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Meta’s product managers aren’t waiting on engineers to turn ideas into demos. Instead, they are vibe coding to design prototype apps themselves and presenting them directly to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

“PMs are actually vibe coding products, and we’re showing them to Zuck and leadership, and it’s allowing us to iterate and explore the space really fast,” said Joseph Spisak, a product director in Meta’s Superintelligence Labs (MSL), onstage at the TechEquity AI Summit in Sunnyvale, California, on Friday.

Vibe coding, a term originating in developer communities, refers to AI-assisted coding using instructions provided in natural language.

“We can literally vibe code products in a matter of hours, days, and explore the space,” Spisak added.

Spisak described Meta’s “internal systems” as powerful enough for non-engineers to adjust interfaces on the fly, allowing developers to “change colors and change ideas.”

The remarks shed new light on how Meta, like the rest of Silicon Valley, is reorganizing product development around AI assistants. Meta uses at least two: Metamate, a ChatGPT-style bot trained on internal data, and Devmate, a coding assistant that incorporates multiple large language models, including those from rivals like Anthropic, to speed up programming.

Speeding up the development process and embracing vibe coding have become top priorities at MSL, which Meta formed in June as it races against other AI rivals. One memo from late September said that Meta’s existing systems, designed for billions of users and giant engineering teams, take “too long” to deploy changes and are “not conducive to vibe coding,” making it harder for small, fast-moving AI teams to experiment.

Similar transformations are underway across Silicon Valley. Google has spent the past year pushing workers to integrate AI into every stage of product development. Last year, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that more than a quarter of Google’s code is generated by AI before being reviewed by humans. At Microsoft, executives have told managers that “using AI is no longer optional,” according to an internal memo obtained by Business Insider.

Meta is making similar internal pushes toward AI. The company tracks employees’ AI usage through dashboards, sets adoption targets, and even runs an internal game called Level Up that rewards staff who hit AI milestones, Business Insider reported last month.

Vibe coding skills have also become a recruiting priority across the tech industry. Firms like Reddit and DoorDash now list experience with AI coding tools like Cursor and Bolt as desired skills, according to a Business Insider report, and at least one Y Combinator startup calls vibe coding “non-negotiable” for new hires.

“We are getting to the point where the barriers are really low right now,” Spisak told the audience, adding that even his 11-year-old daughter now vibe codes new environments to play in Roblox

“This is what I tell PMs at Meta and other places where I mentor PMs,” Spisak said. “Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.”

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A day laborer communicates with a potential employer on a street in New York, the United States, on Nov. 7, 2025. Due to U.S. federal government shutdown, scheduled release of non-farm payroll data for October was delayed again.

On Thursday, consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, the highest total for that month since 2003. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People wait at a job center of the New York City Department of Social Services in New York, the United States, on Nov. 7, 2025. Due to U.S. federal government shutdown, scheduled release of non-farm payroll data for October was delayed again.

On Thursday, consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, the highest total for that month since 2003. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People wait at a job center of the New York City Department of Social Services in New York, the United States, on Nov. 7, 2025. Due to U.S. federal government shutdown, scheduled release of non-farm payroll data for October was delayed again.

On Thursday, consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, the highest total for that month since 2003. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Day laborers wait for employers on a street in New York, the United States, on Nov. 7, 2025. Due to U.S. federal government shutdown, scheduled release of non-farm payroll data for October was delayed again.

On Thursday, consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, the highest total for that month since 2003. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People walk past a community job center in New York, the United States, on Nov. 7, 2025. Due to U.S. federal government shutdown, scheduled release of non-farm payroll data for October was delayed again.

On Thursday, consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, the highest total for that month since 2003. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

That golden field of sunflowers waving under the sun is more than just a pretty sight. It could be the source of your next burger-patty alternative. The humble sunflower seed, once stripped of its oil-rich kernel, has been transformed into a nutrient-dense flour that mimics meat’s texture and packs serious protein. Researchers collaborating across Brazil and Germany have developed this sunflower-based vegan meat alternative with promising results.A peer-reviewed study published in Food Research International found that textured sunflower protein patties delivered around 20 percent protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and rich mineral content including iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. With food systems under pressure and demand for sustainable protein rising, this sunflower-derived alternative could mark a major shift in plant-based meat products.

Why sunflower flour is emerging as a viable meat alternative

Traditional plant-based proteins often rely on soy or pea, but sunflower flour presents unique advantages. The raw material, the leftover meal after oil extraction, offers a circular economy benefit. Researchers developed two formulations: one from roasted sunflower flour and the other from textured sunflower protein. The textured version outperformed in taste tests, texture, and nutrient density.Sensory panels found that sunflower-based patties had a texture and mouth-feel comparable to meat alternatives. Nutrition-wise, the textured sunflower protein variant offered high protein at around 20 percent, healthy fats, 49 percent of the RDA for iron, 68 percent for zinc, 95 percent for magnesium, and 89 percent for manganese. Sunflower flour is proving its worth as a realistic meat substitute and not just a filler protein.

How the sunflower flour meat alternative was developed

The process began with oil extraction from sunflower seeds. After removing husks and phenolic compounds that can impair digestibility and darken the flour, the remaining meal was refined. Two prototype patties were created:

Sustainability and market potential of sunflower-based meat alternatives

Sustainability is a major factor in this innovation. Sunflowers are widely grown, oil extraction is already established, and the leftover meal is underutilised. Converting this by-product into human-edible protein creates a low-waste solution. Sunflower cultivation is not heavily GMO-dependent in many regions, which may appeal to consumers seeking non-GMO alternatives.The plant-based meat sector continues to grow rapidly. Introducing sunflower flour as a base ingredient broadens raw material options, diversifies supply chains, and reduces reliance on a few dominant crops. Sunflower flour patties may soon appear in pizzas, sliders, and ready meals around the world.

Nutrition, challenges, and future directions for sunflower meat alternatives

Although results are encouraging, sensory and functional properties such as taste, texture, and shelf-life must match or surpass current market leaders to gain consumer acceptance. Researchers note that more flavour optimisation is needed. Extraction and processing affect protein yield. High fibre content in sunflower meal can reduce protein extraction and impair functionality. Optimised processing could raise protein content to around 49 percent, but equipment and process costs must be considered.Future work will focus on improving meat-like texture, expanding flavour profiles, performing lifecycle and environmental assessments, and conducting consumer acceptance studies globally.Sunflower flour is emerging as a serious contender for sustainable, scalable plant-based protein. Peer-reviewed research shows strong nutrition, good texture, mild flavour, and the added advantage of using a by-product. As consumers increasingly prioritise health, sustainability, and food transparency, sunflower flour-based products may move from novelty to norm. Your next burger could very well be powered by sunflowers.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.Also read| Are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches truly healthy for you