NYC reports of infectious diseases involving rat urine hits record number

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April 18, 2024

NYC MAYOR BLAMES, IN PART, RAT INFESTATION ON WHY PEOPLE ARE LEAVING THE BIG APPLE

NYC reports of infectious diseases involving rat urine hits record number

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New York City health officials issued a warning about the increase in transmitted bacterial illness spread by rat urine after 24 cases were reported in 2023, the most for any year.

Only six cases of leptospirosis have been reported in the city so far this year, but numbers were trending upward, the New York City Department of Health said.

Cases in New York are largely associated with exposure to materials contaminated with rat urine from the Norway rat.

The disease can cause fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, conjunctival suffusion, jaundice, and rash, Celia Quinn, the deputy commissioner for the Division of Disease Control, who issued an April 12 memo warning of the disease.

A rat crosses a Times Square subway platform. New York City health officials have issued a warning about the increase in transmitted bacterial illness spread by rat urine. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

If not treated, kidney failure, meningitis, liver damage, and respiratory distress can occur, she said.

“Transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious urine or urine contaminated water, soil, or food, entering the body through open wounds or mucous membranes,” the memo states.

From 2001 to 2023, the Bronx had the most cases with 37, while Manhattan had 28, the memo said. Six deaths were reported in the same time period.

Person-to-person transmission is rare, officials said.

The Leptospira bacteria can die within minutes in the dry heat and freezing cold, Quinn said.

“The cold winters of NYC likely limit the extent to which leptospires can survive in the environment,” she said. “However, excessive rain and unseasonably warm temperatures, factors associated with climate change, may support the persistence of leptospires in more temperate areas like NYC.”

NEW YORK CITY HIRING NEW ‘RAT CZAR’ TO HELP WITH CITY’S LONG-RUNNING BATTLE AGAINST RODENTS

Rats swarm around a bag of garbage near a dumpster in New York. (AP)

More than half of the 24 cases reported last year were reported between June and October, a period when there was a warmer and wetter climate with excessive rain and “unseasonably” warm days.

The number of cases raised alarms because only three per year were reported from 2001 to 2020. From 2021 to 2023, the city received 15 reports of leptospirosis.

Some 3 million rats call New York City home, according to a study by a pest company.

In December, Mayor Eric Adams said rat infestation was partly responsible for many New Yorkers leaving the city.

“Some people who have children and families decide they want to go to a place where their children can play outdoors, larger green spaces, you want to see animals — you don’t see animals except for rats in New York,” Adams said when asked about the plunging population data.

A rat scavenges for food on the subway platform at Herald Square September 3, 2017, in New York City. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

“So there’s a combination of things,” he added. “And we are getting rid of those rats, by the way.”

Belarus votes to suspend Conventional Forces participation

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April 18, 2024

BELARUS CONVICTS A FAMOUS DISSIDENT ROCK BAND AND SENTENCES ITS MEMBERS TO CORRECTIONAL LABOR

Belarus votes to suspend Conventional Forces participation

The Belarusian parliament on Wednesday voted to suspend the country’s participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty that once was a key security doctrine for the continent, a 1990 agreement that was abandoned last year by Russia.

The bill, introduced by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier this month, could pave the way for Belarus — Russia’s ally in the war in Ukraine — to expand its military. Belarus lawmakers unanimously approved the bill calling for the treaty’s suspension; Lukashenko now needs to sign the bill for it to become law.

The treaty, signed in 1990, places limits on tanks, combat vehicles, warplanes and heavy artillery that can be deployed in Europe. It aimed at keeping a military balance between the West and the countries that were part of the Cold War-era Warsaw Pact.

However, Russia withdrew entirely from the treaty in November 2023 and NATO countries that were parties to it responded by suspending their participation just hours later.

This Belarusian Presidential Press Service photo shows Alexander Lukashenko speaking at a New Year’s Eve charity event at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023. (Belarusian Presidential Press Service via AP)

Belarus hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons, along with missiles and troops. The country has been used by Russia as a staging point for sending troops into Ukraine, but Belarusian forces have not taken part in the war that is now in its third year.

According to the Belarusian Defense Ministry, the treaty mandated that Belarus’ armed forces do not exceed 100,000 of troops and personnel. There are currently 63,000 troops and personnel in the Belarusian army, and some 300,000 men are in the reserve.

Military experts say that after suspending its participation in the treaty, Belarus — which shares a border with Ukraine and NATO members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland — will be able to expand its army and amass more weapons, although it doesn’t mean it would definitely happen.

Alexander Alesin, a military analyst based in the Belarusian capital Minsk, told The Associated Press that the country’s pullout from the treaty had to do with Russia’s discontent over Belarus still officially being in the agreement.

“Russia was very unhappy,” Alesin said. The withdrawal “unties Belarus’ hands, but this does not automatically mean that the number of conventional weapons in the country will increase.”

“Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which is much more frightening to neighboring NATO countries,” he added.

Study finds evidence of microplastics in brains and other organs

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April 18, 2024

SCIENTISTS REVEAL SIMPLE NEW PROCESS THAT MAY HELP ELIMINATE TOXIC CHEMICALS FROM EVERYDAY ITEMS

Study finds evidence of microplastics in brains and other organs

Two new studies have described the ways in which tiny microplastics can end up in humans’ organs – and even in the brains of mice.

One of the studies, published in Environmental Health Perspectives on Apr. 10., involved feeding healthy mice microplastics over a period of four to eight weeks. Scientists later found that various organs in the mice were contaminated.

“In mice that ingested microspheres, we detected polystyrene microspheres in distant tissues including the brain, liver, and kidney,” the study’s results section reads.

“Additionally, we report on the metabolic differences that occurred in the colon, liver, and brain, which showed differential responses that were dependent on concentration and type of microsphere exposure.”

Doctors and researchers are investigating the impact of microplastics in the human body. (Getty Images / iStock)

Another study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials on Apr. 5 experimented on both humans and mice. Researchers found that patients under 50 years old had significantly higher toxic substances in their gallstones – which are hardened pieces of excess bile in the gallbladder. After being fed microplastics, the gallstones of the mice in the study had formed at a faster rate.

“Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in human gallstones, showcasing their potential to aggravate chololithiasis by forming large cholesterol-microplastic heteroaggregates and altering the gut microbiota,” the paper stated.

The impacts of microplastics on humans is being investigated, and has caused widespread concern – especially because most Americans have been exposed to them their entire lives. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat told Fox News Digital that microplastics “are everywhere.”

‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’ FOUND IN US DRINKING WATER, MAP SHOWS ‘HOT SPOTS’ OF HIGHEST LEVELS

Many medical professionals are concerned about the impact microplastic ingestion has on humans. (iStock)

“We are consuming them unknowingly at unprecedented levels, ingesting them and inhaling them,” she explained. “Microplastics, especially at high levels, cause inflammation in the body.”

“Any foreign body such as a microplastic can cause irritation and inflammation in the body which can accumulate, disrupt normal cell function, and lead to an increase in organ injury.”

Nesheiwat said that microplastics have distinctly harmful effects depending on which organ they find their way to. To lower one’s microplastic intake, she recommends choosing glass over plastic products and choosing foods with lower microplastic contamination.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

A biologist looks at microplastics found in sea species at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research near Athens, on November 26, 2019. (LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)

“Microplastics can affect the liver by causing stress and inflammation and impairing liver function,” she said. “In the brain, it causes neuroinflammation and disrupts brain signaling.”

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel, however, told Fox News Digital that the impacts of microplastics on humans are still unknown.

“Though we need to track this, there is still no direct evidence that microplastics in cells lead to untoward health outcomes,” he explained. “This may be proven wrong as more accumulate, and I am certainly concerned about cancer risks from chemical spills or in contaminated water or areas where waste was poorly stored in the environment.”

Mice were tested in the recent scientific studies about the impact of microplastics on health. (iStock)

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

“At the same time, the greatest health risks still come from sedentary behavior, obesity, untreated high blood pressure, poor sleep and little exercise,” he added.

‘Forever chemicals’ found in US drinking water, as map shows ‘hot spots’ of highest levels

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April 17, 2024

SCIENTISTS REVEAL SIMPLE NEW PROCESS THAT MAY HELP ELIMINATE TOXIC CHEMICALS FROM EVERYDAY ITEMS

‘Forever chemicals’ found in US drinking water, as map shows ‘hot spots’ of highest levels

The risk of having potentially harmful chemicals in your drinking water may depend on your zip code.

A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience on April 8 found that higher amounts of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) were found in drinking water in certain parts of the U.S.

PFAS — also known as “forever chemicals” due to how slowly they break down — are a group of chemicals used during industrial processes and the manufacturing of consumer products.

Two of the main chemicals are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

There are many ways people can be exposed to these chemicals — including in drinking water.

A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience on April 8 found that higher amounts of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) were found in drinking water in certain parts of the United States. (Nature Geoscience)

To determine the prevalence of PFAS in the environment, researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, analyzed a global dataset of 273 studies dating back to 2004.

The studies included data for over 12,000 samples of surface water (water that collects on the ground) and more than 33,900 samples of groundwater (water found underground, below the surface).

CHEMICALS IN WATER AND HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS COULD REDUCE CHANCES OF PREGNANCY, LIVE BIRTHS: NEW STUDY

“We looked everywhere for PFAS concentrations in water data, including scientific journals and governmental reports and websites,” senior author of the study Denis O’Carroll, a UNSW engineering professor, told Fox News Digital.

“We compared PFAS concentrations in these water samples to international regulations. We also compared the types of PFAS analyzed to what we found in consumer products.”

The studies included data for over 12,000 samples of surface water (water that collects on the ground) and more than 33,900 samples of groundwater (water found underground, below the surface). (iStock)

Nearly 70% of the samples had levels of PFAS that exceeded Canada’s minimum safety standards (30 nanograms per liter), while 6% had more chemicals than the European Union’s standard (100 ng per liter), according to the study findings.

In the U.S., PFAS “hot spots” were concentrated in the Midwest, New England and the West Coast, according to a map illustrating the findings — although the chemicals were also detected in other areas across the country.

Globally, Australia, Europe and China showed high levels.

NON-TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS TO USE WHILE SPRING CLEANING

“To date, nobody has looked at the global extent of PFAS in our waters and compared it to international drinking water standards,” noted O’Carroll.

“Our study found that a substantial fraction of sampled waters exceeded PFAS drinking water guidance values, with the extent of exceedance depending on the jurisdiction and PFAS source.”

Health risks of PFAS

Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a health and security risk mitigation company headquartered in London, pointed out that most Americans also have these chemicals in their blood.

“Although the use of these chemicals has declined in recent years, they are difficult to break down, so they are still found in some food, water and consumer products, as well as within the soil and the environment,” Fischer, who was not involved in the UNSW study, told Fox News Digital.

Health risks associated with PFAS include cancers, elevated liver enzymes, lower birth weight, heart issues, and higher cholesterol. (iStock)

Most people in the U.S. have been exposed to these chemicals, most likely through contaminated food or their drinking water, according to the CDC.

Health risks associated with PFAS include cancers, elevated liver enzymes, lower birth weight and higher cholesterol, Fischer said.

“PFAS contamination has been identified in drinking water in all 50 states.”

Other potential dangers include heart issues, plus immune and developmental damage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“PFAS contamination has been identified in drinking water in all 50 states, according to the Environmental Working Group,” Fischer said.

“That said, the levels of these chemicals vary throughout states and cities.”

Study limitations

The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

“We have measured a much wider range of PFAS in consumer products than in our waters,” said O’Carroll.

HATE WATER? HERE ARE 5 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES, ACCORDING TO AN NFL SPORTS DIETITIAN

“As such, we don’t really have a great idea of the range of PFAS in our waters.”

The data was also limited to what the researchers could find, he noted.

“Just because we can cheaply use a chemical doesn’t mean we should.”

“While we had data for over 45,000 water samples, even more data would be useful, especially for parts of the world where we had limited data.”

The actual amount of PFAS in water could be higher than what the study results imply, O’Carroll added.

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water

Most people in the U.S. have been exposed to PFAS chemicals, most likely through contaminated food or their drinking water, according to the CDC. (iStock)

“Current monitoring practices probably underestimate PFAS in the environment, given the limited suite of PFAS that are typically quantified but deemed of regulatory concern,” he said.

These are just one of the many types of chemicals that are used in daily life, O’Carroll noted.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“As a society, we need to consider the chemicals we use and reduce our use of some,” he advised.

“Just because we can cheaply use a chemical doesn’t mean we should.”

Latest PFAS regulations

On April 10, the EPA finalized new limits on the amount of PFAS chemicals permitted in drinking water.

The new standards could reduce exposure for 100 million people, potentially preventing thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses, the agency said in a news release.

On April 10, the EPA finalized new limits on the amount of PFAS chemicals permitted in drinking water. (Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

This is the “first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard” to protect people from the health risks of PFAS, the agency stated.

The 66,000 public drinking water systems in the U.S. will have three years to reduce PFAS levels to meet the new standards, according to the release.

The EPA also announced $1 billion in new funding, provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to enable PFAS testing and treatment of public water systems and private wells.

Fox News Digital reached out to the EPA and the American Water Works Association for comment.

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

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

The girl who can’t smile, plus ‘Ozempic babies’ and sleep-related disorders

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April 17, 2024

The girl who can’t smile, plus ‘Ozempic babies’ and sleep-related disorders

Tayla Clement, born and raised in New Zealand, has Moebius syndrome, a neurological disease that affects one child out of every 50,000 to 500,000. (Tayla Clement)

THE GIRL WHO CAN’T SMILE – Tayla Clement, 26, has a rare disorder that makes it impossible for her to smile. She shares with Fox News Digital how she overcame years of bullying and trauma and learned to “smile in her own way.” Continue reading…

CANCER CONNECTION – Women with breast cancer could be at an increased risk for another type of cancer. Here’s what to know. Continue reading…

OZEMPIC BABIES – Many women claim that taking Ozempic and Wegovy helped them become pregnant after periods of infertility. Experts explore the potential link. Continue reading…

pregnant woman next to semaglutide injections

Women are reporting unexpected pregnancies while taking Ozempic. Expecting mothers and doctors weigh in on the possible connection. (iStock)

FIGHTING FATIGUE – A nutritional biologist shares tips for boosting energy levels and keeping the mid-day slump at bay. Continue reading…

‘IRREVERSIBLE’ EFFECTS? – Puberty blockers could cause long-term infertility and other health issues in boys, a new study has found. Doctors urge caution. Continue reading…

‘SILENT EPIDEMIC’ – Lack of sleep can lead to a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects more than one in four American adults and often has no symptoms. Experts offer risk factors and prevention tips. Continue reading…

More than a third of adults fail to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night — and the scarcity of shuteye can have a surprising effect. (iStock)

ASK A DOC – “How can I improve my posture?” A New York neurosurgeon responds with the importance of proper posture and how to achieve it. Continue reading…

‘REVOLUTIONARY’ SURGERY – A surgeon in Chile has performed the first-ever abdominal surgery using augmented reality (AR). He shares the innovative details with Fox News Digital. Continue reading…

AUTISM ON STAGE – A New York speech therapist is using the power of improvisational theater to help young adults with autism to improve their social skills. Continue reading…

JUICY DISCOVERY – Drinking 100% orange juice is linked to surprising health benefits compared to sugar-sweetened beverages, a study found. Continue reading…

“A little bit of orange seems to go a long way,” study co-author Nick Bellissimo told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

This article was written by Fox News staff.

European Union reviewing details from TikTok on the video platform’s new app that pays users to watch content

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April 17, 2024

EXPERT WARNS OF ‘CHILLING REALITY’ TIKTOK THREAT POSES: ‘CHINA’S GREATEST ASYMMETRIC ADVANTAGE’

European Union regulators said Wednesday they’re seeking details from TikTok on a new app from the video sharing platform that pays users to watch videos.

The European Commission said it sent TikTok a “request for information” on the TikTok Lite app that has been quietly released in France and Spain.

The commission wants to know about the risk assessment that TikTok should have carried out before deploying the app in the European Union.

“We have already been in direct contact with the Commission regarding this product and will respond to the request for information,” TikTok said in a statement.

Regulators from the European Union are seeking details about TikTok’s new app, TikTok Lite, which has quietly been released in France and Spain. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Such evaluations are required under the bloc’s Digital Services Act, a sweeping law that took effect last year with the aim of cleaning up social media platforms. The commission is the 27-nation bloc’s executive arm and top enforcer of digital regulations.

TikTok Lite lets users “earn great rewards,” according to its app store listing. The app, which launched this month in France and Spain, is a slimmed-down version of the main TikTok app and doesn’t come with ecommerce or livestreaming features.

The commission said the app lets users earn points by doing things like watching videos, liking content and following content creators. The points can be exchanged for rewards including Amazon vouchers and gift cards on PayPal.

TikTok said rewards are restricted to users 18 years and older, who have to verify their age. Users can watch up to one hour a day of videos to earn rewards, which are capped at the equivalent of one euro ($1.06) a day, it said.

TikTok has 24 hours to turn over the risk assessment. The commission is interested in what it says about the app’s potential impact on the protection of minors, “as well as on the mental health of users, in particular in relation to the potential stimulation of addictive behavior.”

It’s also seeking other information on the measures TikTok has put in place to mitigate such “systemic risks,” which the company has until April 26 to provide.

Fox News AI Newsletter: Doctor’s groundbreaking surgery

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April 17, 2024

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dr. rodriguez performs surgery with AR system

Rodriguez detailed that the MARS system gives surgeons “two extra arms” for instrument control, as well as camera stability. (Levita Magnetics)

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

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– First-ever augmented reality abdominal surgery performed in Chile: ‘A revolution’
– High school students, parents warned about deepfake nude photo threat
– Adobe releases Acrobat AI assistant starting at $4.99 a month

SURGICAL ‘REVOLUTION’: Surgeon and CEO Dr. Alberto Rodriguez conducted the first-ever augmented reality (AR) abdominal surgery March 11 in Santiago, Chile. That’s according to Rodriguez’s company, Levita Magnetics, a medical equipment manufacturer in Silicon Valley.

Dr. Alberto Rodriguez (Levita Magnetics)

‘SCARY’ SCHOOL TREND: Multiple Los Angeles-area school districts have investigated instances of “inappropriate,” artificial intelligence-generated images of students circulating online and in text messages in recent months.

Beverly Vista Middle School on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

AI IN PDF: Adobe announced that its new Acrobat artificial intelligence assistant will be available to Acrobat and Reader users starting on Tuesday.

POTHOLE HEALER: Tech firm Robotiz3d is developing three technologies as part of its Autonomous Road Repair System.

Pothole-preventing robot. (Hertfordshire)

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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This article was written by Fox News staff.

Nationwide alert: SMS phishing attacks target toll road customers

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April 17, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

The FBI has issued a critical warning about a pervasive scam sweeping across the country.

Americans are being targeted by a sophisticated series of SMS phishing — or “smishing” — attacks that bait them with fictitious unpaid road toll charges.

Toll road scam text (FBI)

A surge of fraudulent activity

The smishing scheme has been active since last month, duping thousands of people, as reported by victims to federal authorities.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has documented a significant influx of over 2,000 complaints detailing deceptive texts that impersonate road toll services from various states.

Man texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: IS THE FTC CALLING YOU? PROBABLY NOT. HERE’S HOW TO AVOID A NEW PHONE SCAM TARGETING YOU

Mechanism of the road toll scam

Investigations reveal that these messages are uniform in their deception, falsely asserting that the recipient is delinquent on road toll payments. These communications aim to manipulate individuals into clicking on links that are ingeniously designed to mimic legitimate state toll service websites, complete with fluctuating phone numbers to elude detection.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, PARENTS WARNED ABOUT DEEPFAKE NUDE PHOTO THREAT

Woman texting on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: THE DARK WORLD OF FACEBOOK ADS WHERE SCAMMERS ARE TRYING TO STEAL YOUR MONEY

Regional responses to the threat

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has been at the forefront of the afflicted services, proactively advising its customers to avoid interacting with these fraudulent messages. Similarly, the Pennsylvania State Police have expressed their concern, highlighting that the scam texts redirect to counterfeit websites designed to steal personal data.

Pennsylvania toll road scam text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Expanding the watch

Regional services are not the only ones affected. E-ZPass customers who use the toll service across various parts of the United States have been under threat since the onset of these attacks. While this detail is not directly mentioned in the FBI’s public service announcement, secondary sources tracking the issue have confirmed it.

MORE: ‘UNSUBSCRIBE’ EMAIL SCAM IS TARGETING AMERICANS

Guidance if you receive a toll scam text message

The FBI has recommended several preventive measures in light of the ongoing phishing attacks.

1. Report the phishing attempt at www.ic3.gov with the scammer’s contact details and the website URL from the message.

2. Verify your toll account through the official service website.

3. Reach out to the official customer service for the toll service.

4. Erase the fraudulent text message from your device.

5. Use good antivirus protection on all devices to reduce risks. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

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If you click one of these toll scam links

For individuals who have engaged in these phishing attempts, it is crucial to take immediate action to secure personal and financial information. The FBI stresses the importance of monitoring for unfamiliar charges and disputing them promptly to mitigate any potential financial harm.

Kurt’s key takeaways

As the threat landscape evolves, staying informed about these scams is paramount. By following the FBI’s advisories and maintaining a high level of skepticism toward unsolicited texts claiming to be from toll services, you can safeguard against these invasive phishing tactics. It’s really important that we all work together to spot and call out scams. By doing this, we’re joining forces to protect people from cybercriminals who try to trick them.

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

What role should mobile carriers and tech companies play in combating smishing scams, and how can they improve their current measures? 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.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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.

Springtime travel: 5 flower gardens across 5 time zones showcasing American beauty

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April 17, 2024

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW IN FULL BLOOM CELEBRATES COMMUNITY BONDS: ‘WONDERFUL TRADITION’

Springtime travel: 5 flower gardens across 5 time zones showcasing American beauty

The spectacular sights of springtime around the United States are in full bloom from coast to coast and across the ocean.

Here’s a look at five of the best flower gardens in America across five U.S. time zones for your traveling pleasure.

EASTERN: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Sarasota, Florida

Sunshine State beauty blossoms along the Florida coast at stunning Selby Gardens.

“It’s a tropical, urban oasis of over 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries, connecting people with native flora and regional history,” notes Fodor’s Travel, which proclaims Selby Gardens one of the “12 most beautiful gardens of the American South.”

Selby Gardens has two separate exhibits.

Its main location on Sarasota Bay is the “only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns,” Fodor’s adds.

Orchid in bloom at Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Its smaller campus on Little Sarasota Bay south of the city is devoted to native Florida plants.

CENTRAL: Missouri Botanical Garden

St. Louis, Missouri

Orchids have been showcased at this heartland hotspot of fabulous flora since 1876.

But new discoveries are still found.

MEET THE AMERICAN WHO SAVED THE CHAMPAGNE INDUSTRY: MISSOURI SCIENTIST CHARLES VALENTINE RILEY

The Missouri Botanical Garden this year is displaying a new species of Darwin’s orchid discovered in Madagascar.

“The garden now nurtures more than 3,000 orchid species, ranging from bright pink showstoppers to dainty, spotted varieties,” writes Travel & Leisure, which listed the Missouri attraction among 15 of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens.”

Two types of moth orchids (phalaenopsis) — “Leopard Prince,” left and rear, and “Prince Sun,” right. (Jill Toyoshiba/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The St. Louis site also boasts large collections of daffodils, daylilies — and, the magazine reports — “a tropical paradise inside the iconic Climatron conservatory, a 175-foot-wide, climate-controlled geodesic dome built in 1960.”

MOUNTAIN: Betty Ford Alpine Garden

Vail, Colorado

America’s botanical beauty soars to unmatched heights at this Rocky Mountain retreat.

CANDY TOURS OF AMERICA: 5 DELECTABLE DESTINATIONS FOR SWEET FAMILY MEMORIES

Betty Ford Alpine Garden offers the highest altitude for any botanical garden on the planet: 8,200 feet above sea level.

“It’s a haven of beautiful plants, stunning views and a wealth of research,” reports UncoverColorado.com.

The trumpet gentian at the Betty Ford Alpine Garden in Vail, Colorado. It is the highest altitude botanic garden in the world. (Cyrus McCrimmon/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

It’s dedicated to the incredible diversity, beauty and strength of Rocky Mountain plant life, including Penstemon, milkweed, asters and ornamental grasses.

“The climate extremes found in the alpine ecosystem require that plants have to adapt in order to survive,” the garden website reports.

“All are designed to live where winters are long and cold, water is scarce and winds are almost constant.”

PACIFIC: Crystal Spring Rhododendron Garden

Portland, Oregon

Beaver State beauty is showcased at Crystal Spring, which offers a unique combination of plant life, water features and convenience, on the east side of the Willamette River in Portland.

AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ: HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ‘MODERN FAMILY,’ THE MODERN MILITARY AND MORE?

The garden website describes the habitat as “a riot of color” from April through June, “when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom.”

Rhododendron in bloom with a waterfall in the background, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland, Oregon. (Craig Tuttle/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“With two picturesque bridges, several tranquil waterfalls, a fountain, a lake, rare plants, and tons of birdlife, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden … is a great visit throughout the year,” says PinesandVines.com, which touts itself “as a series of love letters to the Pacific Northwest.”

In springtime, however, Crystal Springs “is nothing short of magical.”

HAWAII-ALEUTIAN: Limahuli Garden & Preserve

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai, the westernmost major island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is the youngest among them and also the most wildly beautiful.

Among other testaments to its awe-inspiring landscape: Kauai has served as the otherworldly and mystical setting of movies such as “Jurassic Park,” “Avatar” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Limahuli Garden & Preserved is celebrated as a “pu’uhonua” – “place of refuge” – and for its incredible biodiversity and mountainous backdrop.

Limahuli Garden, at the northern end of Kauai, focuses on conservation, scientific research and public education and boasts a striking landscape of steep, jagged cliffs and lush, green hillsides. (Gail Fisher/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The garden showcases native plants, including “rare and endangered species that are on the verge of extinction in the wild,” and those introduced by early Polynesian voyagers.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

“The history and native roots here are as powerful as the incredible views,” says one couple among many flowery reviews on TripAdvisor.com.

“You will leave with a full heart and inspired spirit.”

Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Change this Apple Music setting ASAP to protect your privacy

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April 17, 2024

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In the age of oversharing, there’s something to be said for keeping a slice of your digital life to yourself, especially when it comes to your music.

Whether you’re headbanging to heavy metal or crooning to country, your Apple Music experience is yours alone.

Apple Music app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Securing your Apple Music sessions

So, let’s talk about a little-known setting that might be overexposing your musical escapades: “Discoverable by Nearby Contacts.” It’s tucked away in your Apple Music settings, and it could be letting your contacts know what you’re listening to via SharePlay — whether you’re in the mood for sharing or not.

Ready to reclaim your audio anonymity? We’ll show you how to switch off this feature and keep your playlists private. Because sometimes, the best soundtrack is the one only you know is playing.

Apple Music app on iPhone (Apple)

MORE: HERE’S HOW TO FIND ANYTHING ON YOUR APPLE DEVICE

How to turn off ‘Discoverable by Nearby Contacts’

Grab your iPhone and tap on Settings
Now, scroll down until you spot Apple Music and click it.
As you scroll, you’ll find the Discoverable by Nearby Contacts option.
This feature lets your contacts find you when you’re blasting tunes in your car through Apple’s SharePlay feature. But hey, maybe you don’t want everyone to know you’re on a Taylor Swift binge, right? So, I recommend flipping this switch off to keep your musical tastes on the down-low.

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Steps to turn off “Discoverable by Nearby Contacts” (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: GET YOUR KARAOKE ON WITH THIS NEW APPLE MUSIC SING FEATURE

Use Listening History? Think again

Go to Settings and tap on it
Now, scroll down until you spot Apple Music and click it
Next, scroll up to see Use Listening History
When this is on, everything you play will pop up in your Recently Played, affect your recommendations and, if you’ve got an Apple Music profile, be out there for all your followers to see. If you prefer your playlists to be your little secret, it’s best to turn this off, too.

MORE: IOS 17.4 INTRODUCES REVEALING APPLE PODCAST TRANSCRIPTION FEATURE

Kurt’s key takeaways

Your music, your rules. Whether it’s a guilty pleasure track or a new indie discovery, what you listen to should be your choice to share or not. So, take control of your Apple Music settings and keep your beats to yourself.

How important is it for you to keep your music listening activity private from friends, family or colleagues? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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

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

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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.