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Winchester Cathedral offers historic medieval deanery as vacation rental

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One of England’s great medieval churches is offering a once-in-a-lifetime vacation offer to history buffs – with a few conditions.

Winchester Cathedral, which dates back to 1093, announced in late July that it was opening up its deanery as a holiday rental.

Normally home to the cathedral’s dean, the Tudor-era deanery has been unused since the last dean resigned in March 2025. The rental is available until a new one is appointed.

GIANT MEDIEVAL CASTLE HITS MARKET WITH SECRET PRICE TAG AND RESTORATION AHEAD

The cathedral is known for being the longest medieval Gothic cathedral in Europe. Its host city of Winchester is around 70 miles southeast of London, located in the county of Hampshire.

In its listing, the church said the deanery, which dates back to the reign of Henry VIII, is available as a vacation rental for the first time.

Winchester Cathedral is offering tourists a rare chance to stay inside its historic deanery residence. (Winchester Cathedral)

“Boasting features such as a 70-foot-long gallery – originally created to entertain Charles II of England – and a Roman mosaic in the porch, the deanery is set within the inner Cathedral Close and its residential community including priests and virgers,” the statement describes.

HISTORIC MEDIEVAL MONASTERY ONCE VISITED BY LEGENDARY KINGS HITS MARKET WITH ROYAL CATCH

The deanery also boasts an “abundant garden” filled with trees and flower beds, as well as proximity to the River Itchen – one of England’s unique chalk streams that has “gin-clear waters.”

Visitors won’t be sleeping in pews, but a Winchester Cathedral spokesperson told Fox News Digital that they’ll still get access to the cathedral’s nave.

“This appears to be the first instance of a holiday let offering short-term stays to temporary guests within a cathedral building located within the cathedral close.”

The access includes tours and entry to areas “typically closed to the public unless accompanied by a guide,” per the official.

“Based on the records available to us, this appears to be the first instance of a holiday let offering short-term stays to temporary guests within a cathedral building located within the cathedral close – a first of its kind,” the spokesperson said.

Image of garden from Winchester Cathedral living room

Guests can rent the deanery, normally reserved for clergy, for the first time in history. (Winchester Cathedral)

The official added that the deanery once hosted Charles II, as well as Queen Elizabeth II and former Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden.

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The offer has a few caveats: You must rent for at least three days, and full payment is required at the time of booking.

For a week-long stay, the deanery costs around $6,000 – and during the Christmas season, that rises to roughly $7,300 per week.

Dining area in Winchester Cathedral's deanery

Winchester Cathedral calls the deanery a “quintessential British home” that has been thoroughly modernized. (Winchester Cathedral)

Winchester Cathedral director of development Alasdair Akass called the deanery “a quintessential British home” that’s been thoroughly modernized.

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“Renting the deanery is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming families to enjoy its tranquil and beautiful setting,” Akass said.

In a funny twist, the cathedral also noted that the first family to rent the deanery was from the United States – and happens to have the last name Winchester.

View of English roofs from Winchester Cathedral's deanery windows

Weekly stays cost about $6,000, rising to $7,300 during the Christmas season. (Winchester Cathedral)

“[They] will occupy the building for 10 weeks for a family reunion,” the statement added.

England’s historic cathedrals are costly to maintain. 

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Winchester Cathedral’s site notes that the holiday rental contributes to the stunning roughly $19,000-a-day cost of upkeep.

Appeals court allows “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center to resume operations

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A federal appeals court on Thursday halted a lower court judge’s order to end operations indefinitely at the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center built in the Florida Everglades.

The panel voted 2-1 to stay the judge’s order pending the outcome of an appeal, allowing the facility to continue holding migrant detainees – for now.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction blocking Florida from further expanding the detention center and ordering operations to dwindle by the end of October. The judge also ordered the state to transfer detainees to other facilities and to remove equipment and fencing.

The rulings came after a lawsuit brought by Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe accused the state and federal officials of not following federal law requiring an environmental review for the detention center, which the groups argue threatens sensitive wetlands that have protected plants and animals.

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS FLORIDA FROM FURTHER EXPANSION OF ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ’ IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITY

A federal appeals court halted a lower court judge’s order to end operations indefinitely at the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center. (Alon Skuy/Getty Images)

“This is a heartbreaking blow to America’s Everglades and every living creature there, but the case isn’t even close to over,” Elise Bennett, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement.

In June, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration moved quickly to build the facility at a single-runway training airport in the middle of the Everglades to support President Donald Trump’s efforts to detain and deport migrants. DeSantis has said the facility’s location was intended to deter escape plans.

Trump toured the facility in July and suggested it could be used as a model for future facilities across the country to support his mass deportation plan.

Reacting to Thursday’s ruling, DeSantis said that claims that the facility would soon shutter were false.

“We said we would fight that. We said the mission would continue. So Alligator Alcatraz is in fact, like we’ve always said, open for business,” he said on social media.

LAWSUITS THREATEN TO UPEND ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ OPERATIONS

Trump, Noem, DeSantis tour migrant detention facility in Everglades

President Donald Trump toured the facility in July and suggested it could be used as a model for future facilities across the country to support his mass deportation plan. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Department of Homeland Security described the ruling as “a win for the American people, the rule of law and common sense.”

“This lawsuit was never about the environmental impacts of turning a developed airport into a detention facility,” DHS said in a statement. “It has and will always be about open-borders activists and judges trying to keep law enforcement from removing dangerous criminal aliens from our communities, full stop.”

Florida officials said in court papers this week that it would resume accepting detainees at the facility if the request for a stay was granted.

Though plaintiffs say the case is far from over, claiming that the facility will eventually be shut down.

Workers install a permanent Alligator Alcatraz sign. The facility is within the Florida Everglades, 36 miles west of the central business district of Miami, in Collier County. Florida, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Photo via Getty Images)

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit against “Alligator Alcatraz” say the case is far from over, claiming that the facility will eventually be shut down. (Getty Images)

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“In the meantime, if the DeSantis and Trump administrations choose to ramp operations back up at the detention center, they will just be throwing good money after bad because this ill-considered facility — which is causing harm to the Everglades — will ultimately be shut down,” Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, said in a statement.

The plaintiffs have argued that because Florida financed the project itself and the federal government hasn’t directly contributed, “Alligator Alcatraz” falls outside federal environmental review requirements, even though it houses federal detainees.

In Thursday’s ruling, the appeals court largely accepted those claims.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Home Wi-Fi network could be putting you and your personal data at risk

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Home Wi-Fi networks are the backbone of how most people get online, connecting laptops, phones, smart TVs and more. When properly secured, they offer a convenient and private way to browse the internet, stream content and work from home. But “private” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Wi-Fi security can be easily compromised if you have weak settings or outdated equipment.

I recently heard from Carol in Smithtown, New York, who asked, “Is it safe to browse the internet on your own laptop using only your home Wi-Fi?”

Her question points to a bigger concern. Many of us rely on home networks every day without really knowing if they’re as secure as they should be.

Let’s break down what makes a home Wi-Fi network secure, the risks you should know about and the steps you can take to protect your privacy.

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A person sets up their home router.

A user troubleshoots an internet router. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why home Wi-Fi security is important

Your home Wi-Fi is not just a way to get online but also the gateway to your personal and professional life. Everything from online banking to work emails to video calls passes through it. If your network isn’t secure, that information could be intercepted or exposed.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a home network is safe simply because it’s private. In reality, hackers often target residential networks because they tend to have weaker defenses than corporate ones.

Someone nearby could connect to your network if your password is weak or your encryption is outdated. This not only slows your internet but also lets them use your connection for illegal activities. Sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers and personal documents can be intercepted if the network is compromised.

11 EASY WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY IN 2025

Attackers can use an insecure network to push malicious software onto your devices, sometimes without you even realizing it. Smart devices such as security cameras, thermostats and speakers can be taken over and used for spying or as part of larger cyberattacks.

Even if you trust everyone in your household, your network is still exposed to risks from outside. And with so many devices connected today, including laptops, phones, tablets, TVs and IoT gadgets, there are more entry points for an attacker than ever before. Securing your Wi-Fi closes those doors before someone decides to try them. 

Illustration of a hacker at work

A hacker executes cybercrime. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Choose the right router for Wi-Fi protection

Every piece of Wi-Fi security advice ultimately comes back to the same foundation: your router. It is the gatekeeper for your entire home network. If it is old, poorly configured, or missing important updates, even the strongest passwords and best digital habits will not fully protect you.

Investing in a good router is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your home Wi-Fi. A modern, well-supported router gives you stronger encryption, better control over connected devices and regular updates that patch security flaws.

Don’t stop at the hardware itself. Check regularly for firmware updates from the manufacturer. Some new routers update automatically, but many require you to log in and install patches manually. Outdated firmware leaves known vulnerabilities wide open.

IS YOUR HOME WI-FI REALLY SAFE? THINK AGAIN

Also, change the default router login password immediately. Most routers ship with basic credentials like “admin/admin.” Attackers know this and can easily hijack your settings if you never change them.

If your router supports it, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for logins. This extra step makes it much harder for attackers to gain control, even if they steal your password.

If you are not sure where to begin, I have put together a list of some of the best and most secure routers you can buy right now by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Enable strong Wi-Fi encryption

Encryption ensures that the data flowing across your network is scrambled, making it useless to anyone who tries to intercept it. Without proper encryption, nearby attackers can capture and read your traffic.

The current gold standard is WPA3, which provides the strongest protection. If your router doesn’t support it, WPA2 is still considered safe and widely used. Older options like WEP or an open, password-free network are highly insecure and should be avoided at all costs. It’s worth logging into your router’s settings just to confirm what level of encryption your network is using.

Image of a home router in use

Cables run out of an internet router. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Create a strong Wi-Fi password

Your Wi-Fi password is the digital equivalent of the key to your home. A short or predictable password is like leaving a spare under the doormat, and anyone determined enough can find a way in. Instead, create a long passphrase that combines upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Aim for at least 12 to 16 characters.

Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

Check who is connected to your network

Even with a solid password, it’s smart to check who is actually connected to your network. Most routers allow you to view a list of active devices. If you spot something you don’t recognize, investigate. It could be a neighbor piggybacking on your connection or, in the worst case, an intruder.

It also helps to disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). This feature was designed to make connecting new devices easier, but it has security flaws that attackers can exploit. Some users go further by enabling MAC address filtering, which limits access to specific devices.

To reduce risk even more, set up a separate guest network for smart devices and visitors. That way, if one device gets hacked, your laptops and phones remain protected.

And remember, keep all your devices updated. From laptops and phones to smart bulbs and thermostats, every gadget is a potential entry point. A weak link in one device can put your entire network at risk.

IS YOUR PHONE HACKED? HOW TO TELL AND WHAT TO DO

Protect your privacy with a VPN

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, helps solve one of the biggest issues with online privacy, which is who can see what you’re doing. When you connect through a VPN, it creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the websites or apps you use. Everything that travels through this tunnel is hidden from outsiders, including your internet provider.

A reliable VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy and ensuring a secure, high-speed connection.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com. 

Don’t overlook antivirus protection

While your Wi-Fi settings form the first line of defense, you should also protect the devices connected to your network. Install strong antivirus software to block malware that could spread through downloads, emails, or malicious links. This extra step ensures that even if a threat slips past your router’s defenses, your devices stay protected.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

So, to return to Carol’s question: Is it safe to browse the internet on your home Wi-Fi? The answer is yes, but only if you take the time to secure it. Strong router settings, proper encryption and a solid password do most of the heavy lifting. Building habits such as checking who is connected, keeping devices updated and using tools like a VPN adds even greater peace of mind.

When was the last time you checked your router settings or updated its firmware? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.



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Fox Nation’s ‘Meet the American’ returns with the amazing invention story of the Frisbee

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A 1930s California beach boy, Walter Frederick Morrison, saw enormous opportunity in the playtime practice of skimming pie plates through the air.

That original vision led a worldwide sensation that’s explored in detail in a new Fox Nation special. 

“Meet the American” has returned for Season 2, with “America’s Newsroom” co-anchor Bill Hemmer showcasing an array of stories that make America great.

‘MEET THE AMERICAN’ VETERAN WHO CREATED PICKLEBALL AND FIND OUT HOW HE DID IT

Each episode highlights the individuals whose ideas, perseverance or innovations have left an enduring imprint on American culture — with a full episode devoted to the roots of the game of Frisbee. 

Fox News’ Hemmer recounts the remarkable story of fighter pilot Morrison, who invented the game after World War II.

Fox Nation’s “Meet the American” season 2 features a deep dive into the creation of the Frisbee amid the launch of a leisure lifestyle. (Angelo Merendino/Corbis via Getty Images)

Students at Yale and other New England schools had been tossing around empty pie tins from the Frisbie Baking Company in Connecticut, according to the Strong National Museum of Play. 

Morrison, together with Warren Franscioni, turned the casual activity into a game — developing a plastic disc version in 1948.

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The invention had an airfoil at the outer edge, dubbed “the Morrison slope.”

It helped the toy lift during flight, according to the same source. 

dog catching frisbee

A casual and fun outdoor activity was turned into a game, with a plastic disc version developed in 1948. (MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Wham-O toy founders purchased the rights in 1955, officially naming the flying saucer “Frisbee” in 1958.

“It was an instant phenomenon,” Tristan Lin, brand director for Wham-O, previously told Fox News Digital. 

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“Before you knew it, every college kid in America was playing Frisbee.”

The game soared in popularity, with Wham-O toy inventor Ed Headrick and other enthusiasts founding the International Frisbee Association in 1967.

fox nation meet american who created frisbee

“Before you knew it, every college kid in America was playing Frisbee,” said a brand director for Wham-O.  (iStock)

A Frisbee Golf Tournament followed a year later in California — while Ultimate Frisbee was later invented in New Jersey.

Eventually, Headrick left Wham-O to start “disc golf.”

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Today, the Professional Disc Golf Association hosts tournaments with participants from all over the world. 

As Smithsonian Magazine noted, “The flying disc had humble beginnings but has since become an international phenomenon.”

Fox News Digital’s Taylor Penley contributed reporting. 

Ashley J. DiMella is a Lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital. 

Azelastine nasal spray cuts coronavirus infection risk, study shows

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A new study has discovered another way to potentially prevent COVID-19.

Researchers at Saarland University in Germany headed a clinical trial that found a nasal spray could reduce the risk of coronavirus infection by two-thirds.

The phase 2 study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, ran from March 2023 to July 2024 at Saarland University Hospital.

NEW COVID VARIANT MAY CAUSE ‘RAZOR BLADE THROAT’ — HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

The 450 healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to receive either the azelastine nasal spray or a placebo, three times per day for 56 days.

The researchers conducted SARS-COV-2 rapid antigen testing twice a week to diagnose infection. People who had symptoms but received negative antigen test results underwent multiple PCR tests for respiratory viruses.

Azelastine nasal spray could potentially delay COVID-19 infection, according to new research. (iStock)

Among the 227 individuals who received the azelastine nasal spray, rates of confirmed COVID infection were “significantly lower” at 2.2%, compared with 6.7% for the placebo group.

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The researchers also noted an increase in the period before infection for the people taking azelastine. In these patients, the medication was linked to a lower rate of PCR-confirmed symptomatic infections and fewer confirmed rhinovirus infections (the primary cause of the common cold).

woman blows nose into tissue

Azelastine nasal spray may also help prevent other respiratory viruses, the researchers found. (iStock)

“In this single-center trial, azelastine nasal spray was associated with reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections,” the researchers wrote.

Azelastine has been available as an over-the-counter treatment for hay fever, according to a press release from Saarland University, and has previously been suggested to have an anti-viral effect against COVID and other respiratory viruses.

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Lead trial researcher Professor Robert Bals, director of the Department of Internal Medicine at Saarland University Medical Center, commented in a statement that the trial has demonstrated azelastine’s impact in a “real-world setting.”

Doctor tests man with nasal swab

Azelastine led to a reduction in the number of PCR-confirmed symptomatic infections, according to the study. (iStock)

“Azelastine nasal spray could provide an additional, easily accessible prophylactic to complement existing protective measures, especially for vulnerable groups, during periods of high infection rates or before traveling,” he went on.

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“Our results highlight the need for larger, multicenter trials to continue exploring the use of azelastine nasal sprays as an on-demand preventive treatment, and to examine its potential effectiveness against other respiratory pathogens.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Tourist-packed Lisbon tram derails, killing 15 amid overtourism blame

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A fatal derailment of Lisbon’s Glória Funicular during rush hour on Wednesday reportedly took the lives of at least 15 people and injured 18. A child is said to be among the injured.

Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents’ Association, is placing blame on “excessive tourism” leading up to the tragic train incident. 

“The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate,” he told BBC News. “It was used too much and the population lost the ability to use it as public transport, because it became a tourist attraction.”

LISBON’S HISTORIC GLÓRIA FUNICULAR DERAILS LEAVING AT LEAST 15 DEAD, 18 INJURED: REPORT

The cable-pulled tram, which has carried residents and tourists for generations, came off the tracks before crashing into a nearby building.

The Glória Funicular has long been a tourist draw. It connects Lisbon’s downtown with the Bairro Alto district and welcomes thousands of visitors annually, according to The Associated Press.

A fatal derailment of Lisbon’s Glória Funicular killed at least 15 people and injured 18 during rush hour. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Mass tourism has been a problem for a number of European communities, with towns now implementing taxes as some locals gather to protest the influx of visitors. 

In June, protesters in Lisbon called out the mass influx of foreign visitors.

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The demonstration was in solidarity with protests in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca as people shared their dismay about travelers in their country by spraying them with water guns.

First responders at scene of Lisbon crash

Some are placing blame on “excessive tourism” for causing the tragic incident.  (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Portugal’s historic city of Évora City Council implemented a tourist tax of nearly $2 (1.50 euros) per guest per night, which began on Aug 1., local news outlets reported. 

There were nearly 20 million international travelers who visited Portugal in 2024, according to Turismo De Portugal.

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Authorities have launched a probe into the mechanical failure of Glória Funicular while local media have cited concerns over recent maintenance schedules.

There were nearly 20 million international travelers who visited Portugal in 2024.

There were nearly 20 million international travelers who visited Portugal in 2024. (PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed condolences to victims’ families and pledged full transparency in the official investigation, saying, “It’s a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.”

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The Associated Press and Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report. 

Ashley J. DiMella is a Lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital. 

AI stethoscope detects 3 heart conditions in just 15 seconds, study finds

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The first artificial intelligence (AI) stethoscope has gone beyond listening to a heartbeat.

Researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust discovered that an AI stethoscope can detect heart failure at an early stage.

The TRICORDER study results, published in BMJ Journals, found that the AI-enabled stethoscope can help doctors identify three heart conditions in just 15 seconds.

AI TOOLS COULD WEAKEN DOCTORS’ SKILLS IN DETECTING COLON CANCER, STUDY SUGGESTS

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which partially funded the study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 1.5 million patients, focusing on people with heart failure symptoms like breathlessness, swelling and fatigue.

A total of 12,725 patients were examined with the new AI stethoscope technology. The patients were found to be twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure compared to similar patients not examined with the tool.

A practitioner uses an AI stethoscope on a patient at Imperial College London. (Imperial College London)

Patients examined with the stethoscope were also about 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm), which increases the risk of stroke.

AI stethoscope patients were also twice as likely to receive a heart valve disease diagnosis, where one or more valves work improperly.

FDA APPROVES FIRST AI TOOL TO PREDICT BREAST CANCER RISK

All three of these conditions require early diagnosis to receive potentially life-saving treatment, according to the BHF press release.

Dr Patrik Bächtiger, a clinical lecturer at Imperial College London, noted in a statement that the design of the stethoscope, which was developed in 1816, has not changed in 200 years.

pediatrician listening to girl's heartbeat with stethoscope

The first stethoscope, developed in 1816, has not been updated in 200 years. (iStock)

“It is incredible that a smart stethoscope can be used for a 15-second examination, and then AI can quickly deliver a test result indicating whether someone has heart failure, atrial fibrillation or heart valve disease,” he wrote.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, also commented in a statement that these heart conditions are often diagnosed at advanced stages when patients arrive at the hospital for emergency care.

“Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer.” 

“Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer,” she said.

Nearly 6.7 million people are living with heart failure in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PARENTS FILE LAWSUIT ALLEGING CHATGPT HELPED THEIR TEENAGE SON PLAN SUICIDE

Heart failure can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, weight gain, fatigue, weakness and swelling in the feet, legs, ankles or stomach.

The risk for heart failure can be brought on by conditions like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease-related conditions, the above source states.

Man holding chest, heart pain

Heart failure can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, weight gain, fatigue, weakness and swelling in the feet, legs, ankles or stomach. (iStock)

How the device works

The AI stethoscope, which is only about the size of a playing card, takes an ECG recording of the electrical signals from the patient’s heart. The microphone on the tool also records the sound of blood flowing through the heart.

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The recorded information is analyzed by AI algorithms that have been trained on health data from tens of thousands of people. The tool then generates a test result for heart failure risk.

A separate algorithm can detect atrial fibrillation, which often shows no symptoms.

The Eko DUO stethoscope, developed by Eko Health

The Eko DUO stethoscope, developed by Eko Health in California, uses AI to detect heart complications in seconds. (Eko Health)

Risks and limitations

Researchers suggest that there needs to be more integration of the technology into general practice, as 70% of practitioners with smart stethoscopes stopped using them after 12 months.

The study also found that two-thirds of people who were suspected to have heart failure were found to not have the condition after a further blood test or heart scan.

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“That could lead to unnecessary anxiety and tests for some people,” BHF wrote in the release. “The researchers stress that the AI stethoscope should be used for patients with symptoms of suspected heart problems, and not for routine checks in healthy people.”

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London commented on the emergence of AI in medicine.

MRI scans

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London warns that physicians should approach AI with careful consideration, although long-term use will be “more beneficial than detrimental.” (iStock)

“Deciding which protocol is the science of medicine; whether or not that protocol is actually appropriate for that patient is the art of medicine,” said the Georgia-based doctor. 

“And with AI, there isn’t a human quality to that at this point, so figuring out how to interface those two is a real challenge.”

“The AI stethoscope should be used for patients with symptoms of suspected heart problems, and not for routine checks in healthy people.”

London emphasized the need to use AI as “a framework, not as an absolute, because it can be wrong.”

“Particularly when we’re taking care of people … we must make certain that we are doing it properly.”

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

The doctor said he believes that in the long term, AI will be “more beneficial than detrimental” in medicine.

The TRICORDER study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), British Heart Foundation and Imperial Health Charity, and was presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress in Madrid.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Navy solar drone flies 73 hours nonstop in breakthrough endurance test

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The Navy, working with Skydweller Aero, just reached a major milestone in clean-energy aviation. Its solar-powered drone, known as Skydweller, flew for 73 hours straight without needing fuel. The test happened at Stennis, Mississippi, under the leadership of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

This breakthrough shows how renewable energy can power long-endurance missions while cutting costs and reducing reliance on fuel.

AMERICA’S SKIES ARE WIDE OPEN TO NATIONAL SECURITY THREATS, DRONE EXPERT WARNS: ‘WE HAVE NO AWARENESS’

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The solar powered Skydweller Aero drone sits on a runway.

The Navy flew a drone nonstop for over three days to test new long-endurance solar-powered autonomous aircraft technology. (Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division)

Navy solar drone proves nonstop endurance

The three-day nonstop flight proved that solar-powered drones can store enough energy during daylight to keep flying through the night. Engineers confirmed that Skydweller not only stayed airborne but also handled real-time autonomous decisions, adapted to turbulent weather and maintained secure communications.

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Officials say the drone’s wingspan matches that of a Boeing 747, yet it weighs about as much as a Ford F-150. With solar panels covering its massive wings, Skydweller powers four electric propeller engines during the day while storing extra energy in batteries for night flights.

The solar powered Skydweller Aero drone soars through the sky.

The Navy, in partnership with Skydweller Aero, recently achieved continuous solar-powered unmanned flight during a nonstop three-day test. (Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division)

Navy expands solar-powered surveillance

NAWCAD leaders say Skydweller will fit into the Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) network. Unlike expensive satellites or large drones such as the Global Hawk, Skydweller offers commanders a cheaper option for persistent monitoring. It can hover over an area in what experts call a “pseudo-satellite role,” freeing up more advanced systems for priority missions.

For U.S. Southern Command, Skydweller could help track drug trafficking, border security threats and other maritime challenges. Longer tests are already planned for this summer in the SOUTHCOM region, which covers Latin America and the Caribbean and oversees U.S. military operations in that area.

Skydweller is a solar-powered aircraft developed by Skydweller Aero, an Albacete-based developer of aircraft for the commercial and defense sectors, which announced the successful completion of autonomous flight tests in Castilla-La Mancha.

A solar-powered aircraft sits at Skydweller’s facility at Albacete airport on April 3, 2023, in Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. (Rey Sotolongo/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Future of solar-powered flight for Navy missions

While Skydweller has already logged nearly 220 flight hours, engineers believe it could stay airborne far longer. Weather and range limits kept this recent test at 73 hours, but in theory, the aircraft could remain aloft for weeks.

The Department of Defense sees platforms like Skydweller as vital for future conflicts where fuel resupply may not be possible. Renewable-powered drones could solve logistics headaches, especially in contested environments, which essentially means operating in places where enemies can block supply lines and make traditional refueling too risky.

What this means for you

The Navy’s solar drone test is proof that renewable energy can support technologies once thought impossible. If solar power can keep an aircraft in the air for days, similar advances may eventually reach consumer tech, disaster relief and even commercial aviation. Imagine cheaper, cleaner systems that can operate nonstop without fuel.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Navy’s solar-powered flight shows how far clean energy technology has come. By proving that drones can fly for days without fuel, the Navy highlights a future where endurance and efficiency go hand in hand. This milestone also points to practical uses beyond defense, from disaster response to global communications. As testing continues, the focus will shift from what is possible to how long these systems can stay airborne and how widely they can be deployed. The next step may redefine how we think about surveillance, security and renewable energy in the skies.

Do you think solar-powered drones will soon replace satellites as the go-to tool for global surveillance? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.



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Chagas disease spreading in US, primarily California, CDC study finds

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A little-known disease is spreading in the U.S., primarily in the state of California, health officials warn.

In a new study published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers state that human cases of Chagas disease have been confirmed in eight states, leading them to recommend that the disease is classified as “endemic.”

“Acknowledging the endemicity of Chagas disease in the United States is crucial for achieving global health goals,” the authors wrote.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a disease as “endemic” when there is a “constant presence and/or usual prevalence” in a population within a specific geographic area — in other words, the “baseline” level of disease within a community.

“Chagas disease (or American trypanosomiasis) is already endemic in South America and Central America, but it has now spread to the Southern U.S., where it is taking hold among insects and animals,” Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital.

Chagas disease is a parasitic illness spread by triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs,” according to the CDC. (iStock)

What is Chagas disease?

Chagas disease is a parasitic illness spread by triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs,” according to the CDC.

The disease is transmitted when feces from bugs infected with the T. cruzi parasite enter a person’s body, typically through a bite wound or contact with the eyes or mouth.

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“When the kissing bug takes a blood meal, it will eventually defecate and leave the feces somewhere,” lead study author Dr. Norman Beatty, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.  

“Sometimes it can ‘poop’ on our skin or mucous membrane while feeding, and then the parasite enters at that site. The bug’s feces can also end up inside or near a home and then be incidentally ingested or rubbed into the skin or mucous membrane.”

Man with stomach pain in house

“Chagas can lead to fever, fatigue, rash, body aches and lymph node swelling, and later can lead to digestive issues, heart problems and neurological involvement,” a doctor warned. (iStock)

Transmission in the U.S. can also occur from congenital infection, where a chronically infected mother can transmit the parasite to a fetus, or from organ transplantation, according to Beatty.

Signs and symptoms

The first stage of Chagas disease, called the acute phase, happens shortly after infection. It is followed by the longer-term chronic phase, according to the CDC.

The disease does not always cause illness, but some people can experience symptoms.

“Chagas can lead to fever, fatigue, rash, body aches and lymph node swelling, and later can lead to digestive issues, heart problems and neurological involvement,” Siegel warned.

“What really matters is whether or not the kissing bug has been found invading homes and harbors the parasite.”

Another hallmark of the disease is eyelid swelling, also known as Romaña’s sign.

In the chronic phase, about 20% to 30% of people with the infection may experience potentially fatal heart issues or serious digestive problems, the CDC states.

Prevalence of the disease

Approximately 300,000 people are living with Chagas disease who acquired the infection in Latin America and the U.S., according to Beatty.

“However, the exact number is unknown — a national prevalence study has never been conducted,” he told Fox News Digital.

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The disease is more likely to occur in states where the kissing bug is found close to where people live, which includes parts of California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana and Florida, according to the expert. 

“What really matters is whether the kissing bug has been found invading homes and harbors the parasite that causes Chagas disease in a particular region,” he said, adding that researchers are “just tipping the iceberg” with their understanding of locally-acquired disease in the U.S.

Chagas disease lab blood test

Lab screening tests and treatments are readily available, the researcher said, but clinicians are largely unaware that the disease is being transmitted. (iStock)

“Unfortunately, most of the United States is unaware of this ‘silent killer’ and the fact that it is spread by a bug,” he said. 

“Our first steps are recognizing that this is an endemic infectious disease, building on improved education among the public and healthcare providers, and allocating funding for research and programs to support testing and additional monitoring.”

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The expert refers to Chagas as a “neglected tropical disease.”

“Our hope as a team researching Chagas here in the U.S. is that we bring awareness to the fact that this infectious disease is being transmitted here and can be deadly,” he told Fox News Digital. “More research and resources are needed so we can help mitigate transmission to at-risk communities, especially those living in rural and agricultural sectors.”

Screening and treatments

In most circumstances, Beatty said, people are bitten by the bug in their bed or home. 

“From there, a person will reach out with a picture of that bug, and we start the process of testing and educating on how to prevent the insect from getting in the home and deterring it from wanting to be around a human dwelling.”

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Lab screening tests and treatments are readily available, Beatty said, but clinicians are largely unaware that the disease is being transmitted in certain communities. 

There are two antiparasitic drugs approved for the treatment of Chagas disease in the U.S. — Benznidazole and Lampit (nifurtimox).

Man holding chest, heart pain

In the chronic phase, about 20% to 30% of people with the infection may experience potentially fatal heart issues or serious digestive problems, the CDC states. (iStock)

“Currently, there is a clinical trial being conducted to assess a new agent for the treatment of Chagas at certain centers in the U.S. and Latin America,” Beatty said.

There are no vaccines currently available to prevent the disease.

It can be a challenge for patients in rural America to find a provider who understands this disease, Beatty noted.

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“In my clinic, people have traveled from other states to see me in Florida just because they have no one else near them willing to care for them,” the researcher said.

“It is essential that we start educating our future clinicians about Chagas disease and ways to test, treat and manage those infected.”

“People have traveled from other states to see me in Florida just because they have no one else near them willing to care for them.”

Beatty also shared some tips for preventing kissing bugs from entering the home.

That includes removing “harborages” of nesting animals near a home where rodents would reside, such as piles of wood or clutter.

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Sealing up door jambs, window seals and other entry points, as well as placing screens on windows and doors, can also be effective.

Beatty also recommends “judicial use” of residual pesticide-spraying near potential entry points, like door jambs and window perimeters.

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

Three ancient ‘fairy houses’ over 5,000 years old discovered in Sardinia

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Three ancient “fairy houses” have been uncovered on the Italian island of Sardinia, according to local officials.

The discovery was announced by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro on July 29.

Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean just south of France’s Corsica, is famed for its beaches and ancient ruins.

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The fairy houses – known as domus de janas in Sardinian – date back over 5,000 years to the late Neolithic and Copper Age. 

The name comes from local folklore, which imagined the chambers as dwellings for magical beings. Despite the fanciful name, though, the structures are actually tombs. 

Archaeologists in Sardinia uncovered three new “fairy houses,” or domus de janas. These ancient rock-cut tombs date back more than 5,000 years. (Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro)

Before the most recent excavation, archaeologists had found 17 of these tombs. 

Officials said that certain geographic features helped archaeologists identify the new structures, which brings the number of known domus de janas to 20.

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“The characteristics of the ground between [two tombs] … suggested the presence of a new, as yet unexplored tomb,” the statement noted.

“The excavations indeed brought to light three new domus de janas … arranged like a fan starting from the Tomb of the Hearth.”

“This new discovery enriches knowledge of the domus de janas.”

Pictures show archaeologists crouched down in the rock-cut tombs, carefully unearthing features and artifacts.

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The Sassari and Nuoro Superintendency reported that “numerous and significant finds” were uncovered, including pickaxes, a spindle whorl and a small greenstone axe.

The archaeologists also came across obsidian fragments and pottery shards. The most complex house – dubbed Tomb of the Roman Vases – contained a painted wall band, officials said.

Split image of house from inside, archaeologist brushing dirt

Archaeologists noted the ground between earlier tombs showed features suggesting more chambers, leading to the latest Sardinian excavation. (Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro)

It also held over 30 Roman-era ceramic pieces, including plates, oil lamps and jugs. The statement described all the artifacts as being “in excellent condition.”

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“This new discovery enriches knowledge of the domus de janas – tombs carved into rock that often reproduce, in relief, details of the houses of the living and symbolic decorations linked to magical-religious rituals,” the officials’ statement added.

Together, the tombs form part of a wider area called the Sant’Andrea Priu archaeological complex, which was recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Split image of male archaeologist digging, inside of "fairy house"

The domus de janas are part of the Sant’Andrea Priu archaeological complex, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro)

In another recent Italian discovery, archaeologists found an Etruscan tomb around 30 miles north of Rome – an unusual find that hadn’t been looted.

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In Rome, excavators found an ancient apartment building built decades before the birth of Christ.

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