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Blockchain: As Bitcoin flounders, its technology is poised to disrupt

Shawn Smajstrla Science & Technology

Since its infancy almost a decade ago, bitcoin has been both viewed skeptically and heralded as the future of currency. Its path to the latter still seems murky. A report by Internet Retailer noted just three of the top 500 online merchants accept bitcoin — down from five a year ago.

More grocery retailers opening in-store bars to lure shoppers

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

I have fond memories of Singapore — and the roadside bars (as tiny as a photo booth) feature quite a bit in them! Most functioned only during happy hours. Just get off the subway after a hard day at work and grab a drink before heading home. The hedonist in me quite loved it.

Diverse solutions to tackle food safety concerns

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

Food safety concerns are not new, but there has recently been an increased focus on solutions that can improve safety. The risk of a foodborne illness is higher with uncooked food since there is no way to kill any harmful bacteria, like E. coli or salmonella, that may be present. At times, even washing produce will not rid it of all bacteria or viruses. That is why food safety concerns have heightened, and understanding food safety has become so important for consumers.

Are meal kits the future of food or an overcooked industry?

Sabrina Fracassi Food & Beverage

The "meal kit" embodies the entire essence of the North American lifestyle. Blame it on a growing workforce, a work ethic that requires longer hours or social media — somehow social media is always to blame these days — but the average person is busier than ever.

Is red wine really good for your heart?

Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied Healthcare

A glass of wine a day helps keep heart disease away, right? We've all heard that enticing claim. But is it true? Although an excessive amount of red wine remains a definite risk for health, it has been suggested that mild-to-moderate amounts of red wine may provide a net beneficial effect. The French paradox describes the epidemiological observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) despite having a diet relatively rich in saturated fats.

More no-tipping restaurants? Survey reveals new insights

Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Tipping in restaurants has always been the norm in the U.S. It was not until recently that more restaurants adopted a no-tipping policy. Will there be even more no-tipping restaurants in the future? The 2017 American Express Restaurant Trade Survey may give us some clues. Every year, American Express surveys about 500 restaurateurs and 1,000 restaurant consumers, aiming to reveal the facts and highlight the emerging trends in the industry.

The future of fresh food lies in smart packaging

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

A new industry report indicates the antimicrobial packaging market is slated to reach $10 billion by 2021. Several factors are driving this growth at an estimated CAGR of 5.54 percent. Chief among them are the growing consumer awareness about health, an increase in demand for fresh and organic produce, and the rising concern about food wastage.

Raising the minimum wage: Where do small business owners stand?

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Think all small business owners oppose raising the federal minimum wage of $7.25 in place since 2009? Well, think again. According to a recent poll of more than 700 respondents conducted by BuyBizSell, 47 percent of small business owners favor raising the minimum wage, while 58 percent of prospective small business buyers support a hike.

Are USDA’s changes to school lunches needed?

Cait Harrison Education

Changes are coming again to school lunches. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last month that the department is taking steps to roll back lunch standards promoted by former first lady Michelle Obama. Perdue's interim final rule will give schools more flexibility in meeting whole grain and lower sodium requirements, and it allows schools to serve 1 percent flavored milk rather than skim.

Lucrative innovation: How tamper-proof design is defining packaging

Delany Martinez Manufacturing

When even a single damaged or compromised package could put an entire brand's perception at risk, keeping packages safe and sealed has become an important facet of manufacturing in certain sectors. While, say, a flashlight can't carry much liability if its packaging is tampered with, a food or drink item could carry harmful mold or bacteria, and an exposed pharmaceutical item could prove to be life-threatening. That important distinction has led to a number of impressive tamper-evident breakthroughs recently in the packaging sphere.

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