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AI-powered mind-controlled prosthetic arm offers affordable solution

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If you’ve ever wondered what’s next for prosthetic technology, you’re not alone. For many people living with limb loss, finding a prosthetic that feels natural and works seamlessly with their body has always been a challenge. 

Now, a California startup called Atom Bodies is making headlines for its groundbreaking approach to prosthetic technology. 

By combining artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced sensor systems, Atom Bodies is developing mind-controlled robotic arms that could soon make highly advanced prosthetics accessible to thousands of amputees.

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prosthetic arm 1

A man wearing an Atom Touch prosthetic arm (Atom Bodies)

How the Atom Touch prosthetic arm uses AI and muscle signals

Atom Bodies’ flagship product, Atom Touch, is setting a new standard in prosthetic arms. Unlike traditional prosthetics, which often offer only basic movement and can be uncomfortable to wear, Atom Touch uses EMG (electromyography) sensors placed on the user’s skin to detect muscle activity. These signals are then interpreted by machine-learning algorithms, allowing users to control individual fingers, the wrist and the elbow with remarkable precision just by thinking about the movement they want to make.

AI ENABLES PARALYZED MAN TO CONTROL ROBOTIC ARM WITH BRAIN SIGNALS

The arm is powered by the Atom A1, an AI neural interface that can be trained in minutes for intuitive, natural control. The design also includes a load-balanced harness, which distributes weight across the torso, making the device lighter and more comfortable for all-day use.

prosthetic arm 2

A man wearing an Atom Touch prosthetic arm and playing soccer (Atom Bodies)

SOFT ROBOTIC PROSTHETIC HAND USES NERVE SIGNALS FOR MORE NATURAL CONTROL

Key features of the Atom Touch AI-powered prosthetic arm

Atom Touch stands out for several reasons. It is the first prosthetic arm to offer true individual finger movement, which means users can perform tasks like typing, gripping and delicate manipulation with much greater ease. The device uses the Atom A1 AI neural interface, which learns from the user’s muscle signals to provide seamless, natural movement. Dozens of sensors in the hand generate haptic feedback, so users can better gauge grip strength and control. With more than 10 motors in the hand alone, Atom Touch offers a near-human range of motion and dexterity. The load-balanced harness system also makes the arm lighter than a human arm and comfortable enough for extended wear, addressing a challenge that many current prosthetics have yet to solve.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

prosthetic arm 3

A person wearing an Atom Touch prosthetic arm and carrying a tray (Atom Bodies)

WORLD’S FIRST TOUCH-SENSING BIONIC HAND WITH LIGHTNING-FAST RESPONSE

Why mind-controlled prosthetics like Atom Touch matter for amputees

For the more than 2 million Americans living with limb loss, current prosthetic options are often expensive, uncomfortable and limited in capability. Jason Morris, who lost his arm due to a work accident and is Atom Bodies’ lead test user, notes that most prosthetics can only be worn for about two hours due to discomfort. Atom Touch is designed for initial wear of four to six hours, with the goal of achieving all-day use. Atom Bodies has already attracted significant interest, with over 11,000 people on its wait list and plans to begin clinical trials within the next year, pending FDA approval.

prosthetic arm 4

Jason Morris, Atom Bodies’ lead test user (Atom Bodies)

WIRELESS WATERPROOF BIONIC HAND WITH 360-DEGREE WRIST ROTATION

Atom Touch pricing: How affordable is this advanced prosthetic arm?

One of the most transformative aspects of Atom Touch is its price point. While state-of-the-art myoelectric arms can cost around $200,000, Atom Bodies plans to offer Atom Touch for approximately $25,000. This brings the cost in line with basic hook prosthetics, making advanced bionic limbs accessible to a much larger population.

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prosthetic arm 5

A woman wearing an Atom Touch prosthetic arm and assembling furniture (Atom Bodies)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Seeing Atom Bodies bring this level of innovation to prosthetics feels like a real turning point for people with limb loss. With technology that’s both advanced and affordable, Atom Touch could help many regain abilities and comfort that have been out of reach for years. As the company moves closer to launching, there is a sense of real possibility for a future where high-quality prosthetics are available to many more people who need them.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this technology, what would be the most important factor in choosing a prosthetic arm? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Latvia prepares for first UN Security Council term amid global conflicts

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UNITED NATIONS – Latvia is ready to move quickly once it starts its first-ever United Nations Security Council term in January 2026. 

Of the 188 countries taking part in the vote, 178 cast their ballots in favor of the Eastern European nation. 

Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Baiba Braže, who attended the vote at the U.N.’s New York City headquarters, told Fox News Digital that her country is ready to address the ongoing Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars. Ahead of its term on the council, Riga has its eyes set on peace for all parties involved in both conflicts.

“We shall work on the U.N. Security Council to help achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the Middle East and other conflict regions, to strengthen global security, safeguard the international rules-based order in line with the U.N. Charter and make the work of the U.N. Security Council more effective,” Braže said in her address to the U.N. last week.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze speaks to the press after Latvia was elected as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council at the U.N. headquarters in New York City on June 3, 2025. (Xie E/Xinhua via Getty Images)

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When it comes to Israel and Hamas, Braže emphasized the need to get aid to the people of Gaza but said that Latvia did not have a position on how it should be done, despite international criticism of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Braže expressed the need for the best solution to the aid issue in Gaza would be “whatever is more efficient” and that she believes both sides will be able to work on that. Overall, Braže was focused on one key point: getting aid to vulnerable people in Gaza.

The war in Ukraine hits closer to home for Braže. Latvia, like Ukraine, was part of the Soviet Union and gained its independence in 1991 after the USSR dissolved. She told Fox News Digital that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using “traditional Russian-Soviet tactics,” such as delays in negotiations, but she believes there are ways to pressure the Kremlin into peace.

Braže also said that Latvia “fully supports” President Donald Trump‘s vision of peace through strength to quash the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldier during war with Russia

A serviceman of the 148th Separate Artillery Zhytomyr Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fires an M777 Howitzer toward Russian troops at a position on the front line amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on June 9, 2025. (REUTERS/Anatolii Stepanov)

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“Currently we don’t see a single indication that Russia wants peace. It’s bluffing, it’s asking impossible demands from the U.S., from Ukraine and others, and then blaming Ukraine for not accepting those impossible demands,” she said. 

Braže told Fox News Digital that limiting Russia’s income and its access to technology will be crucial to securing a stable and lasting peace. This would also mean intervening in potentially threatening partnerships, such as the one between China and Russia.

“Making sure that the oil price stays low and that its oil and gas exports are affected and limited is very important,” she said.

The foreign minister accused China of being the “main enabler” of Russia through its exports to the country. She said that Russia is able to “cannibalize” parts of the exports it gets from China and put them toward its missile program.

ukraine

Soldiers of the 30th Prince Konstanty Ostrogski Mechanized Brigade fire a missile from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher at the positions of Russian troops in the Donetsk direction, Ukraine, on June 3, 2025. (Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Beyond how the world handles Russia, Braže sees strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself as a crucial part of ending the war. She noted that Ukraine is acting in accordance with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. Braže also called Ukraine the “strongest deterrent of Russia’s aggression.”

“So, military aid, humanitarian aid, political support, moral support, everything is needed. So that is the strength, and that will lead to peace,” she told Fox News Digital. 

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When asked about what a victory for Ukraine, as well as long-lasting security, would look like, Braže left it up to Kyiv.

“Ukraine will define what it sees both as peace and victory. We believe that Ukraine’s sovereignty, Ukraine’s ability to control its territory, Ukraine not accepting the occupied territories as Russian—because that’s against international law—that all are elements that will be required for both peace but also for Ukraine, considering that it has not lost the war.”

Alcohol linked to pancreatic cancer, in addition to seven other cancer types

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Following the surgeon general’s January advisory linking alcohol consumption to seven types of cancer, a new study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has revealed another possible risk.

The research, which was recently published in the journal PLOS Medicine, classified alcohol as a carcinogen, highlighting a particular increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

The surgeon general’s previous advisory named cancers of the breast (in women), colorectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth and throat.

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The researchers associated the pancreatic cancer risk with beer and spirits/liquor, but not with the intake of wine.

“Alcohol consumption is a known carcinogen, but until now, the evidence linking it specifically to pancreatic cancer has been considered inconclusive,” said senior study author Dr. Pietro Ferrari, head of the IARC Nutrition and Metabolism Branch, in a press release. 

A new study links alcohol consumption to pancreatic cancer risk, adding to the surgeon general’s previous list of seven cancer types. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

“Our findings provide new evidence that pancreatic cancer may be another cancer type associated with alcohol consumption, a connection that has been underestimated until now.”

For the study, researchers recruited 2.5 million participants with a median age of 57, following them for about 16 years. 

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Out of the group, 10,067 cases of pancreatic cancer were recorded.

Each increase of 10 grams of ethanol per day in alcohol consumption was associated with a 3% increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer, the study found.

Group of friends drinking and toasting glass of beer at brewery pub restaurant

Research reveals alcohol may increase pancreatic cancer risk by 3% per 10 grams of daily intake. (iStock)

Women who consumed 15 to 30 grams of alcohol (about one to two standard drinks) per day had a 12% increase in pancreatic cancer risk. 

Men who consumed 30 to 60 grams (two to six standard drinks) per day had a 15% increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and intake of over 60 grams per day was associated with a 36% greater risk.

“There really isn’t a safe level of drinking when it comes to cancer risk.”

The research did have some limitations.

“This observational study examined alcohol intake evaluated at a single time point during mid-to-late adulthood and included a limited number of Asian cohorts,” the researchers wrote.

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“Further research is needed to better understand the role of lifetime alcohol consumption — for example, during early adulthood — and the influence of specific consumption patterns, such as binge-drinking.”

woman drinking with friends happy hour

Around 75,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with a cancer that is linked in some way to alcohol use, an expert said. (iStock)

Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist at Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, previously commented to Fox News Digital that “alcohol is a toxin.”

“There have been reports for years that it could be beneficial for one’s health — but we know now that alcohol ingestion is one of the modifiable risk factors for cancer,” Scioli, who is not affiliated with IARC, told Fox News Digital.

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Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, was not involved in the study, but spoke with Fox News Digital about the findings. 

“This is in keeping with alcohol as a toxin that directly inflames and damages pancreatic cells,” he confirmed.

Man pouring alcohol

“There have been reports for years that it could be beneficial for one’s health — but we know now that alcohol ingestion is one of the modifiable risk factors for cancer,” an expert said. (iStock)

Around 75,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with a cancer that is in some way linked to alcohol use, according to Scioli. 

Dr. Neha Pathak, WebMD’s chief physician editor of health and lifestyle medicine, noted that the study highlights a new, independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer. 

“What’s important to know is that there really isn’t a safe level of drinking when it comes to cancer risk,” Atlanta-based Pathak, who also did not participate in the research, told Fox News Digital. 

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“This study reinforces that message — but it also shows how complex these links are, and how we need to keep digging deeper into the role of alcohol and different drinking habits in cancer development,” she added.

Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

Civil War Confederate soldier skeletons have been discovered at Colonial Williamsburg

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Archaeologists recently announced the discovery of skeletons at Colonial Williamsburg – but the skeletons weren’t from the Revolutionary War.

The remains were found while excavators searched around the grounds of a Revolutionary War-era gunpowder magazine, or storage facility, according to The Associated Press. (See the video at the top of this article.) 

Near the building, archaeologists were taken aback when they uncovered the eye sockets of a human skull – and then four human skeletons, plus three amputated legs.

SECOND-OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN NATION REPORTS ‘REALLY NEAT’ ARCHAEOLOGY FIND ON ITS GROUNDS

Rather than dating back to colonial America, the four skeletons are from Civil War times. The soldiers died during the Battle of Williamsburg while fighting for the Confederacy in 1862, according to local historians. 

The skeletons were found with their arms crossed. Interestingly, they were not buried in their uniforms – rather, they were found in more comfortable clothes, and archaeologists uncovered buttons and a trouser buckle.

Four Confederate soldier skeletons from the 1862 Battle of Williamsburg were found at Colonial Williamsburg, according to local historians. (Getty Images; AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

The graves were aligned east-west, with the head at the west end and the feet at the east end, a burial tradition commonly associated with Christianity.

Since the discovery, historians have determined that a makeshift hospital once operated nearby to treat wounded Confederate soldiers.

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Although the remains were found in 2023, Colonial Williamsburg officials didn’t announce the discovery until this month. 

Archaeologists are working to identify the soldiers — whose identities are unknown.

“Everyone deserves dignity in death. And being stored in a drawer inside a laboratory does not do that.”

Researchers have narrowed down the possible identities of four men who served in regiments from Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina and Virginia, but are withholding the names until they have confirmation.

Jack Gary, Colonial Williamsburg’s executive director of archeology, told the Associated Press that the discovery came together when they found lists of hospital patients in the archives.

Man holding archival photo at Williamsburg

A church once stood near the gunpowder magazine where the Confederate soldiers were found. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

“It is the key,” Gary noted. 

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“If these men were found in a mass grave on a battlefield, and there was no other information, we probably wouldn’t be trying to [identify them].”

Battle of Williamsburg near site

The Battle of Williamsburg took place on May 5, 1862, and is considered an inconclusive battle. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

Last week, the bodies were reinterred at a local burial ground where other Confederate soldiers were buried.

“Everyone deserves dignity in death. And being stored in a drawer inside a laboratory does not do that,” Gary said.

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Even though the Civil War has been thoroughly studied for over 160 years, new discoveries are still being made.

Last spring, a Civil War-era cannonball was found in the backyard of a Virginia home.

Aerial view of Colonial Williamsburg excavation site

The skeletons, which shed light on Civil War history, were found during an excavation at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation via AP)

A few years earlier, a long-forgotten map that shed light on the aftermath of the bloody Battle of Antietam was uncovered. 

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The Associated Press contributed reporting.

AI Technology Helps U.S. Fire Departments Detect Wildfires Faster

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A growing number of fire departments across the country are turning to artificial intelligence to help detect and respond to wildfires more quickly.

In Aspen, Colorado, fire officials say wildfire risk has shifted from being a seasonal concern to a year-round threat. To meet that challenge, they’re using AI-powered cameras to detect smoke — sometimes before 911 calls even come in.

Arvind Satyam is the co-founder and chief commercial officer of Pano AI.

“They’re getting a full 360-degree picture of the landscape,” said Satyam.

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High in the mountains, rotating cameras scan the terrain for smoke. If the system detects a potential fire, the alert is reviewed by a human team. Verified alerts are then sent to Aspen Fire via text or email, along with the exact location, Satyam said.

“We run a smoke detection algorithm,” Satyam said. “So essentially looking at the imagery to determine is that smoke or not smoke.”

Aspen Fire uses AI

Aspen Fire Chief Rick Balentine says wildfire risk has shifted from being a seasonal concern to a year-round threat. (Kennedy Hayes/ Fox News)

Satyam said the devices can also give satellite views of the terrain, and overlay a picture of the weather to understand wind speed and relative humidity.

Aspen Fire was the first department in the U.S. to adopt the technology four years ago, when rising wildfire risk began driving up insurance costs in the area, Pano AI leaders and Aspen Fire Department officials said.

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“It gives us that instantaneous intelligence and not off of, you know, hoping we get someone there quickly,” said Jake Andersen, deputy chief of operations for Aspen Fire.

Aspen officials aim to have crews on the scene within five minutes — something they say would be nearly impossible without precise location data. Fire officials say their fire crews can also access the Pano AI map on their phones while responding to calls. The system can track heat signatures at night and monitor hot spots for days after a fire.

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Aspen Fire Chief Rick Balentine said the device especially helps with the terrain in Aspen. Balentine said a recent example of when they used Pano AI was for Aspen’s Sunnyside Prescribed Fire. The 900-acre Sunnyside Prescribed Fire was ignited back in April of this year on the south face of Red Mountain, fire officials said.

Pano AI cameras

Pano AI cameras are mounted high up in the mountains and can detect smoke. (Pano AI)

The department used Pano AI cameras to monitor that fire and prevent it from spreading beyond the designated area, Baletine said.

The system is now used across 10 states: Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and Montana. Multiple fire agencies can share alerts across those regions and coordinate response efforts.

AI tech helps first responders

Aspen fire shows how Pano AI was able to help control a prescribed burn, Aspen’s Sunnyside Prescribed Fire. (Kennedy Hayes/ FOX News)

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“Having this type of tool for our department, it makes all the difference in the world to understand the conditions we are sending our firefighters into,” said Ali Hammond, Aspen Fire’s director of community wildfire resistance. 



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Appendix cancer diagnoses quadruple in younger generations, study shows

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A rare type of cancer is growing among millennials and members of Generation X, new research shows.

Diagnoses of appendix cancer have tripled in the U.S. for people born between 1976 and 1984 — and it has quadrupled for those born between 1981 and 1989.

The study was published on Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Researchers from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program to arrive at these findings.

A rare type of cancer is growing among millennials and members of Generation X, new research shows. (iStock)

“When you take these alarming rates that we are seeing for appendiceal cancer across generations, together with the fact that one in every three patients diagnosed with appendiceal cancer is diagnosed under the age of 50, these point to a timely need for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of appendix cancer,” said lead author Andreana Holowatyj, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, in a press release from the university.

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Cancer of the appendix is rare, affecting only about one or two people per million each year in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Even so, doctors emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms emerge. 

“Ruling out the possibility of an appendix cancer diagnosis, or diagnosing it early, is important for this cancer as we continue to learn what factors may be contributing to this worrisome trend,” Holowatyj said.

Man belly pain

Cancer of the appendix is rare, affecting only about one or two people per million each year in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute. (iStock)

Appendiceal cancer forms in the appendix, which is a small organ located in the lower right abdomen.

There are two main types: epithelial appendiceal cancer, which involves the cells of the lining of the appendix, and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer, which results from the growth of neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors of the appendix, the NCI states.

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In early stages of the disease, most people do not notice symptoms.

As the cancer progresses, common symptoms include pain, a bloated feeling, a mass in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and sudden feelings of fullness while eating, according to the above source.

Five-year survival rates for appendix cancer range from 10% to 63%.

Common treatments for this type of cancer include surgery to remove the appendix and any other affected organs, as well as chemotherapy to kill any metastasized cancer cells.

Based on the study findings, the researchers are calling for increased awareness among both the public and the medical community.

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“As incidence rates in younger generations are often indicative of future disease burden, these results support the need for histology-specific investigations of appendiceal adenocarcinoma, as well as increased education and awareness of appendiceal adenocarcinomas among healthcare providers and the public,” the study stated. 

Intestine X-ray

There are two main types: epithelial appendiceal cancer, which involves the cells of the lining of the appendix, and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer, which results from the growth of neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors of the appendix. (iStock)

There are no standard screening guidelines or risk factors for appendix cancer, which means up to half of diagnoses occur after the disease has already spread, according to the researchers.

Five-year survival rates for appendix cancer range from 10% to 63%.

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The new study received funding from the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (ACPMP) Research Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Skipping the lawn mower could boost physical and mental health, experts say

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As more homeowners embrace the trend of “Let It Bloom June” — a natural successor to the popular “No Mow May” movement — there is growing momentum on social media in support of wild lawns.

While these campaigns were launched to support pollinators and biodiversity, some experts claim that skipping the mower could actually be good for your health.

Mowing, raking, digging and lifting might seem like harmless weekend chores, but according to Dr. Michael Policastro, a board-certified emergency physician and medical toxicologist in Cincinnati, Ohio, they can be physically taxing.

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“Lawn and garden work is physically demanding and can lead to muscle strains, back pain and joint injuries,” Policastro told Fox News Digital.

The repetitive motions, awkward postures and sometimes heavy loads involved in yard work can strain the body in ways that accumulate over time, the doctor cautioned.

Natural lawns aim to support pollinators and biodiversity, but skipping the mower could also be good for your health. (iStock)

Even the act of pushing a lawnmower may not be as harmless as it looks. 

“Vibrations from lawnmowers can strain your lower back, and poor posture while pushing or steering equipment can lead to pain in your back, knees and wrists,” Policastro noted.

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Failing to warm up or stretch before tackling the lawn only raises the risk of fatigue or injury, which can result in chronic pain over time.

Chemical pesticides and herbicides involved in lawn care can carry their own set of risks, especially when airborne, Policastro cautioned.

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“Pesticide sprays can also drift in the air, making it easy to breathe in harmful chemicals without realizing it,” he said.

Potential benefits of wild lawns

There could be a psychological upside to ditching the mower and embracing a natural yard. 

Several mental health professionals agreed that lively, unmanicured spaces can foster mindfulness and well-being.

Low to the ground view of a man mowing the lawn, only torso and below pictured.

“Vibrations from lawnmowers can stress your lower back, and poor posture while steering equipment can lead to pain in your back, knees and wrists,” a doctor cautioned. (iStock)

“Being in a green, natural environment can promote mindfulness and a sense of calm,” Greg Adelstein, a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Hollywood, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

“It also provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can boost self-esteem.”

Letting nature reclaim the yard could also mean fewer chemicals and health hazards, some experts say.

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Fox News Digital previously reported on a study that linked exposure to nature with a reduction in people’s experience of pain. This suggests the potential health benefits of a more natural lawn that promotes everyday access to wild plants and animals.

“Gardening promotes mindfulness and can lower cortisol levels, helping you feel calmer.”

Natural lawns and gardens can also help combat loneliness by encouraging community engagement through shared gardening or conservation efforts, according to Elena Saldamando, a licensed clinical social worker and director of Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Avalon Park, Florida.

Tips for safer lawn care

Despite the potential risks, tending to a lawn can present some benefits when done safely, experts say.

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“Gardening promotes mindfulness and can lower cortisol levels, helping you feel calmer,” Saldamando told Fox News Digital.

“Watching how the light hits a leaf, listening to birds chirp, feeling soil and dirt in your hands, smelling the flowers and seeing vegetables grow can be very grounding.”

A natural lawn filled with flowers and native plants, a watering can sits amidst the flora.

Fox News Digital previously reported on a study that linked exposure to nature with a reduction in people’s experience of pain. (iStock)

To reduce the physical strain of mowing and other yard work, Policastro recommended taking regular breaks, using ergonomic tools and maintaining proper posture.

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It’s also important to work in a well-ventilated area and to wear a mask or respirator when handling dusty materials or applying chemicals, according to the doctor.

Mysterious grave of woman and girl from 400 B.C. discovered in idyllic German town

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Archaeologists recently uncovered a mysterious grave in an idyllic German town with clues that hint at a tragic story.

The findings were announced by the German town of Vaihingen an der Enz in a recent press release. The town is located in Baden-Württemberg, a German state known for its scenic landscapes and natural beauty.

In the announcement, local officials said a months-long excavation yielded hundreds of archaeological discoveries. The excavation began in Sept. 2024 and wrapped up in April, ahead of the construction of a future industrial park called Wolfsberg IV.

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The most haunting discovery was the grave of a woman and young girl dating back to 400 B.C. Both of the decedents, officials said, wore jewelry from the Celtic period of German history, which was roughly between 600 and 200 B.C.

“The girl had two bronze arm rings, the woman a necklace with blue glass beads threaded on iron wire,” said the statement, which was translated from German to English. 

Archaeologists in the German town of Vaihingen an der Enz, seen at left, recently uncovered ancient skeletons. (Getty Images; State Office for Monument Preservation in the Stuttgart Regional Council)

“These beads could have been easily made many millennia earlier – provided one had the necessary knowledge.”

The arrangement of the skeletons suggests the bodies were “dumped,” a historian said. 

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The child was found “[lying] over the woman’s leg, limbs outstretched,” the release indicated. 

“What exactly might have happened to them, even experts can only speculate,” the town said.

“Perhaps they suffocated due to fermentation gases that developed during the decomposition of the [organic materials] in the pit.”

Felicitas Schmitt, a historian from the State Office for Monument Preservation in the Stuttgart Regional Council, said the grave indicated far from a respectful burial.

“Here, we are not talking about a burial,” she noted. “The two were dumped, rather than laid to rest with dignity.”

Skeleton in pit

The female adult skeleton was found with beads dating back to the Celtic period of German history, which was roughly between 600 and 200 B.C. (State Office for Monument Preservation in the Stuttgart Regional Council)

She observed, “Perhaps they suffocated due to fermentation gases that developed during the decomposition of the [organic materials] in the pit.”

The grave was just one of 1,100 discoveries found during the excavation, according to town officials. 

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Some of the findings were as old as 7,000 years.

Eight other graves were found, in addition to a cooking pit, some remains of longhouses and various ceramics. Tools and jewelry were also unearthed.

German town buildings

Vaihingen an der Enz, located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, boasts a long history dating back 7,000 years. (Getty Images)

“In addition to the nine graves, several longhouses up to 20 meters long from the Middle Neolithic period were uncovered,” the town’s statement said. 

“Particularly interesting for researchers is the cooking pit made of clay and stones, presumably from the early Iron Age (800 to 450 BC).”

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Officials also said they uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved axe next to a skeleton, dating back around 5,000 years ago.

“At first glance, it might seem like it came from the hardware store across the street,” the release said. “But the axe head is not made of metal, but of elaborately polished stone!”

Grave pit during excavation

Archaeologists uncovered a cooking pit made of clay and stones that was used to cook meat. (Stephan Sure / Vaihingen an der Enz)

In contrast to the grave with the two females, archaeologists do not believe the man died violently; rather, the axe was likely left as a grave offering.

While they were interested in the findings, local officials weren’t shocked by them overall. 

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The general area is known for Neolithic finds, so excavators expected to dig up some history.

“[The findings] contribute to further deciphering the history of the city and preserving the cultural heritage of the region,” the press release noted. 

How to tell if your iPad has been hacked

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Apple’s iPad has a strong reputation for security. Thanks to the system architecture of iOS, a non-jailbroken iPad isn’t susceptible to typical viruses or malware infections. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely safe from every threat. As with any computer, there are still vulnerabilities that determined hackers can exploit.

iPads are generally secure devices, but it’s still possible for hackers to gain access, so knowing the warning signs of a hacked iPad can help you act quickly to protect your data. Moreover, an iPad often contains a lot of personal information about you and your family, so if it’s ever hacked, it can be quite alarming.

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How to tell if your iPad has been hacked

An Apple iPad (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to tell if your iPad has been hacked

Be on the lookout for these signs that could indicate your iPad’s security has been compromised:

1) iPad running slow? It could be a sign of malware

If your iPad suddenly feels more like a sluggish turtle than the speedy device it used to be, that’s a warning sign. When a device is hacked, malicious software might be running in the background, using up memory and processing power. This can make apps slow to open, cause lagging or freezing and even lead to more frequent crashes. You might also notice the battery draining much faster than usual along with the slowdown, since unwanted software can chew through battery life while it secretly runs in the background.

2) Pop-up ads on iPad? You might have adware or a virus

A sudden flood of pop-up ads or strange messages on your iPad screen is a big red flag. Under normal circumstances, iPads should not bombard you with random pop-ups, especially outside of safe apps or websites. If you start seeing lots of unsolicited ads or “Your iPad is hacked!” alerts popping up, it could mean an adware program or scam has found its way onto the device. These pop-ups might try to trick you or your kids into clicking links or downloading something harmful, so they’re not just annoying, they’re dangerous signs that something is wrong.

How to tell if your iPad has been hacked

An Apple iPad (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO PROTECT AN IPHONE & IPAD FROM MALWARE 2025

3) Unusual data usage on iPad? Watch for these network hacking signs

Keep an eye on how the iPad is using the internet. An unusual spike in data usage or constant network activity (even when no one is actively using the iPad) might indicate the device is secretly sending or receiving information without your permission. For example, if your data plan suddenly maxes out or you notice the Wi-Fi icon flickering with activity when the iPad is idle, it could be a sign that a hacker’s software is communicating in the background. Such suspicious network activity is concerning because it suggests someone else might be remotely accessing the iPad or siphoning off personal data.

HOW TO TRANSFER INFO FROM AN OLD IPAD TO A NEW IPAD

4) iPad hacked? Look for these Apple ID account changes

One clear warning sign is finding changes to your Apple account that you didn’t make. If your Apple ID password was changed without your knowledge or you receive security alerts about logins you never did, be wary; a hacker may have gained access to your account.

You might also discover that account details or settings (like your recovery email or trusted phone number) have been altered. Another clue is seeing unfamiliar charges or App Store purchases on your Apple ID bill, since unauthorized purchases or subscriptions often mean that someone has compromised your account and is using it maliciously.

How to tell if your iPad has been hacked

An Apple iPad (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST VPNS FOR IPHONES & IPADS – CYBERGUY PICKS 2025

Top tips to protect your iPad from hackers and malware

If you suspect your iPad has been hacked, taking immediate action can secure your device and give you peace of mind. Here are a few basic steps to help you respond:

1) Reset your passwords: Change your Apple ID password right away (and any other important account passwords used on the iPad) to lock out any intruders. Using a strong password (think long, random and unique to each account) greatly reduces that risk. A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords so you don’t have to remember them all yourself. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

2) Remove unfamiliar apps: Check the iPad for any apps you or your child didn’t install. If you find an unknown app or a suspicious profile, delete it immediately. This helps eliminate any malicious programs the hacker may have added. To do this, open Settings, tap General > iPad Storage, scroll to find the unfamiliar app, tap it, then tap Delete App and confirm.

3) Update iOS: Make sure the iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS. Apple frequently releases security updates to fix vulnerabilities, so updating the software can shut down any loopholes the hacker might have used. Turning on automatic updates is a good idea to stay protected going forward.

4) Enable two-factor authentication: If you haven’t already, turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID account. This feature adds an extra verification step (like a code sent to your phone) whenever someone tries to sign in, which can stop hackers in their tracks even if they somehow know your password. It’s an excellent safeguard to prevent unauthorized access.

5) Have strong antivirus protection on all devices: Malware, spyware and viruses can run quietly in the background or compromise enough data before it is discovered. While not being hacked in the first place is the best position to be in, it is worse to give access to your iPad’s data to a hacker for a prolonged period of time. That’s why having strong antivirus software running consistently in the background of your device is a great way to prevent compromises from happening in the first place. Best antivirus security software and apps to protect you.

CAN IPHONE TEXTS HAVE MALWARE? SPOT & AVOID SMS SCAMS

Kurt’s key takeaway

It’s important to remember that many of these symptoms can have innocent explanations, so don’t panic at the first sign of trouble. For example, a new iOS update or a heavy app can temporarily slow down your iPad’s performance, so one isolated issue doesn’t always mean you’ve been hacked. However, if you notice multiple warning signs at the same time or anything that just doesn’t feel right, it’s best to act quickly and err on the side of caution.

Do you think Apple should do more to help users spot and respond to potential hacks? Let us know your experience or questions by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. Your story could help someone else stay safe.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Airplane flyer stands firm about keeping window seat as swapping trend continues

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As summer travel kicks into high gear, the game of musical chairs in the sky shows no signs of slowing down as the seat-swapping trend continues. 

In the “r/americanairlines” forum on Reddit, a user titled a post, “Finally happened to me.”

The person wrote, “Maybe I should stop reading about seat swappers … because it finally happened to me. Get in my 2A seat and I tell the woman, ‘Hey, before you get settled, I’m at the window.’ And she goes, ‘Well, my husband and I are apart in separate aisle seats.'”

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The user continued in the post, “I go, ‘OK, well, I’m not moving, so I hope you figure it out.’ She goes, ‘Well, it’s still business class.’ No.”

The Reddit poster added, “To clear this up, I’m on an airbus 2×2. No middle. And it was my seat that I paid for. Moving to an aisle when I booked a window months ago is not the same … otherwise [I] would’ve obliged,” the flight passenger clarified.

A Reddit user (not pictured) shared the story of refusing to give up a window seat despite a couple’s attempt to sit together. (iStock)

The post garnered over 1,000 reactions as people took to the comments section to discuss the issue and share their own encounters with seat swappers on board flights.

“I’m not at all for seat swapping. It’s ridiculous,” wrote one user.

FLIGHT PASSENGERS COMPLAIN ABOUT MASKLESS COUGHING ON BOARD AS SUMMER TRAVEL HEATS UP

Another user wrote, “Returned recently from Munich and the lady across the aisle kept asking me to switch seats so she could sit next to her husband.”

Another person wrote, “I mean, there’s no harm in asking, but if the answer is ‘No,’ politely drop it and move on.”

Boarding pass

A couple requested to swap seats with a passenger for a window seat. (iStock)

“Unless a person has some sort of illness where their traveling partner needs immediate proximity, there’s no point in this,” wrote one user.

Many users addressed fellow flyers’ need to be near their spouses or family members on planes.

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“Why can’t grown-ups just suck it up if they are not next to one another for a few hours?” commented one user.

A Redditor wrote that she and her spouse “fly often, and sometimes we can’t sit next to each other – big deal. We never ask someone to trade seats.”

flight passengers fighting

“I am one of these seat swappers any time I travel with family,” one user (not pictured) admitted in a viral Reddit thread. (iStock)

A user admitted, “I am one of these seat swappers any time I travel with family. We reserve a row and the window and aisle seat … hoping no one gets the middle … If we happen to get a middle [seat]er, we ask them if it’s OK if they get the window instead or aisle. Haven’t had a complaint yet … Hoping it stays that way.”

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California-based etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall weighed in on the situation, telling Fox News Digital that “no one has the obligation to switch their seat.”

“The person making the request has no right to expect [this] or make a scene when they don’t get their way,” said Randall.

Passengers on a flight are pictured from behind leaving a flight as some begin to stand while some are seated. Others retrieve their luggage from overhead compartments

There may be some circumstances in which it would be a minor inconvenience to switch seats, one etiquette expert said about the dilemma.  (iStock)

Randall said there may be some circumstances in which it would be a minor inconvenience to switch. 

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“It’s a short flight, you can find a similar seat in another row, or anyone would be an improvement from the passenger [you’re currently] sitting next to,” said Randall.