NASA’s Martian helicopter promises unprecedented views of the red planet

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January 5, 2025

When NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter took flight on Mars in April 2021, it marked a historic moment in space exploration.

This small, solar-powered rotorcraft became the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet.

Now, after Ingenuity’s remarkable success, NASA is setting its sights on an even more ambitious aerial explorer for the red planet.

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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (NASA)

Ingenuity’s legacy

Ingenuity’s journey on Mars far exceeded expectations. Originally designed for just five test flights over 30 days, it ultimately completed an astounding 72 flights in nearly three years. The helicopter served as an aerial scout for the Perseverance rover, helping scientists and engineers gather valuable data about Mars’ terrain and atmosphere.

Throughout its mission, Ingenuity pushed the boundaries of extraterrestrial flight, reaching a maximum altitude of 78.7 feet, achieving a top speed of 22.4 mph and completing a single longest flight that covered 2,310 feet.

Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (NASA)

YOU’LL NOW BE ABLE TO CHARGE YOUR DEVICES ON THE MOON

NASA’s next-gen Mars helicopter

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is working on a concept for a next-generation Mars helicopter that could revolutionize exploration of the red planet. This new aircraft, still in the early stages of development, promises to be a significant upgrade from Ingenuity.

The proposed helicopter features six rotors in a hexagonal configuration and is significantly larger, potentially “the size of an SUV.” It would have the ability to carry science payloads of up to 11 pounds and cover a range of up to 1.9 miles per Martian day.

The increased size and payload capacity would allow this new helicopter to conduct more extensive scientific investigations and explore areas inaccessible to ground-based rovers. This advanced design could enable scientists to study large swaths of Martian terrain in detail and quickly, including places where rovers cannot safely travel.

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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (NASA)

IS THIS SPACE CAPSULE HOW WE WILL LIVE AND WORK IN ORBIT IN THE FUTURE?

Overcoming challenges

Before this new helicopter can take flight on Mars, NASA must address the challenges faced by Ingenuity. The smaller helicopter’s crash landing in early 2024 provided valuable lessons for future designs. One key issue was navigation in featureless terrain.

Ingenuity’s vision-based navigation system struggled with the sandy, rippled surface of Jezero Crater. NASA engineer Håvard Grip explained, “Lack of surface texture gave the navigation system too little information to work with.”

To overcome this, the next-generation helicopter will likely feature more advanced navigation systems capable of operating in varied Martian landscapes.

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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (NASA)

PRADA’S OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD SPACESUIT FOR NASA

Technological advancements

NASA is making significant technological advancements in preparation for future Mars helicopters. Engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have developed new carbon fiber rotor blades that are 4 inches longer than those used on Ingenuity.

These next-generation blades have undergone rigorous testing, reaching speeds of up to 3,500 rpm, which is 750 rpm faster than Ingenuity’s maximum speed. The new design promises improved efficiency and performance in Mars’ thin atmosphere, potentially enabling larger and more capable helicopters for future missions. These advancements represent a crucial step forward in NASA’s ongoing efforts to explore the red planet from the air.

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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (NASA)

Kurt’s key takeaways

As we look to the future of exploring Mars, these aerial vehicles could play a crucial role in paving the way for human missions. They offer the ability to scout landing sites, study the Martian environment in unprecedented detail and perhaps even assist future astronauts on the surface. The development of more advanced Mars helicopters also showcases the rapid progress in space technology. What was once a daring experiment with Ingenuity is now evolving into a robust tool for planetary exploration.

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Do you think advancements in Mars exploration, like the new helicopter, are essential for our understanding of the universe and potential life beyond Earth, or should our resources be spent addressing pressing issues here on Earth? 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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The world’s oldest person dies at 116

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January 4, 2025

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Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who was the world’s oldest person, according to Guinness World Records, has died, an Ashiya city official said Saturday. She was 116.

Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of elderly policies, said Itooka died Dec. 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.

Itooka, who loved bananas and a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink called Calpis, was born May 23, 1908. She became the oldest person last year after the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group.

Tomiko Itooka celebrates her 116th birthday at the nursing home where she lives in Ashiya, Japan, May 23, 2024. (Ashiya City via AP)

WORLD’S OLDEST MAN, DEAD AT 112, ATE THIS MEAL EVERY FRIDAY

When she was told she was at the top of the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, she simply replied, “Thank you.”

When Itooka celebrated her birthday last year, she received flowers, a cake and a card from the mayor.

Born in Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player in high school and long had a reputation for a sprightly spirit, Nagata said. She climbed the 3,067-meter (10,062-foot) Mount Ontake twice.

Tomiko Itooka celebrates her 116th birthday at the nursing home where she lives in Ashiya, Japan, May 23, 2024. (Ashiya City via AP)

OLDEST PERSON IN THE US, ELIZABETH FRANCIS, DIES AT 115 YEARS OLD IN HOUSTON

She married at 20, and had two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness.

Itooka managed the office of her husband’s textile factory during World War II. She lived alone in Nara after her husband died in 1979.

She is survived by one son and one daughter and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends, according to Nagata.

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According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world’s oldest person is now 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born 16 days after Itooka.

Gym owner bans new fitness members in January, has reasons for his actions

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January 4, 2025

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Made a New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy again?

One gym owner says good luck with that — because there’s no place for new joiners in the month of January at his venue.

Gym owner Clayton Leah, 31, has been turning away potential new members at his gym, Ascendancy Fitness, even though this is the busiest time of year, he told Fox News Digital in a phone interview on Saturday, Jan. 4. “We stopped sign-ups on New Year’s Eve,” he said.

FRIENDS, FAMILY MAY PROTECT AGAINST HEART ATTACK, STROKE AND TYPE 2 DIABETES, STUDY SUGGESTS

He has a specific reason for his unusual stance, he said.

The purpose is to protect existing gym members and long-time fitness practitioners from an influx of new joiners, he told Fox News Digital.

Newcomers to gyms in January often wind up dropping away in short order as their intentions to maintain New Year’s resolutions wear off, one gym owner said. (iStock)

Often, he said, the eager January newcomers wind up dropping away as their intentions to maintain a New Year’s resolution wear off.

Leah said in part that he did not want “to annoy all of our existing members who have been with us for so long.”

He added of his gym’s news, “I would hate to focus more on the negative than the positive. The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he told Fox News Digital on Saturday.

DEPRESSION COULD BE PREVENTED WITH SPECIFIC DAILY STEP COUNT, STUDY FINDS

“The majority of people appreciate the fact that we’ve done this and see why we’ve done it,” he also said. “We’ve always prioritized our membership experience — it’s so important to us.”

For those who are criticizing his gym for a “not smart” business move, it’s actually “been the opposite,” he said.

Clayton Leah, right, owner of Ascendancy Fitness, with his business partner

The Ascendancy Fitness leadership team, with Clayton Leah at right and business partner Jack Bramhall at left. “We’ve always prioritized our membership experience,” Leah told Fox News Digital. (Ascendancy Fitness)

“The first priority is our members, and they are highly appreciative of what we’re doing,” he said.

“Naturally, we have some inquiries about joining. And I’ve said this before, but as soon as you take something away from people, then people want it more. But that’s not why we’ve done this.”

“The only negative response people have is a case of, ‘I was going to join, but now I can’t.'”

“We wanted to try and break the mold,” he also told news agency SWNS.

He said he’s trying to “take an unconventional approach and protect our existing members – that is the most important thing for us.”

DANCE EASES DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN PARKINSON’S PATIENTS, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

The gym is located in Warrington, Cheshire, in England, roughly halfway between Liverpool and Manchester.

His gym has about 650 current members. It also gives one-time day passes for those who want to work out there.

The Ascendancy Fitness gym is shown above. Owner Leah said the fitness industry “is an amazing industry” and “we’re trying to help people with whatever fitness and health goals they have.” (Ascendancy Fitness)

Leah said he hopes his gym’s decision would encourage people to join the gym throughout the year — rather than just in January, when people are drawn to the venue because of ambitious New Year’s resolutions.

He said the fitness industry “is an amazing industry” and “we’re trying to help people with whatever fitness and health goals they have.”

The gym owner said the only negative reaction to the blocked memberships had been from those hoping to join.

A gym owner said that “we’re trying to help people with whatever fitness and health goals they have.” (iStock)

He said, “The only negative response people have is a case of ‘I was going to join, but now I can’t.'”

He added, “For those people, I say, ‘Well, you should have joined sooner,'” he told SWNS.

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This is not the first case of gyms or fitness clubs banning new members in January.

Equinox, a luxury fitness club, banned new members on Jan. 1, 2023, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

A gym owner did not want “to annoy all of our existing members who have been with us for so long,” he said. (iStock)

It was part of a “We Don’t Speak January” campaign to discourage short-term New Year’s resolutions and encourage long-term commitment.

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Certified personal trainer and strength coach Melissa Kendter of Pennsylvania said every trainer’s “main passion” should be guiding others toward leading a healthier lifestyle and building long-term success with sustainable habits, as Fox News Digital also previously reported.

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Leah of Ascendancy Fitness said his gym is likely to reopen to new memberships in February, although the gym doesn’t have a specific date confirmed as yet.

“Obviously our plan was to avoid the January influx,” he told Fox News Digital.

Angelica Stabile of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Maureen Mackey is managing editor of lifestyle at Fox News Digital.

Man given 6 months to live loses 76 pounds with fruit and protein shake diet

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January 4, 2025

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A Durham, North Carolina, man has turned his life around after receiving grave medical news.

Derek Barnett, 55, was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 10 years ago, according to a report from SWNS.

At his heaviest, Barnett weighed 240 pounds and was a size 38.

CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEXT MEAL? IT’S CALLED FOOD NOISE, HERE’S WHAT TO DO

Barnett, a construction worker who is currently unemployed due to health issues, brushed off his diagnosis, telling SWNS that he “didn’t think anything of it.”

“Everybody’s got a type of thing,” he said.

At his heaviest, Barnett weighed 240 pounds and was a size 38. (SWNS)

But the man’s condition worsened, progressing into cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as liver cancer.

In January 2024, Barnett was given a letter from his doctor that broke some bad news – he potentially had only six months to live if the cancer continued to grow.

“When they gave me that letter last year, it got real,” he reflected.

HAIR GROWTH COULD SLOW DOWN WITH THIS POPULAR DIET PLAN, STUDY REVEALS

“That note said, ‘If the cancer gets aggressive, you have six months to live.’ I saved it, looked at it every day, and it beat me up.”

Barnett’s doctors informed him that the best way to regain his health would be to lose weight – and he knew it was time to get motivated and act.

“I played college baseball, tennis and football in the ’80s, but as I got older, I gained weight,” Barnett said. (SWNS)

“I was like, ‘OK, we can do this,’” he told SWNS. “I’m a fruit-aholic. I went on a major fruit diet basically.”

Barnett began limiting his diet to “very tiny meals” throughout the day, involving lots of his favorite fruits.

“It’s about eating right, staying active and never giving up.”

“I can eat a whole watermelon in a day, but I also eat apples, oranges and grapes — whatever’s in season,” he said.

‘YO-YO’ WEIGHT LOSS OCCURS BECAUSE OF THIS SURPRISING REASON

“I do protein shakes, too. I’m not a vegetarian, but I don’t eat meat much, because it’s too filling for me.”

Barnett recently hit a record-low weight of 164 pounds. He reported that he dropped the pounds by following this diet, and that his “scores are looking fantastic.”

man loses weight after given a few months to live SWNS

Barnett reported that he feels “fantastic, and I’m just getting started.” (SWNS)

“I haven’t weighed this since I was probably 15 years old,” he said.

Barnett said he still has work to do in toning his muscles to “catch up to the skin loss,” but he continues to push forward.

“My clothes are a little too big and baggy, and it’s hard to afford clothing when you lose weight so quickly, but I feel fantastic,” he said.

IS EATING ONCE A DAY A GOOD IDEA? EXPERTS SHARE VARYING OPINIONS ON THE ‘OMAD DIET’

Barnett has also kept the weight off by staying active, despite his physical limitations.

“I have osteoarthritis in my right knee and need a knee replacement,” he revealed. “I can’t go jogging or do stairs, but I do what I can.”

man loses weight after given a few months to live

Barnett managed to lose more than 70 pounds with a fruit and protein shake diet, plus consistent exercise. (SWNS)

He reported that his workouts usually involve sitting in chairs and “using little dumbbells.”

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“I’m nonstop, but I do it without hurting myself,” he added. “Losing weight is just [about] staying active, finding anything you can possibly do to get off a couch.”

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Barnett told SWNS that he will find out the status of his prognosis in February, and that he hopes to inspire others with his successful weight-loss journey.

derek barnett weight loss transformation

“I definitely don’t want cancer anymore,” he said. “I don’t want a liver transplant. I want to live an active lifestyle.” (SWNS)

“If I can do this, anyone can,” he said. “I’ve done everything the doctors told me to do. It’s about eating right, staying active and never giving up.”

“I was 55 going on 90,” he went on. “Now I’m 55, going back on 20 again.”

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Barnett hopes to return to work and live a “full, active life,” according to SWNS.

“I want to ring that bell next time I see my doctors and tell them I’ve done it,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Can I outsmart thieves with a hidden AirTag in RFID wallet?

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January 4, 2025

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Apple AirTags can be a great way to outsmart car thieves, but there are some drawbacks to consider. A key limitation is that thieves who also have iPhones can usually detect a hidden AirTag in vehicles they are trying to steal. This makes hiding an AirTag tricky.

That’s why we were intrigued by Brian’s inquiry about using other ways to make Apple AirTags undetectable to car thieves or outsmarting them twice.

“If an AirTag is put in an RFID wallet and hidden in a car, can the AirTag be located by a thief using a locator? I know the AirTag will function in the wallet, but will it be undetectable by the thief?“ — Brian, LaSalle, Illinois

Below are reasons why using an RFID wallet might end up leaving you outsmarted instead.

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Illustration of a car thief checking to see if the vehicle has an AirTag. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why RFID wallets might not outsmart car thieves?

Some thieves use RFID readers, which use radio waves, to scan and read data such as credit cards in wallets. The function of RFID wallets and bags is to protect items or devices from these radio waves by blocking them.

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Apple AirTags use different technology, so even if it was placed in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag, it could still be detected by a thief with an iPhone or locator. Unlike the radio waves used to scan for credit cards and other data, Apple AirTags use Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Neither technology can be shielded by RFID-blocking material because those materials cannot block Bluetooth and UWB signals.

A person holding an RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

DO EMF BLOCKERS REALLY PROTECT US?

What can block AirTag technology?

Faraday bags, on the other hand, use electromagnetic shielding and can successfully block Apple AirTag signals, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, from being detected by thieves. The only issue with putting an Apple AirTag in a Faraday bag to hide in your car is that if the car thief cannot read or locate the signal it emits, you cannot either.

While the Apple AirTag may go undetected when in a Faraday bag, you will likely not be able to use FindMy or any other tracking methods to locate it either, because those methods require signals pinged from the AirTag to other iPhones and Apple Devices to track location.

BEST CAR ACCESSORIES

An RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Alternatives to AirTags for car security

While Apple AirTags offer some benefits, there are other technologies and methods to consider for enhancing car security. For example, GPS trackers provide real-time location data without the risk of being detected by a nearby iPhone. Additionally, physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and alarm systems can act as effective safeguards. Combining multiple layers of security can better protect your vehicle against theft. Check out how to prevent your car from being stolen.

HOW TO OUTSMART CAR THIEVES WITH THESE SMART AIRTAG TACTICS

Kurt’s key takeaways

While Apple AirTags can be a useful device to help you keep track of your vehicle, whether it is lost or stolen, it does not replace the reliability of a GPS system installed in your vehicle if you are trying to outsmart car thieves. Because car thieves might be able to locate an Apple AirTag hidden in your vehicle, it may not provide the layer of protection you hope for. Though the technology in RFID wallets will not block signals from an Apple AirTag, which will make them detectable to locators and scanners, Faraday bags will. Unfortunately, you will end up outsmarting yourself in trying to outsmart car thieves if you use a Faraday bag because you will then not be able to track the Apple AirTags either. If you are looking for the optimal way to outsmart car thieves, the Apple AirTags might not be the answer you are looking for.

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What personal experiences have you had with technology aiding in theft prevention? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

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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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Fox News AI Newsletter: Will your job survive Trump’s Gen AI revolution?

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January 4, 2025

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

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Will your job survive Trump’s Gen AI revolution?

– ‘Shazam!’ star Zachary Levi compares AI to biblical disaster

– AI-powered robot sinks seemingly impossible basketball hoops

(Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket/CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP)

ADAPT: The Trump administration’s recent announcement of a sweeping deregulatory agenda for generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) has created ripples across industries. This policy shift has implications for professionals and businesses alike, signaling a future where Gen AI development will accelerate quickly. If you want your work and business to survive this new acceleration, you need to adapt quickly to our increasingly disrupted environment.

Zachary Levi attends the UK premiere of Shazam! Fury of the Gods at Cineworld Leicester Square in London on March 7, 2023. (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

THE GREAT FLOOD: “Shazam!” star Zachary Levi feels a biblical disaster looming, thanks to artificial intelligence.

IT’S GOT GAME: While you were busy watching your favorite NBA stars sink three-pointers, a robot was quietly perfecting its game-winning shot in Nagakute, Japan. That’s right, a humanoid robot named CUE6 just stepped onto the court and made jaws drop faster than a Steph Curry buzzer-beater. CUE6, Toyota’s basketball-playing robot, claimed a Guinness World Record for the longest shot by a humanoid robot, proving that AI can play basketball with the best of them.

THE FUTURE IS NOW: The F-35 has had to develop a thick skin. From my former colleagues in Congress to defense-industry experts, the world’s premier fighter jet is accustomed to criticism for issues with cost, production and more. In November, though, one of America’s most influential voices decided to jump on the bandwagon: Elon Musk.

An F-35 fighter plane takes flight. (Luke Air Force Base / Senior Airman Alex Cook)

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Ditch boring emoji and create your own unique versions with Genmoji on iPhone

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January 4, 2025

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Have you ever found yourself scrolling through the emoji keyboard, frustrated that you can’t find the perfect little icon to express your exact sentiment?

Well, Apple has a solution for you with its latest iOS 18.2 update: Genmoji.

This innovative feature allows you to create custom emoji on the fly, bringing a whole new level of personalization to your conversations.

I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2

Genmoji on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is Genmoji?

Genmoji, a clever blend of “generative AI” and “emoji,” is Apple’s latest addition to its Apple Intelligence suite. This feature harnesses the power of on-device artificial intelligence to generate custom emoji based on your text descriptions.

Whether you’re looking for an “elephant riding a roller coaster” or a “frog with tap-dancing shoes,” Genmoji can bring your imagination to life in emoji form. You can even create emoji based on people in your Photos app, making your digital expressions more intimate and meaningful. This level of customization allows you to convey nuanced emotions and situations that standard emoji simply can’t capture.

Genmoji on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE AND IPAD FROM MALWARE

Compatibility and availability

It’s important to note that Genmoji is available only on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models or devices from the iPhone 16 lineup. The feature is part of the iOS 18.2 update, which Apple recently released.

How to update your software to iOS 18.2 or later

First things first, let’s update your software to iOS 18.2 or later:

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Select Software Update.
Tap Update Now.
Enter your passcode and agree to terms.
Wait for the installation to complete.

HOW TO FACTORY RESET YOUR IPHONE

Steps to update your iPhone’s software. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO DELETE MULTIPLE EMAILS AT ONCE ON IPHONE

How to set up Image PlayGround

Open the Messages app.
Start a conversation.
Tap the + sign.
Click Image Playground.
Scroll down and tap Set Up.
Tap Done.

Steps to set up Image Playground. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to use Genmoji

Using Genmoji is surprisingly simple:

Open the Messages app.
Start a conversation.
Tap the emoji icon in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard.
Then tap the emoji icon next to the text search bar.
In the search field, describe a Genmoji you want to create, like a cat with a top hat.
Wait for the AI to generate your custom emoji.
Swipe through the options and select your favorite.
Tap “Add” to insert your new emoji into your message. Then, tap the up arrow.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Steps to use Genmoji. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

After seeing the results of your initial description, you can alter your Genmoji simply by changing the description in the new Genmoji screen.

How to create a Genmoji using a person’s photo

To create a Genmoji using a person’s photo from your gallery, follow these steps:

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Ensure photo tagging

First, make sure the person you want to use is tagged in your Photos app. This is crucial for Genmoji creation. You can only use people who are already in your contacts. It works best with clear, front-facing photos where the person’s face is easily visible.

Open Messages.
Tap the emoji keyboard.
Tap the Genmoji creation icon at the top right of the keyboard.

Select a person

In the “Describe a Genmoji” field, type the name of the person exactly as they are tagged in your Photos library.
Tap “Choose a Person.”
Select the person from your identified Photos contacts.
Tap Done.

Customize the Genmoji

Add a descriptive context, like “Danny celebrating his 35th birthday.”
Swipe through the generated options to find the best representation.
You can refine the Genmoji by modifying the description, such as changing “Danny at birthday” to “Danny wearing a party hat.”
By tapping the More (or three horizontal dots) next to the Genmoji, you can copy, share, save to stickers and add a caption.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Genmoji isn’t just a fun new feature; it’s a total game-changer for how we chat with each other. You can create an emoji that perfectly captures your mood or a specific situation. How awesome is that? As we start to embrace more AI in our daily lives, Genmoji really takes our conversations up a notch, making them more personal and creative.

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Do you think you’ll enjoy using Genmoji, or do you find it more annoying than helpful, wishing we could just stick to plain texting? 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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Inside Israel’s daring raid that destroyed Iran-funded underground missile factory in Syria

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January 4, 2025

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JERUSALEM — Elite Israeli forces conducted a dramatic raid in Syria, destroying a secret underground long-range missile factory that also contained information about Syria’s chemical weapons program in September, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF first revealed the mission Thursday in a call with reporters.

“This is one of our most significant and complex special operations in recent years, even in this complex year and a half,” IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said.

The IDF provided spectacular footage of the Israeli commandos during the daring mission as well as the massive explosion of the subterranean complex after the troops had cleared it.

ISRAELI OFFICIAL REVEALS HOW ‘TO TRULY DEFEAT HEZBOLLAH’

IDF special forces inside a Syrian missile complex in September 2024. (IDF Spokesman’s Unit)

“The precision-guided missile factory or facility was dug into the side of a mountain underground,” the IDF spokesperson said.

Information about Syria’s chemical weapons program was uncovered during the mission.

“I have seen some of them — notebooks and documents — and a lot of them contain very specific chemicals,” Shoshani said. “One of them that I saw was a chemical handbook that describes how to manufacture a missile at the end of the raid. The troops dismantled the facility, including the machines and the manufacturing, to ensure the safety of Israel.”

Assad’s regime repeatedly used chemical weapons on his population during the nearly 14-year civil war that ripped apart the country. The U.S.-designated terrorist movement Hezbollah played a key role in aiding Assad’s regime during the civil war.

IDF FINDS HEZBOLLAH WEAPONS CACHE IN UNDERGROUND TUNNEL: VIDEO

The factory was designed to manufacture between 150-350 missiles a year, including precision-guided missiles (PGM), according to the IDF. Commandoes from the IDF’s elite air force unit Shaldag participated in the mission. The IDF said 30 Syrian soldiers were killed during the operation.

The IDF spokesperson told reporters the operation “was aimed at an Iranian-funded precision-guided missile factory inside Syrian territory near the border with Lebanon. This facility was designed to manufacture hundreds of strategic missiles per year from start to finish for Hezbollah to use in their aerial attacks on Israel and for its Iranian axis in Syria.

“Because of the specific terrain and this facility being underground, we could not operate from the air area. Also, on Sept. 8 last year, 2024, special forces conducted a nighttime targeted raid on the facility. This raid involved over 100 soldiers. There were also dozens of aircraft, including helicopters and other types of aircraft. The forces were flown in by helicopters.”

Israeli air force Shaldag special forces raid a missile factory in Syria. (IDF Spokesman’s Unit)

“I salute our heroic fighters for the daring and successful operation deep in Syria,” Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “This was one of the most important preventive operations that we have taken against the efforts of the Iranian axis to arm itself in order to attack us; it attests to our boldness and determination to take action everywhere to defend ourselves.”

After the devastating Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel, which resulted in the murder of more than 1,200 people, including 40 Americans, Israel has faced multi-prong attacks from Iran’s regime — the main sponsor of Hamas, Hezbollah; the Houthis; and the toppled Bashar Assad regime in Syria.

Amit Segal, chief political analyst of Israel’s Channel 12, told Fox News Digital, “The Israeli perspective for years was that Iran operates as an octopus in the Middle East, with the head being the nuclear program in Tehran and the arms being the conventional terrorist organizations surrounding Israel. Netanyahu’s view was that the arms were meant to harass and occupy Israel while the head raced toward nuclear capability, and therefore it was preferable to contain them and focus on the main threat.

IDF officials watch as the operation unfolds. (IDF Spokesman’s Unit)

“This perception shattered on Oct. 7 when it became clear that the arms were not just a nuisance but an existential threat.”

The complex commando raid on the underground Syrian factory could also be a shot across the bow for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities embedded in mountains.

“After a year and a quarter dedicated to severing the octopus’s arms, Israel stands in 2025 at a historic crossroads for the confrontation Netanyahu has long sought and for which history will judge him: eliminating the nuclear threat once and for all,” Segal noted.

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Hezbollah terrorists form a human barrier during the funeral procession of slain top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut’s southern suburbs Aug. 1, 2024. (Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images)

The IDF spokesperson said construction on the Syrian missile factory “began at the end of 2017 and ended in 2021 when manufacturing machinery was sent from Iran to the site. Most of the components in the factory were sourced from Iran.”

From October 2023 to November 2024, Hezbollah launched over 17,000 projectiles toward Israel, killing dozens of Israelis, the IDF spokesperson said.

Aging ‘hotspot’ found in brain, researchers say: ‘Major changes’

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January 4, 2025

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The brain plays a big part in the aging process, and scientists think they’ve pinpointed the specific cells that control it.

In a study of mice, researchers at the Allen Institute identified certain cells that showed “major changes” with age, particularly in one specific “hotspot,” according to a press release.

Mice were chosen because their brains share “many similarities” to human brains.

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“Our brain consists of thousands of types of cells, which carry out different functions,” Hongkui Zeng, study co-author and director of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, told Fox News Digital. “Our study shows that different cell types are differentially susceptible to the aging process.”

The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published in the journal Nature.

Scientists from the Allen Institute believe they have pinpointed the specific brain cells that control aging. (iStock)

The researchers used RNA sequencing and brain-mapping tools to analyze more than 1.2 million brain cells from young mice (2 months old) and older mice (18 months old).

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The 18-month-old mice are roughly equivalent to a “late middle-aged human,” the researchers indicated.

The researchers grouped the cells into 847 different types and also identified nearly 2,500 genes that changed with aging, according to Zeng.

Mice (not pictured) were chosen because their brains share “many similarities” to human brains, the researchers said. (iStock)

The cells that were linked to aging showed an increase in inflammation and a decrease in “neuronal function.”

“Changes in these genes point to deteriorated neuronal structure and function in many neuronal and glial cell types, as well as increased immune response and inflammation in the brain’s immune and vascular (blood vessel) cell types,” Zeng detailed.

5 MAJOR ALZHEIMER’S DISCOVERIES SCIENTISTS MADE IN 2024

The cells that experienced the biggest changes were the ones in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that is linked to food intake, energy balance and metabolism, the researchers noted.

This suggests that this area is a “hotspot for aging,” Zeng noted, and that there could be a connection between diet, lifestyle factors, brain aging and risk of age-related cognitive disorders.

“Aging is the most important risk factor for many brain diseases.”

“The findings from the study reinforce the notion that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, promoting a healthy metabolic state, and reducing inflammation in the body and brain could slow down or delay the aging process and reduce the risks of aging-associated brain diseases,” he said.

The hope is that this discovery could lead to new age-related therapies to improve the function of these cells and help prevent neurodegenerative diseases, according to the researchers.

Researchers from the study discuss findings at the Allen Institute. (Allen Institute)

“Aging is the most important risk factor for many brain diseases,” Zeng noted.

“Our study provides a highly detailed genetic map for which brain cell types may be most affected by aging and suggests new gene and cell targets for developing new treatments for aging-related brain diseases.”

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The study did have some limitations, the authors acknowledged.

“The main limitation of our study is that the findings are correlational,” Zeng said.

Inflammation plays a role in chronic age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, a neurologist noted. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

“We don’t know yet if the gene expression changes observed in specific cell types are causal to brain aging. Our study lays the groundwork by providing a detailed genetic map and cell targets.”

Zeng called for future studies to investigate the cells’ roles in aging and determine whether the reversal of the changes could delay the aging process.

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Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, commented that the new research adds to existing evidence supporting the role of diet in human brain health.

The detailed “brain roadmap” will be very beneficial for future research into aging and possible therapeutics, according to Murray, who was not involved in the study.

The detailed “brain roadmap” discovered in the study will be very beneficial for future research into aging and possible therapeutics, experts agree. (iStock)

It’s been known for some time that inflammation plays a role in chronic age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, the neurologist noted.

“More and more evidence is pointing to the fact many chronic diseases can be prevented, and it often comes down to diet and exercise,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“Altering diet to exclude processed foods and initiating some habits such as intermittent fasting have been shown to reduce this cellular inflammation that appears to be leading to so many diseases.”

‘Santa Claus’ sarcophagus and more ancient religious relics among big discoveries in 2024

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Reporters News Wire

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January 4, 2025

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Many rare discoveries have been made across the globe over the course of the year 2024.

The public was able to view some religious relics that highlighted historical moments, giving people a better understanding of the time period in which they derived from.

See some of the significant pieces below.

‘Santa Claus’ sarcophagus

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey believes its team may have discovered the sarcophagus belonging to Saint Nicholas. (iStock | Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)

A team of archaeologists may have unearthed a sarcophagus containing the remains of Saint Nicholas, whose spirit of generosity is still celebrated in the modern world more than 1,600 years later.

“We believe that we have encountered a sarcophagus to be in situ (original position) for the first time,” said associate professor Ebru Fatma Findik, who is heading the excavation team through Hatay Mustafa Kemal University’s Department of Art History.

‘SANTA CLAUS’ SARCOPHAGUS BELIEVED TO BE DISCOVERED DURING EXCAVATION PROJECT

The discovery was made at St. Nicholas Church in the Demre district of Antalya, Turkey, as part of an excavation initiated by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Megiddo Mosaic

Museum of the Bible mosaic in Washington DC

The Megiddo Mosaic is one of the earliest pieces of physical evidence showing Christian practices. (Museum of the Bible)

The Museum of the Bible in the nation’s capital opened an exhibit in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), giving visitors a view of early Christianity in the Holy Land.

Titled “The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith,” the exhibit showcases IAA’s archaeological find, dating back to the third century, on display for the first time since it was found.

The mosaic formed part of the floor of the oldest site of Christian worship ever to be discovered from the third century, according to officials with the Museum of the Bible (MOTB).

RARE MOSAIC REVEALING EARLIEST ‘PHYSICAL EVIDENCE’ OF CHRISTIANITY NOW ON DISPLAY AT MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE

“The mosaic presents groundbreaking physical evidence of the practices and beliefs of early Christians, including the first archaeological instance of the phrase, ‘God Jesus Christ,’” Alegre Savariego, curator of the exhibition on behalf of the IAA, said in the release.

The exhibit opened to the public in September and is on display until July.

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Early evidence of Christianity

Experts recently decoded and released the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps found in a third-century grave. (Frankfurt Archaeological Museum)

The earliest known evidence of Christianity north of Italy was recently unveiled by archaeologists, who call the discovery one of the “most important testimonies of early Christianity.”

The artifact, publicized by the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum, is called the Frankfurt silver inscription.

The Frankfurt silver inscription is an engraving on silver foil that consists of 18 lines written in Latin. It dates to between 230 and 260 A.D. and was discovered wrapped in a small silver amulet.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER EARLIEST KNOWN EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIANITY NORTH OF THE ALPS: ‘UNUSUAL FOR THIS TIME’

The inscription begins, “In the name of Saint Titus, Holy, holy, holy! In the name of Jesus Christ, God’s Son!”

Saint Titus was a first-century Christian missionary and disciple of Paul the Apostle. The inscription also calls for the amulet to protect “the man who gives to the will the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son.”

“The heavenly, the earthly and the underground, and every tongue confess (to Jesus Christ),” the text concludes.

Written in Latin, the inscription took several weeks to decipher due to its deteriorated condition. Archaeologists needed to “digitally unroll” the silver foil, which had been crumpled for around 1,800 years.

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Museum officials told Fox News Digital, “The silver inscription is from now on part of the museum‘s permanent exhibition.”

Oldest Christian churches

The church was found in a rural part of Armenia. (Armenian-German Artaxata Project)

Archaeologists recently uncovered what they believe to be one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

The University of Münster announced the discovery of the fourth-century church located in Germany.

The remains of the ancient Christian building were found at the Artaxata site in the Ararat Plain.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER ONE OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

The octagonal church at Artaxata had a floor made of mortar and terracotta tiles, and measured around 100 feet in diameter.

“The 4th century building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country — sensational evidence for early Christianity in Armenia,” University of Münster Professor Achim Lichtenberger said in a statement.

“The city developed into an important metropolis in the Hellenistic period and was the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia for almost six centuries,” a press release from the school explained.

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Gretchen Eichenberg and Fox News Digital’s Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.

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