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10 health advances are stealing the show at CES 2024

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Technology is changing faster than ever, and so is the way we take care of ourselves. 

Imagine having a smart device that can check your health at home in less than a minute or an AI solution that can help you stop snoring, sleep better or feel more relaxed. Sounds amazing, right?

Well, these are just some of the incredible products that we saw at CES 2024, the world’s biggest tech show. 

From leggings that stimulate your muscles to robots that massage your back, here are 10 health devices that stole the show this year.

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1. Home health checkup in 1 minute

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BeamO from Withings is a revolutionary device that lets you do a complete health checkup at home in just one minute. It measures your body temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen level and electrocardiogram with a touch of your finger. It also has a digital stethoscope that lets you listen to your heart and lung sounds.

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BeamO syncs with your smartphone and gives you detailed reports and insights on your health. You can also share your data with your doctor or use it for telemedicine. BeamO is the world’s first 4-in-1 vital monitor that is easy to use, accurate and affordable. The company’s goal is to launch BeamO in the summer of 2024, but it is awaiting FDA clearance. It is expected to cost around $249.95.

2. No more snoring with the help of AI

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Do you snore or have trouble breathing at night? If so, you might want to check out Motion Pillow, an AI-powered anti-snoring pillow that won the Best of Innovation award at CES 2024. The Motion Pillow has a range of features, including noise reduction and highly sensitive snoring detection, effectively addressing around 130 different concerns.

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The Motion Pillow has three main parts: a pillow, an AI motion system, and a sleep data management app. The pillow has airbags and memory foam that adjust to your head position and comfort level. The AI motion system uses sound and pressure sensors to detect your snoring and inflate the airbags to gently move your head and open your airway. The sleep data management app tracks your sleep quality and snoring patterns. The Motion Pillow has a sophisticated AI algorithm that learns from your snoring and adapts to your needs.

3. A tiny smart thermometer makes temperature-taking with your phone easy

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Taking your temperature can be a hassle, especially if you have to do it multiple times a day or for multiple people. That’s where HiitCheck, a tiny smart thermometer that takes your temperature in only one second without touching your skin, comes in.

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The product’s temperature measurement algorithm and the MELEXIS sensor have been specifically engineered to account for skin emissivity. This allows the Hiitcheck to get a very accurate measurement of your body temperature in such a short amount of time. All you have to do is plug the Hiitcheck into your iPhone or Android. It also comes with an app that automatically records your body temperature, creates a daily body temperature trend graph, and daily/weekly/monthly body temperature trend analysis.

MORE: 10 APPS THAT WILL HELP MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS A REALITY

4. Putting lipstick on with a beam

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Lipcure Beam (AMOREPACIFIC)

Lipcure Beam by AMOREPACIFIC is a beauty device that combines lip makeup and care in one. It has a sensor cap that can measure your lip moisture and tell you how healthy your lips are.

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Lipcure Beam (AMOREPACIFIC)

It also has a makeup tool that can emit light to enhance your lip color and texture. The light works with a special material that contains riboflavin, a natural vitamin that boosts your lip collagen and hydration. This way, you can prevent your lips from aging and keep them looking young and fresh. The Lipcure Beam has a universal color system that adapts to your skin tone and preference.

5. Minimize fatigued muscles by wearing these leggings

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WE-Stim Leggings (Barun Bio)

If you are looking for a way to enhance your workout performance and recovery, you might want to try We-Stim Leggings, a pair of leggings that use wearable electric stimulation to activate and relax your muscles.

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WE-Stim Leggins  (Barun Bio)

We-Stim Leggings uses special conductive fibers to deliver natural electric energy from your body movement to your muscles. This microcurrent stimulates and relaxes your muscles, enhancing your performance and reducing your fatigue. No batteries or wires are needed. Just wear, move and enjoy the benefits of this innovative technology.

6. Medical AI bed and home health platform all in one

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Master Medical Bed (Ceragem Co.)

The Master Medical Bed by Geragem Co. is a product that combines massage, modular medical devices, and IoT and AI technology to provide a personalized health management platform. It can address various health issues, such as abdominal pain, lymphedema, and sleep quality, with its innovative modules that can be used within the bed frame or as standalone devices.

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Master Medical Bed (Ceragem Co.)

The Home MediCare platform is a smart home system that integrates medical devices and home automation to offer customized algorithms, health and sleep monitoring, and remote medical services. The bed, the mattress, and the devices work together with software that you can control with a tablet. The Master Bed Platform tracks your health data and device usage and connects you with online medical services.

7. Goodbye shaky hands and hello stability

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The GyroGlove is the world’s most advanced hand stabilizer that aims to help people with hand tremors regain stability and control. It uses advanced gyroscopic technology to counteract the shaking and provide instant relief.

15 10 health devices that stole the show at CES 2024

The GyroGlove is designed for comfort, durability, and ease of use. It has a long-lasting battery, a washable harness, a magnetic connector, and a user-friendly interface. The GyroGlove is great for people who want to get back to doing what they love without tremors.

MORE: GET RED FOR A NEW WAY TO SELF-CHECKOUT WHEN YOU’RE OUT SHOPPING

8. Train your brain with these high-tech headsets

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Brain training system (Sens.ai)

Sens.ai is a 5-in-1 brain training system that uses a comfortable headset and a gamified app to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to improve your sleep, cognition, well-being, or meditation, Sens.ai has a personalized program for you.

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Brain training system (Sens.ai)

Sens.ai uses cutting-edge technology such as brainwave sensors, heart rate sensors, transcranial photobiomodulation, and objective functional brain testing to measure and enhance your brain performance. Sens.ai is backed by scientific research and testimonials from satisfied users. You can get Sens.ai now and enjoy a free trial of the membership that gives you access to all the features and benefits.

MORE: STEP INTO THIS POD THAT USES AI TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT YOU IN MINUTES

9. Using AI to give the best robotic massage

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iYU massage robot  (Capsix Robotics)

Created by French company Capsix Robotics, iYU is a personal robotic masseuse that uses artificial intelligence to customize your massage. It scans your body and adapts to your needs and preferences.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

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iYU massage robot (Capsix Robotics)

iYU can deliver different types of massage, from relaxing to stimulating, using a robotic arm that mimics human touch. iYU is the ultimate way to enjoy a massage anytime, anywhere.

The ultimate relaxation experience

That’s not the only massage product that stole my attention. As you can see by the smile on my face, the Pharaoh S II massage chair by a company called Bodyfriend is the first of its kind to offer separate leg movements and stretching. The pads next to your shoulders pull you into the massage action unlike any massage chair experience before.

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Pharaoh S II massage chair (Bodyfriend)

The chair provided me with a luxurious massage in minutes. It has many features, including a premium XD massage module that can adjust the position and range of the massage rollers to fit your body shape and preference. It also has an S&L frame that can massage your entire body from head to toe. In addition, the Pharaoh S II massage chair has a specialized leg massage that includes a calf roller, airbags that knead both sides of your calf and feet, and a sole roller that targets acupoints on your sole. 

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The Pharaoh S II also has some special features that set it apart from other massage chairs. It has a brain massage mode that uses binaural beats to stimulate your brain waves and help you relax. It has a palm shiatsu mode that uses magnetic reflexology to massage the acupoints on your hands. It also has a rest mode that uses patented technology to heal your body. And it has 26 auto modes that you can choose from depending on your mood and needs. At 12 grand, you would expect something this remarkable from that price tag.

10. How AI is helping people see better

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OrCam MyEye is a small device that can be clipped to any pair of glasses. MyEye uses artificial intelligence to scan and read any text, whether it is on a screen, a book, a sign or a menu. The device can also recognize faces, colors and money. The device speaks the information to the user through a mini speaker or a wireless earpiece.

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You control the device with simple gestures or voice commands. One of the features of the MyEye device is Smart Reading, which allows the user to ask for specific information from a text, such as the date, the headlines or the prices. The MyEye device can really enhance the independence and quality of life of people with visual impairment.

Bonus: No ordinary eyeglasses

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One last product that also literally caught our eye that I wanted to tell you about is Vixion01 eyewear. These are no ordinary eyeglasses. They have a special feature that makes them autofocus. That means they can automatically adjust the lenses to match the distance of whatever you are looking at.

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They have a built-in time-of-flight depth sensor that helps them figure out the distance between your eyes and what you want to see, and then they make the lenses sharper or softer. You can focus on anything without using your eye muscles. Sold only right now in Japan for $690, this high-tech eyewear is expected to eventually be rolled out into global markets including the U.S. 

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Kurt’s key takeaways

These are just some of the amazing health devices that were showcased at CES 2024. They can help you improve your well-being, fitness, and beauty. Whether you want to monitor your vital signs, enhance your sleep quality, or stimulate your brain, there is a device for you, and it’s likely powered by AI.

What do you think of these health devices? Which one would you like to try? 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.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.



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Snow shoveling safety tips to prevent injury and heart attacks

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While snow may be peaceful and pretty, removing it can be risky.

Snow shoveling is one of the most dangerous winter activities, with research showing that it leads to around 11,500 injuries and medical emergencies and 100 deaths each year.

The American Heart Association has identified snow shoveling as an activity that can put extra stress on the heart.

PREVENT DANGEROUS FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS BY TAKING KEY STEPS

Beyond cardiac events, other common injuries include broken bones, cuts, bumps and bruises from slipping and falling.

Two doctors shared with Fox News Digital their insights and recommendations about safe snow shoveling.

Snow shoveling is one of the most dangerous winter activities, with research showing that it leads to around 11,500 injuries and medical emergencies and 100 deaths each year. (iStock)

Why is shoveling snow so dangerous?

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ohio-based company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, noted that there is an overall increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality during the winter months. 

“This is due to multiple factors including seasonal temperature, level of physical activity, air pollution, infections, stress levels and fluctuations in diet,” he told Fox News Digital.

CANADIAN POLITICIAN’S TWEET ABOUT WIFE SHOVELING SNOW AFTER 12-HOUR HOSPITAL SHIFT TAKES UNEXPECTED TURN

Physical inactivity is a major factor, Serwer noted, as during the winter months, people tend to be less active and thus are less prepared for the high physical demands of shoveling.

“It is often underestimated what kind of physical workload is required to shovel a substantial amount of snow,” Serwer said. “Shoveling snow can be a very strenuous activity, placing notable strain on the cardiovascular system.”

Frigid temperatures also increase the risk.

Man shoveling snow

It’s safer to push the snow out of your path instead of lifting a heavy snow shovel over your head, said one doctor.  (iStock)

“Cold temperatures can cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and can put extra strain on the heart,” he said.

It’s also easy to become dehydrated while working in cold climates, as people tend to forget to replace fluids as needed, Serwer noted.

“It is also important to note that orthopedic injuries are very common due to falls from slick conditions,” he said.

Tips to reduce risk while shoveling snow

To ensure adequate protection from the cold, Serwer recommends dressing in layers — including coats, hats, scarves and gloves — to avoid overheating, shedding them as you warm up.

Sarah Lee, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown campus, warned people to watch out for signs of frostbite, particularly in the fingers, toes and nose.

ASK A DOC: ‘HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY SKIN DURING THE WINTER?’

Some early symptoms of frostbite include severe cold, pain, swelling and discoloration. 

“If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you go to a warm place immediately,” Lee told Fox News Digital. “Be sure to change into warm and dry clothes once inside.”

It’s also important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and tobacco products while working, the doctor said.

Hurt back shoveling snow

When lifting heavy amounts of snow, it’s important to do the heavy lifting with your legs to prevent straining your back. (iStock)

Before getting started, experts recommend warming up with stretches. 

“Shoveling snow uses a lot of big muscle groups,” said Lee, who is also an instructor of emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Stretch before starting to warm up your muscles and joints.”

NEW YEAR, NEW ROUTINE: A GUIDE TO BASIC STRETCHING FOR BETTER OVERALL HEALTH

When lifting heavy amounts of snow, it’s important to do the heavy lifting with your legs to prevent straining your back, added Lee.

For those who are not typically very active, it’s important to “take extra caution and know your limits,” Lee said.

“Try to avoid overexerting yourself and take plenty of small breaks if you are shoveling a large area,” she advised.

Elderly woman shoveling snow

For those who are not typically very active, it’s important to “take extra caution and know your limits,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

To prevent slips and falls, Lee warned to watch out for black ice, which can be hard to detect. 

“The colder the weather, the more likely it will be that there will be frozen ice on the ground,” she noted.

Particularly for elderly people, Lee recommends keeping their cell phone in their pocket so they can call for help in the event of an emergency.

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When removing snow, Serwer said it’s safer to push the snow out of your path instead of lifting a heavy snow shovel over your head.

People with certain conditions or risks should consult with a doctor before shoveling, the doctors agreed.

A woman clears chunks of snow in Arizona

To prevent slips and falls, a doctor warned to watch out for black ice, which can be hard to detect.    (Rachel Gibbons/The Daily News-Sun via AP)

“Generally, those who have any mobility-limiting conditions or those with high fall risks — those who are elderly, deconditioned or have a more sedentary lifestyle — should exercise extra caution,” said Lee.

People who have a history of cardiac problems should check with their doctor before any kind of strenuous exercise, she said.

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“Patients who take blood-thinning medications should also take special care to avoid falls,” Lee added.

For those who are at a high risk of cardiac events, the experts recommend hiring someone else to complete the task.

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

Surmount Announces Their Acquisition of Blackhedge –Blackhedge Makes AI Trading Accessible to Individuals Via Their Mobile App

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Automate investments with fully tested strategies. Easily find & evaluate pre-built investment strategies with genuine track records. They are going to change the game for individual investors.

Havre De Grace, Maryland, January 12, 2024, Surmount is noted for changing how individual investors approach public markets through offering easy-to-use automated investing services for just about any asset class. The company’s vision is to ultimately provide simple access to / the ability to easily automate all investment classes, but that will take some time.

The two teams met at Techstars Foundercon. Techstars is an investment and innovation group that connects entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and city governments to solve challenges across industries and geographies. Both teams are very excited about the deal and how this positions Surmount moving forward.

They started talking, and realized that it made a lot of sense to join forces at Surmount, where the product is a couple of years ahead overall, but Blackhedge has been specializing in ML/AI strategies, which Surmount wants to continue adding development efforts towards, being that is where they got their start in 2020 by offering AI strategies for free to hedge funds and prop trading firms, and have spent the last 2 years building a strong database & pipeline to offer it to individuals.

Blackhedge makes AI trading accessible to individuals via their mobile app; they have 3,000 active users as of January, 2024. Their founders, Mahmood Saboungi and Danish Sayed, will be joining Surmount in marketing & engineering roles.

BlackHedge uses state of the art artificial intelligence technology to help predict trends in the stock market. Their mission is to provide technology to their users that can be used to help manage their portfolios, and provide a return over time that exceeds the market average.

Their proprietary algorithm uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze various technical indicators of all NYSE and NASDAQ-listed stocks, adjusted per time scale, to generate signals that predict if the price will go up or down.

Surmount has been largely self-funded from investor Logan Weaver, but has raised $1.8M from top investors such as Andy Ballester (founder of GoFundMe), David Magerman (Renaissance Technologies), leading executives from Morgan Stanley & BNY Mellon, as well as Techstars & some VCs.

Surmount wants to put a data-driven hedge fund in any investor’s pocket, and enable them to view and manage all of their investment accounts from one dashboard, as well as the ability to automate investments with prebuilt data-driven strategies and turn ideas into potential profit with strategy builders.

For complete information, visit: https://surmount.ai/

Media Contact:

Surmount
Attn: Media Relations
Havre De Grace, Maryland
info@surmount.ai

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Surmount Announces Their Acquisition of Blackhedge –Blackhedge Makes AI Trading Accessible to Individuals Via Their Mobile App 57
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Surmount Announces Their Acquisition of Blackhedge –Blackhedge Makes AI Trading Accessible to Individuals Via Their Mobile App 58

Spam text FAQ: What to do, what NOT to do and how to get less

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1 WOMAN TEXTING

Buzz, buzz! Nope, it’s not a message from a friend. It’s another scammer pretending to be anything from your bank to an old high school friend, usually with an obvious trap included. In 2022, Americans lost almost $330 million through text message scams alone.

There is a way to handle text spam, but many people make things worse instead of better. Here are the answers everyone with a phone (including growing kiddos) needs to know.

FIVE SMART, SIMPLE TECH CHANGES TO MAKE 2024 BETTER

Where are all these spam texts coming from?

Robocalls are decreasing, and scammers rely more on texts, which shot up over 12 billion monthly in 2023. Everyone is getting more of them. You may be targeted because:

Can I block spammy texts permanently?

Maybe not entirely, but you can make a big difference in how many you receive. Do this to stop a new text storm:

Should I answer a text and ask them to stop?

No! A hard and fast rule: Never reply to a spam text. That just confirms your number is active and you’ll start getting even more scammers hitting you up. And don’t try replying “STOP,” “NO” or anything else, even if that works on legitimate subscriptions. 

SMARTPHONE TRICKS EVERY IPHONE AND ANDROID USER SHOULD KNOW

Instead, block the phone number and mark the message as spam. Then, hit the delete button.

How do I make sure a text is legit?

It’s tricky, and there’s no one way. Instead, look for signs. 

When you’ve got time: Stop by my guides for protecting against malware and scam apps to delete pronto!

TALK TECHY TO ME: GET YOUR WORK DONE FASTER WITH THIS PRO TIP

Keep your tech-know going 

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST PICK: $661K bank scam, malware targeting kids & FB Marketplace pro tips

Plus, I chat with Professor Scott Galloway about his views that Gen Z should be educated on mating dynamics — especially with sexbots on the rise. I’ll also show you how to spot phony retail sites, introduce a woman who turns her dating app matches into music and introduce you to ChatGPT Plus’s file analysis tool.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

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Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.

Copyright 2024, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.



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Teen drug overdoses hit record high in 2022, driven primarily by fentanyl poisoning

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A record number of high school teens died of drug overdoses in 2022 in an alarming trend driven primarily by fentanyl poisonings from counterfeit pills, according to a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Boston researchers found that an average of 22 adolescents ages 14 to 18 years old died each week in the U.S. from drug overdoses in 2022. 

The death rate for drug overdoses among teens is more than double what it was in 2018, according to the study, which is entitled “The Overdose Crisis Among U.S. Adolescents.”  

5 MYTHS ABOUT KETAMINE, THE DRUG TIED TO MATTHEW PERRY’S DEATH, ACCORDING TO DOCTORS

A total of 1,125 teens died of drug overdose or poisoning in 2022, making it the third-leading cause of death for teenagers across the country – behind firearm-related injuries and motor vehicle crashes, respectively, the report said.

“Fewer teens than ever are actively using drugs, and yet more teens than ever are dying,” senior author Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, told Fox News.

A record number of high school teens died of drug overdoses in 2022 in an alarming trend driven primarily by fentanyl poisonings from counterfeit pills. (iStock)

“And that’s because drug use isn’t becoming more common — it’s becoming more dangerous.”

In 2002, 21% of high-school seniors said they had used an illicit drug besides cannabis in the previous year. 

By 2022, that share had fallen to 8%.

PARENTS PREPPING FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME ARE URGED TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT DRUGS: ‘FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS’

Meanwhile, at least 75% of adolescent drug overdose deaths are from fentanyl poisonings, the researchers found. 

As other studies have found, those poisonings primarily occur when teens inadvertently take counterfeit pills laced with a lethal dose of the synthetic opioid.

Parent with teen

Parents should have frank conversations with their teens about risk reduction strategies for those experimenting with drugs, the study author noted.  (iStock)

“It’s really clear that the problems started to take off a little bit before COVID and then really accelerated during the COVID pandemic,” Hadland told Fox.

“Teens were isolated and they weren’t able to go to school or engage in the usual activities — and we know that health care systems became more difficult to access.”

Now, there’s no sign of this trend reversing or slowing.

Fentanyl Pills

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized over 1.2 million fentanyl pills between two busts on Dec. 29. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

The study identified Arizona, Colorado and Washington as the hotspot states. There, adolescent drug overdose death rates were nearly twice the national average or higher between 2020 and 2022. 

Hotspot counties included Maricopa County, Arizona, and Los Angeles County, California, which had the highest number of overdose deaths (117 and 111, respectively).

“If Narcan was in our home, this could have been a very different reality.”

In March 2021, 17-year-old Xavier Gerchow was playing basketball with a friend before he died of fentanyl poisoning.

When Gerchow felt sore after playing, his friend offered to split a Percocet with him. Gerchow later went to sleep at his home and never woke up. 

Gerchow’s friend was rushed to the hospital and survived, but Gerchow did not.

The Percocet turned out to be a fake — it contained 99% fentanyl and 1% cocaine. 

“The friend did not pass away from the pill because he had a tolerance to fentanyl,” Madison Gerchow, Xavier’s sister, told Fox. “But Xavier passed away within minutes because he had a clean system.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Experts recommend that parents discuss the dangers of counterfeit pills and keep over-the-counter Naloxone or Narcan – the overdose reversal medicine – readily available at home. 

Research has shown that about two-thirds of teens who die of an overdose pass away in their homes. 

“Often, health insurance will cover it with little to no co-pay, and I recommend that parents and teens keep this in their homes in a central location, just like you would a fire extinguisher,” Hadland suggested.

Narcan

Experts recommend that parents discuss with teens the dangers of counterfeit pills and keep over-the-counter Naloxone or Narcan – the overdose reversal medicine – readily available at home.  (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

While the doctor recommends that parents emphasize to their teens that they should stay drug-free, he also encourages parents to have frank conversations about risk reduction strategies for those experimenting with drugs. 

“We can’t use scare tactics … [or] fearmongering, because when we’re overly dramatic, it turns teens off,” Hadland noted. “Studies show that when we’re overly dramatic, teens will sometimes do the opposite of what we hope they’ll do.”

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Madison Gerchow started the X Foundation in honor of her only brother, Xavier. 

The foundation aims to remove the stigma surrounding fentanyl poisoning by raising awareness and providing education about the epidemic.

“I wish we had educated Xavier or ourselves and friends,” Gerchow said. 

“If Narcan was in our home, this could have been a very different reality.”

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

Fauci admits social distancing not based on science, ‘sort of just appeared’

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the public face of the U.S. coronavirus pandemic response, told lawmakers this week that the social distancing recommendations forced on Americans “sort of just appeared” and were likely not based on scientific data.

Fauci, 83, made the startling revelation in a closed-door interview with the House Select Committee on Coronavirus Pandemic. He also testified that the lab leak hypothesis – which was often suppressed – was not a conspiracy theory and that the policies and mandates he promoted may increase vaccine hesitancy in the future, Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, wrote in a statement Wednesday. 

Wenstrup’s committee has been investigating whether government officials at the time, including Fauci, worked to suppress questions about whether the pandemic was the result of a lab leak in Wuhan. 

‘PANDEMIC SKIP,’ A COVID MENTAL HEALTH PHENOMENON, COULD DELAY MAJOR MILESTONES, EXPERTS SAY 

Republicans have accused those officials of pushing the natural origin theory in a bid to protect China.

Dr. Anthony Fauci arrives for a closed-door interview with the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 8, 2024. At right, people comply with social distancing rules during the pandemic in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images | Noam Galai/Getty Images)

Fauci became a politically polarizing figure during the pandemic. He was vilified by those opposed to lockdowns, masking rules and vaccine mandates, while being idolized by those who agreed with the government’s actions.

“Dr. Fauci’s transcribed interview revealed systemic failures in our public health system and shed light on serious procedural concerns with our public health authority,” wrote Wenstrup, a physician of over 30 years.

FAUCI SHOULD GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF THE WORST PEOPLE TO EVER HOLD PUBLIC OFFICE: RAND PAUL

“It is clear that dissenting opinions were often not considered or suppressed completely. Should a future pandemic arise, America’s response must be guided by scientific facts and conclusive data.”

Many schools across the country were shuttered in order to comply with the six-foot rule of social distancing in an effort to stop the spread of the virus, while it also helped spur lockdowns and restrictions in public spaces as well as bars and restaurants.     

However, Fauci, according to Wenstrup, characterized the development of the guidance by stating “it sort of just appeared.”

Anthony Fauci

Anthony Fauci is shown wearing a mask during the COVID pandemic. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Fauci also acknowledged that the lab leak hypothesis, which claims the coronavirus originated from a lab in Wuhan, China, is not a conspiracy theory. 

In fact, Wenstrup said Fauci played semantics with the definition of a “lab leak” while acknowledging that a lab leak was possible.

Wenstrup said the admission came nearly four years after prompting the publication of the “Proximal Origin” paper that attempted to vilify and disprove the lab leak hypothesis.

Wenstrup said Fauci also admitted that America’s vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase vaccine hesitancy in the future and that he had advised American universities to impose vaccine mandates on their students.

COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS: WHAT’S UP WITH NOSTALGIA FOR THE ‘OUTBREAK ERA’?

“It’s been proven that when you make it difficult for people in their lives, they lose their ideological bulls—, and they get vaccinated,” Fauci previously stated. 

Wenstrup also said the committee was “frustrated” by Fauci’s inability to recollect COVID-19 information that was important to the investigation, although he praised him for appearing. 

Fauci also denied allegations that he visited the CIA during the pandemic or influenced the CIA’s investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

COVID vaccine

Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup said Fauci admitted that America’s vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase vaccine hesitancy in the future. (iStock)

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who has been Fauci’s biggest nemesis, said in an appearance on “The Ingraham Angle” on Tuesday that Fauci lied about the origins of COVID.

“The one thing that’s consistent about Anthony Fauci is that what he says in private is largely true, what he says in public is largely a lie.”

 COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS CAUSED ‘COLLECTIVE TRAUMA’ AMONG US ADULTS, NEW POLL SAYS

“When asked by a fellow co-worker, Sylvia Burwell, he told her the truth. He said the masks don’t work because the pores are bigger than the virus … but then in public he wears three masks and in private he tells his colleagues you don’t need to wear one.”

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“It’s the same with immunity, it’s the same with the vaccines, and it’s really the same with gain of function,” Paul said. In basic terms, the point of gain-of-function research is to make a virus more dangerous and supporters argue that the research can prepare scientists to handle it if one day the virus were to mutate naturally.

“In private he said, yes, we’re suspicious that the virus was manipulated, looks manipulated and we know they’re doing gain of function in Wuhan. He describes it — that’s in a private email.”

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“In public, to this day, he still denies that they funded any gain of function research in Wuhan. It’s all an entire lie.”

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

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A secret trick to turn your iPhone into a countdown timer for any occasion

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Do you have an event that you are looking forward to?

Maybe it’s your birthday, your anniversary, your graduation, an election or your vacation.

Whatever it is, you can make it feel more exciting and special by creating a countdown on your iPhone with the “How Many Days Until” shortcut. It’s easy, fun, and customizable.

Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps.

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Open the Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app is a powerful tool that lets you automate tasks and create personalized actions on your iPhone. You can find it by swiping down on the top of your phone screen and searching “Shortcuts.” If you don’t have it installed, you can download it for free from the App Store.

shortcuts app 1

Shortcuts app on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Find the ‘How Many Days Until’ Shortcut

  • Once you open the Shortcuts app
  • Click on the Gallery icon on the bottom right of the screen
  • Then type in “Days”
  • You will see a shortcut called How Many Days Until that calculates the number of days between today and a date of your choice
  • Go ahead and click on the How Many Days Until shortcut to add it to your shortcuts
  • Next, tap Set Up Shortcut

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shortcuts app 2

Steps to find “How Many Days Until” shortcuts app on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to configure the ‘How Many Days Until’ Shortcut

Once you tap Set Up Shortcut, a screen will pop up that lets you configure the “How Many Days Until” shortcut. You will need to input two things: the date of the event and the name of the event.

  • For example, if you want to create a countdown for your birthday on February 14, 2024, you will enter “02/14/2024” as the date
  • Then tap Done
  • Then click Next
  • Now, you will then be asked, “What is the name of the event?” Type “My Birthday” as the name.
  • Then tap Done
  • Then click Add shortcut
3 A simple trick to turn your iPhone into a countdown timer for any occasion

Steps to configure the shortcut on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: POLICE URGE PARENTS TO TURN OFF APPLE IPHONE SETTING DANGEROUS TO KIDS

If you want to create more than one ‘How Many Days Until’ shortcut

If you want to create more than one “How Many Days Until” shortcut, you’ll want to rename each shortcut to differentiate them.

  • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
  • Tap on the Shortcuts tab at the bottom left of the screen
  • Then tap All Shortcuts 
  • Find the How Many Days Until shortcut you want to rename and long press on it
  • Scroll down and tap Rename
  • Then next to “How Many Days Until,” add the event. For example, “How Many Days Until Vacation.” (Note: You’ll want the event to match the name of the event you originally called it when you created the shortcut)
  • Then tap Done
SHORCUT app 4

Steps to rename the shortcut on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Run the shortcut manually or by asking Siri to run it

Now that you have set up the “How Many Days Until” shortcut, you can run it from the app by tapping on the shortcut, and the time left to your event will appear at the top of the screen, or by asking Siri to run it for you. Just say, “Hey Siri, How Many Days Until?” and Siri will display the time left until your event at the bottom of the screen. That is if you’ve only set up one “How Many Days Until” shortcut. 

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shortcut app 5

Results of running the “How Many Days Until” shortcut (left is manual; right is with Siri) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Now, if you have more than one “How Many Days Until” shortcut and you are using Siri, you’ll need to include the event when speaking. For example, “Hey Siri, How Many Days Until Vacation?” or “Hey Siri, “How Many Days Until My Birthday.” 

MORE: THE NEW IPHONE SECURITY THREAT THAT ALLOWS HACKERS TO SPY ON YOUR PHONE

How to edit a ‘How Many Days Until’ shortcut

  • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
  • Tap on the Shortcuts tab at the bottom left of the screen
  • Find the How Many Days Until shortcut you want to edit and long press on it
  • Tap Edit and make the changes you want in the shortcut editor.

How to share a ‘How Many Days Until’ shortcut

  • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
  • Tap on the Shortcuts tab at the bottom left of the screen
  • Find the How Many Days Until shortcut you want to share and long press on it
  • Tap Share and choose how you want to share the shortcut, such as via Messages, Mail, etc.

 How to delete a ‘How Many Days Until’ shortcut

  • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
  • Tap on the Shortcuts tab at the bottom left of the screen
  • Find the How Many Days Until shortcut you want to delete and long press on it
  • Scroll down where it says “Delete” and tap it
  • Confirm your decision by clicking Delete Shortcut

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Kurt’s key takeaways

You now know how to create a countdown for your event. You can check it anytime you want and feel the anticipation and excitement. You can also create multiple countdowns for different events. You can even let your friends and family know you are counting down to your event and invite them to join the celebration.

How do you celebrate the events that you are counting down to? Do you have any rituals, traditions, or surprises that you like to do? 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.

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Right-wing party allegedly discussed deporting millions from Germany at meeting with Identitarian Movement

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A meeting between one of Germany’s rising right-wing political parties and a hard-line identitarian group is raising questions about their alleged discussion of deporting millions from the nation.

Investigative journalism group Correctiv published a report Wednesday on the meeting between the Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party and the Identitarian Movement in November.

At the meeting, Identitarian Movement member Martin Sellner allegedly presented a plan for “remigration” of immigrants out of Germany, including those who already have citizenship but have failed to integrate.

GERMAN POLITICIAN LAUNCHES NEW PARTY, POISED TO CHALLENGE RIGHT-WING OPPOSITION

Participants at an Alternative for Germany rally gather with German flags and signs to protest against a planned refugee shelter in the Paunsdorf district. (Sebastian Willnow/picture alliance via Getty Images)

AfD leader Alice Weidel did not attend the alleged meeting, but her personal assistant Roland Hartwig and a state leader were present.

AfD has confirmed the meeting, which was allegedly captured on hidden cameras, took place but rejected assertions that it reflects their party policy.

“The AfD won’t change its position on immigration policy because of a single opinion at a non-AfD meeting,” a spokesperson told news outlet Reuters. 

‘TOO MANY ARE COMING’: GERMANY GRAPPLES WITH SOARING ASYLUM APPLICATIONS AS RECORDS SHOW 51% SURGE

AfD Identitarian Movement mansion meeting

View of a guest house in Potsdam where Alternative for Germany politicians are said to have attended a meeting in November, according to a report by the media outlet Correctiv. The best-known representative of the far-right Identitarian movement, Martin Sellner, is also said to have taken part. (Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Sellner also commented on the report, claiming he had no intention of distinguishing between German citizens or challenging their constitutional rights.

“I made very clear that no distinctions can be made between citizens — that there can be no second-class citizens — and that all remigration measures have to be legal,” Sellner told the outlet.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the AfD and Identarian Movement in a statement on social media, comparing them to the Third Reich.

Olaf Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives for a cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

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“We protect everyone — regardless of origin, skin color or how uncomfortable someone is for fanatics with assimilation fantasies,” said Scholz. 

Mass-migration to Germany has become one of the most hotly contested issues in the country as its generous asylum and refugee policies have allowed millions to enter.

Scholz himself has stated that “too many are coming” in recent years as the nation’s social systems are reaching critical levels under the strain of surging arrivals.

6 ways to stay warm and save money this winter

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’Tis the season when the thermostat drops and the cost of heating rises. 

Luckily, there are a variety of ways to stay warm this winter that go beyond turning on central heating or throwing some logs in the fireplace. 

Whether you are staying in or stepping out, below are six different ways to stay warm(er) this season.

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1. Space heaters

Space heaters have long been a favorite for those needing to heat smaller spaces or not wanting to turn up the thermostat for their entire home.

stay warm 1

Navy-blue space heater on marble countertop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Top reasons to use a space heater:

  • Form factor: Because space heaters are small and usually portable, they are convenient to plug and unplug and transport with you from one room to another. This is especially convenient when you only want to heat where you are and not your entire home.
  • Cost Effective: Because the price of oil usually rises in the winter, it can be cheaper to use a space heater because it uses electricity, not gas, to heat.
  • Temperature Control: Because sometimes it is hard to control how hot or cold you get with central heating, the space heater gives you a little more control. You can also control how much hotter it can get by adjusting the temperature on the space heater and also by your proximity to it.

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There have been safety concerns over using space heaters, as improper use can cause fires. In addition to keeping the space heaters away from any objects, crowding them, or placing them where they can be knocked over, there are specific qualities to look for in a good space heater. Newer space heaters usually include technological advances to make them safer. To find out safer features to look for as well as our top picks of space heaters, check out the right way to use a space heater in this cold season.

2. Cozy indoor gear

STAY warm 2

A man staying warm with a blanket

This may seem like a very basic principle: wear more items to get warmer. Yet new winter gear is taking warmth to a new level: instead of piling on layers in your own home, a few select items can keep things simpler and warmer. Whether it is a cozy blanket that is made into an oversized sweater like comfy or refillable hand warmers, you can be assured to take the warmth with you from room to room. For these items and more, check out the best gifts for keeping cozy all year long.

MORE: 10 BEST POWER STRIPS AND SURGE PROTECTORS TO KEEP YOU AT 100%

3. Winter gloves

stay warm 3

Gray gloves holding a peach mug (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A good pair of gloves is a winter essential. All gloves, however, are not created equal. Several features available in more contemporary gloves can keep you warmer than gloves of years past:

  • Touchscreen friendly: At some point in your winter day or night, you’ll inevitably need to access your phone. And nothing makes you colder faster than having to take off your gloves in order to use your phone. Touchscreen-friendly gloves usually have special fibers in the thumb and index fingers, allowing you to use your phone with the gloves on. Now if only being touchscreen friendly could keep you from dropping your phone!
  • Waterproof: Winter usually brings rain or snow in most regions, and nothing makes you shiver and ruin the day faster than when your gloves get wet. Not only will it make you colder, but it is less likely to dry with dropping temperatures. Waterproof gloves, however, help to keep water and the chill out.

For our picks of best winter gloves in a variety of materials, check out the top 8 absolute best winter gloves that work on touch screens.

MORE: 10 APPS THAT WILL HELP YOU MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS A REALITY

4. Smart thermostat

stay warm 4

Ecobee smart thermostat (Ecobee)

When push comes to shove, turning on the central heating system is definitely necessary during the cold winter months. When you need to heat multiple rooms at the same time, or the temperature drops to a certain point, it may be time to turn on central heating. In order to keep the costs manageable, you can utilize a smart thermostat. One of the top reasons why a smart thermostat can keep you warm while saving you money is that it learns your and your family’s behavioral habits and adjusts temperature settings automatically. No more forgetting to turn off the heater before leaving the house again because your thermostat will turn it off for you.

For our favorite Smart Thermostat as well as other ways to keep bills lower, check out three crucial ways to keep temperatures high and bills low this winter.

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5. Wi-Fi Thermostat

stay warm 5

Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat (Sensi)

Even if you are ready to utilize central heating, it’s helpful to use a Wi-Fi thermostat if a smart thermostat is too expensive or incompatible with your system. Because you can access your central heating system while you’re away with a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can keep it off while you’re out of the house and turn it on when you are returning home so you can walk into a warm, comfortable home. It’s also great for those days when you can’t remember if you left the heating on or off because you can check with the corresponding app and turn it off if necessary.

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Find out the differences between smart vs. Wi-Fi thermostats as well as our picks in smart vs. Wi-Fi thermostats: the pros and cons + my 5 top picks.

6. Smart plugs

stay warm 6

By now, most people understand that electronic devices plugged into an outlet use energy even while the device is turned off. By using a smart plug, you can turn off the outlet completely. Additionally, smart plugs can be a great way to control your portable heating devices, such as space heaters or electric blankets. 

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If you own older models without auto shut-off features, it can be easy to leave them turned on, which increases the risk of overheating and causing a fire. But if you have your heated blanket or space heater plugged into a smart plug, not only can you make sure it isn’t using energy while off, but you can usually connect through the smart plug app to turn it off if you’ve accidentally left it on. Get more information on how smart plugs work and our top picks for the seven best ways to save money on your electricity bill.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The colder temperatures during the winter season may be inevitable, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find new ways to stay warm. Small to big additions to your life can bring more warmth and possibly monetary savings.

What are your tried and true winter staples? Are you one of those people who wait until it is absolutely necessary to turn on central heating, or do you turn it on as soon as you get a hint of chill? 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.

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Bottled water found to contain tens of thousands of ‘tiny plastic particles’ in new study

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People who drink bottled water may be getting more than just hydration, some researchers claim.

A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that each bottle of water can contain hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic below 1 micrometer, measured in billionths of a meter.

Researchers from Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, and Columbia Mailman School of Public Health in New York found that each liter of water contained around 240,000 of these plastic fragments.

That is 10 to 100 times more than previous estimates, the release stated.

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Because nanoplastics are so tiny, the concern is that they could make their way into people’s bloodstreams and organs and potentially enter individual cells, the researchers cautioned.

The potential health effects are still unknown.

A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that each bottle of water can contain hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics. “Previously, this was just a dark area, uncharted,” said the study’s co-author. “Toxicity studies were just guessing.” (iStock)

While previous studies provided broad estimates of nanoplastic amounts, this is the first study to identify the specific number of individual particles, the researchers noted.

They used a novel technique called stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, in which lasers stimulate the molecules of common plastics.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES CONTAIN MORE BACTERIA THAN TOILET SEATS DO, SAYS STUDY

“We developed a powerful optical SRS imaging technique for rapid analysis of nanoplastics with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity,” study co-author Beizhan Yan, an environmental chemist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, told Fox News Digital.  

“Previously, this was just a dark area, uncharted. Toxicity studies were just guessing what’s in there,” he added in a press release from the university. “This opens a window where we can look into a world that was not exposed to us before.”

Three popular types of bottled water were analyzed in the study, but the researchers did not specify the brands.

Row of bottled water

Three popular types of bottled water were analyzed in the study, although the researchers did not specify the brands. (iStock)

“We found approximately one quarter of a million tiny plastic particles in one liter of water, 90% of which are nanoplastics,” Yan said. 

“This number is about 10 to 100 times higher than previously estimated.”

Out of the seven types of plastic identified, the most prevalent was polyamide, a type of nylon.

Another was polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is the material used to make the water bottles themselves.

LEMON WATER HAS ITS HEALTH BENEFITS, BUT SHOULD YOU DRINK IT DAILY? EXPERTS WEIGH IN

Other detected plastics included polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate.

In future studies, Yan said he hopes to use a laser with higher power to increase the sensitivity and plans to identify additional types of plastic beyond these initial seven.

“Media reports about these particles in drinking water do nothing more than unnecessarily scare consumers.”

— Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA)

Celeste Meiffren-Swango, the Zero Waste program director at Environment America in Colorado, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that she believes “we have a public crisis on our hands — in our bodies and our water.” 

She went on, “This new nanoplastics study reinforces that plastics have infiltrated just about everywhere. The proof is indisputable: For the sake of human and wildlife health, it’s time for our society to move beyond plastics.”

Reaching for water bottle

Of the seven types of plastic identified, the most prevalent was polyamide, a type of nylon. Another was polyethylene terephthalate, which is the material used to make the water bottles themselves. (iStock)

The Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA) was not a participant in the research, but also reacted to the study findings in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“This new study by Columbia University … used bottled water to apparently demonstrate a new method for nanoplastics analysis due to a lack of currently available methods,” said a statement from Jason Hutzley, executive director of NEBWA.

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“This new method needs to be fully reviewed by the scientific community and more research needs to be done to develop standardized methods for measuring and quantifying nanoplastics in our environment.”

NEBWA noted that there is “a lack of standardized methods and no scientific consensus on the potential health impacts of nanoplastic and microplastic particles. Therefore, media reports about these particles in drinking water do nothing more than unnecessarily scare consumers.”

Composition with plastic bottles of mineral water.

The Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA) said there is “a lack of standardized methods and no scientific consensus on the potential health impacts of nanoplastic and microplastic particles.” (iStock)

The association’s statement also pointed out that microplastics and nanoplastics are found in thousands of food and beverage products packaged in plastic containers, not just water bottles. 

“Moreover, and perhaps even more important, nanoplastic and microplastic particles are found in all aspects of our environment — soil, air and water,” the statement added.

When contacted for comment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is not involved with the Columbia study, said it is aware of the studies that have been conducted on microplastics in the food supply. 

“While there is evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the food supply … there is a lack of evidence demonstrating that microplastics or nanoplastics occurrence in food poses a risk to human health.”

— U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“This is an area where the FDA has not only been monitoring the research but also working to advance the science through analysis of testing methodologies and other related work, including participation in the United States Government Nanoplastic Community of Interest,” an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. 

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“There have been fewer studies on nanoplastics because there are not as many reliable methods to measure them,” the agency continued. 

“This and other significant research gaps exist, but the FDA is not aware of scientific evidence that would support consumers being concerned about the potential level of microplastic or nanoplastic contamination in food, including bottled water.”

Man with bottled water

“We do not advise against drinking bottled water when necessary, as the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential impacts of nanoplastics exposure,” the study researcher said. (iStock)

“While there is evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the food supply, primarily from environmental contamination, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating that microplastics or nanoplastics occurrence in food poses a risk to human health.”

Bottled water processors must comply with “robust regulations,” the FDA noted.

Study author Yan acknowledged that further research is necessary to determine whether drinking bottled water containing nanoplastics could lead to adverse health effects. 

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“If people are concerned about nanoplastics in bottled water, it’s reasonable to consider alternatives like tap water and reusable bottles,” the researcher said. 

“However, it’s important to emphasize that staying hydrated is crucial for health,” he added. 

“Therefore, we do not advise against drinking bottled water when necessary, as the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential impacts of nanoplastics exposure.” 

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