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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

Rare pneumonic plague claims Arizonan’s life, first local case since 2007

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An Arizona resident died of pneumonic plague, becoming the first person to succumb to the disease in the area in nearly 20 years, according to officials. 

The victim, who was not identified, lived in Coconino County, which includes Flagstaff, local officials said. 

The last recorded death in Coconino County was in 2007. Only about seven people are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and most cases are concentrated in the western states. 

US MEASLES CASES HIT HIGHEST LEVEL IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS, CDC DATA SHOWS

A resident of Arizona died of pneumonic plague, becoming the first person to succumb to the disease in the area in nearly 20 years, according to officials.  (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

In the U.S., it’s most likely to be found in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon and western Nevada, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

a rat

The plague is commonly transmitted through flea bites from wild rodents.  (Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The disease is most commonly found in Africa. 

THE BUBONIC PLAGUE INFLUENCED EVOLUTION OF THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

Pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs, is the deadliest form of the disease. Although the plague killed millions of Europeans during the Black Death of the 14th century, it is now easily treated with antibiotics. 

Etching called the Plague Victims of Rome.

An etching called “The Plague Victims of Rome.” The Black Death killed millions of people in Europe in the 14th century.  (Ken Welsh/Design Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Pneumonic plague causes severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Bubonic plague is the most common form of the disease, affecting the lymph nodes. Septicemic plague is the least common form of the disease and affects the bloodstream. 

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The plague is usually transmitted through flea bites from wild rodents or contact with an infected animal, and it can even spread person-to-person through the air. 

The Arizona Department of Health Services did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Solar-powered weeding robots offer farmers herbicide-free farming solution

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Out in the California sun, a new kind of farmhand is hard at work. Powered by solar energy and guided by artificial intelligence, the solar-powered weeding robot for cotton fields is offering farmers a smarter and more sustainable way to tackle weeds. 

This technology is arriving just in time, as growers across the country face a shortage of available workers and weeds that are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides.

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JOB-KILLING ROBOT LEARNS AT WORK, AND IT’S COMING TO THE FACTORY FLOOR

solar robot 1

Solar-powered Element robot  (Aigen)

Why farmers need alternatives to herbicides and manual labor

Farmers everywhere are facing a tough reality. There simply aren’t enough people willing to do the backbreaking work of weeding fields, and the weeds themselves are getting harder to kill with chemicals. Many farmers would rather avoid using herbicides, but until now, they haven’t had a practical alternative. Kenny Lee, CEO of Aigen, puts it plainly: farmers don’t love chemicals, but they use them because it’s often the only tool available. Aigen’s mission is to give them a better choice.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

How Aigen’s solar-powered weeding robot uses AI to fight weeds

Aigen’s Element robot is designed to meet the real-world needs of modern agriculture. It runs entirely on solar power, which means farmers can save money on fuel while also reducing their environmental impact. The robot uses advanced AI and onboard cameras to spot and remove weeds with impressive accuracy, all without damaging the crops. Its rugged design allows it to handle rough terrain and changing weather, and it can work alongside other robots, communicating wirelessly to cover large fields efficiently. The Element robot isn’t limited to cotton; it’s also being used in soy and sugar beet fields, showing just how versatile this technology can be.

solar robot 2

Solar-powered Element robot  (Aigen)

Real-world results: Aigen’s robot at work on California cotton farms

At Bowles Farm in California’s Central Valley, Element robots are already proving their worth. These robots are keeping cotton fields weed-free without the need for chemicals, freeing up workers to focus on more skilled tasks and helping farmers manage their operations more efficiently. The technology is not just a promise for the future. It’s delivering real results today. 

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Top benefits of solar-powered weeding robots for sustainable farming

Switching to solar-powered, AI-driven robots brings a host of benefits. Farmers no longer need to rely on herbicides, which leads to cleaner crops and healthier soil. Labor costs can drop since workers can shift from manual weeding to supervising and maintaining the robots. The robots also collect valuable data on crop health, pests and diseases, giving farmers better information to make decisions. And because the robots run on solar power, farms can reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on energy.

solar robot 3

Solar-powered Element robots  (Aigen)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Aigen’s Element robot goes beyond being just another cool piece of technology. It really shows what can happen when farming and innovation come together. As more growers start using solar-powered robots like this, chemical-free fields are moving from wishful thinking to something we can actually achieve.

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Would you feel comfortable trusting a robot to handle important tasks and help shape the future of how we grow our food? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact 

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Trump to join other presidents with named roadways in Florida and across America

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A stretch of Florida roadway leading to Mar-a-Lago could soon be renamed in honor of President Donald Trump – the latest effort by many lawmakers throughout the country to memorialize the current commander-in-chief.

Palm Beach County commissioners this week unanimously approved a measure to rename Southern Boulevard “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard,” according to The Associated Press (AP). 

The east-west roadway leads to Trump’s home in Palm Beach.

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It’s the route Trump’s motorcade takes when he travels to and from his Mar-a-Lago estate and Palm Beach International Airport.

Trump supporters frequently line Southern Boulevard to greet the president during his trips home from Washington. 

Supporters of President Donald J. Trump are often seen lining Southern Boulevard during his motorcade travels. (Mike Stocker/South Florida SunSentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

But it wouldn’t be the first boulevard in Palm Beach County to be named after a Republican president.

A street in Delray Beach – about 20 miles south of Mar-a-Lago – was renamed George Bush Boulevard in honor of former President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s.

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Former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, has two Palm Beach County roadways named after him. 

Riviera Beach, about 12 miles north of Palm Beach, renamed a roadway President Barack Obama Highway in 2015, two years after the city of Pahokee – in the western reaches of Palm Beach County near Lake Okeechobee – changed the name of a street to Barack Obama Boulevard.

President George H.W. Bush campaigns for reelection in 1992.

President George H.W. Bush had a street in Delray Beach, Florida, renamed for him. It is now called George Bush Boulevard. (Dirck Halstead/Getty Images)

The Federal Highway Administration told Fox News Digital it does not have a directory or database of federal roadways named after U.S. presidents. 

But the U.S. Census Bureau released a list of the most popular street names in 1993. It revealed that George Washington, the nation’s first commander-in-chief, leads all presidents with the most roadways named after him.

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Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, is second on the list, followed by Andrew Jackson, the nation’s 7th president.

The fourth-most common street surname is Johnson – in honor of Andrew Johnson (17th president) and/or Lyndon B. Johnson (36th president).

A portrait of George Washington

President George Washington has the most roadways in America named after him, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Others on the list include Thomas Jefferson (3rd president), Woodrow Wilson (28th), Adams (in honor of John Adams, 2nd president, or son John Quincy Adams, 6th president), Zachary Taylor (12th) and James Madison (4th).

Roadways of modern presidents represented in many major U.S. cities include John F. Kennedy (35th), Ronald Reagan (40th) and Barack Obama (44th).

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Reagan has parkways (in Georgia and Indiana), a highway (in Ohio) and a freeway (in California) named after him. 

There’s also the Ronald Reagan Trail in Illinois, Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Texas and the Ronald Reagan Turnpike in Florida.

Ronald Reagan with flag

President Ronald Reagan has had several high-speed roadways named after him, including parkways, a highway and a freeway. (Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Obama has had several avenues (in Florida, Illinois, Mississippi and Ohio) and boulevards (in California, Florida, Georgia and Missouri) named after him.

Kennedy has an expressway in Chicago, a boulevard in Philadelphia and a street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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In downtown Minneapolis, a sequence of streets is named after presidents, going west to east in chronological order.

Elsewhere in the country, nearly two dozen miles of a U.S. highway in Oklahoma were renamed for Trump in 2021, while states like Arizona and Kentucky have proposed similar legislation.

Trump also has an avenue named after him in Hialeah, Florida, a suburb of Miami.

Melania Trump, Donald Trump

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand together during an event at his Mar-a-Lago home in Nov. 2022 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump already has an avenue named after him in Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Under Florida law, if a “bridge or road segment being designated is located in more than one city or county, resolutions supporting the designation must be passed by each affected local government prior to the erection of the markers.”

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Since Southern Boulevard passes through West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, those municipalities must still approve such measures.

Legendary Bayeux Tapestry to be displayed in UK for first time in nearly 1,000 years

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For the first time in nearly 1,000 years, the legendary medieval tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest will be shown in the United Kingdom — a unique opportunity for anyone planning to travel there in the near future.

The temporary loan of the Bayeux Tapestry was announced while French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting the United Kingdom earlier this week. 

The tapestry will be on display at one of the top museums in the world — the British Museum in London — from Sept. 2026 to July 2027. Measuring some 230 feet long, the tapestry is one of the world’s most famous medieval artworks.

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The piece of art vividly depicts the events surrounding the Norman Conquest, with an emphasis on the Battle of Hastings. The conquest took place in 1066, when Normans invaded the British Isles from France and seized power from the Anglo-Saxons.

The tapestry was likely created in the 1070s, a few years after the 1066 conquest. 

The British Museum, seen at right, will host the Bayeux Tapestry, one of the most celebrated medieval artworks, from Sept. 2026 to July 2027. (DeAgostini via Getty Images; Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)

Historians believe that Bishop Odo of Bayeux commissioned the art, which was likely produced in England before being brought to France.

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The Bayeux Museum in Normandy indicates that the intricate tapestry features 626 characters, 37 buildings, 41 ships and 202 horses and mules.

“This loan is a symbol of our shared history with our friends in France.”

“To make it easier to recognize the characters, the artist added distinctive features such as mustaches and long hair for the Anglo-Saxons and short hair for the Normans,” the museum noted on its website.

Image of Bayeux Tapestry in museum

The Bayeux Tapestry vividly illustrates the Norman Conquest of England, including the pivotal Battle of Hastings. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu, File)

In a statement, British culture secretary Lisa Nandy called the tapestry “one of the most iconic pieces of art ever produced in the U.K.”

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“I am delighted that we will be able to welcome it here in 2026,” the official stated.

Nandy added, “This loan is a symbol of our shared history with our friends in France, a relationship built over centuries and one that continues to endure.”

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As part of the cultural exchange, the British Museum is lending artifacts from its Sutton Hoo collection, which were found in a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon ship burial. 

The objects will be displayed at various French museums.

Bayeux Tapestry scenes

The tapestry contains 626 characters, 41 ships, and hundreds of animals stitched in stunning detail. (Hulton Archive via Getty Images)

The Bayeux Tapestry has been the subject of extensive study since its rediscovery in the 18th century.

This winter, researchers in the United Kingdom recently discovered the long-lost residence of a legendary king who was depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.

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The residence of Harold Godwinson, also known as King Harold II, was identified in Bosham, a village on the coast of West Sussex, England.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Back pain drug could double dementia risk in some adults, research suggests

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A painkiller used for lower back pain could be linked to a higher risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to new research.

The study, published online in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that groups previously considered too young to develop the conditions faced more than twice the risk when taking gabapentin.

“Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years,” the research team stated in a press release.

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The drug has become increasingly popular for treating chronic pain, especially neuropathic (nerve) pain, the researchers noted in a press release.

Gabapentin — which is also used to control seizures, according to Cleveland Clinic — has relatively low addictive potential compared to traditional opioids.

Gabapentin has become increasingly popular for treating chronic pain, especially neuropathic (nerve) pain, experts noted. (iStock)

Recent research has sparked new concerns over its side effects, including a possible association with neurodegeneration.

Previous findings could not confirm a specific link, especially regarding whether certain age groups are more vulnerable.

In the latest study, researchers collected data from TriNetX, a health research network containing electronic health records from 68 healthcare organizations across the U.S.

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Examining anonymous records of adult patients, the team looked at groups who had been prescribed gabapentin for chronic lower back pain between 2004 and 2024 and compared them to people who hadn’t received the drug. There were a total of 26,414 individuals in each group.

The researchers accounted for factors like demographics, co-existing conditions and the use of other pain-relieving drugs.

Photo of young woman spending time with her old father, give him some medicine at home

People between 18 and 64 years old who received gabapentin were more than twice as likely to develop either condition than those who hadn’t been prescribed the drug. (iStock)

Patients who had received six or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with MCI within 10 years of their initial pain diagnosis, the study found.

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Looking at specific age groups, people between 18 and 64 years old who received the drug were more than twice as likely to develop either condition than those who hadn’t been prescribed gabapentin.

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While there was no heightened risk among those aged 18 to 34 who were prescribed the drug, the risk of dementia more than doubled (and the risk of MCI more than tripled) among 35- to 49-year-olds.

Researchers observed a similar pattern among 50- to 64-year-olds.

Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, cognitive impairment risks

Patients who had received six or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with MCI within 10 years of their initial pain diagnosis, the study found. (iStock)

Risks rose with prescription frequency: Patients with 12 or more prescriptions were 40% more likely to develop dementia and 65% more likely to develop MCI than those who were prescribed gabapentin between three and 11 times. 

“Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years.”

The study did have some limitations. As this was an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, the researchers noted.

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They also acknowledged that because the study was retrospective, they couldn’t account for dose or length of gabapentin use.

The results “support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline,” the researchers added.

Rubio AI impersonator who contacted US, foreign officials, Fox News AI Newsletter reports

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Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– State Department investigating Rubio AI impersonator who contacted US, foreign officials
– Robots and artificial intelligence are transforming jobs from manufacturing to sports
– Artificial intelligence drives demand for electric grid update

DIGITAL DECEPTION: The State Department is investigating an impostor who reportedly pretended to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio with the help of AI. 

TECH SHIFT: Artificial Intelligence and automation are often used interchangeably. While the technologies are similar, the concepts are different. Automation is often used to reduce human labor for routine or predictable tasks, while A.I. simulates human intelligence that can eventually act independently.

HUNGRY TECH: In order to supply the increasing demand and continue advancing A.I. technology, data centers are providing a 24-hour connection.

MAJOR MALFUNCTION: Grok, an AI chatbot built by Elon Musk’s company xAI, went on a viral antisemitic tirade on Tuesday where it praised Adolf Hitler, accused Israel of being behind 9/11, referred to itself as “mechaHitler” and said that people with “certain surnames” should be rounded up and stripped of rights.

MIND OVER MACHINES: Noninvasive brain tech is transforming how people interact with robotic devices. Instead of relying on muscle movement, this technology allows a person to control a robotic hand by simply thinking about moving his fingers. 

ChatGPT app on a smartphone.

ChatGPT app on a smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BRAIN DRAIN DANGER: Artificial intelligence and large language models, such as ChatGPT, are transforming how we learn. But what does this mean for AI and learning retention? While these tools provide instant answers and personalized support, experts are beginning to question whether this convenience might actually reduce our ability to retain knowledge in the long term.

POWER PLAY SOLUTION: Artificial intelligence is expanding quickly, and so is the energy required to run it. Modern AI data centers use much more electricity than traditional cloud servers. In many cases, the existing power grid cannot keep up. One innovative solution is gaining traction: repurposed EV batteries for AI data centers.

AI ANGST: Should we be alarmed by the acceleration of “artificial intelligence” (“AI”) and the “large language models” (LLMs) AI’s developers employ? 

MEMORY MINER: Google Photos has always been a handy way to store and organize your pictures, but its latest feature, Ask Photos, is taking things to a whole new level. 

BACK TO BASICS: The rise of artificial intelligence in education is forcing schools and universities to rethink everything from homework policies to how final exams are administered. With tools like ChatGPT now widespread, students can generate essays, solve complex math problems or draft lab reports in seconds, raising urgent questions about what authentic learning looks like in 2025. 

blue book

Exam blue book    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Medicare data breach exposes personal information of over 100,000 Americans

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Healthcare data continues to be a top target for cybercriminals. In June alone, two major breaches compromised over 13 million patient records. Now, a newly confirmed Medicare data breach has affected more than 100,000 Americans.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent letters this week to those affected, confirming that hackers accessed sensitive data linked to Medicare.gov accounts.

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OVER 8M PATIENT RECORDS LEAKED IN HEALTHCARE DATA BREACH

hacker

An illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know about the Medicare data breach

The breach traces back to suspicious activity starting in late 2023. According to CMS, cybercriminals used stolen personal data from external sources to fraudulently create Medicare.gov accounts.

That information included:

  • Full names
  • Dates of birth
  • ZIP codes
  • Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs)
  • Medicare coverage details

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CMS began receiving alerts in May 2025 when people reported receiving account confirmation letters for accounts they had not created. This triggered an internal investigation. Hackers not only created unauthorized accounts but, in some cases, accessed additional sensitive data such as:

  • Home addresses
  • Provider and diagnosis codes
  • Services received
  • Plan premium details

How CMS is responding

CMS has deactivated all affected accounts and is mailing new Medicare cards to the estimated 103,000 individuals affected. The agency says no confirmed identity theft cases have been reported yet. CMS stressed the action is being taken out of “an abundance of caution,” but the breach raises questions about federal cybersecurity safeguards.

healthcare worker

A healthcare professional accessing data on his smartphone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What happens next for those affected by the Medicare data breach 

If you’re one of the people affected by the Medicare data breach:

  • Watch your mailbox for a replacement Medicare card
  • Monitor your Medicare.gov account for suspicious activity
  • Report unauthorized services or charges immediately

CMS is still investigating how the attackers obtained such accurate personal data and whether more individuals may be at risk.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Who’s behind the Medicare data breach?

So far, CMS has not identified the attackers. However, the use of valid personal information suggests that the hackers may have obtained data from prior breaches or leaks on other platforms. This breach reveals a troubling vulnerability in the federal healthcare system, where hackers can exploit existing data to create legitimate-looking accounts and access deeply personal medical information.

person on laptop

A healthcare professional accessing personal data on her laptop   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5 ways you can stay safe after a Medicare data breach

Here are five important steps you can take right now to protect your Medicare information and reduce your risk of identity theft after the breach.

1. Watch for unusual account activity

Regularly check your Medicare and healthcare accounts for changes you did not make. Be cautious of unfamiliar services, charges or communications from providers you don’t recognize.

2. Use an identity theft protection service

In light of the Medicare data breach, where bad actors used valid personal details to create fake accounts, enrolling in a trusted identity theft protection service can offer an extra layer of defense. These services monitor your Social Security number, email, phone number and other sensitive data to alert you if it’s being sold on the dark web or used to open fraudulent accounts.

Many top-rated services also help you freeze your credit and bank accounts and offer expert support if your identity is compromised. My top pick includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance to cover stolen funds and legal fees, plus access to a U.S.-based fraud resolution team that helps you recover faster.

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

3. Secure your Medicare information

Never share your Medicare number or card details with anyone over the phone or email, unless you initiated the contact and trust the source. Treat it like a credit card.

4. Remove personal data

If you believe your information is being misused, remove it from the internet. A personal data removal service can help you remove all this personal information from the internet. It has a very clean interface and will scan 195 websites for your information and remove it and keep it removed.

​​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

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

5. Report fraud to Medicare and the FTC

If you notice suspicious activity, report it directly by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report Medicare fraud. Also, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This not only helps you recover faster but also contributes to broader investigations that protect others.

Kurt’s key takeaway

This Medicare breach may not have resulted in confirmed cases of identity theft so far, but that does not mean the situation should be taken lightly or dismissed as low risk. It took malicious actors less than two years to create over 100,000 fake Medicare accounts using valid personal information, which suggests a significant weakness in how sensitive data is being protected and monitored at the federal level.

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Do you think healthcare organizations are doing enough to protect your data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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