Have you ever noticed how a spilled cup of coffee leaves behind a telltale brown ring? 

While those stains might be annoying, the science behind them, known as the coffee ring effect, has sparked innovations in health technology. 

UC Berkeley researchers recently turned this everyday phenomenon into a breakthrough medical test, making rapid and reliable disease detection as easy as brewing your morning coffee. Curious how a simple coffee stain could inspire cutting-edge diagnostics and revolutionize at-home testing? Let’s look at how a forgotten mug on your desk might just save lives.

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Coffee ring stains left behind. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is the coffee ring effect, and why does it matter in science?

Ever wondered why spilled coffee, wine or tea dries in a ring rather than evenly? This common pattern is known as the “coffee ring effect.” The phenomenon occurs because of the liquid’s surface tension. As the drop begins to dry, water at the edges evaporates more quickly since that area is thinner. To keep up, liquid from the center flows outward, carrying tiny particles with it. Once the drop is completely dry, these particles settle along the edge, creating the signature ring stain you see on tables and countertops every day.

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Scientific diagram explaining the coffee ring effect in new at-home diagnostics. (UC Berkeley)

How the coffee ring effect led to a breakthrough in at-home medical testing

Surprisingly, that annoying coffee ring on your table has inspired a major breakthrough in medical technology. Researchers at UC Berkeley transformed this everyday nuisance into a powerful new at-home diagnostic test. This innovative test can identify diseases like COVID-19, prostate cancer and sepsis with remarkable accuracy. In fact, it is up to 100 times more sensitive than many current rapid tests. Even better, it delivers results in just twelve minutes, depending on the test.

The idea began with Kamyar Behrouzi, a former Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley. While developing a COVID-19 biosensor in 2020, he noticed that virus particles, much like coffee particles, tend to gather at the edge of a droplet. By using this natural effect, the researchers designed a test that captures and concentrates disease markers, making detection much easier. Thanks to this stain-inspired science, fast and reliable testing is now possible right at home.

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How this coffee-inspired test detects COVID-19, sepsis, and more

So, how does this innovative test actually work? First, you place a small sample from your nose or cheek onto a special membrane. As the sample dries, disease proteins concentrate at the edges to form a visible ring. Next, you add a second droplet containing light-reactive particles. If certain disease biomarkers are present, these nanoparticles light up when exposed to light. You can see positive results with the naked eye in some cases, or verify them more accurately using a special AI-powered smartphone app.

This rapid test does more than detect COVID-19. It can also identify early signs of sepsis, a life-threatening infection that needs quick treatment. To make home testing accessible, the UC Berkeley team even created a 3D-printed prototype for easy use on your kitchen counter. According to professor Liwei Lin, this innovative approach could transform regular health screening, with no lab visit required.

At-home test kit prototype features a 3D printed guide, a syringe and a compact heater for quick results. (Kamyar Behrouzi)

What this means for you

This coffee ring-inspired test brings hospital-level disease detection right to your home. With results ready in under twelve minutes, you can quickly check for diseases like COVID-19 and even early signs of sepsis. You no longer need to schedule lab visits or wait days for results. Instead, you can take charge of your health from the comfort of your kitchen, using a simple, affordable tool that could catch problems early and help keep your family safe. As technology like this becomes widely available, routine screening could become as easy as making your morning coffee.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s incredible how a common coffee stain inspired a breakthrough in medical testing. Science proves that even life’s little messes can spark big innovations. With these advances, you can look forward to faster, easier health checks at home and maybe appreciate your next coffee spill just a little more.

Would you trust a coffee stain to help catch disease early? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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If you’ve ever felt anxious not knowing your total at checkout, you’re not alone. 

Many people dislike manually adding up every item in their cart. However, imagine if your shopping cart could show you the running total in real-time. It could also help you breeze through checkout. This is exactly what Wegmans is doing.

For those who aren’t familiar, Wegmans is a popular grocery chain. It is known for quality products and great customer service. The chain mainly serves the northeastern U.S. Now, Wegmans is testing artificial intelligence-powered Caper Carts. These carts are designed to make your shopping smarter, faster and more personalized. Developed by Instacart, they track your spending as you shop. They even let you skip the checkout line entirely. This saves you time and hassle every trip.

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AI-powered Caper Cart in a grocery store. (Instacart)

​​Smart cart technology: How Caper Carts detect and scan your items

Caper Carts use cameras, location sensors and digital scales to automatically detect items when you place them in the cart. This technology removes the need to scan barcodes or wait in traditional checkout lines. As you shop, you can bag items immediately and pay directly from the cart, speeding up your entire visit.

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Personalized shopping with Caper Cart screens and navigation

Beyond checkout-free convenience, the carts feature digital interactive screens that display real-time spending, personalized offers and product recommendations. They also include GPS navigation to help you find items efficiently and even sync with shopping list apps like Instacart via QR codes for seamless shopping.

AI-powered Caper Carts. (Caper)

Advanced features: Security, durability, and remote management

Caper Carts use stacked charging technology to stay powered all day without manual battery swaps, and their durable design withstands heat, cold, rain and dust. Retailers benefit from remote cart management tools that provide shopper insights, while built-in security measures like AI item recognition and weight sensors reduce theft and shrinkage.

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Where to find the smart carts

The pilot program for the Caper Carts is currently running at four Wegmans stores in upstate New York: Dewitt (Syracuse), Perinton and Pittsford (Rochester), and Alberta Drive (Buffalo). The chain is working with two different technology providers to evaluate how well the smart carts fit into their shopping environment and meet customer needs.

Grocery items in a Caper Cart. (Caper)

What this means for you

If you are a shopper who is conscious about your budget, seeing your spending in real-time means no surprises at the register. And if you are busy, well, who isn’t? Cutting down on checkout time can save you precious minutes on every grocery run. While AI-powered carts may not be at your store yet, they offer a glimpse of how shopping could soon become faster, smarter and more convenient.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Shopping with a Caper Cart feels a lot like having a helpful sidekick by your side. You toss in your groceries, keep an eye on your budget right from the cart’s screen, and skip the checkout line altogether. It’s secure, simple, and let’s be honest, a lot more fun.

Would you rather use an AI-powered shopping cart, or do you prefer the traditional cart and checkout? What features would convince you to make the switch? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Ever get a Facebook message from an old friend, only to find out it wasn’t really that friend? That’s exactly how a recent Facebook impersonation scam almost cost someone $2,500. 

A scammer hijacked a woman’s account and used it to promote a fake $150,000 grant to her friends. One man came dangerously close to falling for it. We’ll break down how the scam unfolded and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from this growing threat.

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HOW I WAS TRICKED AND LOCKED OUT OF FACEBOOK AFTER BEING HACKED

A woman using Facebook on her laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How a Facebook impersonation scam begins: A familiar name with a dangerous message

Jim, a retired tech industry veteran, received a message on Facebook from his longtime friend, Lynda. The message started casually, “How are you doing today, Jim?” But it quickly shifted into a suspicious sales pitch for a government-backed grant. Lynda claimed she had received $150,000 from an organization called “Global Empowerment” and encouraged Jim to apply through an agent named David Kelvin. Although Jim was intrigued, he remained cautious. As their conversation progressed, he sensed something was off.

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The Facebook impersonation scam pitch: A $150K grant with a $2,500 price tag

The agent, “David Kelvin,” messaged Jim with vague promises of funding and quick delivery. He claimed there were no qualifications, and all Jim had to do was send his full name, address and $2,500 for “approval and shipping.” The scammers even sent a photo of a FedEx box supposedly filled with cash. Jim questioned how someone could walk into a bank and deposit $150,000 in cash without issue. 

“You don’t just do that,” he noted. Despite his growing suspicion, Jim continued the conversation to better understand the scam tactics.

Stacks of bills inside a FedEx box, used in scam photo   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Real Facebook impersonation scam chat transcript: How the scam played out

Below is a cleaned-up excerpt from the real Facebook conversation Jim had with the impersonator. This transcript not only shows how these scams work, but also highlights how subtle the manipulation can be.

Key moments in the scam conversation

Lynda: How are you doing today, Jim?
Jim: I’m well. How are you and Ken?
Lynda: Good! I hope you’ve heard my good news?
Jim: No… Are you pregnant? What’s the news?
Lynda: It’s about Global Empowerment. They’re giving out $150,000 in support funds. I received mine already. Are you aware of the program?
Jim: No, but I’d like to be. Can you send the info? Milena and I will be in the U.S. soon, and we’re interested in applying.
Lynda: Yes, you can. Here’s the agent’s email: [email]. And this is his Facebook profile: https://www.foxnews.com/tech/new-facebook-scam-starts-messages-from-friend.
Jim: Great, I’ll message him. Should I use your name?
Lynda: Yes. Use Facebook Messenger—it’s faster. Just say a friend told you about the funds.

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Jim messages “Agent David Kelvin” on Facebook.

Jim (to David): Hi David, my wife and I heard about your project through a friend. She said it’s for caregivers. I’m interested. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Later, Jim forwarded a message he received from “David” back to “Lynda.”
Jim: Is this taxable, by the way?
Jim (forwarding message from David): “YOU ARE HIGHLY WELCOME TO THE GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT FUNDS APPLICATION BOARD PROGRAM. GIVE ME YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS.”
Jim (to Lynda): I sent him my info. Still waiting to hear more.

Jim then received another reply from “David.”
Jim (forwarding): “Congratulations! You qualify for the funds.”
Lynda: That’s amazing! Tell him you’re ready. I hope it’s a joint application.
Jim: What’s next?
Lynda: Just follow his instructions.
Jim: Did you give him any banking info?
Lynda: No, they didn’t ask for that.

Jim gets another message from “David.”

Jim (forwarding): “PLEASE HOLD ON WHILE WE PROCESS YOUR INFORMATION.”
Lynda: I’m so happy for you, Jim!
Jim: How long did it take for you to get the money?
Lynda: Just a day after approval. It came in a box via FedEx.
Jim: How much did you pay?
Lynda: $2,500 for approval and shipping. I deposited the money into my account right away.
Jim: Are you sure this is legit?
Lynda: 100% real. Trust me. I’ll show you my bank statement.

Screenshot showing fake online bank account with $153,000   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

At this point, Jim began noticing red flags in the scammers’ grammar.
Jim: “Informations”? [That’s not a real word. This raised a red flag.]
Lynda: Don’t worry. It’s not a scam. I promise.

Facebook impersonation scam red flags: What gave the scam away

Recognizing Facebook impersonation scam red flags is crucial for protecting yourself online. Jim noticed several warning signs that exposed the scam:

• Bad grammar: Phrases like “your winning informations had been approved” are a common indicator of scams.
• Vague responses and unrealistic promises: Scammers often avoid specifics and make offers that sound too good to be true.
• Pressure tactics: If you feel rushed or pushed to act quickly, such as being told, “Just follow his instructions… Trust me,” it’s a red flag.
• Requests for upfront payment: No legitimate grant or prize will ever require you to pay money in advance. If you are asked to send payment before receiving anything, it is always a scam.
• Strange behavior: The imposter “Lynda” referred to herself in the third person, which is unusual in genuine conversations.
• Missing application process: Real grants and prizes require you to complete an application or meet eligibility requirements.

When Jim delayed by saying he would finish the process after traveling, the scammers began deleting their messages. This suspicious behavior confirmed his doubts about the Facebook impersonation scam.

How a Facebook impersonation scam works: Step-by-step breakdown

This Facebook impersonation scam follows a pattern:

1. Hijack a trusted friend’s account: Scammers gain access to a real Facebook account, often through phishing or weak passwords, so their messages appear to come from someone you know and trust.

2. Build rapport by mimicking a casual conversation: The scammer starts with a friendly, familiar greeting-like “How are you doing today?” to lower your guard and make the interaction feel genuine.

3. Pitch a fake financial windfall (in this case, a $150K grant): Once trust is established, the imposter introduces an enticing offer, such as a government-backed grant or prize, claiming they have already received the money themselves.

4. Request a large upfront fee for “processing” or “delivery”: To move forward, the scammer asks for personal details and a significant payment — $2,500 in Jim’s case — framed as a necessary step for approval or shipping.

5. Use fake photos, urgency and emotional pressure to convince the victim: They may send doctored images (like a FedEx box of cash) and apply pressure with urgent language or emotional appeals, insisting the opportunity is real and time-sensitive.

While Jim recognized the scam in time, he worried that others, especially older adults, might fall for it. 

“The safe days on the internet are over,” he said. “It’s a jungle out there, and most folks are not equipped to play safety on that playground.”

Screenshot showing fake online bank account with $153,000 (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Facebook impersonation scam protection: 8 ways to secure your account and identity

Facebook impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but following a few essential steps can help you safeguard your identity and keep your personal information secure.

1. Confirm suspicious Facebook messages directly with friends

Call or text them directly if something feels off, even if the message seems casual or harmless.

2. Strengthen your Facebook account security with a strong password

Weak or reused passwords make it easier for scammers to break into your accounts, especially if your login credentials have been exposed in a past data breach. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords

3. Spot Facebook scam red flags like grammatical errors and urgency

Bad grammar, vague responses, pressure tactics and unrealistic promises are common in impersonation scams. If something feels off, it probably is.

4. Install strong antivirus software to block Facebook phishing links

Protect your devices from malware and phishing links that steal login credentials. The best way to safeguard yourself is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

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5. Use identity theft protection to guard against online scams

Once your personal data is compromised, scammers can open accounts, reroute your mail or impersonate you online. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 

6. Never pay upfront for grants or giveaways. It’s a Scam

No legitimate grant or prize requires upfront payment. That’s always a scam.

7. Report Facebook impersonation scams to Meta and the FTC

If you’ve been targeted or suspect a friend’s account has been hacked, take action right away. Report fake or compromised Facebook accounts to Meta and also report fraud and scams to the FTC. 

8. Remove your personal data from people search sites to reduce your scam risk

Scammers often gather personal information from people search and data broker websites to make their Facebook impersonation attempts more convincing and to target victims more effectively. These sites can expose your name, address, phone number and even relatives, giving criminals the details they need to impersonate you or your friends online, as seen in the Facebook impersonation scam described in this article. 

By actively removing your information from these sites, you make it much harder for scammers to find and use your data against you. This process usually involves searching for your exposed profiles, submitting opt-out requests to each site and monitoring for republished information. While no service can guarantee complete removal, using a reputable data removal service or following step-by-step opt-out guides significantly lowers your risk of being targeted in scams like the one detailed above.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/Delete

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Even the most experienced internet users can be fooled when a scam comes from a trusted face. Today, Facebook impersonation scams are more sophisticated and emotional than ever before. Take a moment to verify. Never send money to strangers online. And, remember, your friend may not be who he said he is.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a Facebook impersonation scam? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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A major breakthrough in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing is on the way, and it’s coming from Georgia Tech. 

Backed by a $20 million investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the university is building a supercomputer named Nexus. It’s expected go online in spring 2026.

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GOOGLE SIGNS 200 MW FUSION ENERGY DEAL TO POWER FUTURE AI

Georgia Tech also houses the powerful PACE Hive Gateway supercomputer. (Georgia Tech )

Nexus supercomputer delivers AI speed and power

This system is fast. We’re talking really fast. Nexus will hit over 400 petaflops of performance, meaning it can run 400 quadrillion operations every second. To put that in perspective, it’s like giving every person on Earth the ability to solve 50 million math problems at the same time. But speed isn’t the only headline here. The designers built Nexus specifically for AI workloads and research that needs serious compute muscle. With this much speed behind them, scientists can tackle complex problems in health, energy, robotics, climate and more, faster than ever.

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AI architecture drives Nexus from the ground up

Nexus isn’t just another general-purpose machine with a layer of AI added later. Georgia Tech built it from the ground up with artificial intelligence, machine learning and large-scale data science in mind, right alongside traditional high-performance computing needs.

The system will feature 330 terabytes of memory and 10 petabytes of flash storage, about the digital equivalent of 10 billion reams of paper. That level of infrastructure is essential for training large AI models, running complex simulations and managing massive datasets that don’t fit on standard systems.

Speed is a priority throughout. The data infrastructure is fully optimized to move information between components seamlessly, without bottlenecks. That means researchers can push the limits of their workflows without delays and slow file transfers or memory shortfalls holding them back.

This illustration symbolizes the high-speed data connections and AI-driven architecture at the core of the Nexus supercomputer. (Georgia Tech )

Nexus supercomputer combines speed with usability

While most supercomputers focus solely on raw performance, Nexus takes a more balanced approach. Georgia Tech is designing it for both power and ease of use. With built-in user-friendly interfaces, scientists won’t need to be low-level system experts to run complex projects successfully.

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Right out of the box, Nexus will support AI workflows, data science pipelines, simulations and long-running scientific services. This flexibility enables faster iteration, smoother collaboration and minimized technical barriers, making a real difference across fields like biology, chemistry, environmental science and engineering.

To support both campus innovation and national impact, Georgia Tech is reserving 10% of the system for on-campus use, while the NSF will manage broader national access. This hybrid model ensures that Nexus fuels discovery at every level, from local labs to large-scale research initiatives.

A photo of the Georgia Tech campus  (Georgia Tech)

What this means for you

If you’re outside the research world, Nexus still affects you. This system supports work that touches real lives. From drug discovery and vaccine development to building smarter energy systems and improving weather predictions, the breakthroughs powered by Nexus could make it into your home, your hospital, your car or your city.

If you’re a researcher, developer or engineer, Nexus changes the game. You no longer need to be inside a massive Silicon Valley lab to access top-tier AI infrastructure. Whether you’re modeling protein folding, training a new algorithm or simulating complex weather systems, this machine will give you the tools to do it faster and better.

This isn’t just about one machine. It’s about opening up access to innovation. More researchers will get to run more experiments, ask bigger questions and share ideas across disciplines without being limited by infrastructure. That’s a win for all of us.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

As we look ahead, Nexus truly changes the game for scientific research. At the same time, Georgia Tech takes a bold step forward. It’s not just launching a powerful system. It is also inviting more voices into the conversation. By opening up access and making advanced tools available, researchers accelerate discoveries. They’ll tackle challenges that once felt out of reach. This collaborative approach could inspire new breakthroughs. It may also help more people lead the next wave of innovation.

Is AI innovation moving too fast or finally fast enough to solve real-world problems? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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