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Sacrificing sleep to binge-watch TV can impair brain health, doctor warns

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Staying awake to watch “just one more episode” is a classic excuse for delaying bedtime.

And with popular shows like Peacock’s “Love Island” airing almost every night as the drama unfolds live, there’s more pressure to finish the latest episode and to engage in conversation with others the next day.

In addition to making us sleepier in the morning, staying awake to watch TV is not good for the brain, according to Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California.

YOUR BRAIN PHYSICALLY CHANGES WHEN YOU WORK TOO MUCH, SCIENTISTS WARN

“‘I just have to watch the last episode’ of whatever show you’re watching, and you end up cutting out half an hour or an hour of sleep,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

In this case, the doctor advised, “Don’t make important decisions the next day, because your brain has not been properly ‘washed.’ And you’re just more likely to make a bad decision.”

The pressure to stay up-to-date on the latest episode or streaming series often leads to delayed bedtimes. (iStock)

Amen stressed that prioritizing sleep is “absolutely essential,” because when you sleep, your brain “cleans and washes itself.” 

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Getting an adequate night’s sleep helps improve memory the next day, as well as energy, focus and blood flow, the doctor said.

doctor examining image of a brain and dr. daniel amen headshot

Dr. Daniel Amen (shown right) explains how failing to prioritize sleep can damage the brain. (Katie Levine; iStock)

“If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight,” he suggested. “Given that, we can record [shows] or we can always watch them the next day.”

“If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight.”

“How much do you love yourself?” Amen questioned. “Because doing the right thing is never about deprivation.”

The doctor encourages adopting the following mindset. 

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“I want energy. I want memory. I want focus. I want passion. I want purpose. I want blood flow. I never want to do anything that hurts [the brain].”

“It’s about the abundance of what I want rather than what I can’t have,” Amen added. “You’re going to get serious about brain health.”

Woman eating popcorn

Exposure to blue light reduces the production of melatonin, decreasing the quality of sleep, according to experts. (iStock)

Exposure to screens and blue light before bed also decreases the production of melatonin, leaving you less sleepy, Amen cautioned.

“Mindlessly scrolling – you’re going to have the fear of missing out almost immediately, which also increases stress,” he added.

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The expert recommended adding blue-light blockers to all devices that turn on when the sun goes down to help ease into a restful night’s sleep.

German prefab tower offers 3-story tiny home living with skyline views

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Have you ever thought your dream house could offer skyline views without sacrificing style or space? 

Do you prefer the verticality of city apartments but wish you could also own a standalone home? These innovative prefab towers from the German company Moduleform make that possible. 

Named the DQ Tower, this micro-living residence is designed for backyards and small urban lots. With three stories, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and high-end built-in features, it brings a sleek new take on compact living, even if it comes at a premium price.

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HOW 432 ROBOTS ARE RELOCATING A 7,500-TON HISTORIC BUILDING

tiny home 1

Backyard tiny home with three stories and skyline views

With three full stories of living space, the DQ Tower stands over 28 feet tall. However, all that vertical space only takes up a footprint of just 13 by 13 feet. It’s designed for tight urban plots or backyard spaces, and instead of spreading out like a traditional mobile tiny home, it rises straight up.

tiny home 2

Spacious living in a compact footprint

The ground floor opens up into a spacious living and dining area. A comfy sofa pulls double duty as both seating and an optional spare sleeping space. A comfortable dining nook sits next to a kitchenette complete with an induction stove, sink, and refrigerator. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows give plenty of natural light and open up the space even further. The ground floor rounds out with a half bathroom with a convenient washing machine included.

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Climbing the staircase to the second floor, you will find the first cozy bedroom complete with a single bed and a built-in wardrobe. On the second floor is also a full bathroom with a standing shower. And yes, the ceilings are quite tall and spacious, avoiding the cramped loft designs of other tiny homes.

The third floor is the showstopper. As you ascend the steel and wood staircase, the master bedroom sits comfortably with a double bed, an even larger wardrobe, and a small desk for a working area. The tall windows up here continue to provide light and ventilation, making the most of the compact space while providing breathtaking views.

tiny home 3

Prefabricated backyard house ships in just 8 months

In total, the DQ Tower offers nearly 420 square feet of living space. That is a reasonable accommodation for a couple or small family, or anyone who appreciates the efficiency of downsizing. Another option, and one that the manufacturers advertise, is the DQ Tower, which fits comfortably in the backyard, making for a cost-effective and low-impact guest house, perfect for rental sites like Airbnb.  And with two bathrooms and two bedrooms, it’s surprisingly livable for such a small footprint.

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The major convenience and cost-cutting feature of these tiny tower homes is that they come prefabricated. They are built off-site in Germany, transported to the site, and settled into place with a small crane crew. As of now, it takes about eight months from order to delivery. The whole structure is constructed with a sturdy steel frame, well-insulated walls, and clad in chic aluminum panels.

tiny home 4

Luxury tiny home pricing starts at $176,000

The starting price for these private towers is currently roughly $176,000.   Now, that is nearly twice the per-square-foot cost of other tiny homes. However, the DQ Tower offers ultra-high-quality, designer-level micro-living with a sleek and accommodating design.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The DQ Tower is more than just a tiny home. It offers a bold vision for how people can live in smaller spaces without giving up comfort or style. Although it is not currently available in the United States, it provides a clear picture of where compact, vertical living could be headed. As cities become more crowded and backyard space gains value, this European design could inspire the next generation of American prefab housing.

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Would you trade square footage for sky-high design if it meant living smarter, smaller, and more sustainably? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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MIT breakthrough lets robots see inside sealed boxes without opening them

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Why would you want a robot to see inside a sealed box?

Digging deeper beyond the initial creepy thought, a new breakthrough from MIT could soon let warehouse robots do something pretty remarkable. This high-tech wave technology can detect damage inside sealed cardboard boxes without ever opening them. 

Using millimeter wave (mmWave) imaging, the same type of signal used in Wi-Fi, the researchers developed a system called mmNorm. There’s nothing normal about this superpower. This technology allows robots to scan containers and generate accurate 3D models of the objects inside by analyzing how signals bounce back from hidden surfaces.

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NONINVASIVE BRAIN TECH AND AI MOVES ROBOTIC HAND WITH THOUGHT

robot scans boxes 1

A robotic arm scans a sealed box using mmWave radar to detect objects inside  (MIT)

How robots detect damage inside boxes using mmWave imaging

Millimeter waves are particularly effective at penetrating materials such as cardboard, plastic and even interior walls. When these waves hit an object inside a box, they reflect. The mmNorm system captures these reflections and feeds them into an algorithm that estimates the shape and direction of the surface of the hidden item. 

Unlike traditional radar systems, mmNorm accounts for a challenging property called specularity, which refers to the way radio waves bounce off shiny or angled surfaces, much like a mirror. By estimating the surface normal (the direction a surface is facing), the system’s accuracy improves dramatically. The method combines reflections from multiple antennas that “vote” on the surface normal direction based on signal strength, improving the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction. 

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The technology powering robots that detect damage inside boxes

What makes mmNorm different is its clever use of physics. Instead of ignoring reflections that bounce away from the radar (as most systems do), it captures them to infer the shape and orientation of hidden surfaces. Lead author Laura Dodds explained that the system doesn’t just track where a signal comes from. It also analyzes the direction the surface is facing. To do this, the MIT team used a robotic arm equipped with a radar unit. As it moved around a sealed box, it gathered multiple measurements, building a detailed 3D picture of what was inside. 

ROBOT scans boxes 2

A robotic arm scans a sealed box using mmWave radar to detect objects inside  (MIT)

Why robots that detect damage inside boxes are a game-changer for warehouses

During testing, mmNorm achieved 96% accuracy in reconstructing complex items, such as power drills and silverware. That’s a big jump compared to the 78% accuracy offered by similar systems. In a warehouse setting, this means robotic arms could inspect the contents of packages moving down a conveyor belt without unpacking them. 

It also opens the door for humanoid robots to roam warehouses and assess packages for damage or missing parts in real time. However, the technology does not work well for objects hidden behind metal or very thick walls, which limits some applications.

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Where else could robots detect damage inside boxes and make an impact

Beyond warehouse automation, this technology opens the door to several other promising uses. In factory production lines, robots that detect damage inside boxes could inspect goods quickly and without opening packages, helping maintain high-quality standards. 

In assisted-living centers, the same approach might help ensure safety by checking the contents of containers without disturbing residents. Even in security screening, being able to see through sealed boxes could enhance threat detection without adding any strain on bandwidth since the system uses the same mmWave signals as existing technologies. The research team plans to further improve the resolution of mmNorm and boost its performance on less reflective objects, making it even more versatile for future applications.

robot scans boxes 3

A robotic arm scans a sealed box using mmWave radar to detect objects inside  (MIT)

Kurt’s key takeaways

We may be entering an era where robots don’t just move boxes, but they understand what’s in them. MIT’s mmNorm system offers a glimpse into the future of warehouse efficiency, safety and automation. And if robots can detect damage inside boxes without opening them, that might just change how everything gets shipped, sorted and delivered.

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Are we ready to trust machines to judge what’s damaged and what’s not without ever opening the box? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Dermatologist warns against viral Sharpie lip liner trend on social media

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Some influencers on social media are participating in the viral “Sharpie lip liner” trend — which is exactly what it sounds like.

Users apply a standard Sharpie (typically in shades of red and coral) to the edges of their mouths before going over it again with lip gloss or lipstick, according to numerous videos.

On these posts, commenters are asking what shade of Sharpie the beauty gurus are using, with many praising the permanent marker as an economical alternative to traditional lip liners.

MOM CREDITS TIKTOK VIDEO FOR LIFE-SAVING CANCER DIAGNOSIS AFTER STRANGE NAIL MARKING

Some influencers, even when trying the trending hack, seem to have some qualms.

“My lips were not burning, but I could definitely feel my lips drying out,” one user reported in a TikTok voice-over. “I wouldn’t recommend doing this regularly … I can definitely taste and smell the chemicals on me.”

Beauty influencers on social media are applying permanent markers, typically Sharpies, to their lips instead of regular makeup. (iStock)

Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist located in Scottsdale, Arizona, told Fox News Digital that she finds the trend concerning.

“The risk is not worth it,” she said.

MAHA INFLUENCER DEMANDS STRICTER SAFETY STANDARDS FOR US COSMETICS

The Northern New England Poison Center states on its website that “permanent markers, including popular brands like Sharpie, contain ink that is made from the chemicals xylene, toluene and urethane resin.”

“I wouldn’t recommend doing this regularly … I can definitely taste and smell the chemicals on me.”

Toluene, notably, can be found in other solvents and chemicals, such as paint pigments and thinners, metal cleaners and gasoline.

Young woman applying makeup to her lips

“I would just have concerns that some of these potential toxins would get absorbed to a level that might be concerning for overall health risks,” a dermatologist cautioned. (iStock)

“I would just have concerns that some of these potential toxins would get absorbed to a level that might be concerning for overall health risks,” Jeffy cautioned.

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“It’s just so interesting that we live in a world where people are so polarized against certain ingredients that actually are completely safe to use, and they’re embracing using a substance that does actually contain toxins.”

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The dermatologist referred to Sharpie’s website, which warns against using the product on skin.

“While Sharpie markers are safe for artistic purposes, caution is advised against using them on skin, as they are not designed for that application,” the site states.

Sharpie lip liner

“While Sharpie markers are safe for artistic purposes, caution is advised against using them on skin, as they are not designed for that application,” says the company’s website. (Getty / Storyful)

However, the dermatologist doesn’t think that those who have participated in the trend so far need to be “super worried.”

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“I don’t think there’s anything for them to specifically do [to combat potential health risks],” Jeffy told Fox News Digital. “Just stop doing it.”

Fox News Digital also reached out to Sharpie for comment.

Pezeshkian suffered leg injury fleeing alleged airstrike last month, Iran claims

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suffered a minor leg injury while escaping an Israeli airstrike last month, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.

The alleged attack happened on June 16 at a secure government facility in Western Tehran, where Pezeshkian was holding a meeting with other senior officials, according to the outlet, which is managed by Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Six bombs or missiles reportedly targeted entry and exit points to block attempts to evacuate the building and disrupt air flow inside. Power was also cut to the targeted floor, after the blasts, the report said.

The officials escaped through an emergency hatch, according to the report. Pezeshkian and several others reportedly suffered minor leg injuries during the escape.

IRAN SAYS IT CAN STRIKE THE US AND ISRAEL FOR TWO YEARS. DOES IT REALLY HAVE THAT POWER?

Pezeshkian reportedly suffered a minor leg injury while fleeing through an emergency hatch during an alleged Israeli airstrike last month. (Iran’s Presidential website/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS, File)

The report claimed the attack was similar to an Israeli plan that led to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Seyed Hassan Nasrallah in September. 

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The alleged strike was said to have happened on the fourth day of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. 

Israel has said its military targeted some of Iran’s top military leaders and nuclear scientists in a series of air strikes aimed at preventing the regime from realizing its goal of producing nuclear weapons.

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On June 22, the U.S. launched its own stealth strike on three of Iran’s key nuclear enrichment sites. The 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran ended with a U.S.-brokered cease-fire.

Family fraud costs seniors $28B annually; 5 steps to protect parents

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You’d like to believe no one in your family could ever scam your parents. But what if the danger isn’t a stranger at all? What if it’s someone they already trust? What if it’s even your sibling or an estranged uncle in need of money? According to the AARP, seniors in America lose over $28 billion every year to fraud.

Shockingly, 70% of it comes from people they know — family members, neighbors, caregivers and “friends.”

If you’ve got aging parents or grandparents, it’s time to take action. People in your circle can cause serious financial damage, known as family fraud, if you’re not careful. And, worse yet, almost 90% of family fraud doesn’t get reported by seniors due to shame, fear and potential repercussions. Here’s a simple five-step plan to protect your loved ones before someone you thought you could trust takes advantage of them.

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MEDICARE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 100,000 AMERICANS’ INFO

protect parents 1

A parent typing on a laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 1: Understand how family fraud puts your parents at risk

It’s not just shady scammers in faraway places. Most elder fraud happens close to home. These fraudsters know eerily specific details about seniors, their children, grandchildren, past occupations and even retirement funds.

The most common cases involve:

  • Reconnection: Estranged relatives suddenly reconnecting with hidden motives
  • Identity theft: Family members using your loved one’s name, Social Security number or credit cards
  • Friend-stalking: Casual acquaintances digging for personal info to exploit

If your family has tension, estranged members or unresolved drama, your parents could be prime targets. Recognizing this risk is the first essential step to prevention.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Step 2: Protect your parents by locking down their personal data

Data broker sites sell seniors’ personal information by the bundle. We’re talking phone numbers, emails, home addresses, income estimates and even political views, all listed online for pennies. Armed with those details, scammers can impersonate a relative, hack an account or manipulate your loved ones over the phone.

Think about how easy it is for an estranged family member to get updates about your parents’ lives and financial status. Limit how much your parents share online or delete such information to prevent it from appearing on people search sites. Ultimately, controlling what’s available online is one of the most effective ways to protect seniors from identity theft, fraud and unwanted contact.

protect parent 2

A parent typing on a laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3: Remove your parents’ personal data from the internet

The good news is that you can protect your elderly family members from a lot of trouble. Start by searching for your parents’ names on Google. If their phone number or address appears on shady people search sites, have it removed. The problem is that there are hundreds of these data broker sites, and most make it a nightmare to opt out.

That’s where a personal data removal service comes in. They automatically contact these data brokers and force them to delete personal information, including your parents’.

It works in the background and covers dozens of the worst offenders. I personally use it for my family, and it’s one of the smartest, simplest ways to keep personal data out of the wrong hands.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, but neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  

By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. 

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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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Step 4: Unlist your parents’ phone numbers to block scammers

One of the easiest ways for scammers to reach and manipulate seniors is through phone calls. A friendly voice claiming to be a long-lost cousin or someone pretending to be a financial advisor goes a long way. If your parents’ landline or cell number is publicly listed, it’s a ticking time bomb.

You can:

  • Contact their phone provider and request that the number be unlisted
  • Remove their number from online directories (A personal data removal service can do this too)
  • Consider getting them a new number and keeping it private.

The fewer ways fraudsters can reach your loved ones, the better.

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A parent typing on a laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 5: Monitor your parents’ identity to catch fraud early

Data removal tools, such as Incogni, should be your first line of defense. But for additional peace of mind, you can add free tools like credit freezes and bank alerts. Identity monitoring services can also alert you if your parents’ Social Security number, name or financial accounts are being misused.

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

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Family fraud is one of those ugly, uncomfortable topics we tend to avoid. But trust me, the regret of not acting is far worse. Start today and remove your parents’ personal data from the web. Remember to unlist their phone number and lock down their sensitive information. Every measure helps your parents maintain control over their finances.

How comfortable do you feel discussing financial safety and privacy with your older relatives? What challenges have you faced in starting these conversations? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  



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Declassified documents reveal F-16 collision with unknown flying object

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Declassified documents revealing a United States military aircraft was previously struck by an unknown flying object is raising eyebrows as experts point to other unexplainable sightings suggesting otherworldly technology flying within the country’s airspace. 

The incident occurred in January 2023, after an unidentified object collided with the left side of an F-16 Viper jet participating in training exercises near Gila Benda, Arizona, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital. 

The flying object struck the clear “canopy” at the top of the aircraft and was first spotted by an instructor pilot sitting in the rear of the plane, officials said. An initial investigation determined no damage was done to the near $70 million jet, with officials ruling against a possible bird strike. 

OVER 60 UFO SIGHTINGS REPORTED WHIZZING ACROSS STATE IN FIRST HALF OF 2025, NATIONAL TRACKING GROUP SAYS

An F-16 fighter jet was struck by an unidentified flying object while engaging in training exercises in Arizona in January 2023. (iStock)

Authorities ultimately determined the aircraft was struck by a drone, but the location and operator of the device have yet to be determined, the spokesperson said. 

The incident was the first of four encounters with unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) that were reported a day later, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documents obtained by the War Zone. 

“According to military personnel I’ve personally met with, there were objects 200 miles off the East Coast that were extensively loitering and had no visible means of propulsion,” James Fox, a director specializing in films about UFO activity, told Fox News Digital. “So a report from 2023 about an actual impact with a UAP doesn’t really surprise me.” 

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER MYSTERIOUS SPHERE IN COLOMBIA, SPARKING UFO SPECULATION

The concerning collision comes as the Department of Defense reported 757 incidents involving UAPs from May 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024, according to an unclassified document released by the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office. 

Of those encounters, 708 occurred in the air, with only 49 instances marked as “case closed” by officials. Additionally, the department received 18 reports regarding UAP incidents near nuclear infrastructure, launch sites and weapons, according to the report.

“None of these resolved cases substantiated advanced foreign adversarial capabilities or breakthrough aerospace technologies,” the report states. 

UFO FOOTAGE CAPTURED BY US NAVY SHOWS MYSTERIOUS AIRCRAFT LAUNCHING FROM SEA, EXPERT SAYS

An alien spaceship

The Pentagon recorded 757 incidents involving UAPs from 2023 to 2024, according to unclassified documents. (iStock)

The sightings of UAPs near military sites are nothing new, according to Fox. 

“There are reports dating back to the 1930s and 1940s,” Fox said. “Where you had mysterious, glowing, and orb-like objects that emitted very bright light that could just fly rings around the military planes from World War II.”

Fox pointed to the sheer advanced technology showcased within these sightings, such as aircraft that do not emit a heat signature or have the ability to fly stationary in high wind conditions.

“This has been well-documented for decades,” Fox said. “So either we’ve managed to track the same thing it’s been, [possibly] non-human intelligence, since the 1940s. Or someone has managed to replicate the technology, reverse engineer it and they’re flying it around.” 

VIRAL CIA FILE ABOUT ALIENS ATTACKING SOLDIERS TAKES OFF WITH UFO INTRIGUE

UFO iStock

Of the 2023 to 2024 reports, 708 occurred in the air, with only 49 instances marked as “case closed” by officials, according to Pentagon documents. (iStock)

In 2020, the Department of Defense established an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) to further research and investigate the various UAPs spotted throughout American skies. 

“The mission of the task force is to detect, analyze and catalog UAPs that could potentially pose a threat to U.S. national security,” the department said in a statement. 

Fox also cited officials’ use of updated technology to pinpoint the location and characteristics of UAPs possibly contributing to the influx in reports over recent years. 

UFO COVER USED BY GOVERNMENT TO ‘HIDE A LOT OF THINGS,’ FORMER NASA AGENT SAYS

“They’ve adjusted the frequency on particular radars to pick up smaller objects that maybe have been here all along,” Fox said, adding, “it’s a global phenomenon exhibiting the technology that’s just lightyears ahead from anything we have. Has there been a successful effort in reverse engineering? [If not], then it falls into the category that many would say is non-human intelligence.” 

While a vast majority of UAPs spotted by officials are quickly identified, Fox insists there are a select few that have origins unknown to even the highest of government authorities and do not match the technology owned by the country’s adversaries. 

“A small percentage of these objects display a technology that’s just light-years beyond anything that we or anybody else on the planet has,” Fox said. “Which would imply, once you do the process of elimination, if it isn’t Russia or China, and if it’s not us, what’s left?” 

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER MYSTERIOUS SPHERE IN COLOMBIA, SPARKING UFO SPECULATION

Fox also attributes overall public skepticism regarding UAPs to the U.S. government remaining tight-lipped about its findings over the years. However, officials have continued to work toward transparency with the American public, with a congressional hearing on UFOs occurring for the first time in decades in 2022 and continuing to take place on the floors of Congress. 

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“The primary reason for secrecy is that it’s difficult for any governing body to admit that there are structured craft of unknown origin whizzing around with impunity,” Fox said. “They fly rings around our fastest jets, and [the government] doesn’t know who they are, where they come from or what they want.” 

Study reveals 71% of people prefer human agents for customer service

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Every day, customers reach out to companies. 

They want to buy something, ask about an order, return a product or fix a payment issue. In the past, that usually meant talking to a real person on the phone or through a website. 

Now, things are changing. More often, the first reply comes from a chatbot.

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AI AND LEARNING RETENTION: DOES CHATGPT HELP OR HURT?

customer service rep

A woman on the phone with customer service   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How chatbots are changing customer service for businesses

A chatbot is an artificial intelligence tool designed to simulate real-time conversations with users. It operates around the clock, doesn’t require breaks and can manage a high volume of requests simultaneously. For businesses, that sounds like an ideal solution. It’s no surprise that the chatbot market has surged from $370 million in 2017 to $2.2 billion in 2024. Many companies now rely on chatbots as the first point of contact for customer service. Despite the convenience, not all customers are on board.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Why most customers still prefer human agents over chatbots

While companies are excited about the speed and efficiency of chatbots, many customers are not. A recent survey found that 71% of people would rather speak with a human agent. Even more concerning, 60% said chatbots often do not understand their issue. This is not just about getting the wrong answer. It comes down to trust. Most people are still unsure about artificial intelligence, especially when their time or money is on the line.

customer service reps

Customer service representatives (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WHAT IS CHATGPT?

When customers want a human agent instead of a chatbot

Not every customer question is the same. Some are simple and quick. Others are more complex or personal. And that’s where chatbots fall short. A recent survey showed that 47% of people were OK with a company using their purchase history for marketing. But only 9% were OK with the company using their financial information. That’s a big difference. When things feel more sensitive or serious, people want a real person to help.

New research compares chatbots to human agents in customer service

To better understand how people really interact with chatbots and human agents, researcher Vivek Astvansh partnered with a large North American retailer and analyzed more than 500,000 customer service chats. The findings are detailed in his peer-reviewed study, “Insights from Customers’ Chats with Bots and Human Agents.”

The study found that most inquiries fell into one of six categories: orders, coupons, products, shipping, account issues and payments. When customers had questions about detailed or sensitive topics, such as shipping or payment issues, they were far more likely to seek out a human agent rather than rely on a chatbot. Astvansh’s research also revealed that human agents were more effective at matching the content and communication style of the customer than chatbots. 

This similarity in language and topic focus led to stronger rapport between customer and agent. In fact, the closer the agent’s responses aligned with the dominant topic of the conversation, the faster and more frequently customers replied. The data suggests that customers feel more engaged when they sense they are being understood, which is a key driver of satisfaction during service interactions.

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How businesses can improve customer service with a hybrid approach

So, how can businesses use these insights to improve customer service? Not every customer issue should be handled by a chatbot. Companies should determine the intent behind each inquiry before deciding whether it should be routed to a bot or a human. 

Human agents already know how to mirror a customer’s tone and focus. For chatbots to succeed, they must be trained to recognize and adapt to customer intent and language patterns. While this doesn’t come naturally to machines, it can be programmed using machine-learning models like those used in the study. 

If a company is investing in a chatbot system, it should track how well that system performs. Businesses should ask chatbot vendors to provide real-world data showing how their bots compare to human agents in terms of efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction. If the technology cannot meet a high standard, it may not be worth the investment.

customer service guy

A man on the phone with customer service  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

AI tools, such as chatbots, are helpful and are not going away anytime soon. But customers still want to feel heard and understood. That usually means talking to a real person. The best approach is not to replace humans but to use both people and technology in the right ways. Let the chatbot handle the quick stuff. Bring in the human when the conversation really matters.

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If you had an important issue to resolve, would you feel confident putting your trust in a chatbot? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact 

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How diet affects body odor and which foods can improve your scent

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Topics like “old people smell” and “Ozempic smell” have recently circulated on social media, sparking a renewed focus on how people’s bodies react to and produce scents. 

Many foods (and not just garlic) can impact the way someone smells — but there are ways to mitigate the effects through dietary choices, according to experts.

“Some foods impact body odor more than others,” New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade told Fox News Digital.

‘OLD PEOPLE SMELL’ IS REAL, EXPERTS SAY — HERE’S HOW TO AVOID IT AS YOU AGE

Research shows that body odor is influenced by each person’s skin bacteria and how it breaks down sweat, according to the expert.

Below are some of the most common foods that can impact one’s scent.

Fish

We’re all familiar with the “fishy” smell of seafood, but it can also change the way people smell to others.

Some people have a rare condition that causes a foul odor to emanate from their body after consuming fish. (iStock)

In very rare cases, the body converts a seafood byproduct called choline into a fishy-smelling compound called trimethylamine, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

This compound travels throughout the body and is released through the breath and skin.

OZEMPIC USERS REPORT SURPRISING CRAVINGS FOR CERTAIN SMELLS: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

People with this affliction, called trimethylaminuria, may also produce a fishy odor after eating other foods, including beans, broccoli, cauliflower, peanuts and soy products.

“But this incredibly rare condition affects only a few hundred individuals, and most people will be able to eat fish without concern,” states Cleveland Clinic’s website.

Vegetables

While vegetables are widely regarded as some of the healthiest food choices, they can cause an unexpected odor for some.

Cruciferous vegetables including brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Broccoli and Brussels sprouts can also cause sulfur-like smells. (iStock)

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can cause body odor when they release sulfuric acid, according to Cleveland Clinic. The scent is then intensified by sweat, breath and gas.

Spices

“Some spicy foods are known to increase body odor due to their sulfur-containing compounds and specific metabolites,” Palinski-Wade told Fox News Digital.

“When they are released, they interact with skin bacteria, resulting in specific odors.”

GUT MICROBES COULD BE KEY TO FIGHTING TOXIC, LONG-LASTING ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS,’ RESEARCH SAYS

Cleveland Clinic notes that spices like curry and cumin contain “volatile compounds” that are absorbed by the bloodstream and released through the sweat glands, “leading to a distinct odor.”

Red meat

Eating larger amounts of red meat can also impact body odor, according to Palinski-Wade.

A woman in a grocery store looking at red meat

Red meat can release odorless proteins through sweat that create an unpleasant smell when they mingle with the skin, according to experts. (iStock)

Consuming red meat can release odorless proteins through perspiration, but after they mingle with skin bacteria, their odor can intensify.

Foods to improve body odor

Not all people will experience the same food-related body scents, as genetic differences impact the type and intensity of odors that may come from eating certain foods, experts noted.

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Making certain changes to your diet can help to reduce or prevent body odor, according to Palinski-Wade.

Man covering his nose with his shirt, looking into camera, after smelling something bad.

Some dietary changes may help improve body odor, an expert advised. (iStock)

“You may be able to improve body odor by reducing sulfur-rich foods, cutting down on red meat or excessively spicy foods, and increasing your intake of water, fruits and vegetables,” she advised.

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Foods like apples, leafy greens, yogurt and green tea may help to neutralize odor-causing compounds and support beneficial gut bacteria, which can reduce unpleasant body odors, said Palinski-Wade.

Beyond diet, one of the best ways to improve overall body odor is to bathe regularly, the above source stated. Using antibacterial soap and wearing breathable fabrics can also be effective.

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“Staying well-hydrated and focusing on supporting metabolic health by improving quality sleep, reducing stress and staying active can all help to improve overall body odor,” Palinski-Wade added.

220-year-old shipwreck found in harbor of Croatian ‘Game of Thrones’ city

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Workers installing a water pipeline in Croatia made an unexpected discovery, unearthing the remains of an 18th-century wooden boat.

The discovery was made this spring in the southern Croatian city of Dubrovnik, a medieval locale famous for being a filming site for the HBO series “Game of Thrones.

The wreck was found in Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor.

RARE 16TH-CENTURY SHIPWRECK FOUND AT RECORD DEPTH IN FRENCH WATERS: ‘REMARKABLE DISCOVERY’

Ivan Bukelic told Bulgarian television network NOVA TV that he uncovered the wooden structure back in April.

The undersea builder was working on a water pipeline at the time.

Workers recently uncovered an 18th-century wooden boat buried beneath Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor during pipeline installation. (NOVA TV via The Associated Press)

The boat was embedded in the seabed, approximately 30 inches beneath the ocean floor.

“I can now say I discovered a boat [in] the Old Town Dubrovnik,” Bukelic was quoted as saying.

HAUNTING SLAVE SHIPS FOUND OFF COAST OF NATIONAL PARK 300 YEARS LATER: ‘VERY CONVINCING’

Marine archaeologist Irena Radić Rossi confirmed that the boat was over 225 years old.

Split image of diver, Dubrovnik coast

Marine archaeologists are examining the remnants of a sunken 18th-century boat off the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia. (NOVA TV via The Associated Press)

“We still cannot speak of the type of vessel or its dimensions, but we can say for certain, based on the results of radiocarbon analysis, that it was from the late 18th century,” she said. 

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Rossi added that the remains are being protected for further examination.

“We must protect it for the future,” the expert stressed.

Remains of ship

Experts are working to protect the fragile remains of the late 18th-century vessel for future study. (NOVA TV via The Associated Press)

Shipwreck discoveries, while exciting, are not entirely unheard of in Europe — where dozens have been found or identified so far this year.

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This spring, excavators uncovered a centuries-old shipwreck in an unlikely place in Spain: a former fish market.

Remains of ship on seabed

The wooden boat lay undisturbed beneath the harbor floor for over two centuries before its surprise discovery. (NOVA TV via The Associated Press)

Weeks later, an archaeologist announced that he had discovered the likely remains of the Recovery, an 18th-century treasure ship that was lost off the coast of Wexford, Ireland, around 240 years ago.

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The Associated Press contributed reporting.