24 C
New York
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Home Blog Page 6

Paralyzed man speaks and sings with AI brain-computer interface

0


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

When someone loses the ability to speak because of a neurological condition like ALS, the impact goes far beyond words. It touches every part of daily life, from sharing a joke with family to simply asking for help. Now, thanks to a team at the University of California, Davis, there’s a new brain-computer interface (BCI) system that’s opening up real-time, natural conversation for people who can’t speak. This technology isn’t just about converting thoughts into text. Instead, it translates the brain signals that would normally control the muscles used for speech, allowing users to “talk” and even “sing” through a computer, almost instantly.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.

There's a new brain-computer interface (BCI) system that's opening up real-time, natural conversation for people who can't speak.

There’s a new brain-computer interface (BCI) system that’s opening up real-time, natural conversation for people who can’t speak. (UC Davis)

Real-time speech through brain signals

The heart of this system is four microelectrode arrays, surgically implanted in the part of the brain responsible for producing speech. These tiny devices pick up the neural activity that happens when someone tries to speak. The signals are then fed into an AI-powered decoding model, which converts them into audible speech in just ten milliseconds. That’s so fast, it feels as natural as a regular conversation.

What’s especially remarkable is that the system can recreate the user’s own voice, thanks to a voice cloning algorithm trained on recordings made before the onset of ALS. This means the person’s digital voice sounds like them, not a generic computer voice. The system even recognizes when the user is trying to sing and can change the pitch to match simple melodies. It can also pick up on vocal nuances, like asking a question, emphasizing a word, or making interjections such as “aah,” “ooh,” or “hmm.” All of this adds up to a much more expressive and human-sounding conversation than previous technologies could offer.

It translates the brain signals that would normally control the muscles used for speech, allowing users to "talk" and even "sing" through a computer, almost instantly.

It translates the brain signals that would normally control the muscles used for speech, allowing users to “talk” and even “sing” through a computer, almost instantly. (UC Davis)

How the technology works

The process starts with the participant attempting to speak sentences shown on a screen. As they try to form each word, the electrodes capture the firing patterns of hundreds of neurons. The AI learns to map these patterns to specific sounds, reconstructing speech in real-time. This approach allows for subtle control over speech rhythm and tone, giving the user the ability to interrupt, emphasize, or ask questions just as anyone else would.

One of the most striking outcomes from the UC Davis study was that listeners could understand nearly 60 percent of the synthesized words, compared to just four percent without the BCI. The system also handled new, made-up words that weren’t part of its training data, showing its flexibility and adaptability.

The AI learns to map these patterns to specific sounds, reconstructing speech in real-time. 

The AI learns to map these patterns to specific sounds, reconstructing speech in real-time.  (UC Davis)

The impact on daily life

Being able to communicate in real-time, with one’s own voice and personality, is a game-changer for people living with paralysis. The UC Davis team points out that this technology allows users to be more included in conversations. They can interrupt, respond quickly, and express themselves with nuance. This is a big shift from earlier systems that only translated brain signals into text, which often led to slow, stilted exchanges that felt more like texting than talking.

As David Brandman, the neurosurgeon involved in the study, put it, our voice is a core part of our identity. Losing it is devastating, but this kind of technology offers real hope for restoring that essential part of who we are.

The UC Davis team points out that this technology allows users to be more included in conversations.

The UC Davis team points out that this technology allows users to be more included in conversations. (UC Davis)

Looking ahead: Next steps and challenges

While these early results are promising, the researchers are quick to point out that the technology is still in its early stages. So far, it’s only been tested with one participant, so more studies are needed to see how well it works for others, including people with different causes of speech loss, like stroke. The BrainGate2 clinical trial at UC Davis Health is continuing to enroll participants to further refine and test the system.

The technology is still in its early stages.

The technology is still in its early stages. (UC Davis)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Restoring natural, expressive speech to people who have lost their voices is one of the most meaningful advances in brain-computer interface technology. This new system from UC Davis shows that it’s possible to bring real-time, personal conversation back into the lives of those affected by paralysis. While there’s still work to be done, the progress so far is giving people a chance to reconnect with their loved ones and the world around them in a way that truly feels like their own.

As brain-computer interfaces become more advanced, where should we draw the line between enhancing lives and altering the essence of human interaction? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.



Source link

Dems pledge to fight ‘tooth and nail’ in SCOTUS campaign finance case

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Senior Democratic Party officials vowed Monday to “fight tooth and nail” to keep in place federal campaign spending limits up for Supreme Court review this fall — describing the GOP-led effort to repeal the limits as unprecedented and dangerous ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to review the case, National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, taking up a challenge filed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and on behalf of two Senate Republican candidates, including now-Vice President JD Vance, following the 2022 elections.

In a statement Monday, the Democratic campaign groups vowed to fight back against what they characterized as the GOP’s attempt to “sow chaos and fundamentally upend our campaign finance system, which would return us to the pre-Watergate era of campaign finance.”

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR REPUBLICAN CHALLENGE THAT COULD SHAKE UP US ELECTIONS

Newly elected DNC chair Ken Martin speaks at a DNC meeting in Maryland in Feb. 2025. DNC officials said Monday they will oppose GOP-led efforts to remove campaign finance restrictions in a case being reviewed by the Supreme Court this fall.  (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

At issue are federal spending limits that restrict the amount of money political parties can spend on behalf of certain candidates — and which Republicans argue run afoul of free speech protections under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

A decision from the Supreme Court’s 6-3 conservative majority could have major implications on campaign spending in the U.S., further eroding the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, a law Congress passed more than 50 years ago with the aim of restricting the amount of money that can be spent on behalf of candidates.

That law, and subsequent amendments, restricts the amount of money that political parties can funnel into certain campaigns.

Senior Democratic Party officials described the GOP-led effort Monday as the latest effort by Republicans to claw back campaign spending limits and erode some 50 years of federal election law.

“Republicans know their grassroots support is drying up across the country, and they want to drown out the will of the voters,” DCCC chair Suzan DelBene, DSCC chair Kirsten Gillibrand, and DNC chair Ken Martin said in a joint statement Monday. 

Vice President JD Vance

Vice President JD Vance, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.  (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

The case is almost certain to be one of the most high-profile cases heard by the Supreme Court this fall.

Adding to the drama is the involvement of the Trump-led Justice Department, which said in May that it planned to side with the NRSC in the case — putting the Trump administration in the somewhat unusual position of arguing against a law passed by Congress.

JUDGES V TRUMP: HERE ARE THE KEY COURT BATTLES HALTING THE WHITE HOUSE AGENDA

Supreme Court exterior during daytime

The Supreme Court ruled Texas’ pornography law was constitutional on Friday, June 27, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

Justice Department officials cited free speech protections as its basis for siding with the NRSC, which they said represents “the rare case that warrants an exception to that general approach” of backing federal laws.” 

Meanwhile, the Democratic groups sought to go on offense with their message, describing the GOP efforts as the latest iteration of a decades-long effort to “rewrite” election laws in ways that benefit the party. They cited another Republican-led challenge to campaign spending limits brought more than 20 years ago, in Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee v. FEC. 

That challenge was ultimately rejected by the high court, DNC officials noted.

“To date, those efforts have failed at every turn, ensuring a stable, predictable campaign finance structure for party committees and political candidates across the country,” DNC officials said. 

JUDGES V TRUMP: HERE ARE THE KEY COURT BATTLES HALTING THE WHITE HOUSE AGENDA

Tesla CEO Elon Musk jumps on stage as he joins former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally at site of his first assassination attempt in Butler

Tesla CEO Elon Musk jumps on stage as he joins former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally at site of his first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania on Oct. 5, 2024.  (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Republican officials praised the Supreme Court’s decision to take up the case, which they described as helping the GOP ensure they are in “the strongest possible position” ahead of the 2026 midterms and beyond.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

“The government should not restrict a party committee’s support for its own candidates,” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C. who chair the NRSC and NRCC, respectively, said Monday.

“These coordinated expenditure limits violate the First Amendment, and we appreciate the court’s decision to hear our case,” they added.

Joe Rogan claims most bread in US causes inflammation, as experts discuss

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

After Joe Rogan voiced his concerns about the bread offerings in America, experts are sharing their tips on choosing the healthiest varieties.

On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the famed podcaster claimed that most of the breads in the U.S. are unhealthy and contribute to inflammation.

“A lot of inflammation comes from diet,” Rogan said. “Our bread is f***d — if you go overseas, and go eat bread in Italy, you won’t feel bad at all.”

BREAD WITH SPROUTED GRAINS OFFERS ‘ENHANCED NUTRITIONAL PROFILE,’ MAY BE HEALTHIER WAY TO ENJOY CARBS

The podcaster then shared an Instagram reel from holistic health influencer Dennis Echelbarger (Denny_Dure) claiming that bread can leave people feeling “bloated, brain-fogged and tired.”

Many point to gluten as the culprit, Echelbarger said in the video, but he claims it’s “just the scapegoat.”

On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the famed podcaster shared his opinion that most of the breads in the U.S. are unhealthy and contribute to inflammation. (Screenshot/Joe Rogan Experience)

“The real issue is ultraprocessed, chemically altered, bleached, bromated, fake vitamin-filled wheat soaked in glyphosate,” he concluded.

Rogan added, “I know when I cut that stuff out of my diet, it made a giant difference.”

He noted that one exception is sourdough bread, which he said is “great for you.”

WHITE BREAD VS. WHOLE WHEAT BREAD: IS ONE ‘BETTER’ FOR YOU?

For those who do eat bread, Rogan said, “You have to get it from a place that has heirloom wheat.” 

(Heirloom wheat, also known as heritage wheat, refers to older varieties that have not been genetically modified and may have higher nutritional value.)

The ideal ingredient list

New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, author of “2-Day Diabetes Diet,” says it’s not necessary to completely avoid bread to improve your health, but pointed out that not all varieties are created equal.

“There’s a wide range of breads — from those that can negatively impact your health to options that offer potential health benefits,” she said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“The first ingredient is what makes up the majority of the bread, so this should be a whole grain.”

Breads made from refined flours, such as white bread, can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar, increasing the risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes over time, the dietitian warned. 

Instead, she recommends opting for whole-grain and high-fiber breads that break down more slowly, helping to stabilize blood sugar and improve long-term glycemic control.

When choosing a bread, it’s important to read labels carefully and assess the ingredient list, Palinski-Wade advised.

Man slicing bread

“A lot of inflammation comes from diet,” Rogan said. “Our bread is f***d — if you go overseas, and go eat bread in Italy, you won’t feel bad at all.” (iStock)

“The first ingredient is what makes up the majority of the bread, so this should be a whole grain,” she said. “From there, the shorter the ingredient list, the better.”

An ingredient list made up of whole grains, yeast and a bit of salt — as well as limited added sugars and preservatives — is ideal, according to the dietitian. “Some brands add seeds or legumes as well,” she added.

CONTROVERSIAL SEED OILS MAY OFFER UNEXPECTED HEALTH BENEFITS, NEW RESEARCH SHOWS

Among store-bought breads, one of Palinski-Wade’s top recommendations is Ezekiel bread, which includes sprouted whole grains and legumes, uses minimal processing and has limited added sugars and preservatives.

“Another easy-to-find option is the line of breads from Dave’s Killer Bread,” she shared. “Made with organic whole grains, this line of bread contains minimal preservatives, added sugars or refined grains.”

Overall, the dietitian said, it’s best to choose bread that contains mostly whole grains with little added sugars and preservatives, has a taste you enjoy, and works for your lifestyle.

Woman shopping for bread

An ingredient list made up of whole grains, yeast and a bit of salt — as well as limited added sugars and preservatives — is ideal, according to a dietitian. (iStock)

Julie Stefanski, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics in Chicago, said that lumping all bread together as potentially harmful is a “big oversimplification.” 

“As Americans, we have access to an enormous number of food choices,” she told Fox News Digital. “When deciding what type of bread to purchase, a person should consider how often they choose it, how large a portion they consume and their own medical issues.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Those who eat bread frequently or in multiple servings may want to prioritize choosing a healthier, whole-grain option, she advised.

“When choosing bread with fewer preservatives and simpler ingredients, consumers need to be aware that the bread will not last as long, and may need to be frozen and toasted to eventually make use of an entire loaf,” Stefanski pointed out.

Is sourdough really better?

Sourdough bread has been shown to have a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread, Stefanski noted, and thus can be easier to digest than other wheat breads.  

“A lower glycemic index (which measures how quickly any given food spikes a person’s glucose levels) means the bread digests and turns into blood sugar slightly slower than typical white bread,” she said. 

Sourdough bread

Sourdough bread has been shown to have a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread, and thus can be easier to digest than other wheat breads.   (Brett Comer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

“In the process of making sourdough bread, the bacteria and yeast in the starter for the bread partially breaks down the carbohydrates that are in the wheat.”

People who are typically sensitive to digesting the sugars in wheat may notice less bloating, gas and digestive issues when eating sourdough bread compared to other varieties, according to Stefanski.

Palinski-Wade agrees that sourdough bread is a good choice, but “not superior.”

“If you eat commercial white bread, the glucose in that starch is very, very quickly turned into glucose in the blood.”

“Whole-grain sourdough would be better than white sourdough, but sprouted grain breads would most likely be superior in antioxidants, fiber and nutrient composition,” she told Fox News Digital.

Making your own sourdough bread at home can be a healthy choice, Palinski-Wade added — but that isn’t always a feasible option for people who are short on time or traveling.

Avoiding the sugar spike

Dr. Jason Fung, a Toronto-based physician who is also an expert in intermittent fasting, agreed that bread’s effect on health hinges not only on its carbohydrate content, but also on how quickly the starches are absorbed into the bloodstream. 

“If you eat commercial white bread, the glucose in that starch is very, very quickly turned into glucose in the blood,” he reiterated to Fox News Digital.

Breakfast close-up with hands, bread and butter

“When choosing bread with fewer preservatives and simpler ingredients, consumers need to be aware that the bread will not last as long, and may need to be frozen and toasted to eventually make use of an entire loaf.” (iStock)

“This is because the flour is very refined — removing fiber, fats, proteins and bran, which all slow absorption — and is also very finely machine ground. This fine grind creates white flour, which is a dust that is quickly absorbed by intestinal cells.”

The texturizers and emulsifiers in commercial white breads — which are added to make them softer and easier to eat — also cause them to be more quickly digested and absorbed, Fung noted.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“You can see the effect of this on the glycemic index, which measures how quickly bread spikes your glucose,” he said. 

The GI is a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the highest glucose spikes. White bread has a very high GI of 73, Fung said, while machine-ground whole wheat is not much better, at 70.

Glycemix index

The GI is a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the highest glucose spikes. White bread has a very high GI of 73, one expert said, while machine-ground whole wheat is not much better, at 70. (iStock)

To counteract this effect, Fung recommends choosing any of the following healthier options.

  • Stone-ground flour
  • Ezekiel bread (sprouting process lowers GI to about 36, with more fat and protein)
  • Sourdough bread (the acid slows down absorption)
  • Pumpernickel (course-ground rye flour and sourdough starter, with a GI of about 50)
  • Rye bread (rye flour is denser, chewier and slower to digest, with a GI of about 45-50)

“You can also slow down the absorption of glucose by eating bread with olive oil and also vinegar,” Fung advised.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Palinski-Wade agreed that it’s important to carefully choose what bread is paired with.

“Choosing breads with a low glycemic index and pairing them with foods rich in fat, protein or fiber can help minimize blood sugar spikes and support better glucose management,” she said.

Family executes sneaky airline seat hack that goes viral on Reddit as travelers weigh in

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A mom flying with her family was able to “successfully” swindle an entire row of seats for her group as others weighed in on the move.

Posting in the “r/unitedairlines” forum on Reddit and using the title “Seat Shenanigans – advanced tactics,” a user revealed in real time how he saw the mom hack the system.

“I preboarded (10C). Row in front of me is completely open. [A] family of four comes on in group 2. They take 9A, C, D and F. Mom says to kids, ‘Don’t unpack yet,’” the post relayed. 

VICTIM OF ‘SEAT SWAP SHENANIGANS’ REVEALS HOW FELLOW FLYER ATTEMPTED TO TRICK HER

The user then said the “mom is anxiously refreshing the seating chart in the app. I’m thinking they are waiting for the upgrade to Polaris (as am I). I check the app, see that row 9 is showing completely empty.”

The user believed at first the family was given an upgrade — until he realized this was not about an upgrade.

In a viral post, a Reddit user revealed how a family (not pictured) strategically secured an entire empty row on a recent flight. (iStock)

“They’re watching the seating chart like hawks, hoping the seats don’t get booked, waiting for the door to close, because they wanted to take over an empty row,” the person wrote. 

“Door is closed, and we’re taxiing. The seats are theirs! Well played, mom,” said the user.

PASSENGER DEFENDS CONTROVERSIAL ‘GATE LICE’ BEHAVIOR AS AIRLINES CRACK DOWN ON EARLY BOARDING ATTEMPTS

Many Redditors took to the comments section to discuss the travel “win” and to weigh in on taking seats in this manner.

“I really think people should sit in the seats they paid for,” commented one user.

“There was no doubt what they were up to.”

Another user said, “The seat map is notoriously inaccurate, so that alone wouldn’t incline me to think shenanigans — but the mother’s behavior with telling the kids to not unpack yet and constantly refreshing her phone display is rather sus[picious],” the person wrote.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

“They were all smiles and high-fives once we started taxiing,” the Reddit poster responded. “There was no doubt what they were up to.”

Wrote one user, “Some FA’s [flight attendants] will enforce the walk of shame.”

Little girl playing games on cell phone while traveling by plane with her mother. Focus is on little girl.

A mother (not pictured) on board a flight with her family monitored a seating chart in real time until the doors closed — then executed a controversial travel hack so that her group had an entire row to themselves. (iStock)

Another user shared, “I was on a half-empty plane once and the FA didn’t care where people [sat]. I asked if I could move to an empty row and she said, ‘Feel free to.’” 

Wrote another person, “I don’t see the issue here. They waited until doors were closed to capture the seats. They knew they could be moved. I think it’s fine.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Another user shared, “Lately I have seen FAs call people out and make them pay. A guy went full ‘man child’ when they told him to pay for the exit row he invited himself to or go back.”

“You gotta admire their strategy. Not something I would do, but wow,” said another. 

Interior of a crowded airplane with blue seats showing passengers sat, pictured from behind

“I really think people should sit in the seats they paid for,” commented one user about the viral travel drama described online. (Getty / iStock)

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog “View From the Wing,” told Fox News Digital that some airlines have changed their policies regarding switching seats when flights are not fully booked.

“You used to be able to take any open seat in your cabin once the doors closed,” he said. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“You might move closer to the front, grab an aisle seat or head for an empty row in the back so you could stretch out.”

Added Leff, “[Flyers] may not be able to get what they want from the airline when reserving seats, or the airline may want a fee for the seats they want and the passenger doesn’t want to pay — so they’ll try their luck on board.”

Cosmetic procedures grew in 2024, with focus on body contouring treatments

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Americans continue to invest in their aesthetic health.

A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows steady growth in cosmetic procedures last year, particularly in body contouring and minimally invasive treatments. 

The report’s data, detailed below, reveals where people are spending their money.

Cosmetic surgeries hold steady

Of the nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2024, liposuction and breast augmentation topped the list.

HAS KRIS JENNER FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH? EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON HER STUNNING TRANSFORMATION

  • Liposuction: 349,728 procedures
  • Breast augmentation: 306,196 procedures
  • Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): 171,064 procedures
  • Breast lift: 153,616 procedures
  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): 120,755 procedures

Of the nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2024, liposuction and breast augmentation topped the list, according to ASPS data. (iStock)

Surgical procedures grew by 1% from 2023,” ASPS President Dr. Scott Hollenbeck, a general plastic surgeon based in Charlottesville, Virginia, shared in a press release, noting that body contouring procedures saw the highest increase. 

Thigh and buttock lifts were up 3%, while arm and neck lifts rose 2%. 

WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY TRUMPS POPULAR OZEMPIC TREATMENT IN SHOCKING NEW COMPARISON

Surgeons believe this may reflect the rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can lead to sagging skin.

Minimally invasive treatments reign supreme

Minimally invasive procedures continue to dominate the aesthetic landscape, with over 28.5 million performed last year. The top five listed below led the pack.

  • Neuromodulator injections (e.g., Botox, Dysport): 9,883,711
  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers: 5,331,426
  • Skin resurfacing (e.g., laser, chemical peels, microdermabrasion): 3,703,305
  • Skin treatments (e.g., laser hair/tattoo removal, IPL): 3,112,056
  • Lip augmentation with injectables: 1,449,565
Facial aesthetics surgery treatment, woman receiving plastic surgery

Minimally invasive procedures continue to dominate the aesthetic landscape, with over 28.5 million performed last year, per the ASPS. (iStock)

“These treatments remain strong due to their affordability and low downtime,” said ASPS member surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton, a general plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas, in the release.

“Despite so-called ‘filler fatigue,’ HA fillers continue to top the list — when done naturally, they’re extremely effective,” she added.

The weight loss connection

For the first time, ASPS tracked the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, noting that over 837,000 prescriptions were written by ASPS surgeons in 2024. 

Of those patients, 20% had already undergone surgery, 39% were considering surgery and 41% were exploring non-surgical options, the report shared.

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS’ IMPACT ON CANCER RISK REVEALED IN NEW STUDY

These medications are helping patients reach a healthy weight before surgery,” Dr. Heather Faulkner, a cosmetic plastic surgeon based in Atlanta, Goergia, said in the release. 

“But they’re not substitutes — you must be near your goal weight before considering procedures like tummy tucks or lifts.”

What’s fueling the interest?

A number of factors could contribute to the high demand for cosmetic procedures, according to experts.

“Maybe it’s greater exposure through social media or a general decrease in taboos,” said Hollenbeck. “Either way, patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health.”

painting the face of a 45-year-old man for an aesthetic treatment with botulinum toxin

A number of factors could contribute to the high demand for cosmetic procedures, according to experts. (iStock)

Surgeons agree that aesthetic procedures go beyond vanity, suggesting they are about feeling strong, confident and healthy. 

Many also see them as part of a holistic self-care routine, alongside diet, fitness and mental well-being.

“Patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health.”

Social media is also helping to normalize aesthetic care, making procedures more accessible and less stigmatized, the report stated.

Patients now openly discuss their experiences and are seeking natural, subtle enhancements, not exaggerated results.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“There’s a trend toward the ‘ballerina body,’” Dr. Michele Shermak, a general plastic surgeon based in Baltimore, Maryland, said in the report. 

“Smaller implants, lifted silhouettes — women want to look refined, not overdone.”

Reconstructive surgery on the rise

Cosmetic procedures weren’t the only area of growth. Over one million reconstructive surgeries were performed in 2024, including the most common ones listed below. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

  • Tumor removal (including skin cancer): 361,798
  • Hand surgery: 208,480
  • Breast reconstruction: 162,579
  • Maxillofacial surgery: 54,747
  • Scar revision: 54,280
middle aged woman with correction marks preparing for plastic surgery

According to cosmetic surgeons, patients now openly discuss their experiences and are seeking natural, subtle enhancements, with extreme or exaggerated results fading out of fashion. (iStock)

“Plastic surgeons are also innovators in complex wound care,” said Dr. Sara Dickie, general plastic surgeon based in Morton Grove, Illinois, according to the report. 

“Whether it’s trauma, dog bites or tumor removal, our work goes beyond aesthetics.”

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

Safety over savings

While trends may come and go, ASPS emphasizes that safety should always come first, recommending that procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with the appropriate training and experience.

“Patients want to look and feel their best,” Hollenbeck added. “And when done right, aesthetic care can support mental and physical well-being in truly meaningful ways.”

Fisherman shatters North Carolina’s previous state record for Almaco Jack

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

An angler just broke a new fishing record in the Tarheel State.

Warren Poirier of Charles City, Virginia, caught a 56-pound, 4.8-ounce almaco jack in the state of North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified the new record for the fish.

BRIGHT RED FISH CAUGHT BY MISSISSIPPI ANGLER WITH ELECTRIC REEL BREAKS NEW RECORD

Poirier was fishing at the “The Rocks” in the Outer Banks along with Captain James Bowman, according to an NCDEQ press release. 

The fish struck Poirier’s Zest brand jig as he was battling the amaco jack, also known as a seriola rivoliana, for 45 minutes.

A record-breaking 56-pound almaco jack has been caught in North Carolina waters by Warren Poirier, shown at left.  (NCDEQ, iStock)

Poirier also used his Shimano Trevala rod and Saltist 5000 reel with an 80-pound braid, the release noted.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The fish stretched 46 inches fork length, from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail, with a 31-inch girth. 

North Carolina beach

A 56-pound almaco jack was caught off the Outer Banks, shown above.  (Visions of America/Joseph Sohm/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Almaco jacks have long bodies with a dusky color and light amber/olive stripes down their sides, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

North Carolina’s previous almaco jack record was recorded in 2024 at 33 pounds and 12.6 ounces, according to the NCDEQ press release.

almaco jack fish

Almaco jacks can grow up to just over 5 feet long and weigh up to 136 pounds. (iStock)

Poirier weighed his fish at the Teach’s Lair Marina in Hatteras.

Almaco jacks can grow up to a little over 5 feet long and up to 136 pounds, according to NOAA Fisheries. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

They can be found in the Atlantic, Gulf of America, Pacific Islands and occasionally Southern California.

Golf course proximity linked to higher Parkinson’s risk, says study as some question data

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

If living near a golf course seems scenic and relaxing, it may also be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a surprising new study that comes with some limitations.

Led by the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, along with Mayo Clinic, the study found that the greatest risk was found among those who live within one to three miles of a golf course.

“The strongest effects were in municipal water service areas with a golf course and in regions with vulnerable groundwater based on the bedrock and topography,” lead study author Brittany Krzyzanowski, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Barrow Neurological Institute, told Fox News Digital.

EAR WAX COULD OFFER CLUES OF EARLY PARKINSON’S DISEASE, STUDY SUGGESTS

“These findings suggest that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of PD [Parkinson’s disease] for nearby residents,” the researchers concluded in the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open.

The case-control study analyzed data from 419 Parkinson’s patients averaging 73 years of age and living near 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

A surprising new study has linked golf course proximity to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. The study has some limitations. (iStock)

They then made comparisons to control data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project from 1991 to 2015.

“We had accurate data on golf course locations, and we could accurately determine the source of an individual’s drinking water – whether that be municipal water or private well water,” Krzyzanowski noted.

Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing the neurological disease compared to living more than six miles away, the study found.

People living near water service areas with a golf course had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s, according to the new study.

People living near water service areas with a golf course had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s compared with individuals in water service areas without golf courses.

Those living in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions had an 82% higher risk, according to the findings.

(Vulnerable groundwater is more susceptible to contamination from human activities and environmental factors.)

Golfer hitting golf shot with club on course while on summer vacation

Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing the neurological disease compared to living more than six miles away, a new study has found, though further research is needed. (iStock)

The associations remained even after the researchers adjusted for age and income, which suggests there could be something more than demographics driving the relationship between golf course proximity and risk of Parkinson’s disease, Krzyzanowski noted. 

“We speculate that pesticides might play a role; however, we didn’t include data on pesticides in this study, so future research is needed to better understand what’s going on,” she said.

PARKINSON’S PATIENTS WHO TAKE ‘MAGIC MUSHROOMS’ SEE KEY BENEFITS, STUDY FINDS

Dr. Mary Ann Picone, medical director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, was not involved in the study but shared her opinion of the findings.

“There has often been discussion regarding risks for development of Parkinson’s disease and environmental agents such as pesticides,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“Further research is needed with larger groups of patients, but this study does increase the concern about the association between pesticide exposure and risk of Parkinson’s, especially within a one- to three-mile radius and groundwater and well vulnerability.”

Airborne exposure to the pesticides was also a factor, she added.  

Potential limitations

The main limitation of the study is that it is not possible to quantify the amount of exposure each person receives, according to Dr. Rodolfo Savica, Mayo Clinic neurologist and senior author of the study.

“Unfortunately, there are many other aspects as well that can interfere with developing a disease,” he told Fox News Digital. 

Parkinson's disease to skyrocket due to population increase

“There has often been discussion regarding risks for development of Parkinson’s disease and environmental agents such as pesticides,” a doctor told Fox News Digital.  (iStock)

“Despite that, we are trying our best to contemplate and adjust for any possible additional information, but sometimes that is not possible.”

The study was limited to a region with hot and humid summers, specifically southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, where golf courses may have applied pesticides with more frequency compared to other geographic regions. 

“Therefore, our results might not generalize to other areas,” the study lead noted.

Other relevant Parkinson’s risk factors, such as head trauma history and genetic predisposition, were not accounted for, Picone noted.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Krzyzanowski also pointed out that Parkinson’s disease develops many decades after exposure, so the study aimed to estimate exposure from long ago. 

“If pesticides were involved, they would be the ones sprayed a long time ago and that might be different from what’s being sprayed today,” she said.

“The study’s methodological limitations make it difficult to draw conclusions from the data.”

Picone agreed that because this study looked back to 2013, it is possible that different pesticides used before 2013 were not tracked.  

“However, this study does provide evidence for an association between living on a golf course and pesticide groundwater exposure and risk of Parkinson’s development, and does raise concern and the need for larger population sample research,” she shared with Fox News Digital.

Couple golfing

Older adults continue to stay active, which is crucial for their well-being, noted the senior study author. (iStock)

Krzyzanowski added that because this was an observational study, the researchers couldn’t make causal conclusions about the results.

“If you’re worried about exposure of any kind, you should consult with your doctor,” she advised.

Industry spokespeople respond

A spokesperson from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to the study.

“Public health experts and researchers who have reviewed the study have noted that the study’s methodological limitations make it difficult to draw conclusions from the data. As noted by the authors of the study, the role of pesticide exposure from golf courses in Parkinson’s disease risk remains unclear. Without the methodological gaps being filled, the hypothesis linking golf-course pesticide exposure to Parkinson’s Disease remains speculative.”

“Pesticides registered by the EPA do not … create unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment when used according to label directions.”

The spokesperson noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rigorously tests and registers the pesticides that the golf industry uses to maintain healthy golf course turf. 

“Pesticides registered by the EPA do not, according to the top researchers in their field, create unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment when used according to label directions,” the spokesperson continued.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“Golf course superintendents are leading practitioners of integrated pest management, a philosophy that reduces the potential environmental risks of pesticide usage.”

Mayo Clinic’s Savica recommended that older adults continue to stay active, which is crucial for their well-being. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“I recommend people continue to play sports outdoors and enjoy the sociality of any activity, including playing golf,” he said. 

“On the other hand, I would recommend that people be very careful and avoid exposure to places where we know there can be an interaction between pesticides and contaminants.”

9 online privacy risks you probably don’t know about

0


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Privacy risks are hiding in plain sight, as your personal data is likely being collected, tracked, and sold without your knowledge. It’s not just your name and email out there-data brokers are gathering much more sensitive information about your daily life, including your sleep patterns, medical visits, online habits, and even your relationship status. These details are compiled into detailed personal profiles and sold to advertisers, insurance companies, political campaigns, and in some cases, cybercriminals. What makes this especially concerning is that most of it happens quietly in the background, often without your consent.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join.

A woman typing on her laptop.

A woman typing on her laptop.

9 personal details you are sharing online without realizing it

You may think you’re protecting your privacy, but chances are you’re revealing more than you think through your everyday digital activity.

1) How sleep and fitness data is collected and sold

Fitness trackers, bedtime apps, and even your phone’s settings feed data brokers info about when you sleep, wake, and work out. That’s highly sensitive health data.

A recent data leak exposed over 8 million patient records, allowing cybercriminals to build detailed medical profiles that could be used to commit identity theft, insurance fraud, and conduct phishing attacks. Recent research reveals that over 28% of Americans had their SSN breached since 2020, exposing them to increased risk of experiencing cyberattacks.

A man wearing a smartwatch to track health data.

A man wearing a smartwatch to track health data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

YOUR HEALTH DATA IS BEING SOLD WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT 

2) Your streaming habits are being tracked

Every time you binge a show or stream a documentary, your smart TV, streaming apps, and browser record exactly what you’re watching, when you watch it, and how long you stay tuned in. This data helps build a behavioral profile of your tastes, routines, and emotional triggers.

It’s not just used for harmless recommendations; advertisers and data brokers tap into this to predict your mood, interests, and even potential vulnerabilities. Ever wonder why oddly specific ads start showing up after a documentary binge? This is why. 

3) How long you read articles can be used to profile you

It’s not just the articles you click, it’s how long you linger on them that matters. Data brokers monitor whether you skim or dive deep into topics like health scares, financial worries, or personal relationships.

The time you spend on certain pages helps them identify your fears, desires, and private interests. This insight can later be used for hyper-targeted ads or, worse, by malicious actors looking to exploit your anxieties.

A man reading an article on his tablet.

A man reading an article on his tablet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

16 BILLION PASSWORDS LEAKED IN MASSIVE DATA BREACH 

4) How data brokers infer your relationship status

You might keep your relationship off social media, but your online footprint gives you away. Your purchase history, social check-ins, and frequent location visits tell data brokers whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married.

They can even infer relationship trouble by analyzing certain patterns, like increased visits to bars or late-night takeout orders. This deeply personal information can end up in a detailed profile on some sketchy website you’ve never heard about.

5) Your location data may reveal medical visits

Your phone’s location data doesn’t just map your commute; it tracks visits to places like fertility clinics, addiction centers, and therapists’ offices. That data gets sold to brokers who categorize you based on these visits, sometimes flagging you for health-related concerns you haven’t publicly shared.

One study found that 74% of health-related data was sold without users’ knowledge or consent. This information could be used to hike insurance rates, deny you payouts, or target you with sensitive, intrusive ads.

6) Home value and crime stats used to target you

Public records make it easy for data brokers to access your home’s value, tax history, and neighborhood crime rates. These are used to target you with aggressive refinancing offers, alarm system ads, or moving service promotions.

Scammers also use this data to profile households they think are vulnerable based on property values or crime rates. The result is an increased flood of junk mail, spam calls, targeted online ads you never asked for, or worse, like physical safety risks. 

7) Data brokers know who you live with

By monitoring Wi-Fi connections, shared deliveries, smart home devices, and online purchase patterns, data brokers can determine exactly how many people live in your home. They often build profiles on your family members too—even if they’ve never created an online account themselves.

This allows advertisers to tailor ads to your household, making your family’s online activities part of your digital profile. It’s invasive, and most people have no idea it’s happening. 

8) Your political views can be tracked through online behavior

Even if you keep politics off your social media feeds, your browsing history tells a different story. The news articles you read, political newsletters you subscribe to, and nonprofits you donate to all get tracked.

Data brokers use this to place you on lists of likely voters for certain parties or causes. This can lead to politically targeted ads, donation requests, and even manipulation attempts around election seasons, all without your explicit permission.

A woman typing on her laptop.

A woman typing on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

10 SIGNS YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING SOLD ONLINE 

9) Life milestones are tracked before you announce them

The internet picks up on your major life milestones long before you announce them. If you start browsing for engagement rings, baby gear, or moving boxes, data brokers immediately flag those behaviors.

This triggers waves of ads and marketing campaigns designed to capitalize on your upcoming life changes. In many cases, you’ll start seeing offers and promotions months before you tell your closest friends or family members.
 

How to find out which data brokers have your information and remove it

While no service can completely erase every trace of your data online, using a trusted data removal service is one of the most effective steps you can take. These services actively monitor and submit removal requests to hundreds of data broker websites, saving you hours of tedious work. It is not cheap, but when it comes to protecting your personal privacy, the cost is worth it. Reducing the amount of exposed data tied to your name lowers your risk of being targeted by scammers who often combine breached data with what they find online. If you are ready to take control of your personal information, start with my top picks for data removal services. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web

Kurt’s key takeaways

Your online activity reveals more than you think, and you do not need to overshare on social media for your data to end up in the wrong hands. Everything from your location history to your streaming habits can be tracked, sold, and used to build a profile on you. That profile can be used by advertisers, data brokers, political groups, or even cybercriminals. The good news is that you can push back. Being aware of what you are sharing is the first step. Second, using a trusted data removal service can make a real difference. You do not need to be paranoid, but you do need to be proactive. Taking control of your digital footprint is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your privacy in today’s hyper-connected world.

Do you think more needs to be done to stop companies from being allowed to know everything about you while you’re left in the dark?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & 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:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 



Source link

Robot-run store VenHub is changing the future of shopping

0


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Get this. You walk up to a robot-run convenience store, place your order on an app, and robotic arms quickly grab your items and deliver them to a secure window, all without any human employees. That’s exactly what’s happening at VenHub, a fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store that just opened at the LAX/Metro Transit Center in Los Angeles. Even if you haven’t seen one in person yet, VenHub’s cutting-edge tech is set to shake up how people shop all across the country.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store. (VenHub)

What Is VenHub? The next evolution of the smart store

Open 24/7 and installable in under a week, VenHub is designed for high-traffic environments, such as transit centers, airports, and city hubs, where speed, security, and efficiency are in high demand. Instead of relying on cashiers or attendants, VenHub uses two industrial robotic arms, named Barb and Peter, to handle all product selection and delivery. The process is simple yet futuristic.

Customers place their orders through the VenHub app, pay digitally, and receive a QR code. Upon arrival at the store, the customer scans the code at a secure pickup window. One of the robotic arms then retrieves the items from storage and delivers them to the window within about 90 seconds. The entire transaction is seamless, contactless, and designed to eliminate the frustrations of traditional vending machines or checkout lines.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store. (VenHub)

AI HUMANOID ROBOT IS CHANGING THE WAY YOU BUY CARS AT DEALERSHIPS

The technology powering VenHub

VenHub’s foundation is a sophisticated blend of robotics, artificial intelligence, and real-time analytics. The robotic arms are similar to those used in automotive manufacturing, engineered for speed, precision, and reliability. Rather than attempting to mimic human appearance, these arms are optimized for repetitive, high-accuracy tasks that are perfect for retail fulfillment.

Artificial intelligence drives every aspect of store operations. AI algorithms manage inventory by tracking purchasing patterns, adjusting stock levels, and predicting demand based on time of day, location, and customer behavior. Machine vision allows the robots to accurately identify products and handle them with minimal errors or downtime. The entire system is connected through IoT sensors, providing real-time data on inventory, system health, and order status. This data-driven approach enables VenHub to operate efficiently, minimize waste, and ensure popular items are always available.

From the customer’s perspective, everything is managed through a mobile app. This app handles payment, order tracking, and pickup notifications, creating a frictionless and transparent shopping experience. On the backend, analytics continually refine operations, making each store smarter over time.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store. (VenHub)

AI ROBOTS HELP NURSES BEAT BURNOUT AND TRANSFORM HOSPITAL CARE 

Why VenHub’s model could change retail nationwide

VenHub’s model offers significant advantages that could reshape retail across the country. The rapid setup time enables these stores to quickly appear in busy locations, ranging from transportation hubs to college campuses and urban centers. Since the store operates around the clock without breaks, it maximizes both convenience for shoppers and revenue for operators. Eliminating on-site staff dramatically reduces overhead, allowing for competitive pricing and improved profitability.

Security is a major focus for VenHub. The store uses bulletproof glass to protect inventory and customers. If one robot requires maintenance, the other can take over, ensuring reliable service with minimal downtime. VenHub’s design is also environmentally conscious, featuring compact, energy-efficient layouts and optional solar power compatibility to reduce its carbon footprint. Each store can be customized to fit local demand, whether that means stocking snacks, electronics, or other essentials.

AI-powered smart store app.

AI-powered smart store app. (VenHub)

AI TENNIS ROBOT COACH OFFERS PRO-LEVEL TRAINING ANYTIME, ANYWHERE 

The human factor: Are robots replacing jobs or creating new ones?

A common concern with automation is the impact on jobs. VenHub’s robots do replace some traditional retail roles, but the company emphasizes that new opportunities are emerging. Skilled workers are needed to maintain, restock, and support the automated systems, shifting the workforce toward higher-paying, tech-focused positions. This trend reflects a broader shift in the economy, where automation often transforms jobs rather than eliminating them.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store. (VenHub)

VenHub smart store pricing and ownership: What you need to know

If you’re considering bringing a VenHub Smart Store to your city, here’s a quick breakdown of the costs and what’s included. The price for a VenHub Smart Store ranges from $250,000 to $275,000, depending on your chosen configuration. To secure your spot in the production queue, you’ll need a $2,500 pre-order deposit, which is fully refundable up until production begins. Financing is available through select financial institutions, with some buyers qualifying for up to 100% financing. However, all arrangements are handled directly between you and the lender; VenHub does not influence approval decisions.

Once you own a VenHub Smart Store, it’s yours outright; there are no leases or franchise agreements. You have complete control over pricing, inventory, and restocking, and you can manage replenishment yourself or use VenHub’s preferred fulfillment partners. A monthly software-as-a-service fee of $2,500 covers software updates, AI analytics, remote monitoring, and cloud-based management tools. If you require additional support, an optional maintenance package is available for $1,300 per month, which includes servicing and preventive care.

VenHub does not secure locations for you, but they do offer guidance on choosing high-traffic spots, such as shopping centers, universities, business districts, or commuter hubs, to help maximize your store’s performance. With high demand and expanding production capacity, VenHub is working to deliver stores to new owners as quickly as possible across the country.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store.

A fully autonomous, AI-powered smart store. (VenHub)

Kurt’s key takeaways

VenHub truly feels like a glimpse into the future of shopping. Watching robots like Barb and Peter grab your order in just seconds is pretty impressive, but what’s even more remarkable is that this technology is already making shopping quicker, safer, and a whole lot easier. As these smart stores start popping up in more places across the country, they might totally change not just how we shop. It’s interesting to consider that this kind of smart, connected retail experience could soon become something we all use every day, without even thinking twice about it.

How do you feel about letting a robotic arm handle your next snack run? Are you all in on this tech takeover, or do you still prefer the old-school checkout experience? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & 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:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.



Source link

Lawyer slams Mountain West over transgender volleyball player investigation

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

EXCLUSIVE: San Jose State University’s transgender volleyball player controversy reignited last week. Fox News Digital reported that the Mountain West Conference hired the same law firm to investigate the trans athlete’s misconduct allegations that the conference was using to defend the athlete’s eligibility for the conference tournament in court. 

The White House released a statement addressing the revelation, and now the lawyer leading a lawsuit against SJSU and the Mountain West on behalf of 11 current or former conference women’s athletes, William Bock, has spoken out against the conference in the aftermath of the revelation. 

“It is outrageous, improper, and deceptive that the MWC hired the same law firm to both conduct a supposedly independent investigation of its member SJSU and defend the MWC in a federal lawsuit about MWC’s joint conduct and actions with SJSU,” Bock said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Fox News Digital reported on June 24 that the Mountain West hired the firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher (WFG) to investigate allegations against Blaire Fleming of conspiring with an opponent to have teammate Brooke Slusser harmed during an Oct. 3 game. 

The Mountain West hired the firm to handle the investigation in the same month that the same firm represented the conference to protect Fleming’s eligibility in a request for preliminary injunction to have the trans athlete disqualified from women’s competition and the conference tournament.  

Brooke Slusser and Blaire Fleming of the San Jose State Spartans call a play during the first set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

The investigation closed after just three days, and documents obtained by Fox News Digital showed that investigators repeatedly incorrectly dated the game as being played on Oct. 2. 

The WFG attorney who led the investigation into allegations against Fleming, Tim Heaphy, later offered the school legal counsel to help it navigate a federal Title IX investigation over the same situation, as seen in public records obtained by Fox News Digital. The offer was declined.

Bock said the revelation “astonished” him. 

“I was astonished to learn WFG was representing the MWC against Brooke Slusser’s lawsuit at the same time another lawyer from that firm was supposedly independently investigating the attempt to injure Brooke and whether SJSU and the MWC adequately investigated those facts,” Bock’s statement continued.

“Hiring WFG to perform such conflicted and mutually exclusive roles suggests that Commissioner Nevarez and the MWC had no interest in discovering the truth. Instead, the MWC has long been focused solely upon advancing the interests of SJSU and pushing the narrative that men should be allowed in women’s college sports locker rooms and showers and to compete against women in college sports.” 

Bock called for the U.S. Department of Education to look into the situation.

“The report from Fox News provides more evidence of the MWC’s scheme to work side-by-side with SJSU to promote trans ideology and harm women athletes while hiding the truth from the public. The conclusions from the WFG investigator favoring MWC’s and SJSU’s positions in federal court allowed his law partners to continue to milk the MWC for legal fees and then positioned that same investigator to later seek to monetize his relationship with the MWC to defend SJSU in a federal investigation over the very claims he supposedly ‘independently’ investigated,” Bock’s statement said. 

“These shocking revelations of conflicts of interest entirely discredit the MWC and will hopefully be fully investigated in the reported probe of SJSU’s conduct by the U.S. Department of Education. Certainly, this investigator is likely to become a key witness in Brooke Slusser’s federal lawsuit against the MWC and SJSU, as his hiring and conduct is additional evidence that the MWC worked hand-in-glove with SJSU and was far more concerned with promoting a narrative than protecting women.” 

Bock leads Slusser’s lawsuit against SJSU and the Mountain West, and also leads a larger lawsuit against the NCAA led by former college swimmer and current “OutKick” host Riley Gaines.

WHO IS BLAIRE FLEMING? SJSU VOLLEYBALL PLAYER DOMINATING FEMALE RIVALS AND ENRAGING WOMEN’S RIGHTS GROUPS

Bock previously called the conference’s investigation into Fleming’s allegations “inadequate, and anything but thorough” in a Nov. 17 statement and called for the evidence to be disclosed.  

No evidence was ever disclosed by the conference, as Fleming went on to finish out the season, earn all-conference honors and even led SJSU all the way to the Mountain West championship game. The trans athlete traveled and roomed alongside female teammates to Las Vegas in the final week of November for the conference tournament.

After leading the investigation that cleared Fleming’s charges in November, Heaphy reached back out to San Jose State’s university legal counsel Dustin May on Feb. 6, offering to help navigate a federal probe. President Donald Trump just signed an executive order to try and enforce that mandate just weeks into his presidency on Feb. 5. And just one day after that, Trump’s Department of Education launched an investigation into SJSU over the Fleming situation. 

May declined Heaphy’s offer on Feb. 18, but Heaphy responded the next day, writing, “Please let me know if we can help in any way on this or other issues.” 

None of WFG’s attorneys have been accused of violating any applicable rules of professional conduct.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Mountain West, San Jose State and Willkie Farr & Gallagher for a response to Bock’s statement. 

The DOE’s investigation into SJSU’s handling of the situation involving Fleming is ongoing.

The White House provided a statement addressing the recent revelations to Fox News Digital. 

“President Trump is committed to ending the dangerous and unfair participation of men in women’s sports and restoring common sense. President Trump will continue to speak out and take immediate action against schools that are jeopardizing the safety of female athletes,” White House spokesperson Liz Huston said.

Meanwhile, Bock is continuing his lawsuit against SJSU and the Mountain West on behalf of Slusser and the other 10 players on the lawsuit. 

Bock’s office filed a response to motions to dismiss the case on June 23. The response made mention of the allegations against Fleming of misconduct.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

WFG and the Mountain West’s legal battle to keep the trans athlete in the women’s tournament was successful, as federal Judge Kato Crews, appointed by President Joe Biden in January 2024, ruled in favor of Fleming’s eligibility on Nov. 25. 

Two days later, after a failed appeal by the plaintiffs, the firm posted an online press release announcing the legal victory to keep Fleming eligible to play. 

But that webpage has since been deleted. Fox News Digital asked why the page no longer exists, but Willkie Farr & Gallagher did not respond to the inquiry.

Archived data shows the original press release stating, “Willkie secured a high-profile win for collegiate athletic conference Mountain West Conference in a suit brought by members of San Jose State University’s women’s volleyball team and other Mountain West teams that played against SJSU.” 

Fox News Digital previously reached out to the Mountain West, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, San Jose State University and its head volleyball coach Todd Kress regarding the previous findings. No response has been provided by those parties.

May’s office initially responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment after providing the public records, requesting a list of questions and background information be provided before speaking. Fox News Digital did not provide the information or list of comments, and requested a virtual or phone interview. 

May’s office then responded with the statement, “Any speculation that the firm or attorney mentioned in your inquiry represented SJSU or the CSU is unfounded.” Fox News Digital had not posed that question or any other stipulation, only an interview request, at that point. 

Fox News Digital later followed up with May’s office requesting an interview to address other questions, and fulfilled his office’s request to provide background information on what would be discussed. 

May’s office responded saying, “He will not be available,” and has not responded to request for further comment.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.