers,” says Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer Vicki Payne. “I recently completed a chic dining room that features a tray ceiling enhanced with cypress. The wood—with its rich grain and natural color—is the showpiece of the space.”

Top Off the Kitchen
When it comes to designing the heart of your home, architect Michelle Bultman from Stuart, Florida, relies on a few principles. “Simple lines, uncluttered counters, and modern materials,” she says. “Overall, I believe simplicity is the ultimate form of elegance, but ceilings often offer untapped potential in kitchens. I prefer working with neutral tones—whites and grays—on most surfaces, but introducing a wood element, such as a tongue-and-groove cypress ceiling, can add complementary warmth and character to an otherwise cool, modern palette.”

Rethink Doors
If simple swinging doors are too basic, consider installing an eye-catching barn door instead. “I’ve been including sliding barn doors in many projects,” says architect Geoff Chick from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. “They work great for closets, laundry rooms, wet bars, room partitions, and other semi-private spaces. Most often, I custom fabricate barn doors out of cypress because of the wood’s natural beauty and ability to accept a variety of finishes.” 

Enjoy the Outdoors
Outdoor living space is one of the most sought after features in a new or renovated home. And when it comes to specifying materials to create stunning spaces, Stephen Ellis chooses cypress. “With porches and patios, ceilings are often an afterthought,” he says. “I like to add a finished look with cypress for multiple reasons. First, not only is cypress naturally resistant to insect infestation, but it’s also an incredibly stable wood that performs well in areas with constantly changing humidity levels. One of my recent projects is all cypress—porch ceilings, beams, and board-and-batten siding. Cypress’ natural characteristics and good looks enhance the relaxing vibe almost as much as the ocean views.”

“Wood is a timeless building material,” says Mark Tuck of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association, “and when you’re talking about a versatile species like cypress, it provides aesthetic warmth, lasting value, and dependable performance in—or out of—the house. Small upgrades can make a big impact—and they’re more affordable than a full-on remodel.” 

Is it time to upgrade your living space? Think cypress! Visit www.CypressInfo.org to get inspired.

(NewsUSA) - As America’s need for electricity grows, solar energy is stepping up to meet the moment. Today, utility-scale solar power now generates enough electricity to power 22 million homes. In 2024 alone, a record 33 GW+ of new solar capacity was added to our power grid.
Solar energy is more than just clean energy— it is an economic powerhouse. The solar sector employs nearly 261,000 Americans across all 50 states, more than any other clean energy sector. Since 2020, more than 20,000 new solar jobs have been added, many of them filled by U.S. veterans.

These projects also deliver major benefits to local communities. Utility-scale solar contributes over $550 million annually in land lease payments to American landowners, and $375 million in tax revenues to state and local governments. That means more money for schools, infrastructure, and services—and more economic opportunities in rural areas.

Solar panels are safe, effective, and sustainable. They are built to last for decades, even in extreme conditions. Many panels continue to operate well beyond their warranty period and can often be reused or refurbished. In fact, thanks to new recycling technology, over 90% of a panel’s materials can be reused.

America is also ramping up solar manufacturing. In 2024, more than 20 U.S. solar component manufacturing facilities were commissioned, including the largest expansion of U.S. solar module manufacturing production ever. In fact, U.S. solar module manufacturing is now on pace to match domestic demand by next year. But these facilities still rely on an international supply chain of specialty inputs.

However, demand is outpacing supply. U.S. made panels are already sold-out years in advance, creating the need for imports to fill the gap. Bridging this gap will require continued investment and faster policy action to scale production at the pace needed to meet surging demand.

To keep the momentum going, maintaining consistent, long-term policies is essential. Sudden changes in trade or tax rules can disrupt progress and delay the clean energy projects that Americans and businesses are counting on for reliability and energy security. The path forward requires clear, reliable guidelines to support the investment needed to strengthen American manufacturing and power the energy transition.

(NewsUSA) - “Voices of the Civil War” by Barry Robbins

Step into the hearts and minds of those who lived through America's darkest chapter with "Voices of the Civil War", a groundbreaking work that brings history to vivid life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives.

More than just a retelling of battles and dates, "Voices of the Civil War" plunges you into the human experiences and wrenching emotions of a nation at war with itself. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the adrenaline-pumping terror of combat, the soaring hope of emancipation and the heart-rending anguish of a country torn asunder.

Prepare to be transported back in time and forever changed by the poignant, personal voices within these pages. You'll walk away with a profound new appreciation for the impossible choices, the inspiring resilience and the staggering human toll of the war that forged modern America. Purchase at https://2ly.link/26Qn3.

“Thunderbird Rising” by John H. Thomas

An action-packed alternate-history thriller full of uncertain loyalties, deceit, and international espionage set in Seattle and New York City.

Maxx King is a former Army Ranger turned cybercrime investigator trying to get his life back on track when he has an unexpected confrontation with a ruthless Chinese spy. Struggling to understand the escalating violence, he discovers a clandestine US-China conflict centered around a device of unknown origins with the power to trigger massive natural disasters.

Caught between competing US government agencies, Chinese assassins, secret informants, and a rising number of deaths, Maxx must get to the truth before the next catastrophe strikes. Things get personal when it turns out his girlfriend has been working on the covert project and may be the source of damaging leaks that threaten national security.

A great fit for fans of Jack Slater, Matthew Reilly and Steve Berry. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Q0HWVO.

“Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen” by Heather Hester

Your kid just came out to you, and amid the flurry of emotion, you know you would do anything to protect their health and happiness. And you are not alone! Heather Hester, coach, advocate, and host of the #1 rated podcast, “Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen,” combines an honest retelling of her own son’s coming-out experience with wide-ranging research, conversations with dozens of professionals, and the unique experiences of other families to provide the ultimate guidebook for parents embarking on this journey.

Hester gently guides parents and caregivers through the four pillars (Embrace, Educate, Empower and Love) toward fully supporting and loving their LGBTQ+ child. With trustworthy information and an accessible, straightforward plan, “Parenting with Pride” provides actionable yet profound tools and mental shifts to help parents support their teens and themselves and be a catalyst for change in their communities. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3RieZpi.

“Return to Hawaii (A Donovan Cross Novel)” by Daniel Voelker

Originally from Hawaii, NIA agent Donovan Cross has not returned home in nearly 30 years. The unexpected death of his parents altered the course of his life. Instead of attending a prestigious college on a scholarship, he chose a path of spying and espionage.

When the Agency ordered him to return to his birthplace, he anticipated confronting painful memories of his parents' passing. However, those feelings were replaced by a sense of excitement and rejuvenation.

Unbeknownst to him, his presence on the island is crucial to addressing a sensitive global crisis: China's imminent invasion of Taiwan. Hawaii is being used, shrouded in secrecy, to facilitate this invasion. The skills Cross has honed over the years and his knowledge of the island's secrets will lead him and his newfound ally, the beautiful Jade Viper, on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3GPwyee.

(NewsUSA) - America’s electricity demand is on the verge of a generational shift. A recent S&P study projects a 35-50% surge in demand by 2040, driven by growing electricity needs to power new major industry investments, including data centers. As our country’s economy grows, we must focus on solutions, like battery storage, to ensure our power is reliable, affordable, and secure.

Since 2018, energy storage deployment has grown 25-fold, driving a manufacturing boom and reinforcing grid resilience. In 2024 alone, the U.S. added a record-breaking 11 gigawatts of new battery storage capacity, a testament to its benefits. Battery storage has become the go-to solution for grid operators and markets grappling with rising demand, fluctuating generation, and the need for affordable, reliable power. Today, 31 states have energy storage projects under construction as it quickly becomes an integral part of our energy system.

Batteries are now a critical part of grid stability and reliability. They provide immediate backup when the grid is stressed, keep costs down during peak demand, and enable power plants to operate at their best. As our communities face aging infrastructure and the unpredictable impacts of extreme weather, battery storage provides a ready-to-deploy solution that keeps our homes, businesses, and essential services running smoothly.

But battery storage isn’t just about reliability; it’s also a catalyst for economic growth. More than 25 factories supporting battery energy storage have come online or are under construction, representing billions in investments and thousands of new jobs. These state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are being built in states like West Virginia, Michigan, Utah, Texas, Arizona, and Tennessee, creating jobs and revitalizing local economies.

Perhaps most importantly, battery storage is strengthening America’s energy security. The industry has committed to supplying 100% of U.S. energy storage projects with American-made batteries by 2030. This $100 billion investment will create 350,000 jobs and position the U.S. as a global leader in battery manufacturing, ensuring our grid is powered by American innovation and resources.

Battery storage is not just a technology – it's critical infrastructure that’s powering a reliable, affordable, and secure energy future for all Americans.

(Madison Roberts, Contributor) - It might sound like science fiction: a molecule already inside your body holds the potential to slow the aging process, sharpen the mind, and energize the body. Yet in the ever-evolving frontier of longevity research, NAD⁺ a coenzyme found in every living cell, is emerging as one of the most talked-about elements in the science of aging.

At the intersection of this conversation is Eden, a fast-growing health platform that’s betting big on the future of metabolic wellness. Their latest offering? Facilitated access to NAD⁺ injection programs via online consultations with licensed medical providers.

It’s not a miracle cure, far from it. But Eden is positioning itself as a leader in democratizing access to emerging longevity therapies. And that, in itself, is a story worth watching.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD⁺, may not be a household name yet. But within the cells of your body, it plays a starring role in essential functions: converting food into energy, supporting mitochondrial health, repairing DNA, and regulating cellular stress responses.

The problem? NAD⁺ levels decline sharply with age.

This natural drop-off has been linked in early studies to fatigue, cognitive sluggishness, and decreased physical resilience. Which is why researchers have spent the last decade looking into whether restoring NAD⁺ levels often using precursors like NMN or NR could enhance quality of life as we age.

In a 2022 human clinical trial published in NPJ Aging, older men supplemented with NMN showed measurable improvements in muscle strength and gait speed over 12 weeks. Other animal studies suggest NAD⁺ precursors might improve memory, slow vascular aging, and even boost circadian rhythm in aging mice​.

These findings are far from conclusive, but they’ve sparked a wave of interest from both scientists and consumers eager to better understand the biology of aging.

Eden doesn’t develop treatments, prescribe medications, or claim to reverse aging. What it does is enable people to consult with licensed medical providers who are fluent in emerging metabolic health strategies, including NAD⁺ protocols. It’s a modern, tech-enabled version of personalized wellness.

“People want more than the status quo, they want smarter, proactive conversations about their health,” said Josh Khan, Eden’s President and Co-Founder. “That’s what we’re here to support: evidence-based access, not hype.”

Starting at $189 per month, Eden’s NAD⁺ program connects users with licensed clinicians for one-on-one consultations. If NAD⁺ therapy is deemed appropriate, patients receive a personalized plan, and prescriptions are filled by licensed compounding pharmacies.

For Adam McBride, Eden’s CEO and Co-Founder, the NAD⁺ program reflects a broader philosophy.

“Our approach isn’t about chasing fads,” McBride told me. “It’s about grounding care in real science, giving people access to professionals who can help them navigate what’s possible, what’s proven, and what still needs more data.”

Earlier this month, Eden made a headline-grabbing hire that signaled just how serious it is about longevity. Dr. Halland Chen, MD, a double board-certified physician with deep roots in regenerative and functional medicine joined the company as Chief Medical Innovation Officer.

Dr. Halland is no stranger to the spotlight. Known in elite wellness circles as “The Longevity Doctor,” his work spans regenerative medicine, IV NAD⁺ infusions, and personalized anti-aging protocols.

“I’m really excited to be working with Eden to rethink how people approach metabolic health,” Dr. Halland said. “There’s enormous potential in combining regenerative medicine, functional strategies, and personalized data. The future of wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s precision-guided.”

Dr. Halland’s appointment brings Eden closer to the growing field of personalized medicine, where genetics, lifestyle, and biology are combined to develop tailored health plans. His clinical experience, paired with Eden’s digital infrastructure, offers a compelling model for what aging care could look like in the next decade.

So what can NAD⁺ actually do? The scientific community is cautiously optimistic.

In recent years, multiple studies have hinted at a wide range of potential benefits, from enhanced mitochondrial function and muscle endurance to improved cognition and sleep quality. In one of the most cited animal studies, aged mice given NMN showed increased capillary density and endurance levels comparable to younger mice, suggesting a reversal of age-related vascular decline​.

Human trials, though still limited, are beginning to echo some of these results. A placebo-controlled study in postmenopausal women found that NR (a NAD⁺ precursor) increased NAD⁺ levels and showed signs of reduced liver fat, a promising biomarker for metabolic improvement​.

Yet experts are quick to point out that NAD⁺ therapy remains investigational. Much of the most exciting research is still in the preclinical or early human trial phase. While the potential is there, the proof is still being built.

“We’re not promising miracles,” said Dr. Halland. “But we are helping people engage with the latest science in a responsible, informed way.”

The promise of NAD⁺ isn’t about living forever. It’s about living better.

“What people are really looking for isn’t more years, it’s better years,” McBride said. “If NAD⁺ turns out to be one tool that helps people feel sharper, move more easily, or recover faster as they age, that’s meaningful.”

For Eden, the NAD⁺ program is part of a larger trend: a shift away from reactive medicine and toward proactive wellness. The platform now supports provider-guided care for whole body health, all tailored to the individual.

“Longevity isn’t about avoiding death,” added Dr. Halland. “It’s about maximizing life physically, mentally, emotionally. NAD⁺ is one part of that story. And we’re just getting started.”

Aging isn’t what it used to be. And neither is healthcare.

With its NAD⁺ injection program, Eden isn’t offering a silver bullet, but it is offering something that’s become increasingly rare in modern medicine: access to timely, evolving science delivered through a human conversation.

Whether NAD⁺ ultimately becomes a foundational tool in the longevity toolkit remains to be seen. But for now, Eden’s model, equal parts access, innovation, and restraint, may be one of the most compelling developments in the wellness world today.

(NewsUSA) - Exercising in the warmer weather is a welcome respite from winter, but summer workouts bring their own challenges, including dehydration.

For most people, 64 ounces of water each day is recommended for good health, but this varies with activity level, climate, and individual needs, according to sports medicine physician Hallie Zwibel, D.O.

However, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American adults average a daily water consumption of just 44 ounces, while children and adolescents average only 23 ounces.

“Being dehydrated is more than just feeling thirsty—it means your body doesn't have enough water to function properly,” said Zwibel, an assistant dean and director of the Center for Sports Medicine at New York Institute of Technology’s medical school. “It’s important to listen to your body's signals and adjust your water intake based on factors like activity level and weather conditions.”

Signs of serious dehydration include extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat, according to Zwibel. “If you experience these symptoms, drink water immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist,” he said. Chronic dehydration, or when dehydration appears for longer periods, may indicate serious underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, or certain medications affecting your body's fluid balance, he added.  

Zwibel emphasized that while electrolyte packets can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, they should not replace daily water intake. Electrolyte-infused water should be consumed in addition to the daily recommended amount.

For those ages 21 and older, alcohol can contribute to dehydration as well, because it strips the body of fluids, Zwibel said. “To counteract these effects, I recommend having a glass of water every 30 minutes, which will help continually replenish any fluids lost,” he advised.

“This summer, whether you’re playing an outdoor sport like pickleball or beach volleyball, or headed out for a run, it's essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the activity,” said Zwibel.

The physician noted that wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing can also protect against the sun’s rays and reduce the risk of overheating, while taking regular breaks in the shade can help you stay cool and safely maintain exercise performance. “On the hottest days, try to schedule your workout or activity for the early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler,” he added.

Zwibel is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Spring is the season of fresh starts and new beginnings. As it draws to a close and we head into summer, we are taking a look at how the millions of Americans living with diabetes can use the change in season to kickstart better habits or try something new.

To point us in the right direction, we spoke to Mary Bacchus about the demands of managing diabetes. Alongside the condition, Mary has to balance a full time job with a busy family life, featuring a partner who serves in the military, an active 10-year old son, and a mother who she cares for.

Mary is a strong believer in advocating for yourself and taking control of your own life. She says it is so important to feel confident and be able to challenge recommendations and ask difficult questions, especially when it comes to your health and wellbeing. She says “Diabetes impacts you as an individual the most, and Spring is the perfect time to make a change. Start taking control of your life!”

20 years ago Mary’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 18. Managing her diabetes as a teenager whilst juggling college and work was a huge challenge, especially when it came to the complex payment and insurance landscape. Things only got more complicated once she entered motherhood.

“There is so much to think about all of the time and it’s impossible to get things right every step of the way. But that’s okay. Some days are more frustrating than others but I find that it helps to hold onto something positive – even if it is small – to make things feel a little easier. My most important learnings are about the power and importance of community, listening to those around you, and never being afraid to try something new,” Mary adds.

After lots of trial and error, Mary learnt to cope with the demands of life alongside taking care of her diabetes. She wouldn’t have been able to do this without gradually growing her support network, initially from her husband and son, into a dependable community both online and locally.  Another two pieces of the puzzle were her healthcare team and a groundbreaking technology – the Eversense continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

CGMs have become a common technology for tracking glucose, which is crucial in diabetes management. However, the limitations of many available CGMs were making life difficult for Mary.

“I became more and more frustrated with the options available to me to manage my diabetes. I started using CGMs when my son was a toddler, and found it really difficult to stop my CGM from being knocked off when we would play. Every time it would come off, I’d either have to pay for a replacement and wait for it to arrive, or go back to manually testing my levels which was just another thing to think about.”

After trying several traditional CGMs, she discovered Eversense in 2020 and has never looked back. The implantable design of the Eversense CGM sensor simplified Mary’s diabetes care, placed fewer constraints on her daily life and gave her a dependable solution to manage her health.

Eversense’s tiny sensor rests comfortably under the skin, whilst the removable transmitter* is held firmly in place on the outside of the arm with a gentle, daily-use, double-sided silicon-based adhesive. If it is knocked off then it can simply be replaced without wasting a CGM.

“Being able to take my transmitter off and on without any cost or inconvenience is an irreplaceable benefit. Whilst we don’t play like we did when my son was younger, I’m able to keep up with my son at sporting events, concerts, and amusement parks without worrying if my CGM will keep up with me. As a mom, I get real joy from being able to spend quality time with my son without worrying about my CGM and it’s something I’m so grateful for every day.”

With each sensor lasting an entire year, Eversense 365 empowers people like Mary in their diabetes management, so they can live their best life, with fewer interruptions.

Mary offered some wisdom to other diabetes patients and said, “I encourage everyone in the diabetes community to revitalize their approach to diabetes monitoring this Spring! We are part of a unique community which should serve as a safe space to discuss our experiences and learn from each other.”

Why not join Mary and kickstart summer with a new approach to diabetes management. Get a fresh perspective on diabetes management at eversensecgm.com and bring a new sense of renewal to your year.

Mary Bacchus is an Eversense brand ambassador and this article was sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care

Please note for important safety information, see https://www.eversensediabetes.com/safety-info

* There is no glucose data generated when he transmitter is removed

(NewsUSA) - During Vice President Vance’s visit to India in early 2025, he emphasized the deep connection and shared vision for the future between the two nations, highlighting the need to build together as global partners based on fairness and shared national interests, said Ylli Bajraktari, President of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

Mr. Bajraktari visited India at the same time as the vice president, and he shared reflections in a recent newsletter based on his interview with Dr. S. Jaishankar for the latest episode of SCSP’s Memos to the President.

Sustained public investment in India's physical, social, and digital infrastructure is powering a resurgence in national strength. Going forward, a mutually beneficial relationship between the U.S. and India is multifaceted and involves capitalizing on opportunities in military partnerships, commerce, and technology, Bajraktari said.

Defense deals. Military collaboration between the U.S. and India includes expanding defense sales, co-production, and accelerating technology cooperation across space, cyber, and emerging domains. Negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement are underway.

Trade terms. Both governments are working on a trade agreement that focuses on job creation, durable supply chains, and worker prosperity, with a goal to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade. The partnership is framed as a win-win that benefits workers and businesses in both nations.

Energy efforts: Strengthening energy ties is directly linked to AI ambitions in India, and seen as essential for economic independence and national security. “The United States, with its abundant resources, aims to increase energy exports to India, which will enable India to grow at lower energy costs,” Bajraktari said. The United States seeks to help India explore its own reserves, including offshore natural gas and critical minerals, and potential amendments to India’s civil nuclear liability laws would allow U.S. producers to explore small modular reactors (SMRs) and build larger reactors in India.

Technology trust: Technological collaboration extends beyond defense and energy, Bajraktari said. The U.S.-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) is one example; this initiative builds on billions of dollars in planned investments by U.S. companies in India across sectors as diverse as data centers, pharmaceuticals, and undersea cables. The partnership aims to leverage the U.S. lead in AI hardware and India's vibrant startup ecosystem and vast talent pool.

The century of the U.S.-India relationship is here, Bajraktari emphasized. With the right framework, a focus on tactical execution and accelerated collaboration in the technology sector will be key to transforming ambition into a shared reality, securing prosperity and stability for both nations and the world.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF) launched IP Buddy (IPBuddy.ai) today, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered digital assistant designed to make understanding intellectual property (IP) more approachable, engaging, and accessible. Every day, we are surrounded by IP and therefore, IP Buddy is for everyone. From first-time inventors and growing startups to people who are simply curious about how IP works, IP Buddy (IPBuddy.ai) is here to guide users through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets with clarity and confidence.

Built using a state-of-the-art language model similar to ChatGPT, IP Buddy is enhanced with specialized documentation and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) in order to deliver reliable, real-time answers tailored to your questions. IP Buddy users can choose their “buddy” from lifelike and cartoon AI-generated avatars that offer both audio and video responses for a more natural and engaging user experience. While not a substitute for professional legal advice, IP Buddy simplifies complex legal and technical IP concepts, making them easier to understand.

“IP Buddy represents a bold step in expanding opportunities for engagement with the intellectual property system,” said Kristen Lurye, deputy executive director for IPOEF. “By breaking down barriers to information, we empower more creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs of all ages to protect and grow their ideas.”

The launch of IP Buddy comes at a time when the strength of the U.S. innovation ecosystem is more important than ever. The U.S. intellectual property system supports this innovation, drives economic prosperity, and protects the ideas that shape our future. A stable and predictable intellectual property system is critical for incentivizing investment, fostering partnerships and delivering real-world solutions to global challenges. Yet a survey from the United States Intellectual Property Alliance reports that 70% of Americans struggle to differentiate between patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets – the key pillars of the U.S. intellectual property system.

“Without strong IP protection, the breakthroughs we rely on—from life-saving healthcare technologies to the devices that power our daily lives—simply wouldn’t happen,” said Henry Hadad, president of the IPOEF board. “IP Buddy is here to help people understand and engage with this vital system.”

Visit IPBuddy.ai to explore IP Buddy and take your first step toward understanding and protecting your ideas.

About IPO Education Foundation:

As a subsidiary of the Intellectual Property Owners Association, the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to educational and charitable activities designed to teach and promote and understanding for the value of intellectual property rights and encourage innovation. To learn more visit www.ipoef.org.

(NewsUSA) - Consumers are urged to understand which GLP-1 medications are safe, approved, and legal after May 22

If you're one of the millions of Americans who have used or thought about using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, it’s important to ask yourself, “What’s real, what’s safe, and what should I avoid?”

In 2022, growing demand combined with limited supply created a shortage of these GLP-1 medications. In response to this shortage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted licensed compounding pharmacies to fill this gap and create non-FDA-approved “compounded” versions of these products. These unapproved products lack the assurances of safety and effectiveness that come with FDA-approved medicines and were only intended as a temporary fix during the shortage.  But bad actors have used the temporary shortage to mass market untested, unapproved products and even products that are meant for “research purposes only.”

Fortunately, the FDA declared the national shortage of GLP-1 medications over and said compounding pharmacies must stop mass producing and selling these compounded medications after May 22, 2025. However, the marketing of compounded and other risky, illegal weight loss products is expected to continue—leaving patients who are working hard to manage chronic diseases like obesity without a clear understanding of the facts.

Patient confusion is already a serious issue and is likely to intensify in the coming months.  A new national survey by the National Consumers League (NCL) found that widespread confusion already exists among women: more than 70% believe compounded GLP-1s are only on the market if they have been tested and proven safe, and more than half (53%) think compounded GLP-1s have received FDA approval. Neither of these claims is true.

Here are five things consumers should know to protect themselves:

1. Mass Compounded GLP-1s Are Not Supposed to be on the Market after May 22
   While only products that are “FDA-approved” and are prescribed by a medical professional are supposed to be on the market, consumers will still have to beware of fake ads, sites, and GLP-1s. The statement “doctor approved” is a red flag.
    
2. Only FDA-Approved GLP-1s Are Proven Safe and Effective
   FDA-approved drugs undergo clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. Compounded alternatives do not and they also pose more potential risks to patients.
3. If It’s a Gummy, Chewable, Spray, Patch, or Under-the-Tongue Form, It’s Fake
   Be wary of products that claim to be GLP-1s in forms other than an injection. These are very likely not FDA-approved medications and may be counterfeit.
    
4. Don’t Fall for Misleading Marketing
   Slick websites and social ads can make unapproved medications, and even illicit drugs, seem like the real thing. But according to NCL’s research, 85 percent of women with obesity believe the false claims made in online non-brand GLP-1 ads. Protect yourself by sticking to trusted medical providers and learning how to spot false claims.
5. Ask Questions and Stay Informed
   Not sure if your medication is the real thing? Ask your health care provider or company selling you the GLP-1 if it’s the FDA-approved brand product. You can also reach out to the FDA-approved manufacturers to determine whether you have authentic medicine.

Both the FDA and consumers have important roles to play in stopping the spread of misinformation about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Now that the shortage is over, the FDA must enforce the law and its long-standing standards for compounded products. Consumers can act too, by asking questions, avoiding questionable sources, and learning how to tell the difference between what’s FDA-approved, what’s fake, and what’s a risk.

To report fake GLP-1s or learn more about how to protect yourself, check out guidance from the National Consumers League.