Chevrolet Blazer EV SS makes history as first electric pace car at Daytona 500

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May 21, 2025

Chevrolet made history at the 67th Daytona 500 by introducing the 2025 Blazer EV SS as the official pace car.

This marked the first time an electric vehicle led the field at NASCAR’s most iconic race, a striking symbol of how the automotive world is shifting toward electrification while still honoring its racing heritage.

The Blazer EV SS isn’t just any electric SUV; it’s the quickest SS model Chevrolet has ever built, and it turned heads both on and off the track.

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A 2025 Blazer EV SS was the official pace car of the Daytona 500. (Chevrolet)

Power and performance

The 2025 Blazer EV SS is all about performance. Thanks to its Wide Open Watts mode, the SUV sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, delivering a staggering 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque through its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This level of power puts it in the same conversation as some of the fastest electric crossovers on the market, rivaling models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and Tesla Model Y Performance.

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Beyond straight-line speed, the Blazer EV SS features front Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned chassis and a robust 102 kWh battery pack. Despite being built for performance, it still offers an EPA-estimated 303 miles of range, so it’s just as great for your everyday drive as it is for those fun weekend adventures.

A 2025 Blazer EV SS was the official pace car of the Daytona 500. (Chevrolet)

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High-tech features and everyday usability

Chevrolet has packed the Blazer EV SS with advanced technology to enhance both comfort and safety. Inside, drivers are greeted by a massive 17.7-inch color touchscreen with Google built in, an 11-inch driver display, a premium Bose audio system and ambient lighting. The SUV also comes standard with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver assistance technology, adding an extra layer of convenience for long highway drives.

On the outside, the SS trim stands out with 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, a blacked-out roof and sporty illuminated accents that signal its performance pedigree.

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A 2025 Blazer EV SS was the official pace car of the Daytona 500. (Chevrolet)

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A historic Daytona 500 and a glimpse of the future

The 2025 Daytona 500 was more than just a race; it was a showcase of Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation. Alongside the Blazer EV SS pace car, Chevy unveiled the Blazer EV.R NASCAR Prototype. This all-electric prototype, built in collaboration with NASCAR and other OEM partners, is designed to explore new automotive technologies and push the boundaries of what is possible on the racetrack.

Chevrolet also paced the entire NASCAR season-opener weekend, with the Corvette Stingray leading the Xfinity Series and the Silverado RST pacing the Truck Series. Fans had the opportunity to get up close to all these vehicles at Chevrolet’s displays throughout Daytona International Speedway.

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A 2025 Blazer EV SS was the official pace car of the Daytona 500. (Chevrolet)

ELECTRIC SUV IS THE ULTIMATE LIFELINE FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS

Chevrolet’s racing legacy continues

Chevrolet’s presence at Daytona is nothing new. The brand has now paced the Daytona 500 17 times and has more wins at the Speedway than any other manufacturer. In 2024, Chevrolet swept all three NASCAR Manufacturers’ Championships, underscoring its ongoing dominance in motorsports.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The debut of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS at the Daytona 500 is a milestone moment for both Chevrolet and NASCAR. It signals a future where electrification and high performance go hand in hand, blending tradition with innovation. As the Blazer EV SS led the pack this year, it’s clear that the race toward an electric future is not just underway, it’s picking up speed.

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If NASCAR eventually switches to fully electric vehicles and the classic “roar of the engines” is replaced by EV silence, would you still be excited to watch the races, or does the sound and tradition matter too much for you to tune in? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Putin visits Kursk region for first time since booting Ukrainian forces from territory

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May 21, 2025

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US awaiting Putin proposal for ceasefire, Rubio says

After President Donald Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin, the U.S. is waiting for the Russian president to submit a proposal “that would lead to a ceasefire,” Secretary Marco Rubio told senators on Tuesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the western Kursk region on Tuesday, the first time he stopped by since Russian forces ejected Ukrainian troops from the area last month.

During the visit, Putin met with volunteer organizations in the region and went to the Kursk-II nuclear power plant, according to the Kremlin.

State TV showed the Russian president, accompanied by Kremlin first deputy chief of staff Sergei Kiriyenko, meeting volunteers and local officials in the region, including acting Gov. Alexander Khinshtein.

US AWAITS CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL AFTER TRUMP PHONE CALL, RUBIO SAYS

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the western Kursk region on Tuesday. (SERGEI ILYIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia said late last month that it had ejected Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, putting an end to the biggest incursion into Russian territory since World War II.

On Aug. 6, Ukraine carried out its boldest attack, pushing through the Russian border into the Kursk region, supported by swarms of drones and heavy Western weaponry.

Ukrainian forces have claimed as much as about 540 square miles of Kursk.

PRESIDENT TRUMP CONFIDENT PUTIN WANTS PEACE WITH UKRAINE, THINKS HE’S ‘HAD ENOUGH’ OF WAR

Russia said last month that it had ejected Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

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This comes after Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Turkey last week for their first direct peace talks in years, but the two sides failed to reach a ceasefire agreement.

The negotiations were the first face-to-face talks between the two countries since the early weeks of the war that began with a February 2022 invasion by Moscow.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Army secretary warns of capability gap as transformation initiative launches

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May 21, 2025

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Since becoming secretary, I have been alarmed to find that our Army is at risk of falling behind other major powers across the globe, including China. Why? For decades, antiquated processes and bureaucratic bloat shackled our innovation and modernization efforts. If we continue business as usual our national security will be at risk.

The gap between the Army we have and the Army we need is growing fast. Our soldiers are innovative, resourceful and capable – they are our nation’s best. But they are being held back by lobbyists and complacent stakeholders who prioritized parochial interests over our soldiers’ lethality and readiness.

No lobbyist ever took a hill. No lobbyist ever won a war. Our soldiers deserve better. And our nation deserves better. That’s why Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently directed the Army to accelerate change.

BILLIONS SPENT, WARFIGHTERS WAIT: INSIDE THE PENTAGON’S BROKEN BUYING SYSTEM AND THE PLAN TO FIX IT

We got to work immediately.

The Army is undergoing a large-scale realignment. FILE: Army Soldiers from Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), fire the TOW missile system during a live fire at Fort Campbell, Ky. Oct. 24, 2018. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Justin Wright)

The Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) is how we break free from entrenched government bureaucracy, enable our soldiers and outpace our adversaries.

This is the way forward:

HEGSETH ORDERS SWEEPING ARMY OVERHAUL AND CONSOLIDATION AIMED AT COUNTERING CHINA AND GOLDEN DOME CAPABILITIES

1. Get battle-winning gear to the front lines

Our soldiers must out-survive and outfight the enemy on the battlefield. Today, they need drone and counter-drone capabilities, AI-driven decision-making and lethal, battle-ready tanks and attack aircraft. We have been slow to put these tools in our soldiers’ hands, not for lack of vision, but because of outdated acquisitions practices. That ends now. Our mission is clear: cut red tape so we can quickly equip troops with the best capabilities available.

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2. Out-innovate the enemy

We will channel America’s bold and innovative spirit, not just in words, but in action. We will fuel market competition, back industry-led research and development, and streamline the process by placing users, testers and developers shoulder-to-shoulder in the field. We will embrace change and fight system inertia, keeping us agile, lethal and one step ahead of our enemies.

3. Unloading what we don’t need

For far too long, our hands have been tied by parochial interests propped up by swarms of lobbyists. We have been forced to buy gear that we no longer want or need. With ATI, we’ll ensure that we use American taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars effectively. If a capability no longer benefits our soldiers and does not make our Army more lethal, we will not buy it.

ARMY MAY SLASH 90,000 TROOPS AS PENTAGON FACES BUDGET CUTS AND STRATEGIC SHAKE-UP: REPORT

4. Efficiency over bureaucracy

We are transforming the Army from the ground up, not just upgrading our processes and equipment. We are building an organization that will drive process improvements, leading to better products and better outcomes for soldiers. As a start, we will consolidate organizations within the Army to eliminate redundancies and reduce bureaucratic overhead.

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5. Getting soldiers out from behind desks

We will refocus resources on our fighting formations by cutting overhead, starting within the Army headquarters. We will get our soldiers back where they belong: training to dominate the battlefield and win wars.

Our soldiers and the American people deserve an Army that is equipped to fight and win anywhere, anytime, against any adversary. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, that’s exactly what the Army Transformation Initiative will deliver.

Common pain drug may add months to brain cancer survival, researchers find

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May 21, 2025

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Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadly type of brain cancer, is known to have a very poor prognosis — but a new study suggests that a pain-relieving drug could extend survival.

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have found that an already-approved medication — a pain reliever and anti-seizure medication called gabapentin — has been linked to improved survival in patients with glioblastoma.

The findings were published in Nature Communications last week.

MICHAEL BOLTON HAD STRANGE SYMPTOMS BEFORE BRAIN CANCER DIAGNOSIS: ‘SOMETHING’S WRONG’

Inspired by previous mouse studies that showed gadapentin’s potential in targeting tumors, the researchers studied the medical outcomes of nearly 700 patients with glioblastoma.

Many of them had already been taking gabapentin to alleviate nerve pain, according to a press release from MGB.

Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadly type of brain cancer, is known to have a very poor prognosis — but a new study suggests that a pain-relieving drug could extend survival. (iStock)

The patients who were taking the drug survived four months longer than those who were not — 16 months compared to 12 months — which was described as “statistically significant.”

“Ultimately, our goal was to highlight the emerging role of cancer neuroscience in GBM progression and emphasize the importance of exploring creative strategies to therapeutically target this evolving neural-tumor axis,” lead author Joshua Bernstock, MD, PhD, a clinical fellow in the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, told Fox News Digital.

BREAST CANCER DRUG COULD HELP PROLONG SURVIVAL FOR CHILDREN WITH BRAIN TUMORS, STUDY FINDS

The team was surprised by the survival benefit, Bernstock noted.

“It’s always incredible to see a hypothesis come to life,” he said. “I was also really pleased to see the decrease in serum TSP-1 levels in the UCSF cohort, potentially positioning it as a biomarker of response.”

A pain reliever and anti-seizure medication called gabapentin has been linked to improved survival in patients with glioblastoma. (iStock)

Based on the initial findings, Bernstock reached out to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to study more glioblastoma patients.

Among the 379 patients at USCF, the same outcome was observed — the ones who were taking gabapentin lived 20.8 months on average, compared to 14.7 months for those not taking the drug.

“There have been very few advances in survival for GBM patients since the early 2000s.”

“Across both cohorts (1,072 patients total), gabapentin use was consistently associated with a statistically significant improvement in survival,” Bernstock told Fox News Digital.

The researchers also noticed that the gadapentin group had lower levels of a protein called TSP-1, which is found in the blood serum, a finding that “needs further investigation.”

Glioblastoma claims the lives of around 14,500 Americans each year. The five-year survival rate is just 6.9%. (iStock)

“There have been very few advances in survival for GBM patients since the early 2000s,” Bernstock said in the release. “We need to think more creatively about the emerging biology in these tumors and how to target them.”

What to know about gadapentin

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved gadapentin in December 1993 to treat seizure activity in adults; the approval was extended to include children in 2000.

Two years later, the agency approved gadapentin for nerve pain following shingles, according to the agency.

The drug is often prescribed for off-label use to treat a range of pain conditions, studies show.

The drug is often prescribed for off-label use to treat a range of pain conditions, studies show. (iStock)

Some of the more common side effects of gadapentin include fatigue, headache, dizziness, fever, nausea and vomiting, memory loss, trouble speaking, weight gain, vision problems, movement problems and recurring infections, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Certain medications may interact with gadapentin. Patients should speak with a doctor if they experience severe or persistent side effects, experts recommend.

Potential limitations and next steps

The study did have some limitations, chiefly that it is retrospective and was not controlled.

“While the findings are promising, the study is retrospective — patients were not given gabapentin in a controlled, randomized manner to directly assess its effects,” Bernstock told Fox News Digital.

“As such, larger prospective clinical trials are needed to validate these results and to further investigate the role of gabapentin and TSP-1 in GBM progression.”

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Bernstock said he is “cautiously optimistic” by the findings.

“While gabapentin is FDA-approved and generally well-tolerated, it’s not appropriate to change clinical practice based on these findings alone without a controlled study, something our collaborators at UCSF are working on,” he said.

“It’s not appropriate to change clinical practice based on these findings alone without a controlled study.”

“That said, in GBM patients who develop neuropathic pain or seizures post-craniotomy, there may be a rationale to consider gabapentin more readily than other agents.”

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Glioblastoma — described by Bernstock as “a relentlessly progressive and nearly universally fatal disease” — is the most common type of primary brain cancer, according to Mayo Clinic.

The disease claims the lives of around 14,500 Americans each year. The five-year survival rate is just 6.9%.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Expert reveals secret messages from Ramesses II of Ancient Egypt on Paris obelisk

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May 21, 2025

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Pharaoh’s tomb discovered by archaeologists in Egypt

Dr. Josef Wegner, Penn Museum curator who is based in Philadelphia, recently uncovered a groundbreaking discovery: an unknown pharaoh’s tomb, dating back 3,600 years. (Credit: Josef Wegner for the Penn Museum)

Ancient “propaganda” that was used to support the Egyptian pharaoh who is believed to be a major character of the Old Testament has been spotted in Paris, according to an expert.

Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, an Egyptologist from Paris-Sorbonne University and Institut Catholique de Paris, recently spoke with Fox News Digital about his findings, which are set to be published in the coming months.

The expert found the propaganda, which is supportive of Ramesses II, on the 3,300-year-old obelisk that sits in Paris’ Place de la Concorde. Olette-Pelletier saw the obelisk up close in 2021 after receiving permission to climb scaffolding to conduct research.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER TOMB OF EGYPTIAN ROYALTY BEHIND FALSE DOOR: ‘UNVEILS NEW SECRETS’

Ramesses II, who was born in 1303 B.C. and died in 1213 B.C., is considered one of the most influential and powerful Egyptian rulers of the New Kingdom.

The Egyptian monarch is often cited as the most likely candidate for the pharaoh mentioned in Exodus, though an explicit name was never given in the Old Testament. The pharaoh is said to have retaliated against Moses and refused his requests in Exodus — resulting in a series of plagues.

Olette-Pelletier identified seven cryptographies, or codes, which assert Ramesses II’s authority from 1280 B.C. on. (Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier)

Olette-Pelletier called the pro-Ramesses hieroglyphs “propaganda.”

He identified seven cryptographies, or codes, which assert Ramesses II’s authority from 1280 B.C. on.

“It was a message from Ramesses II to the nobility,” the expert said, noting the Egyptian nobility were able to read the codes.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER LONG-LOST TOMB OF UNKNOWN PHARAOH IN EGYPT

Olette-Pelletier said Ramesses II was born before his father Seti I became pharaoh – and therefore was not conceived by the gods. Not being of divine essence could have hampered his legitimacy to the throne.

“The nobility, able to read cryptographies, might be tempted by an overthrow of power since Ramesses II was not born of theogamy and therefore not divine by birth,” Olette-Pelletier said.

The codes allegedly reveal Ramesses II’s efforts to assert his divine authority and avert a coup. (Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier)

The expert added, “[Ramesses II] spent the first two years of his reign emphasizing his divinity with his wife Nefertari by paying homage at Egypt’s great shrines, and by buying priests.”

“In the process, he changed his name from Usermaatra to Usermaatra Setepenra, [which means] ‘chosen of Ra.’”

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The obelisk has four sides, and Olette-Pelletier noted that the side that faces the Seine (and was intended to face the Nile) shows Ramesses II “wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.”

The expert also said that Ramesses II “underlined his divine knowledge” by using codes to convey the swaying messages.

Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier next to obelisk

Egyptologist Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier uncovered the pro-Ramesses II hieroglyphs on Paris’ obelisk. (Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier)

“The obelisk also contains hidden texts that show the nobility that he is a legitimate and divine king, thus averting a possible coup d’état,” Olette-Pelletier said.

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“So, indeed, these are propaganda texts.”

The cryptographies also claim that Ramesses II was the “provider of the Nile flood and thus of the country’s wealth,” according to Olette-Pelletier.

Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier studying obelsk

The expert found the messages on the 3,300-year-old obelisk that sits in Paris’ Place de la Concorde. (Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier)

The discovery is one of many finds related to Ramesses II that have been uncovered in the past year.

In September, an ancient sword belonging to Ramesses’ military was unearthed in Housh Eissa, a city in Egypt’s Beheira Governorate.

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In January, Egyptian officials announced they would begin to restore Ramesses II’s temple in the Luxor Governorate, the Ramesseum.

Your child’s photos could be training AI without your knowledge

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May 20, 2025

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Parents love capturing their kids’ big moments, from first steps to birthday candles.

But a new study out of the U.K. shows many of those treasured images may be scanned, analyzed and turned into data by cloud storage services, and nearly half of parents don’t even realize it.

A survey of 2,019 U.K. parents, conducted by Perspectus Global and commissioned by Swiss privacy tech company Proton, found that 48% of parents were unaware providers like Google Photos, Apple iCloud, Amazon Photos and Dropbox can access and analyze the photos they upload.

TEENS ARE NOW USING AI CHATBOTS TO CREATE AND SPREAD NUDE IMAGES OF CLASSMATES, ALARMING EDUCATION EXPERTS

Melania Trump speaks at bill signing for the anti-revenge porn Take It Down Act.

First lady Melania Trump, joined by President Donald Trump, delivers remarks before President Trump signed the Take it Down Act into law in the Rose Garden of the White House May 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

These companies use artificial intelligence to sort images into albums, recognize faces and locations and suggest memories. While convenient, the same technology can also have more dangerous uses, like deepfake videos.

Professor Carsten Maple, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Warwick, warns that, with as few as 20 photos, AI tools can create a convincing digital clone of a person, including deepfake videos. These tools don’t need a high-resolution scan or video footage, just a handful of everyday pictures in the cloud.

“Parents are unwittingly opening their children up to possible exploitation by criminals who want to use their data for their own purposes,” Maple told the Edinburgh Evening News.

He added that even mundane photos, like a child at school or in the backyard, can reveal names and locations. Fifty-three percent of parents surveyed had no idea this was possible.

PROTECTING YOUR DAUGHTER FROM DEEPFAKES AND ONLINE ABUSE

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Take It Down Act signing ceremony Monday.

President Donald Trump invited first lady Melania Trump to sign the new anti-revenge porn act she helped usher through to the finish line during a signing ceremony at the White House’s Rose Garden Monday afternoon. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Over half of parents, 56%, have automatic photo uploads enabled, meaning their phones constantly send new images to the cloud without ever having to tap “upload.”

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Even without deepfakes, data collection is extensive. Only 43% of parents knew cloud services collect metadata like time, date and location, and just 36% surveyed were aware that these companies analyze the contents of photos too.

Concern is catching up to convenience. Nearly three in four parents (72%) surveyed said photo privacy is important, and 69% acknowledged the risks of digital footprints left by storing family photos online.

Melania Trump walks with Cruz through Capitol

First lady Melania Trump walks to a meeting to urge passage of the Take It Down Act by the U.S. Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, March 3, 2025. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Though the study was conducted in the U.K., its findings apply globally. American families use the same technology platforms and face the same questions: Where are kids’ photos going? Who is looking at them? And what could they be turned into?

In the age of AI, a family photo isn’t just a memory, it’s also data which can be scanned, stored, sold and, increasingly, manipulated into deepfakes.

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Perspectus Global did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com

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Top 10 most sleep-deprived cities in America revealed in new report

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May 20, 2025

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Where you live could affect how you sleep at night.

New research from Innerbody revealed that some areas of the country are more sleep-deprived than others.

The study used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other benchmarks from the 100 most populous cities in the U.S., ranking each on sleep duration and quality.

HERE’S WHY 90% OF AMERICANS DON’T SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT, ACCORDING TO EXPERT

For each city, the researchers analyzed the prevalence of five metrics — physical activity, obesity, alcohol consumption, mental distress, and noise and light pollution — all of which can impact sleep quality.

Researchers analyzed how physical activity, obesity, alcohol consumption, mental distress, and noise and light pollution impact sleep across the country. (iStock)

Below are the top 10 most sleep-deprived cities, according to the study results.

Norfolk, Virginia
New Orleans, Louisiana
Detroit, Michigan
Toledo, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Indianapolis, Indiana
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Laredo, Texas
Cleveland, Ohio
Memphis, Tennessee

The researchers noted that many of these cities are in the eastern half of the U.S., and Ohio appears multiple times.

HEAT EXPOSURE LINKED TO BETTER SLEEP, EXPERTS SAY — HERE’S WHY

While these cities ranked as the most overall sleep-deprived, Honolulu, Hawaii, placed No. 1 for worst sleep duration, with 42.3% of adults getting fewer than seven hours of shuteye per night.

That’s followed by Norfolk, Virginia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Detroit, Michigan; and Huntsville, Alabama.

Norfolk, Virginia, is the No. 1 most sleep-deprived city, research shows. (iStock)

Memphis, Tennessee, ranked No. 1 for the city with the worst sleep quality, followed by New Orleans, Louisiana; Norfolk, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Corpus Christi, Texas.

JUST ONE NIGHT OF POOR SLEEP COULD HAVE THESE SURPRISING HEALTH EFFECTS

The study also identified the country’s least sleep-deprived cities, listed below.

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Seattle, Washington
San Jose, California
Madison, Wisconsin
Boise, Idaho
St. Paul, Minnesota
Denver, Colorado
Lincoln, Nebraska
Oakland, California
San Francisco, California

The researchers commented that cooler temperatures in some of these locations could boost sleep quality.

Newark, New Jersey, suffers the most in sleep quality due to light and sound pollution, the study found. (iStock)

Sleep expert Wendy Troxel, PhD – a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah – confirmed in an interview with Fox News Digital that, per her own research, location can have an impact on sleep.

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“It’s often said that your zip code can influence your health as much as your genetic code,” she said. “Together, these results highlight that this saying holds true for sleep health as well.”

“It’s often said that your zip code can influence your health as much as your genetic code.”

Troxel’s latest research, published in the journal Sleep Health, showed that improving sleep health requires “moving beyond individual-focused approaches and considering broader strategies” in relation to neighborhoods, she said.

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This includes investing in neighborhood improvements to enhance sleep quality and overall population health.

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“Considering the strong connection between sleep health issues and preventable chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke, our findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving neighborhood conditions could yield significant benefits,” she added.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Wireless, waterproof bionic arm with 360-degree wrist rotation

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May 20, 2025

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Most of us do not think twice about picking up a cup of coffee, sending a quick text or carrying groceries in from the car. For people who use prosthetic hands, though, these everyday tasks can be a real challenge. That is why the arrival of the Hero PRO by Open Bionics is such big news.

This new bionic hand is waterproof, wireless and faster and stronger than anything that came before it. It is designed to help people who rely on prosthetics move through life with more ease and confidence.

Even if you do not need a device like this yourself, the technology behind Hero PRO is changing what is possible for thousands of people, and it is worth knowing how far things have come. Let’s dive into what makes the Hero PRO so remarkable and why it captures so much attention.

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Wireless waterproof bionic arm with 360-degree wrist rotation

Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Built for everyday life

Hero PRO is crafted from robust Nylon PA12 using advanced 3D printing, making it both tough and incredibly lightweight. In fact, it is the lightest bionic hand system available today. The design is sleek and customizable with more than 50 cover options in different colors and patterns, allowing users to swap looks to match their style and personality.

Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SOFT ROBOTIC PROSTHETIC HAND USES NERVE SIGNALS FOR MORE NATURAL CONTROL

Waterproof and wireless freedom

The Hero PRO is the only bionic hand that is both fully wireless and waterproof. Rated IPX7, which means it can be submerged in water up to about 3 feet deep for 30 minutes without damage, it can handle splashes and even submersion, so users do not have to worry about getting it wet during daily activities. Wireless MyoPods, placed on the skin, pick up muscle signals to control the hand, eliminating the need for invasive implants or bulky wires.

WHAT HACKERS CAN LEARN ABOUT YOU FROM A DATA BROKER FILE

A woman using Hero PRO under running water (Open Bionics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SOFT ROBOTIC ARMBAND GIVES PROSTHETIC HAND USERS NATURAL CONTROL

Speed, strength and precision

This bionic hand is twice as fast as leading competitors, with fingers that open and close rapidly to keep up with busy lives. It can carry up to 57 pounds, doubling the load capacity of previous models, making tasks like carrying groceries or lifting heavy objects much easier. The patented thumb design uses a single motor for powerful and precise grips, while the index finger features a touchscreen-compatible tip for seamless device use on the go.

A woman carrying a basket using Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

AI ENABLES PARALYZED MAN TO CONTROL ROBOTIC ARM WITH BRAIN SIGNALS

Unmatched flexibility and grip modes

Hero PRO offers more wrist flexion and rotation than any other bionic hand, with up to 45 degrees of manual flexion in both directions and a full 360-degree rotation. Users can quickly switch between work and sports modes, thanks to a USMC-standard wrist connector and more than 50 compatible activity attachments. With seven grip modes, including a precision key grip, users can handle everything from typing and cooking to pushing a stroller or tying shoelaces. These grips can be customized and updated wirelessly through the Sidekick App.

A woman picking up produce using Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Battery life and charging

A single four-hour charge powers the Hero PRO for a full day. The battery is cleverly miniaturized and integrated directly into the hand, helping to keep the weight down. USB-C charging makes powering up quick and easy, whether at home or on the go.

Hero PRO being charged (Open Bionics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How user feedback and a young influencer helped shape the bionic hand technology

The development of Hero PRO was shaped by feedback from around 1,000 users, including influencer Tilly Lockey, who lost both hands to meningitis as a child. Tilly played a key role in testing and refining the technology, and her experience highlights just how transformative the Hero PRO can be. She describes being able to multitask effortlessly, like pulling a suitcase and drinking hot chocolate at the same time, and even detaching the hand to control it remotely using muscle signals.

Influencer Tilly Lockey wearing Hero Pro (Open Bionics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How much does the Hero Pro cost?

Pricing for advanced bionic hands like the Hero PRO is not always straightforward. Open Bionics, the company behind this technology, does not list a fixed price on its website. Instead, they encourage interested users to contact them directly for a personalized quote, since each device is custom-made to fit the individual’s needs.

For context, most high-end bionic arms on the market can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the features and customization required. Open Bionics aims to make their devices more affordable than traditional options, with some of their earlier models reportedly costing about five times less than conventional robotic prosthetics. However, the exact price for the latest models, including the Hero PRO, will depend on factors like insurance coverage, customization and specific user requirements.

If you are interested in learning more about pricing or the process, it is best to reach out directly to Open Bionics for a detailed quote tailored to your needs.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Technology like the Hero PRO is not just about gadgets and gears. It is about helping people do more of the things they love with less hassle. For those who rely on prosthetic hands, every improvement can mean a world of difference, whether that is carrying a heavy bag, using a smartphone or simply feeling more confident in daily life. Even if you do not need a prosthetic yourself, it is inspiring to see how far this technology has come and how it continues to open new possibilities for so many people.

What everyday challenges do you think advanced bionic technology could help overcome, and what would you most want to see in the next generation of prosthetic devices? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Ascension healthcare data breach exposes 430,000 patient records

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Reporters News Wire

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May 20, 2025

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The state of cybersecurity in the healthcare industry worries me a lot. Healthcare organizations, whether nonprofit or for-profit, collect an enormous amount of data. And it’s not just phone numbers, addresses or emails but also sensitive information like medical records, insurance details and more. This data is extremely valuable, which makes it a prime target for hackers.

What’s worse is that many healthcare institutions often neglect cybersecurity and treat it as an afterthought. In 2024 alone, an industry tracker recorded 1,160 healthcare breaches that exposed 305 million patient records. This marked a 26% increase compared to the previous year.

Against this backdrop, Ascension, a Missouri-based Catholic health system with 142 hospitals and 142,000 employees, recently disclosed that a December 2024 breach exposed the personal and medical information of more than 430,000 patients.

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Ascension healthcare data breach exposes 430,000 patient records

A hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know

According to Ascension’s breach notification letters, the compromise began on Dec. 5, 2024, when the network learned patient data “may have been involved in a potential security incident.” By Jan. 21, 2025, its investigators had determined that Ascension had “inadvertently disclosed information to a former business partner,” and that attackers likely stole data from that partner via a flaw in its software. In other words, patient records passed from Ascension into a third party’s system and were then siphoned off by cybercriminals.

The attackers gained a broad array of information. Impacted patients’ demographic and financial details, names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, race, gender and Social Security numbers were exposed. Even more worryingly, the breach included clinical data from hospital stays, including physician names, admission and discharge dates, diagnosis and procedure codes, medical record numbers and insurance details. This is the very data that criminals can exploit for fraud or identity theft.

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

THINK YOU CAN DELETE YOUR OWN DATA? WHY IT’S HARDER THAN YOU THINK

Timeline and involvement

Ascension reported the breach to regulators via an HHS filing on April 28, 2025, which shows 437,329 patients affected. By comparison, the company had earlier disclosed the impact in state filings. For example, 114,692 Texas patients and 96 Massachusetts residents were individually notified of exposure. In response, Ascension is offering those affected two years of free identity monitoring services (credit monitoring, fraud consultation and identity theft restoration).

For scale, Ascension is a major nonprofit health system, one of the largest in the U.S., operating 142 hospitals across North America. The company has not named the third-party partner, but its description fits a vendor whose secure file-transfer software was breached.

The timing aligns with a series of recent Cl0p ransomware attacks. Cl0p has publicly claimed responsibility for exploiting a zero-day flaw in Cleo’s secure file-transfer products, stealing data from dozens of organizations worldwide. While Ascension itself was not directly hit by ransomware, its data might have ended up in that same attack campaign.

Ascension’s patients and employees are no strangers to data breaches. In May 2024, a Black Basta ransomware attack compromised Ascension’s own network. That incident, traced back to a single employee opening a malicious file, resulted in the exfiltration of data belonging to nearly 5.6 million people.

The fallout was severe. Hospitals lost access to digital records, forcing clinicians to record vitals, medications and orders on paper. Elective procedures and some appointments were paused, and emergency services were redirected to unaffected facilities to avoid delays in care.

We reached out to Ascension for a comment on our article but did not hear back before our deadline.

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

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Ways to protect yourself after the Ascension data breach

If you think you were affected or just want to be cautious, here are some steps you can take right now to stay safe from the Ascension data breach.

1) Watch out for phishing scams and use strong antivirus software: With access to your email, phone number or identification documents, Ascension attackers can craft convincing phishing emails pretending to be from healthcare providers or banks. These emails might include malicious links designed to install malware or steal login information. To defend yourself, use a strong antivirus program. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Scrub your data from the internet using a personal data removal service: The more exposed your personal information is online, the easier it is for scammers to use it against you. Following the Ascension breach, consider removing your information from public databases and people-search sites.

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 and 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. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

3) Safeguard against identity theft and use identity theft protection: Hackers now have access to high-value information from the Ascension breach, including Social Security numbers and bank information. This makes you a prime target for identity theft. You might want to consider investing in identity theft protection, which can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. Signing up for identity theft protection gives you 24/7 monitoring, alerts for unusual activity and support if your identity is stolen. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

4) Set up fraud alerts: Requesting fraud alerts notifies creditors that they need extra verification before issuing credit in your name. You can request fraud alerts through any one of the three major credit bureaus; they’ll notify the others. This adds another layer of protection without completely freezing access to credit.

5) Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com, where you can access free reports from each bureau once per year or more frequently if you’re concerned about fraud. Spotting unauthorized accounts early can prevent larger financial damage.

6) Change passwords and use a password manager: Update passwords on any accounts tied to compromised data. Use unique passwords that are hard to guess and let a password manager do the heavy lifting by generating secure ones for you. Reused passwords are an easy target after breaches. Consider password managers for convenience and security. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

7) Be wary of social engineering attacks: Hackers may use stolen details like names or birthdates from breaches in phone scams or fake customer service calls designed to trick you into revealing more sensitive info. Never share personal details over unsolicited calls or emails. Social engineering attacks rely on trust, and vigilance is key.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Attackers have frequently targeted Ascension, but the company does not seem to be learning its lesson. If it were a one-off incident, it might be understandable. But how do you fail to strengthen cybersecurity after experiencing a nationwide blackout? Rather than being an isolated event, this breach feels like part of a larger pattern. The industry relies on complex vendor networks and outdated IT systems, while cybercriminals continue to exploit emerging vulnerabilities.

Should hospitals be penalized for neglecting basic cybersecurity practices? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover .

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Biden’s ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer could be responsive to hormone therapy

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Reporters News Wire

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May 20, 2025

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Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of “aggressive” prostate cancer has sparked concerns about how far the disease has advanced.

The former president’s prostate cancer has been characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (grade group 5) with “metastasis to the bone.”

The score of 9 indicates “high-grade” prostate cancer with very abnormal cells that are likely to grow quickly, experts say.

BIDEN’S PROSTATE CANCER DESCRIBED AS ‘AGGRESSIVE’ — WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE’S PROGNOSIS

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement said. “The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

The fact that Biden’s cancer has been classified as “hormone-sensitive” means it could be more responsive to hormone therapies, and thus more treatable.

Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of “aggressive” prostate cancer has sparked concerns about how far the disease has advanced. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer needs androgens (male hormones) to grow, according to the National Cancer Institute. When those androgens are reduced or blocked, the cancer stops growing.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, said the hormone-sensitive designation doesn’t necessarily mean Biden has already been taking hormone therapies, which is unknown.

GLEASON SCORE FOR PROSTATE CANCER: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BIDEN’S DIAGNOSIS

“You can tell under a microscope if this is the type of cancer that could respond to hormone therapy, but no matter what it looks like, you don’t know until you try it,” he told Fox News Digital.

“And sometimes it looks like there will be an effect, but it ends up being resistant to therapy.”

The former president’s prostate cancer has been characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (grade group 5) with “metastasis to the bone.” (AP/Evan Vucci)

Prostate cancer has long been known to feed on the male hormone testosterone, according to Dr. Bilal Siddiqui, M.D., a medical oncologist and prostate cancer researcher at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“The overwhelming majority of prostate cancers — 99% plus — are hormone-sensitive and dependent on testosterone in the beginning,” he told Fox News Digital.

“I would say it’s a very reasonable assumption [of hormone sensitivity], but we would know definitively once hormone therapy has started.”

“The overwhelming majority of prostate cancers are hormone-sensitive and dependent on testosterone in the beginning.”

The backbone of treatment for any metastatic prostate cancer is “androgen deprivation therapy,” which is geared toward decreasing the body’s level of testosterone.

“Typically, when you start the androgen deprivation therapy, testosterone levels will decrease and the PSA levels will decrease along with it, and that’s your definitive proof that the cancer is hormone-sensitive,” Siddiqui said.

The backbone of treatment for any metastatic prostate cancer is “androgen deprivation therapy,” which is geared toward decreasing the body’s level of testosterone. (iStock)

Historically, androgen (hormone) deprivation therapy was done surgically through removal of the testes — but today’s typical methods include pills or injections, according to the oncologist.

“That eliminates about 80 to 85% of the testosterone that’s produced in the body,” he said.

In many cases, doctors may add other drugs to block testosterone from secondary sources in the body, such as the adrenal glands that sit above the kidneys.

NEW PROSTATE CANCER TEST PINPOINTS DISEASE BETTER THAN PSA OPTION, STUDY FINDS

North Carolina family physician Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk reiterated that prostate cancer that shrinks or slows in progression after blocking testosterone qualifies as hormone-sensitive.

“This means that it grows or shrinks in relation to how much androgen or testosterone is circulating in the body,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Typically, when you start the androgen deprivation therapy, testosterone levels will decrease and the PSA levels will decrease along with it, and that’s your definitive proof that the cancer is hormone-sensitive,” an oncologist said. (iStock)

“If you suppress testosterone and the cancer does not shrink and continues to grow or spread, then the cancer is independent of the amount of hormone circulating in the body.”

There are a number of different ways to monitor disease progression, but it’s most commonly done by a combination of PSA blood tests and imaging studies, the doctor noted.

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Eventually, metastatic prostate cancer will progress to become hormone-resistant, which means it no longer responds to hormone therapy, according to Siddiqui.

“It can vary in how long it takes to get to that point,” the oncologist said. “It’s usually a couple of years before it evolves from hormone-sensitive to hormone-resistant.”

The “ultimate test” of whether cancer has become hormone-resistant is to lower testosterone levels and observe where the cancer goes, he noted.

“It’s usually a couple of years before it evolves from hormone-sensitive to hormone-resistant.”

There may also signs of the disease getting worse.

“That might mean a rising PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, new pain or symptoms, or new tumors that show up on the scan,” Siddiqui told Fox News Digital.

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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that men aged 55 to 69 years should have the option to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening to monitor for prostate cancer.

“Before deciding whether to be screened, men should have an opportunity to discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening with their clinician and to incorporate their values and preferences in the decision,” the USPSTF states.

Siegel questioned this guidance to skip screening for older men.

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“I don’t agree with guidelines to not test over 70 years of age, especially with so many treatments to offer for prostate cancer,” he said.

In addition to hormone therapy, some men may be candidates for robotic prostate surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Siegel added.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Power and performance

High-tech features and everyday usability

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Kurt’s key takeaways

1. Get battle-winning gear to the front lines

2. Out-innovate the enemy

3. Unloading what we don’t need

4. Efficiency over bureaucracy

5. Getting soldiers out from behind desks

What to know about gadapentin

Potential limitations and next steps

Built for everyday life

Waterproof and wireless freedom

Speed, strength and precision

Unmatched flexibility and grip modes

Battery life and charging

How user feedback and a young influencer helped shape the bionic hand technology

How much does the Hero Pro cost?

Kurt’s key takeaways

What you need to know

Timeline and involvement

Ways to protect yourself after the Ascension data breach

Kurt’s key takeaway

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