As the spotlight has shifted to battery-powered cars, other promising alternative fuels have been left in the dark. That's especially true for yesterday's transportation stars, fuel-cell vehicles. But that doesn't mean progress has stopped.

California is still planning to get 20,000 fuel-cell vehicles on the road, starting in 2015. Part of the state's zero-emissions vehicle mandate requires oil companies to install 68 hydrogen-refueling stations in five cities and along highways between those cities by 2015. The hydrogen would most likely be produced on site from natural gas, although some would use renewable sources.

So far, a handful of these stations exist: 37 are funded or under construction and institutional backers are trying to raise $65 million to build the rest - from $45 million from the state, $12.5 million from regional air-quality districts, and $7.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. A partnership of automakers and California government agencies has set up a hydrogen infrastructure trust fund to manage the money. The requirements to create that infrastructure are triggered once automakers announce plans to collectively sell 20,000 fuel-cell vehicles in the state. Although in its infancy, that process is already under way.

While automakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi seem to be committing to battery powered plug-in vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has delivered 37 F-cell fuel-cell-powered cars, Honda has leased 23 FCX Claritys in California, and dozens of Toyota and General Motors fuel-cell vehicles are driving around the state, which count towards the mandate. Craig Childers, an engineer at the California Air Resources board who helped write the state's zero emissions vehicle standards, says fuel-cell vehicles amass additional credits (over battery electrics), because of their typically long range and short refueling times.

We caught up with a few F-cell drivers at EVS26, the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium held recently in Los Angeles. The drivers we spoke with are committed to ending their dependence on oil and each leased an F-cell for two years at $849 a month. (Mercedes has a new, more affordable program for three years at $550 a month with $2,500 down.) At an evening social gathering outside the Los Angeles Convention Center, they called each other by car numbers.

We talked to Harvey Cogen (aka Number 6), a computer consultant from Redondo Beach, Calif. He says he wanted a Chevrolet Volt, but lives in a condominium, and after consulting with his homeowners' board, the town, and various electricians, he could find no way to get a charger installed where he parks. He drove a fuel-cell Chevrolet Equinox as part of General Motors' Project Driveway and was sold. He says with federal, state, and local tax incentives, along with energy and insurance being included, the car will end up costing him just a few hundred dollars. Now he drives his F-cell 40 to 60 miles a day, and he says the biggest concern is what to get after the lease ends.

Here at Consumer Reports, we've driven most of the hydrogen cars on the market at one time or another and found they perform well, are refined, and have reasonable range. The only thing lacking for the vast majority of consumers has been a place to fill them up. Perhaps with the California push for more hydrogen fueling stations, and more cars on the market, Cogen and other fuel-cell vehicle advocates will find refueling stations continue to spread the reach and appeal of these green machines.

See our guide to fuel economy and guide to alternative fuels.

Related:
Electric car drivers left hanging in charger wars
California to boost mandate for electric cars
Purpose-built electric cars trump manufacturer-converted models
Wireless electric-car charging takes center stage
Plugless Power demonstrates cordless electric car recharging
Toyota introduces electric RAV4 SUV, starting at $49,800
Mercedes-Benz B-Class fuel-cell-powered car shows progress
Behind the wheel of the improved Coda electric car
We drive the first Chinese car expected in the U.S., the electric BYD e6
Do electric cars even need special chargers?

Catch a summer cold and you know you're in for about a week of feeling congested and crummy. But what if you could get rid of that cold a little sooner? A new study published online May 7th in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests adults who take zinc supplements within a few days of the onset of symptoms may shorten a cold by nearly two days. However, the study also showed that zinc might cause unpleasant symptoms, including nausea and bad taste.

The issue of whether zinc could reduce the duration of the common cold has been studied for a few decades. This analysis reviewed the evidence published since the mid-80s and in the end, after evaluating 17 randomized controlled trials of oral zinc preparations for the common cold, the Canadian researchers ended up with more questions than answers. The trials included 2,121 children and adults with naturally acquired and induced colds, who were given placebos, or compounds of zinc-containing lozenges, tablets, or syrup. Zinc appeared to reduce the length of colds in adults, but it did not make a difference in children. The researchers suggested that lower doses of zinc sulfate, delivered less frequently, in syrup may explain the lack of effect in children.

"Certain zinc compounds, such as zinc acetate, and treatment regimens with higher doses, seem to have the greatest benefit," says Michelle Science, MD, lead author of the study and staff physician, Division of Infectious Diseases at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. But Science and her colleagues were unable to pinpoint appropriate zinc formulations, doses, and adverse effects among various age groups. "Personally I don't use zinc for colds, because I believe the side effects outweigh the benefits," said Dr. Science. Dr. Science and the other researchers reported no conflict of interests with industry.

Ananda Prasad, MD, PhD, an expert on zinc and Distinguished Professor of Hematology and Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine, has a different perspective. Prasad explains that zinc, a mineral absorbed when we eat protein in animals, fish and nuts, is critical to our immune system and cell growth. Taken as an oral supplement, zinc may behave as an antiviral agent, preventing rhinoviruses--responsible for most colds--from attaching to the lining of the nose and throat.

What should you do if you're about to travel, have a big event approaching, or simply want to get rid of your cold sooner? Joseph Mosquera, MD, medical adviser to Consumer Reports and a board certified physician trained in integrative-medicine says, "I don't see a downside to people who are healthy, and especially those who travel, taking zinc for 3-5 days as long as they don't take too much." Mosquera warns patients away from intranasal zinc-gluconate, which according to a 2006 Consumer Reports investigation and 2009 FDA findings may cause a loss of smell. He recommends choosing zinc products with proper USP verification and dosing.

See our guide to zinc

SOURCE
Canadian Medical Association Journal

--Sharon Kay

If your child takes medications such as Ritalin or Adderall to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you should reconsider after two years or so whether the medications are still helping, according to a new CR Best Buy Drugs report. We found that while those drugs help most children and teens with the condition at first, it's unclear how long the benefits last.

We looked at an analysis of more than 400 studies of ADHD medications, including stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, and generics) and amphetamine (Adderall), as well as nonstimulants such as atomoxetine (Straterra), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). Our findings show that 60 to 80 percent of children with ADHD who take these medications improve their ability to focus, become less impulsive, and are less disruptive at home and school, at least for the first couple of years. But no good quality studies have looked at continued treatment for longer than that.

Several small studies found that the benefits of methylphenidate start to drop off as soon as six months to two years after starting treatment. The largest study, which followed nearly 600 kids ages seven to nine, found that medication combined with close monitoring by a physician was more effective than medication or behavioral therapy alone for at least 14 months. Follow-up with those same kids eight years later showed that nearly 70 percent no longer had ADHD, regardless of what kind of treatment they initially received. (See our ADHD Best Buy Drug report for more details on this study.)

Given these uncertainties, you and your doctor should periodically discuss whether it makes sense for your child to take a break from ADHD medications, even for a short time. Some children might benefit from continuing to take them, while others might "outgrow" their ADHD symptoms and no longer need medication.

When drugs are necessary, our analysis found that stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms slightly better than nonstimulant drugs. Among the stimulants, we recommend generic methylphenidate (the generic version of Ritalin), which costs as little as $15 a month, and is as safe and effective as related drugs.

Before starting any ADHD treatment, get a diagnosis from a physician or mental-health professional with expertise in ADHD, and a second opinion if you have doubts. Be skeptical if a doctor or therapist diagnoses ADHD at the first visit and immediately prescribes a drug. A thorough diagnosis usually involves talking to parents and the child's teachers, as well as direct observation of the child in various settings.

Read our latest, free Best Buy Drugs report for more information about ADHD and the effectiveness and safety of medications used to treat the condition.

If you head to Wikipedia and spot an advertisement, be warned: It probably means your computer's been infected with malware. The non-profit site is ad-free and funded by donors, so no ad you may spot there is legitimate.

The ad-injecting malware can manifest as a browser extension called "I want this," which installs itself into the Google Chrome browser, according to a Wikipedia blog post; but there could also be other forms of the malware cropping up on additional browsers. As well, some Internet service providers (like those in Internet cafes or free Wi-Fi networks) may inject ads.

To prevent unwanted installation of browser add-ons, it recommends using the Web with a secure (HTTPS) connection, which can be automated using the HTTPS everywhere extension offered by the Electronic Frontier Foundation. See the Wikipedia blog post for more tips on preventing and removing the malware. And for advice and recommendations on security software, see our new buying guide at ConsumerReports.org.

Source:
If you're seeing ads on Wikipedia, your computer is probably infected with malware

Stream TV Networks announced today that it has struck a deal with a manufacturing company that will result in 3D-capable displays that don't require any 3D glasses.

According to Stream TV, the deal will result in its glasses-free Ultra-D technology being used by Unihan Corporation to develop a variety of 3D-capable displays. The initial product to be developed by the two companies will be a 42-inch 3D display. The companies did not mention the price, but said the goal is to produce the display later in 2012.

The two companies will also build an outboard 2D-to-3D converter box—called the Ultra-D Seecube—that can create 3D effects from regular 2D programming, as well as take stereoscopic material and convert it to glasses-free 3D on the fly. The companies say they'll also be working to develop a wide range of products, including tablets, smart phones, laptops, PCs, digital communicators and TV sets of various sizes, that can use the technology.

Stream TV describes Ultra-D as a combination of both hardware and software, which operate in sync. Displays use a layer of lenses that directs light at an optimal angle to create a 3D image for the human eye, while the software uses sophisticated algorithms to scan incoming video streams to determine the different layers that can help produce a depth effect.

The Seecube converter box will reportedly work with a variety of content, including regular and 3D cable and satellite feeds; Blu-ray players; video-game systems; streaming websites such as YouTube, Netflix and Vudu; and even Facebook and Skype. Stream TV said that the Seecube also supports Apple's iOS devices, including the iPad, iPhone and Apple TV.

The company promised that more information about products will be available during the upcoming Computex show in Taiwan.

Consumer Reports has long advocated that drivers check their car's tire pressure monthly to prevent uneven tire wear and tire failure. Now, a new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforces that advice by determining that vehicles driving on tires underinflated by more than 25 percent are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than vehicles with proper inflation. And tires underinflated up to 25 percent run the risk of overheating, leading to failure, and at the very least adversely affecting handling and tread life.

The study looked at crash data from 2005-2007--before tire-pressure monitoring systems were required to be installed on all vehicles. The systems mandated for the 2008 model year alert drivers if any tire drops 25 percent or more below the recommended inflation level of your vehicle. Tire pressure monitoring systems are designed to alert a driver of a tire losing air pressure and are not intended to be used as a substitute for monthly tire pressure checks.

The study also found that five percent of all vehicles studied experienced tire problems immediately before a crash, with 66 percent of those representing passenger cars, 17 percent being SUVs, and the rest being pickups and vans. Half of the tire-related crashes involved a single vehicle, and just 31 percent of single vehicle crashes were not related to tires.

This shows that tire problems are evident in the pre-crash phase, which has a very small window for attempting a crash avoidance maneuver. Rollovers are more common among SUVs that experienced a tire problem before a crash--45 percent rolled over. On the other hand, passenger cars, pickups, and vans experiencing tire problems had fewer than a 25 percent incidence of rollover. Overall, the study concluded that tire problems in the pre-crash phase were more likely to lead in rollover in SUVs than other types of vehicles.

Tire problems combined with other factors, such as bad weather or an inexperienced driver, can increase the likelihood of a crash.

Aside from properly inflating your tires, it is very important to monitor your tire tread depth condition. This study showed that tire-related crashes were more likely as your tire's tread wears, with accident rates at just 2.4 percent when tires had near full tread depth to 26 percent when the tires were worn- out (0 - 2 /32" depth). We recommend consumers start shopping for new tires at 4/32" tread depth while some all-weather grip is still available. At this point tire-related crashes approached 8 percent.

A 2009 NHTSA analysis found that 57 percent of vehicles with tire-pressure monitoring systems had tires that were properly inflated.

The study reiterates the need for motorists to properly maintain their tires. Buying a tire pressure gauge and regularly checking your pressure can help avoid these tire problems and the increase risk of a related crash.

Related:
Tire buying advice and Ratings
Tire gauges help keep the pressure up to ensure your safety
Guide to car maintenance

Getting dinner on the table night after night can be one fine juggling act. Fortunately, many of the ranges on the market today have new features that trim cooking time and offer flexibility. If you haven't replaced your range in a decade or so, you'll be happy to see models with one or two high-powered elements, warming drawers and elements, and convection oven modes that speed baking.

For the fastest cooktop heating of all, induction takes the cake. Induction was typically 25 percent faster than electric smoothtops in Consumer Reports' range tests. And induction has come down in price. The cooktops we tested were excellent overall. The top-rated $1,700 Kenmore 43820 scored an impressive 99 with super fast heating and superb simmering. Most induction ranges were also excellent, outperforming other electric and gas models. Induction ranges from GE Profile, Kenmore, and Samsung are on our list of recommended models and cost $1,800 to $2,500.

If you prefer an electric smoothtop or gas range, look for at least one high-powered burner or element. It quickly brings water to a boil—handy when making pasta—and capably heats large pots of food. Expandable elements on electric smoothtop ranges let you switch from a large high-power element to the smaller, low-powered one within, giving you cooking options that match your menu.

In the oven, convection uses fans to circulate hot air and cut cooking time, and consider a range with at least five oven-rack positions for added flexibility. A warming drawer comes in handy when cooking for a crowd, and a dual-oven range allows you to roast a turkey in one oven while baking a pie in the other. You'll find such features noted on the model pages of the more than 120 ranges in our latest tests.

After two of the hottest summers on record, homeowners are now assessing their cooling needs for the coming months and budgeting ways to pay for them. Cooling accounts for nearly 20 percent of a home's utility bill, according to Energy Star. And if you have a leaky central air conditioning system or a window unit that's the wrong size for the room, you'll spend even more and get less cooling. But there are ways to save even on hot summer days.

For starters, keep whatever system you currently have in good working order with regular maintenance. If you're adding or replacing your room or central air conditioning, make sure you size up your needs correctly. Buying a cooling system that's the wrong size is the most common mistake people make, regardless of the type. To help you through the process, use our guide to summer cooling, which tells you everything you need to know about air conditioning but were too cool to ask.

And so you don't get hot under the collar when you see your utility bill, we included a dozen ideas for how to keep your A/C running without running up your bill. One good strategy is to use air conditioning and ceiling fans in concert. Instead of setting the air conditioner at 74 degrees F to 76 degrees F, raise the temperature to 78 degrees F and let the fans do the rest. Each degree you raise the thermostat lowers cooling costs by two percent.

For more information, including new Ratings of window units and what our readers said about the reliability of their central air conditioning systems, check the cooling guide.

To kick its addiction to oil, the United States needs a raft of alternatives; no single alternative is likely to replace such an entrenched market any time soon. But electric car advocates at the Electric Vehicle Symposium held recently in Los Angeles say battery-powered cars are the one alternative that can meet all needs. Electricity isn't a fuel per se, only an "energy carrier." To generate electricity, you have to produce power from some other fuel source, such as coal, oil, and nuclear, or harness energy from renewable source, such as wind, hydro, or solar. Interestingly, this flexibility answers some big concerns of alternative-fuel critics.

In covering the alternative fuel movement, we often encounter pushback from people who say they don't know how this or that fuel will ever make sense where they live. Some say ethanol won't work because there are no E85 pumps in much of the country, and the average price is often higher than gasoline once you factor in ethanol's lower energy content. Yet in the upper Midwest, there's no shortage of ethanol stations, and the fuel sells for significantly less than gasoline. (Learn more about ethanol.)

Others note that natural gas is not available in their region, and some report that electricity is produced from coal where they live.

Looked at holistically, it seems likely that such arguments may break down along regional lines: Ethanol may make sense close to where excess corn is grown. Electricity is cleanest in regions with abundant renewable supplies. Like electricity, hydrogen can be made from a variety of feed stocks, including fossil fuels and renewable resources, but costs are still high and vary dramatically by feedstock and region.

But it's hard to sell different cars running on different types of fuel across the country. Electric cars can bridge this gap, say supporters, because electricity is only an energy carrier. You could sell battery-electric cars across the country, then make electricity from different sources, depending on what makes the most economic sense in each location.

From where I sit, that seems a much more appealing solution for consumers than buying a car that effectively has regional ties due to the specialized refueling infrastructure. America is a mobile society, both traveling and relocating, and it requires a flexible automotive power source than can adapt to an ever-changing lifestyle. After being immersed in the electric car industry for a few days last week at EVS26, I came away with a renewed sense of the widespread benefits electric cars can provide, if only we can break through a few hurdles.

See our guide to fuel economy and guide to alternative fuels.

Related:
Electric car drivers left hanging in charger wars
California to boost mandate for electric cars
Purpose-built electric cars trump manufacturer-converted models
Wireless electric-car charging takes center stage
Plugless Power demonstrates cordless electric car recharging
Toyota introduces electric RAV4 SUV, starting at $49,800
Mercedes-Benz B-Class fuel-cell-powered car shows progress
Behind the wheel of the improved Coda electric car
We drive the first Chinese car expected in the U.S., the electric BYD e6
Do electric cars even need special chargers?

The safety of 2012 Hyundai Elantra sedans is being investigated after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received a report from an owner who had been severely cut from a piece of metal reportedly from the car's side air bag deployment during a collision.

According to photos of the victim's Elantra, the metal along with the side air bag protrudes from the left side headliner of the driver's seat. The driver's left ear was cut in half according to the complaint filed with NHTSA. Said the complaint "[that injury] could have been [to my] neck."

Neither Hyundai or NHTSA has yet examined the crashed 2012 Hyundai Elantra. However, as we noted in October, the 2012 sedan was one of 74 vehicle models to be crash tested by the NHTSA, which included a more comprehensive evaluation of front- and side-crash protection, and rollover resistance. And according to the NHTSA website, the four-door 2012 Hyundai Elantra received a 5-star rating for side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test of the Hyundai Elantra also resulted in a "Good" rating for side-impact. However, the IIHS also notes that Elantra drivers may still suffer from rib and pelvis fractures and internal organ injuries during a side impact.

Engineers at NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigation along with Hyundai will examine the suspect vehicle to determine if a broader safety recall of 2012 Elantra and 2012 Elantra Touring sedans are necessary.

If you have experienced a similar dangerous situation with the 2012 Huyndai Elantra or any vehicle you can file a safety complaint with the NHTSA on its website, www.SaferCar.gov.

Source:
Investigation: 2012 Hyundai Elantra / Elantra Touring - Side air bags   Action #: PE12012 [NHTSA ODI]
U.S. regulators investigate Hyundai Elantra on air bags [Reuters]
NHTSA investigating Hyundai Elantra air bags [The Detroit News]

Although the Google TV platform—which uses the Android operating system and Google's Chrome browser—hasn't met with much success, LG will try to change that situation with a new G2 series of 3D LCD TVs that will be available later this month. The company is showing the TVs now at the Internet Week conference in New York.

Initially, there will be two models: a 47-inch set for $1,700 and a 55-inch set that will sell for $2,300. LG says these TVs will be the first Google TVs in the U.S. to include a dual-core processor. The sets will also have a quad-core graphics processor and come with a five-mode, gesture-based Magic Remote that includes a QWERTY keyboard, and a wheel for scrolling through Web pages, menus, and applications.

The TVs also include built-in Wi-Fi, with access to an app called TV & Movies for accessing streaming services. The TVs also have YouTube, Google's Chrome browser, and access to the Google Play apps market. The TVs' main interface, called the Home Dashboard, has been designed to accommodate Google TV, and content menus can be customized by users.

The TVs also include LG's passive Cinema 3D technology and come with six sets of glasses.

A little later today, I'll attend a brief hands-on demo of the new Google-powered TVs, so check in tomorrow for my first impressions.

Related:
CES 2012: LG adds Google TVs, Smart TVs get voice and gesture control

Any consistent reader of the Consumer Reports blog knows that when buying test cars, we try to do nearly all of the research and interaction with the salesperson(s) online. And while most domestic and Asian brands work well this way, it's harder when buying German cars. Why is this?

What we've found is there are fewer German cars sitting on dealer lots from which to choose. Their purchase procedure often involves buyers spec'ing what they want, and then waiting anywhere from six weeks to multiple months for their car to arrive. Since we want to test cars quickly, we often end up choosing from cars that are on their way to the United States and negotiate the price from there. Given the voluminous options on some German cars (Porsche, in particular), it can be a trying process to find a car that is equipped similarly to its competitors we tested.

But it wasn't a tough process to buy our new Q5. This compact sporty SUV has been popular since it went on sale with the 3.2-liter V6 engine. In our tests, it jumped to the top of its Ratings category, and it has stayed there despite some strong competition.

When Audi dropped in the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this version of the Q5 became the hot seller. Want a 3.2-liter V6 and its 19 mpg overall fuel economy? You can take your pick from a whole number of them at dealers all over. But if you want a less-expensive, more frugal 2.0T...Well, you have to either wait, wait some more, or get lucky. Which is what happened to us.

Our unclaimed Ibis White Q5 with Cardamom Beige leather was somewhere between the factory and a European port when I started shopping for our test car. Maybe it was the color; maybe it was because it didn't have navigation. But whatever the reason, it was available and I snapped it up. Only two options: Premium Plus package (including Xenon lights, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and a power tailgate, among other features), plus all-weather floor mats and trunk liner. So far, simple.

But the sticking point in car buying is always negotiating the price, right? Not here. I got $500 off the MSRP of $41,075 (with delivery)! That's it. These little SUVs are hot commodities and dealers can--and do--get what they want for it.

So, sporting the turbocharged engine that we've liked in the A3, A4, and A5 and the new eight-speed automatic transmission, the Q5 is back into our test program. It's proven popular among the staff so far, with its keys among the first chosen each afternoon for the evening commute home. There should be no problem with accumulating break-in miles on the Q5, and it will likely enter formal testing any day now.

A backyard barbecue skips the formalities and fills a patio with friends who answer the call of "come and get it" when steaks and corn on the cob are hot off the grill. This simple fare promises to taste even more delicious when eaten outdoors where the mood is relaxed, unless a problem flares up. Here are five gas grill goofs that guarantee your cookout will be unforgettable, although not in the way you intended.

Assembling the grill incorrectly. If the gas tank hose is too close to the firebox or the grease pan is a bit off, the risk of fire shoots up. Carefully read the manual before tackling this project, or ask if the retailer will assemble the grill for free or a fee. Just be sure the assembled grill can fit in your vehicle or check the cost of delivery.

Ignoring recalls. Cooking with a defective grill—a leaking regulator, a cracked hose—increases your chance of something going wrong. More than one million grills have been recalled over the past five years. Before firing up for the season, find out if your grill has been recalled by searching the database at SaferProducts.gov. You can also file a report if your grill is faulty.

Overcrowding the cooking area. Some flaring is normal when grilling fatty foods, but sustained flare-ups are another matter. Typically the greater the distance between the grates and burners or flavorizer bars, the fewer the sustained flare-ups. And don't overcrowd the cooking surface. Keep some space empty so that when fatty foods such as rib-eye steaks or salmon do flare up, you can move them to a cooler spot.

Use Consumer Reports' Ratings of 80-plus gas grills to find one with a cooking surface that matches how much food you normally cook, not the occasional bashes when you cook in batches. We group grills based on our measurements of the main cooking area. Manufacturers often count warming racks and searing burners as well.

Undercooking meat and poultry. Food poisoning guarantees that your guests will call after the party, but it won't be to thank you. Grilling meats and poultry can be tricky since they often brown quickly on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the food is cooked to an internal temperature that destroys any harmful bacteria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F for whole meats, including pork, and then a three-minute rest before slicing. Ground meats should reach at least 160 degrees F, and all poultry, 165 degrees F or higher. Finfish should be cooked until it reaches a minimum of 145 degrees F or until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork. Never partially grill these foods with the intent of finishing the cooking later.

Some grills cook unevenly, and that's something we test for. Our recommended grills score very good or excellent in our high- and low-temperature evenness tests. Check our Ratings of meat thermometers. We found some that weren't so hot.

Cutting corners. Skip the safety check and maintenance and you could be playing with fire. At the start of grilling season inspect the hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks and replace the broken parts if necessary. Check for gas leaks by mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over connections and along the hose. Turn on the tank. Bubbling means you need to change a part or fix a loose connection. Follow the directions in the owner's manual and regularly clean the grill, especially the grease trap, and make sure the gas supply tubes are clear of spider nests and debris.

Coming soon to a store near you: sunscreens with labels that are easier to understand. The Food and Drug Administration plans to give manufacturers until mid-December to make all the changes, but many products already have the new labeling. Here are some of the biggest changes, which will also apply to moisturizers and cosmetic products that contain a sun-protection factor (SPF):

"Broad spectrum" will really mean something. The SPF value indicates a sunscreen's protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which is the primary cause of sunburn. But now sunscreens that claim broad-spectrum protection will have to prove they also protect against ultraviolet A radiation, which ages skin and contributes to skin cancer, as well as UVB rays. The FDA says sunscreens must pass a new critical wavelength test for UVA protection.

Water-resistance claims will be more specific. Sunscreens will now have to list on the front whether they're effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. The FDA says you'll no longer see words like "sweatproof" or "waterproof" on the label because all sunscreens eventually wash off. All sunscreens will be labeled "reapply at least every two hours".

The term "sunblock" will be banned. The FDA won't allow that claim on bottles because it overstates sunscreen's effectiveness.

Sun protection information will be listed on the back. Inside the Drug Facts box new information will explain that sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher that also pass the new broad-spectrum test will be able to say that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. (Our sunscreen experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.) Sunscreens that are not broad spectrum or that have an SPF of less than 15 must say they help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.

All-day and instant protection will need to be proved. Sunscreen manufacturers will have to prove to the FDA that their product provides all-day or instant protection before they can make those claims. Our experts say you should apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside so your skin can absorb it.

SPF 50+ might be the highest SPF you'll see on labels. The FDA says it doesn't have enough clinical data to prove that sunscreens with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection. But it has not yet made a decision about future labeling requirements.

Meanwhile, find out how 18 top-selling sunscreens performed in our latest tests (available to subscribers) and which ingredients you should be on the lookout for. Watch the video below to see how we conducted our tests.

With a long summer of mowing ahead, parents of teens and pre-teens may be wondering when it's safe for a child to take over this chore. Children under 18 suffer 13 percent of the 68,000 mower injuries treated annually in emergency rooms, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. With that in mind, the AAP recommends that no child younger than 12 operate a walk-behind mower, that no teen younger than 16 drive a riding mower and that children never be allowed to ride along as passengers.

Fortunately, today's mowers come with some standard safety features that put the operator at less risk of getting hurt such as levers that stop the mower when you let go of the handle. Still, before sending your child out to mow the lawn or doing it yourself, brush up on these commonsense tips recommended by the AAP and Consumer Reports.

• Before beginning the job, clear the lawn of such hard objects as stones and toys so they don't become projectiles, the most common cause of injury.
  
• Check the gas before starting the machine. Mowers should be refueled with the motor off and cool. Refuel only outdoors, not in a garage or shed.
  
• Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris) are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected.
  
• Wear sturdy shoes--not sandals or sneakers.
  
• Wear hearing and eye protection.
  
• Make sure that young children and pets are indoors or at a safe distance.
  
• Don't pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. If you do, look behind you first.
  
• Always turn the mower off and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing grass or unclogging the discharge chute.
  
• Turn the mower off when crossing gravel paths, roads, or other non-grassy areas.
  
• Never mow wet grass--you or the mower could easily slip.
  
• Don't text or talk on a cell phone.
  
• Mowing on an incline can be tricky and probably best left to the adults.