Improve your sleep by optimizing 6 biomarkers: ‘Integral to health’

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March 11, 2024

ALWAYS FEELING TIRED? EXPERTS SHARE 4 COMMON CAUSES OF DAYTIME FATIGUE

Improve your sleep by optimizing 6 biomarkers: ‘Integral to health’

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Even if you’ve cultivated the perfect environment for sleeping, some invisible details may be interfering with a good night’s rest.

Certain biomarkers — also called biological markers or medical signs, according to the National Institutes of Health — can have a direct impact on sleep.

“Various factors can affect sleep,” said Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Some of them, biomarkers, can be measured with simple laboratory tests.”

The values of these biomarkers are an indicator of an individual’s health and wellness.

Experts shared the six biomarkers that have the biggest effect on sleep — and tips on how to optimize them.

Certain biomarkers, also referred to as biological markers or medical signs, can have a direct impact on sleep. Experts identify the measurements. (iStock)

“What you can measure, you can optimize,” said Osborn.

“Optimizing these markers may improve not only your sleep quality, but also your overall health.”

Here are six.

Biomarker 1 – Vitamin D

Optimal vitamin D levels can improve sleep quality by helping you fall asleep faster and increasing the amount of time you spend asleep, according to Michelle Darian, a registered dietitian and science and product marketing manager at InsideTracker, a health platform that provides personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

“Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with decreased sleep time, decreased sleep efficiency and increased daytime sleepiness,” Chicago-based Darian told Fox News Digital.

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“Research notes that vitamin D is indirectly involved in the production of melatonin — a hormone that mediates the sleep cycle — and brain receptors responsible for sleep regulation.”

To optimize vitamin D levels, Darian said she recommends getting 20 minutes of sunlight a day and eating vitamin D-rich or fortified foods like fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel or fortified dairy products.

To optimize vitamin D levels, Darian recommends getting 20 minutes of sunlight a day and eating vitamin D-rich or fortified foods. (iStock)

“This can help you meet your body’s daily needs and help you fall asleep faster to increase the time you spend asleep,” she said.

For those with vitamin D deficiency, a supplement may be needed to boost levels.

“Optimizing these markers may improve not only your sleep quality, but also your overall health.”

“Studies have shown that improving vitamin D levels by taking a supplement improves sleep,” noted Darian.

People who take a vitamin D3 supplement should also add vitamin K2 to protect the inner lining of the blood vessels, Osborn advised.

Biomarker 2 – Magnesium

Magnesium helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming and relaxing the body, Osborn noted, which is in contrast to the sympathetic system that regulates fight or flight responses.

“Low magnesium levels can lead to restless sleep and frequent awakenings,” he told Fox News Digital.

Low magnesium levels can lead to restless sleep and frequent awakenings, an expert said. (iStock)

To optimize magnesium levels, he recommends including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Taking a daily magnesium chelate supplement can also help ensure sufficient levels, Osborn added.

Biomarker 3 — Cortisol

Levels of the stress hormone cortisol naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning to help get you out of bed and declining at night as your body relaxes in preparation for sleep, according to Darian.

“High levels of stress before bed can cause cortisol levels to stay high, making falling and staying asleep harder and delaying the production of melatonin,” she told Fox News Digital.

“You need a healthy cortisol rhythm to keep your sleep cycle in check.”

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If cortisol levels are too high at night, this leads to fragmented sleep (waking up during the night), decreased slow-wave sleep (deep sleep), reduced sleep duration and insomnia, Darian said.

To help regulate cortisol levels, it’s best to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine in the hours before bed, and stay off electronics right before bed, she suggested.

“You need a healthy cortisol rhythm to keep your sleep cycle in check.”

“Aim to keep your bedroom environment dark, as light can keep cortisol levels elevated and melatonin levels low, which you want to avoid before bed,” Darian said.

Exercising in the morning can also help to spike cortisol and alertness early in the day, which will be conducive to better sleep as it decreases hours later.

“Incorporating diaphragmatic breathing can also help decrease stress and cortisol levels,” Darian added.

Biomarker 4 – Testosterone

Testosterone, an anabolic hormone, is needed to build muscle and bone strength, speed tissue recovery and stimulate red blood cell production to facilitate the body’s recovery processes, according to Darian.

“Low testosterone levels may hinder the body’s muscle-building and repairing capabilities that naturally occur during sleep,” said Darian.

“Low testosterone levels may hinder the body’s muscle-building and repairing capabilities that naturally occur during sleep,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Research suggests that adequate sleep duration — seven to nine hours of sleep at night — is linked to higher levels of the hormone, she said.

To optimize testosterone levels, experts recommend getting regular exercise and eating a diet that contains healthy fats.

“It’s important to note that too much or too little exercise can lead to low testosterone levels,” Darian advised.

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“Consuming foods high in zinc, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D and healthy fats such as almonds or hazelnuts; black beans, lima beans, or black-eyed peas; lean poultry or beef appear to lead to improved testosterone levels,” she added.

If testosterone levels are low, Darian recommends measuring magnesium and vitamin D levels, as low levels of both are associated with lower testosterone.

Biomarker 5 – Blood glucose and HbA1C

High blood glucose (sugar) levels can lead to increased wakefulness at night and difficulty falling asleep, while low levels may cause awakenings due to symptoms of hypoglycemia, noted Osborn.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the last three to four months, according to Darian.

Levels of the stress hormone cortisol naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning to help get you out of bed. (iStock)

“Both acute and chronic sleep deprivation are associated with reductions in glucose tolerance and reduced insulin response,” she said.

To optimize blood sugar levels, Darian recommends finishing up large meals at least two hours before bed.

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“Nighttime meals — especially those high in fat or fiber — have been linked to poorer sleep quality,” she said.

To assist with better glycemic control, some may consider metformin, a medication for type II diabetes, Osborn added.

Biomarker 6 – hsCRP

The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is closely tied to the immune system’s inflammatory response, Darian said.

“Research shows that sleep deprivation can lead to long-term inflammation, impairing the body’s immune system and its ability to fight infections,” she told Fox News Digital.

Biomarkers can be measured with simple blood laboratory testing. (iStock)

“As bodily processes slow down during sleep, the body must divert and allocate resources to each function.”

Less sleep time can reduce the time and energy needed to address lingering inflammation and leave hsCRP levels elevated, she warned.

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The key to lowering hsCRP is to eat a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, Osborn said, in addition to getting regular physical activity and managing stress levels.

“A good night’s sleep is integral to your health — it’s like rebooting your computer,” a longevity expert said. (iStock)

“Individuals with high hsCRP should consume adequate amounts of fiber through foods like avocados, tofu, brussel sprouts, black beans or yams,” Darian added. “Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts and seeds are also shown to support healthy hsCRP levels.”

All of these biomarkers can be measured with simple blood laboratory testing, both experts said.

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“A good night’s sleep is integral to your health — it’s like rebooting your computer,” said Osborn.

Sleep has restorative effects on the brain and the body, he said, with positive effects on memory, learning, muscle recovery, stress and disease risk.

Trump won’t give money to Ukraine if elected, says Hungary’s Orban

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March 11, 2024

Trump won’t give money to Ukraine if elected, says Hungary’s Orban

BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Former U.S. leader Donald Trump will not give money to help Ukraine fight Russia if he wins the presidency again and that will hasten an end to the war, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said after meeting him.

Nationalist premier Orban, who is backing his long-time ally’s bid to return to White House, met Trump in Florida on Friday.

“He will not give a penny into the Ukraine-Russia war and therefore the war will end,” Orban told state television late on Sunday. “As it is obvious that Ukraine on its own cannot stand on its feet.”

“If the Americans do not give money and weapons, and also the Europeans, then this war will be over. And if the Americans do not give money the Europeans are unable to finance this war on their own, and then the war will end.”

Orban has refused to send weapons to Kyiv and kept up close economic ties with Moscow since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022. He last met Russian President Vladimir Putin in October in China despite European Union efforts to isolate Moscow.

Orban said it was “another matter” how the war will be closed with peace talks after a truce, and how a stable and safe Europe would be created, but first peace must be achieved and “he (Trump) has the means for that.”

A statement from Trump’s campaign did not mention Ukraine, saying the pair discussed issues affecting both nations including their respective border security.

European leaders have long been nervous that another Trump presidency would mean waning U.S. support for both Ukraine and the NATO transatlantic military alliance.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

What’s going on with America’s public schools? Enrollment drops and absenteeism tell a dramatic tale

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March 11, 2024

TEACHING VALUES TO OUR KIDS CAN ONLY HELP THEM FLOURISH AND SOUTH CAROLINA IS LEADING THE WAY

What’s going on with America’s public schools? Enrollment drops and absenteeism tell a dramatic tale

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What’s happening to America’s public school students?

The drop in enrollment, plus chronic absenteeism, should be cause for great concern, or at least curiosity among parents, teachers, administrators, psychologists and many others across our nation.

The reasons for what’s going on are complicated — and critical to understand.

First, there’s the COVID piece of it. American public schools lost more than a million students from the fall of 2019 to the fall of 2020, with enrollment falling from 50.8 million to 49.4 million students in that period, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

It’s important to note that this occurred more frequently in high-poverty areas and urban centers across America during COVID. So the kids who could least afford to lose time in school lost the most, unfortunately.

William Bennett, former education secretary, addresses the Values Voter Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Woodley Park, Washington, D.C. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

But beyond that first year, there were substantial declines in public school enrollment during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, a recent study from the Brookings Institute indicated.

All told, between the school years of 2018-19 and 2021-22, about 12% percent of public elementary schools and 9% of middle schools experienced such a decline.

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“This is a significant change from before the pandemic, when about 5% of middle and elementary schools saw a 20% decline between 2015-2016 and 2018-2019,” the Brookings study found.

So we saw a decline before COVID, of about 5% or 6%. Then we saw this big decline afterward.

Think of it. Kids were out of school before COVID — and they continued to be out of school after COVID.

There were declines before COVID, a radical decline during COVID — and now, after COVID, a continuing decline.

This next data point is nothing less than striking.

The proportion of students attending schools that had high or extreme rates of chronic absenteeism more than doubled — from 26% during the 2017-2018 school year to 66% during the 2021-2022 school year, according to a recent report. The analysis of federal data was conducted by the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University and Attendance Works.

So we saw low attendance during 2017-2018 — well before COVID — and then much lower attendance after COVID, in 2021-2022.

Many kids in public schools were out of school before COVID — and many have continued to be out of school after COVID. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)

Of these numbers, people will say, “Oh, but that was a holdover from COVID in 2021-2022.”

Yet in 2022-2023, we didn’t recover.

Habits were formed, in other words.

The pattern is revealing itself: There were declines before COVID, a radical decline during COVID — and now, after COVID, a continuing decline.

On top of this, preliminary data show little improvement in the most recent school year.

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The 11 states that have reported attendance data from the 2022-23 school year had a combined chronic absenteeism rate of 27.8%, down from 30% the previous year, according to the same source.

That’s a little better. But still — look at those numbers.

In the 2017-18 school year, 26% of students were enrolled in a school from which at least a fifth of the students were chronically absent. In 2021-22, that number jumped to 66% of students.

So absenteeism occurs long before COVID and is still significant today.

Homeschooling

Let’s look at homeschooling now because it’s important to do so.

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The number of homeschooled kids is increasing dramatically — we don’t know by exactly how much, according to a Washington Post analysis.

Homeschooling’s “surging popularity crosses every measurable line of politics, geography and demographics,” according to a recent analysis. (iStock)

Homeschooling’s “surging popularity crosses every measurable line of politics, geography and demographics. The number of homeschooled kids has increased 373% over the past six years in the small city of Anderson, South Carolina; it also increased 358% in a school district in the Bronx.”

That is huge.

Charter schools

Charter schools are public schools funded with public money — but students have left the traditional public schools in order to attend charters.

So what’s going on?

Between the fall of 2010 and the fall of 2021, public charter school enrollment more than doubled.

Between the fall of 2010 and the fall of 2021, public charter school enrollment more than doubled, from 1.8 million to 3.7 million students — for an overall increase of 1.9 million students, according to the NCES.

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By contrast, the number of students attending traditional public schools decreased by 4%, or 2.0 million students, over the same period (from 47.4 million to 45.4 million students), the same source said.

Private schools

A little more than 4.73 million K-12 students were enrolled in private schools during the 2021-22 school year.

That year was the second full one after the pandemic hit — and the first year when the vast majority of students attended school in person.

“Why are students leaving traditional public schools in the U.S.? We don’t have very good numbers on that. There’s also more to the story.” (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

That number represents a slight bump from the 4.65 million students who attended private school in the 2019-20 school year, NCES said.

What do we draw from this?

There were some increases in the flow from the traditional public schools to the charters; some increases, relatively small, to the private schools — but a big increase in homeschooling.

Still, overall, why are students leaving traditional public schools? We don’t have very good numbers on that.

There’s also more to the story.

‘Scared of going out’

Aside from the numbers, both known and unknown, of enrollments, many American public school students are not showing up for class on a regular basis.

My wife, Elayne Glover Bennett, is present in the D.C. schools on a regular basis as director of the Best Friends Foundation (she’s also co-author of “The Book of Virtues” with me). She has talked to hundreds of students, teachers and parents in recent weeks and months about what’s going on with America’s schools.

Many American public school students are not showing up for class on a regular basis, writes Bill Bennett, author of “The Book of Virtues: 30th Anniversary Edition” along with his wife, Elayne Glover Bennett. He is a Fox News contributor. (iStock/Bill Bennett)

Why are so many students missing from class? She reports the following.

A lot of young people are scared of going out and getting shot — for things like sneakers.

They’re also scared of bullying.

Kids very much need to be part of something in which they feel they are valued members.

In addition, they feel that there’s no point in going to school — that they won’t be missed if they’re not there.

On top of this, a lot of parents have checked out due to the demands they’re feeling, whether it’s because of single parenthood, jobs and work schedules, the challenges of life, and/or drug use.

Some have just surrendered in today’s brave new world. Thrown up their hands.

Many of their kids are missing school because they are not part of anything at their schools that sparks their engagement, their interest and their motivation.

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Kids — and we saw this during COVID — very much need to be part of something in which they feel they are valued members.

The glee club, the band, the football team — they need something that gives them a reason to go to school.

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They also need someone there who is glad to see them and to indicate to them that they matter.

What does all of this mean for the children who need education the most today and who are increasingly missing from school?

What does it matter to them and to us that they’re not there?

A great deal for the future, I am afraid — again, for them and for us.

Another migrant child contracts measles in Chicago shelter

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March 10, 2024

CHICAGO QUIETLY MOVES MIGRANTS FROM AIRPORTS AFTER SENATE COMMITTEE PROBE

Another migrant child contracts measles in Chicago shelter

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A second confirmed case of measles has been reported inside a Chicago migrant shelter, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced on Sunday.

These two reports are now the city’s first cases in five years, according to the CDPH.

The city reported an additional, unrelated measles case in Chicago on Thursday, as an increased number of measles cases have occurred around the country and the world in recent months.

The two cases of measles were identified in new young migrant child arrivals.

Recently arrived migrants sit on cots and the floor of a makeshift shelter operated by the city at O’Hare International Airport on Aug. 31, 2023. ( Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The health department reported that the first case has recovered and is no longer infectious, while the second is hospitalized in good condition.

“The majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore are not at high risk, but we are strongly urging those who aren’t vaccinated to do so as soon as possible, new arrivals and all Chicagoans. It is by far the best protection against measles, which for the first time in years is in our city,” said CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, MD.

City officials stated that residents of the Pilsen shelter who are vaccinated can enter and exit the facility at their own discretion. However, the unvaccinated and those who were just vaccinated in the last few days are being asked to quarantine for three weeks and watch for symptoms.

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“Because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases. Should you be exposed to someone who has measles, if you are not vaccinated you need to immediately quarantine and call a health provider. If you are not sure of your vaccination status, stay home and call your health provider as soon as possible,” Dr. Ige said.

The CDPH is urging all new arrivals and Chicago residents to be vaccinated against measles to protect themselves and the community.

“We have advised all unvaccinated and newly vaccinated residents of the quarantine period but some of those residents have left the shelter, and I want to acknowledge that,” Dr. Ige said. “That is why we so strongly advise the unvaccinated to get the vaccine and to immediately quarantine if you have had contact with anyone with measles.”

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A migrant family in Chicago arriving on a bus from Texas (Fox News)

The health department added that no link has been identified between this recent case and a measles case in an Indiana resident who had visited Chicago last month. That case did not result in any secondary measles cases in Chicago residents, according to officials.

The symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, according to the CDPH. After exposure, the symptoms can take seven to 21 days to appear.

The city of Chicago has taken in more than 36,000 migrants since they began arriving in 2022, according to the city’s new arrivals situational dashboard.

As New Jersey investigates mumps outbreak, experts share what to know about symptoms, protection

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March 10, 2024

MEASLES VACCINATIONS GIVEN IN ’70S AND ’80S MAY HAVE WORN OFF BY NOW, DOCTOR WARNS

As New Jersey investigates mumps outbreak, experts share what to know about symptoms, protection

The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating a suspected cluster of mumps cases in Hunterdon County among eight family members who traveled internationally, according to a recent press release.

No additional information was provided due to privacy concerns, the release indicated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported at least 50 cases of mumps from over 20 states this year.

Health officials say that vaccination is the most effective protection.

“The best way to keep you and your loved ones safe is to get the MMR shot,” said Dr. Kaitlan Baston, the acting health commissioner, per the release.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported at least 50 cases of mumps from over 20 states this year. (iStock)

“These viruses are incredibly contagious, so if you suspect you may have measles, mumps or rubella, it is important to call ahead before visiting any health care provider or facility so they can take special precautions,” she added.

What is mumps?

Mumps is an infectious disease caused by a virus.

It’s spread by direct contact with saliva, such as kissing or sharing water bottles with someone who has mumps.

It can also spread by respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose or throat from an infected person who is talking, coughing or sneezing, according to the CDC.

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Outbreaks often occur in settings where there is frequent close contact, such as on college campuses or in large gatherings.

“Mumps itself typically causes swelling of the glands in the head and neck that make saliva — most often the parotid glands, which are the largest salivary glands that sit just in front of the ears,” Dr. Mike Smith, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

Symptoms of mumps

Someone who is infected with mumps can spread the infection several days before the parotid glands start to swell and up to five days after, the CDC stated.

Some people may not develop any symptoms; but for those who become symptomatic, they generally start to feel sick anywhere from 12 to 25 days after infection.

Mumps typically causes swelling of the glands in the head and neck, said an infectious diseases expert. (iStock)

Typical symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Most people get better on their own within two weeks.

In rare cases, especially in adults, swelling may occur in other parts of the body.

The most common complication of mumps in males is inflammation and swelling of the testicles, or orchitis, which occurs in about a third of unvaccinated men, Smith said.

Why is mumps making a comeback?

Reported cases of the mumps fell by more than 99% after the MMR vaccine was introduced in the U.S., the CDC noted.

Outbreaks and cases have been increasing since 2006, however — with most diagnoses occurring in young adults and previously vaccinated individuals, the agency adds.

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“There is no individual vaccine against mumps, but it is part of the MMR vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella,” Smith said.

It is recommended that children get two doses, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months old and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age, according to the CDC’s website.

Adults who are not immune are advised to get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.

Outbreaks and cases of mumps have been increasing since 2006, per the CDC. (iStock)

“Mumps immunization rates unfortunately are not where they should be,” Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

Only about 90% of children are fully vaccinated for mumps by 24 months of age, according to the CDC.

If people receive the standard recommendation of two mumps vaccinations as a child, there still is a chance that immunity will wane and they will get mumps if exposed later in life, according to Glatt.

“As such, we actually recommend that a third dose be given to people in an outbreak setting,” he said.

Differences between measles and mumps

Measles and mumps are caused by different viruses that belong to the same family of viruses called Paramyxoviridae, which are known to spread disease by respiratory droplets, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Worldwide, both measles and mumps are very significant problems, with over 100,000 deaths due to measles in the previous year,” Glatt said.

There is no individual vaccine against mumps, but it is part of the MMR vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella. (iStock)

The MMR vaccine protects against both viral infections, but measles is more contagious than mumps, with the highest mortality rate among the three infections that it protects against, Smith added.

“Measles is a far more serious illness than mumps, and is also making a resurgence in the U.S. after we thought we had eradicated it in 2002,” Glatt noted.

Common complications of measles include diarrhea and ear infections, but severe cases can include brain swelling (encephalitis) and pneumonia.

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The CDC estimates that up to 90% of people who are exposed to someone with measles will get infected if they are not already immune.

Among the current measles outbreaks in the U.S., almost all cases have involved unvaccinated individuals, according to Smith.

Many young people who get infected with mumps, however, have received vaccinations.

Typical symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite. (iStock)

A 2021 CDC report that reviewed cases of mumps from 2007 to 2019 in children and adolescents found that approximately 94% of people who contracted mumps were previously vaccinated.

The two infections also have different symptoms.

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People infected with measles usually develop their first symptoms within seven to 14 days after getting exposed, while people who get mumps usually experience illness around two weeks after infection.

The most classic sign of measles is cold symptoms followed by a red rash that starts on the face and moves downward.

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With mumps, a telltale sign is puffiness of one or both cheeks, which occurs after non-specific symptoms.

Most people with mumps and measles get better within one to two weeks.

A new type of pilot could be key to solving a looming crisis in the skies

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March 10, 2024

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A fully autonomous aviator, equipped with artificial intelligence, could help alleviate a looming pilot shortage, according to the head of a company working on the tech.

“We simply don’t have enough pilots to be able to keep up with the burgeoning need for things in the sky,” Merlin Labs CEO Matt George told Fox News. “It’s something that we need to start looking forward at to design an aviation system and design an aerospace system … as the demand for aviation grows around the world.”

The airline industry will be short 13,300 pilots by 2032, the management consulting firm Oliver Wyman projected last year, when it found there was a shortage of about 12,710 aviators. And the Air Force, one of Merlin’s main clients, has been about 2,000 pilots short of its target for years, and, according to Stars and Stripes, was offering up to $600,000 in bonuses to retain experienced aviators.

“The amount of commercial traffic in the world doubles every 15 years,” George said. “As billions and billions of new consumers come online who also want their package delivered in two days or less or also want to be able to go access the air system … we need to think differently about humanity’s relationship to the sky.”

Merlin aims to both alleviate the shortage by replacing one human pilot in cargo plane cockpits with its software and make the remaining aviator’s job easier by taking on some of their responsibilities. George stressed that this would make flying safer, adding that his company’s system largely relies on traditional aviation technology and only uses AI to fill in the gaps.

“The Merlin software is designed to perform what we call the aviate, navigate and communicate functions traditionally performed by a human pilot,” George said. “The system is determining where the aircraft should go, how the aircraft should interact in airspace, even things like understanding the instructions of air traffic controllers and talking back.”

Merlin Labs CEO Matt George teased an upcoming announcement about the certification for its AI pilot. (Courtesy of Snowpoint Ventures)

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Human pilots, as a result, can focus more on the larger mission and “use their brains for what matters versus using their brains for performing basic aviation functions,” George continued.

Last month, Merlin announced that aspects of its autonomous pilot would be tested and demonstrated on the Air Force’s KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueling jet. George also teased that an announcement would come in a few weeks “around some of the final endpoints in our [civil] certification process as we start to bring it to market.”

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KC-135 Stratotanker shows refueling connector.

Merlin Labs announced that it would partner with the U.S. Air Force to test and demonstrate aspects of its autonomous pilot software on the KC-135 Stratotanker. (Joel Lerner/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Still, George emphasized that human pilots won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

“We think that the future is a combination of autonomy and humans,” George said. “This isn’t necessarily a bunch of aircraft flying around without people aboard, but it’s a bunch of aircraft flying around with high levels of autonomy that are supplementing the humans’ capability aboard the aircraft.”

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Health’s weekend read includes a survival story, longevity secrets and factors in fatigue

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March 10, 2024

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Health’s weekend read includes a survival story, longevity secrets and factors in fatigue

Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on a range of wellness topics: disease prevention, nutrition, medical research, health care and much more — plus, personal stories of people and families overcoming great obstacles.

As you step into Sunday, check out some of the top stories of the week in Health that you may have missed or have been meaning to check out.

These are just a few of what’s new, of course.

There are many more to see at http://www.foxnews/health.

Dive right in.

Key longevity tips, insights into daily fatigue and a new study about deep brain stimulation are just a few of the offerings this week in Health. (iStock)

Syndrome raises cancer risk

A little-known genetic condition could increase the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 80%. Two gastroenterologists reveal what to know about Lynch syndrome — including its connection to cancer — and identify who should get tested for it. Click here to get the story.

Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that makes people more susceptible to many different kinds of cancer. (iStock)

Weight-loss meds not standalone solution, experts say

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other weight-loss medications have spiked in popularity over the years, but people shouldn’t rely on them as the sole solution, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Discover what other lifestyle factors are needed for sustained results. Click here to get the story.

People on weight-loss journeys should not rely solely on anti-obesity medications, a national nutrition association said this week. (iStock)

Woman survives after 25 minutes with no pulse

Cheryl Winston of Minnesota shared an amazing survival story to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest, which often strikes with little-to-no warning and accounts for about 15% of total heart-related fatalities. A cardiologist also weighed in with risk factors and prevention tips. Click here to get the story.

In 2020, Cheryl Jordan Winston was 48 years old when she collapsed in her bedroom after experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. She shared her story with Fox News Digital. (Cheryl Jordan Winston)

Scent therapy helps reduce depression, study finds

In patients with depression, familiar scents were shown to alleviate symptoms and improve memory, a study found. Psychiatrists explain the connection between aromatherapy and mental health. Click here to get the story.

A familiar scent could help individuals with depression recall memories more easily than verbal cues, according to a recent study. (iStock)

Secrets of longevity revealed

These five simple lifestyle choices could add years to your life, according to Dr. Gary Small, a brain health expert at Hackensack Meridian Health. Get the details on the factors that are within your control. Click here to get the story.

Numerous studies have linked regular physical activity to a longer life expectancy. (iStock)

Deep brain stimulation identifies sources of disorders

Researchers have pinpointed dysfunctions in the brain that are linked to Parkinson’s, OCD, Tourette’s syndrome and other diseases. Scientists at Mass General Brigham and other neurologists weigh in on how the study could impact treatment for cognitive disorders. Click here to get the story.

The researchers implanted electrodes into the brains of each participant (not pictured) and used special software to determine which brain circuits were dysfunctional in each of the four disorders. (iStock)

Self-compassion key to mental health, researchers say

The ultimate self-care strategy is to practice short acts of self-compassion each day, according to a study from the University of California Berkeley. Researchers share how the daily affirmation practice was associated with greater self-compassion, emotional well-being and reduced stress. Click here to get the story.

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

Reasons why you’re always tired

Daytime fatigue has many causes — and some may surprise you. Sleep experts shared four of the most common reasons for sub-par slumber. Click here to get the story.

Some 40% of adults say that fatigue interferes with their daily activities at least three days a week, according to the National Sleep Foundation. (iStock)

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.

How imposters are trying to exploit your grief and wallet in a new funeral scam

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March 10, 2024

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Just when you thought you’d seen the worst of humanity, scammers have managed to reach a new low.

You thought the Facebook scam about how scammers are commandeering people’s Facebook profiles with fake bereavement posts was terrible? It gets worse.

A woman grieving and hugging a man (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson )

How the new bereavement scam works

While the Facebook post scam ran with fake bereavement posts to glean information about supportive friends, families and even strangers, this new scam targets actual surviving family members of those recently deceased. The scammers reach out to families pretending to be from funeral homes and demand more payment or threaten the cancellation of the funeral.

It is easy to see how distraught loved ones might fall for such scams as they are already under immense stress from losing a loved one. While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alerted those in the funeral industry, below are some key steps you can take to prevent you or anyone you care about from falling for this horrendous scam.

1. Pause before taking action

As with most scams, these charlatans are banking on the fact that any urgency they present you with will prevent you from thinking first. They are hoping that catching you in a vulnerable state and giving you an ultimatum will result in action taken before the victim or their family can think it through.

This scam is especially insidious because who would think of preying on family members of someone who is recently deceased? Forewarned is forearmed. So, hopefully, knowing this scam has been committed will give you pause if you should run into such a situation.

Man on the phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2. Directly contact the funeral home

Anyone can change the name of their outgoing number (the phone number you are getting a call from) so it may even say in the caller ID that it is from the funeral home you have employed.

If you are uncertain, tell them you will call them right back and hang up the phone. Find the number on the estimate or invoice you received directly from the funeral home and call to verify what is going on. The funeral home’s contact information can be found on the general price list the funeral home provided.

SCAMMERS ARE USING FAKE NEWS, MALICIOUS LINKS TO TARGET YOU IN AN EMOTIONAL FACEBOOK PHISHING TRAP

3. Type of payment red flag

Scammers don’t make the urgent payment needed easy to give. They have a tendency to request odd things like a wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency or even a check payback, where they send you a check claiming there was a clerical or mechanical error with their bank, have you deposit the check then have you send it back.

This is all to stop the money from being traced back to them or prevent you from recovering your money. The funeral home should have gone over the types of payments accepted when the general price list was provided. If there is a strong deviation from the most common forms of payment, hang up.

A person with a bitcoin (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson )

MORE: HOW TO STOP PHONE NUMBER SPOOFING AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMMER

4. No surprises with funerals

While life is full of surprises, funeral homes should not be. They are regulated by the FTC to provide explicit pricing and information to consumers. A full explanation of the FTC’s oversight in this arena can be found under the “funeral rule.”

As mentioned in No. 2 of this list, each funeral provider is required to provide a general price list, which should disclose fees for any services involved in a funeral and pricing for most aspects of the funeral. If a scammer calls claiming new fees for services or items, remember that all those factors would have been provided to you with the general price list and agreed upon when hiring the funeral home.

Friends and family members at a funeral (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE VENMO, ZELLE AND CASH APP SCAM THAT CAN WIPE OUT YOUR SAVINGS IN SECONDS

5. Report scammer to the FTC

While it may seem worthwhile to give the scammer a tongue-lashing, it is not worth your time, energy and further violation of privacy. You do not know what information these scammers are gathering during the conversation, and it is best to hang up as soon as possible and report it to the FTC here.

6. Use an identity theft protection service

Consider using an identity theft protection service to shield yourself from potential scams, especially those related to funeral fraud. This is more for you than the deceased’s personal and financial information.

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

MORE: THIS FACEBOOK MESSENGER PHISHING SCAM IS STEALING MILLIONS OF PASSWORDS

Navigating the aftermath: Protecting your loved one’s legacy

Consider these essential precautions to safeguard your family’s privacy and financial well-being from scammers after a loved one has died.

Craft obituaries mindfully: When writing an obituary, omit sensitive details that could be exploited for identity theft. Avoid including the deceased’s date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name, mother’s maiden name and home address. Additionally, refrain from mentioning the date and time of the funeral to prevent potential burglaries during the service.

Promptly report to Social Security: If a loved one has died, immediately notify the Social Security Administration by calling 800-772-1213. This step ensures benefits are appropriately handled.

Inform the IRS: Send a copy of the death certificate to the IRS. This allows officials to flag the deceased’s tax account, preventing any fraudulent activity.

Notify financial institutions: Reach out to banks and other financial institutions where the late loved one had accounts. If you decide to close these accounts, request that they be marked as “Closed: Account holder is deceased.”

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Alert credit bureaus: Contact the major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — to have them place a death notice in the deceased’s credit file. This step helps prevent unauthorized credit applications.

Monitor credit reports: Obtain a copy of the deceased’s credit report shortly after death and again a few months later. Regular checks can help detect any fraudulent activity.

Dealing with debts: Don’t let debt collectors intimidate you into paying financial obligations for a late spouse, parent or sibling. Generally, the estate is responsible for debts, not the survivors. However, there are exceptions for cosigned loans and jointly held financial accounts. For specific guidance, consult the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Exercise caution with contacts: Be cautious if you receive communication from “long-lost” relatives or friends of the deceased, especially on social media. Verify their identity by asking family and old friends if they recognize the person.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Scammers have a knack for finding new ways to prey on the vulnerable. While fending off scammers is the last thing on one’s mind while grieving the loss of a loved one, it is important to stay informed and empowered so that your time and energy are spent on what really matters — remembering our lost loved ones.

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

What do you think should be done to stop these heartless scammers from exploiting people’s grief? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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

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How to cancel subscriptions on an Android to save money

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March 10, 2024

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Have you ever signed up for a free trial of an app or service on your Android device, only to forget about it and end up paying for a subscription you don’t use? You’re not alone.

Many people fall into this trap and end up wasting money on things they don’t need or want. However, don’t worry.

There is a simple way to check and cancel your subscriptions on Android. Just follow these easy steps.

For those of you who have an iPhone and want to check and cancel your subscriptions click here.

A man on his Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open the Google Play Store app on your Android and tap it. You can find it on your home screen or in your app drawer.

Google Play Store app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: TOP ANDROID PHONES OF 2024

Step 2: Tap on your account profile picture

On the top right corner of the screen, you will see your account profile picture. Tap on it to bring up your account options and info.

Account profile picture on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3: Tap on “Payments and subscriptions”

On the menu that appears, you will see Payments and subscriptions. Tap on it.

Payments and subscriptions on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Next, tap on subscriptions

Subscriptions on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

Step 4: View and cancel your subscriptions

Here, you can view all your currently active and lapsed subscriptions. You can see the name of the app or service, the price, the billing cycle and the next payment date.

Subscriptions on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If you want to cancel a subscription, just tap on whichever one you wish to cancel. You will see more details about the subscription, such as the benefits, the cancellation policy and the support contact.
To cancel the subscription, tap on Cancel subscription at the bottom of the screen.

Cancel subscription button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

You will be asked to confirm your decision and provide a reason for canceling. You don’t have to answer the question, just tap on Decline to answer and then tap on Continue

THE INCREDIBLE ONE-HANDED TYPING TRICK ON ANY ANDROID

Decline to answer selection (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Finally, tap on Cancel subscription again to complete the process

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Cancel subscription button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Now, you will no longer be charged for that particular subscription, but you can still use it until the end of the current billing cycle. After that, the service will stop working, and you will lose access to any features or content included in the subscription.

MORE: BEWARE OF NEW ANDROID MALWARE HIDING IN POPULAR APPS

Kurt’s key takeaways

Now you know how to check and cancel your subscriptions on Android. You can save money and avoid paying for things you don’t use or want. You can also manage your subscriptions anytime by following the same steps. Just remember to review your subscriptions regularly and cancel the ones you don’t need.

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

Do you think app stores have a responsibility to make canceling subscriptions easier for users? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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

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Despite being found liable for attack, Trump claims E. Jean Carroll made ‘false accusations’ against him

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March 10, 2024