In April 2023, New York City officials revealed several technologically advanced law enforcement tools. One is the robotic police dog known as ‘Digidog,’.
This 4-legged, 70-pound robot initially faced criticism for its “eerie presence” when introduced 2 1/2 years ago., but the new addition, which includes a GPS tracker, was introduced in a manner that prioritizes transparency and collaboration with the community, according to Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell. The unveiling occurred at a Times Square press conference attended by Mayor Eric Adams—the exact location where the K5 robot was displayed sometime after this.
“Digidog is back in action,” announced Adams, emphasizing that it is now an integral part of the city’s law enforcement toolkit” said Adams. He also advised that Digidog would only be deployed in high-risk situations, such as hostage standoffs.
Protests
Adams implied that he would not be influenced by the small group of people who protested the robot due to its dystopian image, but he did say he would consider their concerns. Adams noted that his commitment was based on the city’s best interests rather than bowing to a vocal minority.
No doubt Mayor Adams is an admirer of the latest technology that the city can offer to battle law enforcement, but his opponents have several complaints, namely:
Privacy: Critics fear the Digidog could be used for surveillance, potentially infringing on citizens’ privacy. They worry about its ability to record video and audio, especially in public spaces.
Escalation of Force: Some see the Digidog as a symbol of increased militarization of the police, potentially leading to an escalation of force in situations that could otherwise be handled peacefully.
Ethical Concerns: The ethical implications of using robots in law enforcement. Critics argue that using machines for activities like entering potentially dangerous situations removes the human element of judgment and compassion.
Effectiveness: Some question the Digidog’s effectiveness in crime-fighting, arguing that its high cost outweighs any potential benefits.
Proponents of Digidog
Privacy: Supporters of Digidog have pointed out that cameras are currently everywhere, used by both private and government entities. They also say that these cameras have helped in countless arrests and prosecutions.
Escalation of Force: Proponents state this is a subjective viewpoint and not a “carved in stone” scenario.
Ethical Concerns: Mayor Adams has highlighted the strategic use of Digidog in situations involving armed suspects or barricaded individuals, presenting it as a technologically advanced approach to law enforcement where it could potentially save the lives of police officers who would otherwise have to face the suspects themselves.
Effectiveness: This is a wait-and-see to see if the robot’s functionality will outweigh the costs. Supporters state that this is progress and robots and AI are here to stay now and in the future.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the Digidog highlights the complex issues surrounding the use of technology in law enforcement, balancing potential benefits with concerns about privacy, ethics, and responsible use.
Despite the advancements, civil libertarians and police reform advocates raised concerns about the necessity and cost of these high-tech devices. Critics questioned the allocation of resources to such technologies, highlighting other pressing needs in the community, such as food access and housing, and criticized the perceived overspending on law enforcement technologies.
Alaskapox is a recently discovered virus from the orthopoxvirus genus family (viruses obtained by human contact with animals). The disease is mainly known for causing skin lesions.
The Alaska Department of Health sent out a notice of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) epidemiologist Julia Rogers, who has been assigned to the Alaska Division of Public Health, stated, “Orthopoxviruses are zoonotic viruses, meaning that they circulate primarily within animal populations and occasionally spill over into humans.”
While it shares similarities with other orthopoxviruses like the variola virus (smallpox) and monkeypox, Alaskapox is still a mystery, with only a handful of cases reported.
Alaskapox Cases
The first individuals to acquire the disease were in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2015. Since then, only seven other cases have been documented as of February 2024, and all of them are in Alaska, most notably in the city of Fairbanks, which is perplexing.
Symptoms and Treatments
Symptoms typically involve one or more skin lesions resembling bumps or swelling accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. Additionally, joint or muscle pain may accompany it. Some cases involve the lesion persisting for six months or more, while others are resolved within weeks.
So far, there has been only one fatality in 2023, but this was an individual with an underlying health condition who succumbed to the virus. No specific treatment exists, and recovery relies on the body’s immune response, indicating that those with more healthy immune systems stand a better chance of recovering early.
Ongoing Research
Much research is required, but scientists suspect small mammals like voles and flying squirrels might be carriers, although the transmission process between animals and humans is unclear. While close contact seems a possibility, further investigation is still needed.
Also, the extent of the virus’s geographic distribution and potential for broader spread is undetermined.
Preventive Measures
Given the lack of current information, practicing general hygiene as we did with COVID-19 is recommended, especially in Alaska. Frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with sick animals remains prudent, and handling wild animals or keeping them as pets is not recommended. If you experience unexplained skin lesions, particularly if you’ve been in areas where Alaskapox is known to occur, consult your doctor promptly!
Looking to the Future
Continued research is crucial to understand the virus’s biology, transmission dynamics, and potential for wider spreading of the disease, and developing diagnostic tools and potential treatments would be vital for effective management. Public health awareness campaigns educating individuals about Alaskapox and preventive measures should be enacted.
Summary
Like other diseases, scientists suspect Alaskapox was acquired through animal contact; however, the virus appears rare. At least at this time, vigilance and ongoing research are crucial to ensure preparedness for future outcomes. Consult your healthcare provider or local public health department for accurate and up-to-date information if you have concerns.
While the virus remains a mystery, ongoing research will undoubtedly contribute to better preventative care and lead to a solution, such as a vaccine. We have to wait and see!
Sarcoidosis is a rare disease that can affect multiple organs within the body—characterized by the formation of small abnormal masses known as granulomas, which are part of thebody’s immune system.
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This condition can impact various organs, leading to a variety of symptoms. Although the precise cause of sarcoidosis remains elusive, researchers believe it involves an abnormal immune response, but that is not conclusive.
In one case, a 55-year-old man who has a strong immune system was diagnosed with the disease. An MRI found he has lymph nodesin his lungs, causing him to run out of breath by just walking up a flight of stairs. Although this condition is not fatal, the question arises how a physically fit individual be infected with the disease? More studies are needed.
Granulomas – The Explanation
As mentioned, one of the primary trademarks of sarcoidosis is the development of granulomas, a tight cluster of cells to fight off an infection or foreign substance commonly known as inflammation.
Granuloma development can be caused by pathogens, damaged cells, toxic compounds, and other conditions that infect the body. This inflammation can form in organs such as the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, heart, liver, and nervous system. The distribution of granulomas throughout the body contributes to the variability in symptoms and clinical manifestations.
This organ is the most commonly affected by sarcoidosis disease, and pulmonary symptoms are among the most prevalent. Individuals may experience persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In some cases, the ailment may advance to pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that results in the scarring of lung tissue, compromising respiratory functions.
Skin
Rashes and lesions are common symptoms of this disease. The manifestations on the skin can vary in appearance and include painful red nodules. Lupus pernio is one of these manifestations that can cause potential disfigurement. It is not essentially painful, but if other organs are affected, other symptoms could occur.
Heart and Nervous System
Cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare form of the disease, but it is concerning for individuals who have it as it can lead to cardiac complications. Studies have shown that cardiac sarcoidosis occurs in approximately 5-25% of people with sarcoidosis. However, it is a bit harder to diagnose since the developing symptoms are common with other heart-related ailments, such as arrhythmia.
Individuals who believe they may have this form of sarcoidosis should confer with their cardiologist regularly.
Treatments
Corticosteroids, the term used to group anti-inflammatory medications, are the most commonly prescribed drugs to reduce immune activity. Prednisone is one of the most popular meds prescribed in this group. A spray may be prescribed for those with pulmonary (lung) sarcoidosis.
Conclusion
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder that can affect various organs but is most commonly found in the lungs. The exact cause is unknown, but many medical researchers believe it involves an abnormal immune response.
Other factors may be from inheritance, and scientists are not ruling out environmental triggers, such as exposure to certain chemicals or infectious agents.
Research is ongoing to find the specific causes of this disease. Regular monitoring and medical follow-ups are crucial for individuals with this rare condition.
Not exactly, but it’s a start! New York City Mayor Adams has maintained his pledge to keep the city high-tech, and in so doing, he unveiled an autonomous robot that will patrol Times Square.
K5, as it is called, stands about 5′ high and about 4′ wide and will act as the eyes and ears of the police. It has four cameras and a button that can be pushed in an emergency.
The robotics company Knightscope created this autonomous machine. It stood beside Adams as he promoted it at a press conference in the Times Square subway, adorned with the NYPD colors. As the mayor demonstrated it, its cameras pointed directly at the reporters who attended the conference.
In keeping with the latest technology to fight crime in the city, the mayor said, “The NYPD must be on the forefront of technology and be two steps ahead of those who are utilizing technology to hurt New Yorkers,” Adams said. “And trust me. They are.”
NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper said, “It’s very important that the public knows what this robot is and what its capabilities are.”
Is K5 a Buy or Lease?
The city is leasing the drone robot. It will roam the Times Square station between midnight and 6 a.m. but not go onto subway platforms.
The robot will capture video footage only. It does not have audio, but it does have an emergency button that allows commuters to contact the police department with questions or to report an emergency. No facial recognition software is attached to the machine.
Some are Not Enthused
Civil rights advocates have alleged that the police department is not following the required protocols. Some say that a public review, as outlined in a law called the POST Act, is not being followed.
The statute requires the Adams administration to publish detailed descriptions of a new technology’s capabilities, how it will be used, and what will be done with any collected data. The public is supposed to have weeks to weigh in.
However, the NYPD stated that if this type of technology is similar to one already in use (the Digidog mobile robot), it should be incorporated into its existing impact statement.
The Legal Aid Society is questioning the NYPD and alleging that they are bypassing the concept of this law. Legal Aid attorney Shane Ferro stated, “What happens when the 400-pound autonomous robot hits somebody or falls down the stairs?”.
Mayor Adams counters these concerns by stating that these advancing technologies will increase safety in policing and help the NYPD become more efficient.
He also said that K5 saves money.“This is below minimum wage,” Adams quipped. “No bathroom breaks. No meal breaks. This is a good investment.” and “… eventually, this is going to be part of the fabric of our subway system.”
At the End of the Day!
Will these new technologies help or hinder the New York City Police Department? The answer remains to be seen, but the mayor appears hopeful they will benefit the city and increase safety for its citizens.
Pharmaceutical company Moderna has said that its new vaccine booster works against this new virus variant, and as of September 2023, you can get the booster at your local pharmacy.
Most of us believe that the Sars-CoV-2 Coronavirus (COVID-19) is behind us and that we can go about our regular daily routines without having to worry about catching it again. Well, maybe that’s true. Then again, maybe not.
A new variant called Pirola, technically labeled BA.2.86, is starting to show its ugly face, and according to some sources, it is spreading rapidly around the United States and the world.
The BA.2.86 variant was first detected in Denmark and Israel in late August 2023 and has since been found in several other countries, including the United States.
According to researchers, this particular virus is a subvariant of Omicron, the most dominant variant ofSARS-CoV-2. BA.2.86 is more transmissible than the other Omicron subvariants.
How Transferrable is this Variant?
3D medical animation of Spike S protein, HE protein, viral envelope, and helical RNA. Wikipedia Commons
Scientists say that it may be more resistant to the current vaccines and antibody treatments. This is because BA.2.86 has a number of mutations in its spike protein, which is the part that the virus uses to attach to your cells. However,
How severe is BA.2.86?
It is still too early to say whether this variant is more severe than the others. More studies are needed to determine its severity. However, some early studies have suggested that it may be more resistant to current vaccines and antibody treatments.
How can I protect myself from BA.2.86?
Maintain the standard methods of keeping clean, which include washing your hands frequently, carrying an antibacterial cleanser, avoiding large crowds, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, to name a few.
Additionally, get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines are still very effective at preventing serious illnesses and hospitalization from COVID-19, even against the new variants.
Although most people have stopped using masks, if you feel more comfortable wearing one when outside, by all means, do, especially when in crowded areas.
As with all the Covid-19 viruses or, more generally speaking, with any viruses, if you are elderly, have health issues, or have a compromised immune system, you should be vigilant and take all the recommended precautions.
Additionally, when any new disease is circulating in your area, you should also speak to your medical provider for any additional precautions you may need to take.
Conclusion
Staying attentive to COVID-19 is nothing new. Even though a new variant has materialized, that doesn’t mean you have to run to your bed and hide. Research is determining that this virus may be more transmissible than the previous subvariants and possibly more resistant to the current vaccines, but as research continues on the BA.2.86 virant, it may turn out that it is not as contagious as the other. It is just a wait-and-see game.
The general recommendations are to just stay vigilant and maintain the COVID rules of keeping clean and safe, especially if you are in the high-risk health category.
You won’t be getting a college degree nor will this help you to get a job, but these trivia notes will surely raise an eyebrow or two! Not to mention it will stimulate your brain.
We’re not saying you will rule the world or become the next billionaire tomorrow, but the better we understand the world around us, the better decision-makers we become.
The power of knowledge expands horizons and instills critical thinking, which can enhance our mental health. But probably most of all, having good intelligence works great for date nights! But if that is not useful to you, then at the very least, it can always help you finish your crossword puzzles or solve clues on Jeopardy!
On a more serious note, knowledge stimulates our brain which is a great benefit for our mental health. We can navigate challenges, solve problems, and build a better world for future generations through knowledge.
The oldest turtle in the world is Jonathan, who is 190 years old.
There are twenty quadrillion ants on planet Earth. That’s a million billion or the number 1 followed by 15 zeros.
Male penguins give pebbles to the females as a courtship.
Elephants are scared of bees.
Entertainment
Bob Dylan is the only person to have won both an Oscar and a Nobel Peace Prize.
Every Academy Wards Oscar winner cannot sell their Oscar trophy. they would have to sell it back to the Academy for $1.
Over 106 million people watched the finale of MASH on February 28, 1983, which was the largest audience for a TV series finale.
Paul McCartney wrote the song Hey Jude to console John Lennon’s son, Jullian, who was depressed from his parents’ divorce. McCartney changed the name from Julian (AKA Jules) to Jude because he felt it sounded better. He composed the song in his car while riding to Lennon’s house.
CNN broadcaster Anderson Cooper is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt.
Humphrey Bogart never said “Play it again Sam” in the movie Casablanca
Newsmax Greg Kelly is the son of former NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV.
Finance
The average lifespan of a $1 bill is 6.6 years. For a $20 bill it is 7.8 years, and a $100 bill can extend up to 22.9 years.
996 million dollars is printed by the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing every day.
The grooved edges on coins help visually impaired people determine the type of coins they are.
78% of Americans prefer to bank digitally instead of physically going to the bank.
Despite popular belief, Henry Ford did not invent the automobile. That credit goes to Illinois residents, the Duryea Brothers, circa 1892.
Paul Revere never said, “The British are Coming.” It wasn’t customary to talk in this manner back in those days. He more likely would have said, “The regulars are coming.”
In 17th-century England, it was customary to have a long wooden table in the dining room, where the father would sit at the end and was the only chair with arms; hence, the expression chairman came into being. The table top was known as the board, which gives us the expression “Chairman of the Board and Boardroom.”
Shakespeare’s will stated that he left his wife, Anne Hathaway his “second-best bed with the furniture.” Historians believe this suggested that Anne was merely the “second-best” woman in his life, implying that Shakespeare had other women in his relationship.
The Cosmetics company Avon was named after Stratford-Upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s birthplace.
The first American to win a Nobel Peace was Theodore Roosevelt.
The only president to hold a Ph.D was Woodrow Wilson.
The Mesozoic Era, which existed about 252 million to 66 million years ago, is the period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It is also the time when the Triassic, Cretaceous, and all-too-familiar Jurassic eras existed. Earth’s continents were breaking apart at this time, so we find remains of dinosaurs worldwide despite the vastness of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that formed after it.
Nyasasaurus. Wikipedia CC
Nyasasaurus is the most ancient dinosaur on record, originating from the late Anisian stage around 243 million years ago. This discovery places it approximately 10 to 15 million years ahead of any previously identified dinosaur specimens.
Geography
The center of the 48 contiguous United States is located north of Lebanon, Kansas, coordinates 39°50′N 98°35′W.
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The closest point between the United States and Russia lies in the Bering Strait, which is a body of water that separates the northeastern most point of Russia from Alaska. Within the Bearing Strait are two small islands known as Big Diomede and Little Diomede. Russia owns Big Diomede and the United States owns Little Diomede. These islands are 2.4 miles apart at their closest points, but timewise, they are 21 hours apart since the International Timeline cuts right through them.
Big Diomede and Little Diomede are the tiny islands located in the center of the map. nps.gov
It only takes six minutes for alcohol to affect your brain.
Your brain consists of 170 billion cells.
Spanish Flu didn’t originate in Spain. The first documented case was at an army base in Kansas.
The oldest person living today is 118-year-old Lucile Randon of France.
Brother Island is located just south of The Bronx, NYC, and no one can visit it. It was previously where people with contagious diseases were sent. The most well-known was Typhoid Mary.
Over 500 hours of videos are added to YouTube every minute.
You can have actual conversations with ChatGPT.
The most used word in the English language is “Time.”
The word most searched for on Google is “Love.”
The most powerful light beam in the world is in Luxor, Las Vegas.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Spitsbergen, Norway, contains over 1 million seed samples, which will secure our food supply should a world disaster occur.
The copper framework of the Statue of Liberty weighs 125 tons.
The Pentagon in Washington DC is the largest office building in the world. The Willis Tower in Chicago comes in at number 4 and One World Trade Center, AKA the Freedom Tower in New York City, comes in at number 8, above the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The Citicorp Building in NYC could have fallen due to an engineering glitch, but it was caught in time by an engineering student at Princeton University.
The famous London Bridge was dismantled in London and reassembled in Arizona.
Astronomy
Scientists estimate there are over two trillion galaxies in the known universe.
If the sun blew up right now, we would still have another 8.3 minutes to live. That’s because light travels at a finite speed of 186,000 miles per second, so grab your beer or whatever strikes your fancy (legally of course) for the next 8.3 minutes and live it up. At least you will be happy for that one moment in time!
In a previous article, we spoke about Covid-19 scams. Now, with Covid practically over, we are going to discuss real-life examples of some common deceptions used by nefarious individuals with the sole intention of illegally extracting money from you.
How many times have you heard your phone ring only to see that it is a phone number you don’t recognize, but the ID says it is coming from your location? Or you get an email or text that tells you your subscription is overdue and to “click here” to update your information? Quite often, right?
Have you noticed that this is increasing and not decreasing? One might call it an epidemic of financial proportions! Well, here are a few real-life examples of how other people were getting scammed, how they responded to the scam, and what they did afterward.
We are not expecting you to become an expert on how to handle fictitious calls or emails by reading this article, but these incidents may just help you realize what is out there and help you stay on the side of caution when contacted by fraudulent individuals.
The Guy Told Me to Withdraw $140,000 – Wait What?
Photo: Unsplash
One might ask why any thief would be so stupid as to not anticipate the variables that can go wrong in an operation like this. Be that as it may, this is a true case of an elderly person being conned into summarizing over $140,000 in cold cash to give to an individual who told her that she needed to pay her taxes immediately and deliver the money to him. Believe it or not, these individuals exist, and they are out there!
The Details
A 70-year-old woman entered her local bank to withdraw $140,000 in cash. As per bank policy, the teller immediately advised the manager who asked the woman why she was withdrawing so much money in cash.
The woman responded that she received a call from a company she was affiliated with. They told her that she was behind on her taxes and that she needed to pay them $140,000 immediately. They said they would send someone to her house to pick up the money.
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The woman, obviously scared went to the bank to withdraw the money, and the bank, obviously aware that this was a scam, contacted law enforcement, and a sting operation was set up.
When the perpetrator came to the house, he was arrested and is currently serving time in prison, which, according to reports, is not “getting out any time soon”.
They Count on Your Vulnerability
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Loan Desperation
Joe, a 68-year-old married man with two children lost his job due to layoffs and was looking for work. Still, as the months proceeded, he realized that he was falling more and more behind on his debt, specifically his credit cards which were, at times, surpassing their 30-day delinquency period.
When a bank payment is delinquent for more than 30 days, an alert is sent to the credit bureaus, and it is noted on the credit report, subsequently lowering the credit rating. This can make it harder to prove creditworthiness when buying a car or applying for a loan. The man was getting very nervous with this credit score decrease. Time was of the essence for this individual.
Additionally, knowing that his credit cards were maxed out to their limit, he was worried about not having enough funds to support his household and he knew he had to do something about this fast, so he went online and searched for debt consolidation loans. He responded to a few of the listings that showed up. One of them was a website that looked for companies that listed a variety of companies that could possibly approve a loan based on his credit score, which was under 620.
He applied to numerous offers, but they all declined him. Later that day, Joe responded to an email offering him a loan for $6,000—just the amount he was looking for!
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They gave him an 800 phone number to call. He called them, and they told him that they don’t use the credit bureaus to check creditworthiness but a different method. They said the first step was to deposit money into his checking account to verify that it was a valid account.
Afraid and anxious that he wouldn’t be able to support his family under his current financial conditions, he hastily followed their instructions and gave them his bank account information.
The next morning, he noticed that $3000.00 had been deposited into his checking account, and shortly thereafter, a “financial representative” called him to verify that the money was there.
What happened next would have been obvious to many; however, Joe’s state of mind caused him to bypass this red flag and not think there was any issue with the process. This is one of the methods that scammers pray on—emotional stress!
Joe was told that he needed to send them the money back. They requested that he go to a local store that provides wire transfers. He proceeded to go to the local Rite Aide down the block from him; however, it was 8:45 AM, and they had not opened yet. So he went to CVS, but they also didn’t open until 9:00 AM.
The caller was persistent (another red flag) and told him to find an open store, but he told them he would prefer to wait until the store opened. While he was waiting in his car for the store to open, he thumbed through his email messages on his iPhone and saw a message from J.P. Morgan Chase – the bank where he has his account.
The message said that they were sorry to hear that money had been illegally withdrawn from his account and that they replenished the account with the $3000 that was “missing” until an investigation was completed.
Photo: iStock
Now Joe woke up. It hit him like a ton of bricks, and he realized he had been scammed. He ignored the spammer’s phone calls and drove directly to Chase.
The manager helped him place a report to their fraud department and Chase immediately withdrew the message that they received about a $3000 loss. In the end, no harm was done. Joe was saved from losing a lot of money and there was no record held against him from Chase, but had CVS or Rite Aide been open at the time, Joe would have most likely proceeded with the wire transfer.
Behind Your Bills Scare Tatic
Alexa was laid off from her job and she started falling behind on her bills. She was not that worried about her credit cards or FICO score so much as her utility bills, and she was most concerned about her electric bill.
Being two months behind on your electric bill is sure to concern even the most optimistic of people. Then the dreaded phone calls come in. Alexa is no exception to this.
But Alexa was no fool. She never answers phone calls that don’t have a caller ID, and even when the caller ID shows up, she won’t pick up if she doesn’t recognize the name of the company calling.
In Alexa’s situation, combining these two factors wasn’t enough to catch her off guard. Being delinquent on her utility bill was certainly enough to make her ill-prepared for what was to come.
The utility company called, and she answered. Why would she not? The ID showed up who it was, so she had no reason to believe it was not a fraudulent phone call.
The woman told Alexa that she was delinquent and that she needed to bring the account up to date, or her electric bill would be suspended. Alexa had no choice but to decide to use part of her mortgage money to pay for the electric bill, and she reiterated that message to the woman, who transferred her to a man who called himself “Dave.”
Dave explained to her in perfect English (no accent) the procedure where they could receive the money today by using Zelle. A quick and legitimate application where the recipient can receive money in a matter of seconds and most banks offer this method of money transfer.
Scared, Alexa complied and followed his directions. She went online to her bank app and clicked Zelle as directed by Dave. He told her that she should type in the box asking for the amount of cash to be sent with the last four digits of her utility account number and that their algorithm would read it and know how to handle it; other words, by reading the utility code, the past-due amount and only the past-due amount would be withdrawn from her bank account.
Alexa followed his directions, and the result was that it took out the amount that was listed as the code and not the past-due balance, so she ended up paying $347 more than she needed to pay.
When she told Dave what happened, he replied that this happens sometimes and he directed her to go back to the Zelle app. On the app, Alexa told him that she saw the Request Money button and asked him if she should enter the code in this box or request the exact amount that was withdrawn.
Dave corrected her and told her not to use the Request Money button but to use the Send Money button as she did before and the algorithm will correct itself and return her the amount she overpaid.
This is where Alexa drew the line. She realized that she had been scammed and hung up on Dave, not before telling him what she thought of him.
Alexa immediately contacted her bank and they initiated a return sequence via Zelle and Alexa was lucky. She had the band reverse the amount back into her bank account.
Zelle scams are on the rise and take many forms!
Conclusion
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Spammers can approach you from anywhere in the world. Email, websites, and phone calls, or they could even approach you in the street. They prey on the elderly and hope their phone calls will reach vulnerable individuals, no matter what their age is.
Be wary of anything that even seems suspicious, and never send anyone any money until you are sure they are the legitimate party!
Some say that scamming has become an epidemic. Whether you believe that or not, it is certainly on the rise and moving at an accelerated rate.
Today we begin a new series on scam artists. We will cover the basics regarding what they do, how they do it, and how you can protect yourself.
Scams can come by email, text, social media messages, or phone calls. Here are the first line of defense methods you should use to avoid getting hooked by these criminals. We call them red flags.
Things You Should Never Do!
Red Flag #1. Never Give Anyone Your Private Information
If you get a call, an email, or a text asking you for your social security number, birthday, bank account information, credit card information, medical information, or any other personal information, don’t give it to them and hang up! Call your institution directly to confirm that your information was not compromised.
NEVER GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO A STRANGER WHO CONTACTS YOU!
Red Flag #2. Never Agree to Send Cash or Use an App to Send Money!
If they don’t ask you for your personal information, they may contact you and request money regarding an emergency or other urgent issue. These people are sophisticated. They will sound professional and have a story to try to convince you how real the situation is. They may even already have some information about you, such as your name and address to make the story sound even more legitimate.
If you get tricked into believing them as many do, especially the elderly, they will discourage you from sending them a check, and instead, they will push you to send them money using apps such as Zelle, Venmo, Cash App or to wire them. DON’T!
What’s worse, they may tell you to bring the cash to them. Additionally, they may even tell you to have the cash ready and someone will pick it up at your house or a meeting place.
NEVER AGREE TO SENDING CASH!
Red Flag #3: You Won A Prize!
Although this category can’t be summed up in one article, we thought we’d acquaint you with the thousands of fraudulent methods scammers use to try to catch you off guard using legitimate companies and organizations to deceive you.
The scams may be from a phone call, email or text saying that you are the lucky winner of a prize drawing or that you will get a substantial discount if you send them money for the discount promotion or any variation of many other scenarios they may use.
If you didn’t enter any sweepstakes, consider the information very suspicious. If you get an email from what looks like a legitimate company but is asking you for money upfront via a rouse that you will get a discount or a prize, be wary and contact the business directly.
There are ways to determine if these ‘promotions’ are real just by scrutinizing them a little bit. The email shown above exploits a legitimate retailer into making you think they are the ones sending you this promotion and if you click the link and answer a few questions, you may win the Stanley tool set. You won’t!
Some folks know how to determine that this is a deception, but for the majority of you who don’t, here’s what to look for.
Take a look at where the email came from (circled in red). This is a dead giveaway. If it doesn’t have the company’s domain name, in this case, @acehardware.com, it is a scam.
Many email scams do not show up with the language noted, but Google thinks that it came from Russia and is allowing you to translate the email copy into Russian. A legitimate email would never default to a request for a language translation. More on these deceptions will be in our upcoming articles.
Red Flag #4. Scammers Use Scare Tactics -Don’t Fall For It!
Swindlers like to elicit emotions and their favorite tactic they will use is fear. They may tell you that your electricity is going to be terminated if you don’t pay them right now, or that they are from the IRS and you better pay immediately, or from a mortgage company or bank telling you that something bad is going to happen if you don’t send them money immediately.
Scammers prey on your fear that something bad is going to happen if you don’t comply!
It gets worse and this happens to many of our elderly relatives. They may call you and pretend that they are one of your grandchildren and that they need money immediately because they are in trouble with the police. They will also ask you not to tell their parents, and now with AI at their disposal (which we will discuss in detail below), they can mimic your grandchild’s voice so that it sounds exactly like them.
DON’T FALL FOR SCARE TACTICS!
What You Should Do if You Get One of These Calls
Hang up and call the source (Electric company, bank, mortgage company, etc.) directly. In the case of a relative or grandchild calling you. Tell them you will call them right back at the number you have for them. If they say no, you know it is a scam.
Red Flag #5. Con Artists Will Request Immediate Payment- Be Vigilant to These Signs of Urgency
Photo Unsplash
If the person tells you that they need the money NOW, it is a clear sign that something is definitely wrong! Legitimate companies or organizations will never tell you that.
They will work out a payment plan with you or let you consider the options and allow you to call them back later in the day or within a reasonable time period. They will never push you to send them money immediately!
DON’T FALL FOR CALLS OF URGENCY AND IMMEDIATE PAYMENT!
Red Flag #6. Note the Accent!
Many of the scamers come from overseas and many of these are from people who will have foreign accents. This doesn’t mean that every time you receive a call from a person with a foreign accent the call will be fraudulent. Some may be from legitimate telemarketers or other businesses who may want you to sell you something or donate to a real charity, but you can add this to the list of KEEPING UP YOUR GUARD if you do receive a call like this.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DO NOT ANSWER ANY PHONE CALLS WHERE YOU DO NOT RECOGNIZE IT!
Conclusion
Always approach unsolicited offers, emails, or calls with skepticism. Scammers often use urgency and pressure to manipulate you.
Verify the identity of the organization contacting you. Confirm their legitimacy through official websites or phone numbers, especially if they claim to be from a government agency, bank, or reputable company.
Be wary of requests for upfront payments to pay a bill, pay a charity, or to receive a prize. Legitimate organizations don’t require you to pay in a manner that sounds like a specific urgency
Never share personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card numbers via email, phone, or social media unless you’ve verified the recipient’s identity.
Stay informed about common frauds and the latest techniques thieves use. You can follow the Federal Trade Commission’s scam page for the latest information on avoiding scams.
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut feeling and exercise caution.
Share your knowledge so that others will not fall for these scams.
By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraudulent activity and protect your personal and financial information.
In our previous article on artificial sweeteners, we spoke about the pros and cons of numerous sweetening agents, including aspartame, but there have been many discussions and research on this sugar substitute and subsequently, we will dwell into the specifics of aspartame, its history, controversy and the details of this sugar substitute.
What is Aspartame?
It is a low-calorie sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute in numerous food and beverage products. This sweetener is known for its exceptional sweetness and studies have shown it is about200 times sweeter than table sugar.
Aspartame is used in diet soft drinks, sugar-free desserts, chewing gum, tabletop sweeteners, and various low-calorie or reduced-sugar food items. It is a popular sugar substitute that, according to many reports, does not contribute to large increases in blood sugar levels, which benefits those with diabetesand others who are concerned about blood sugar levels.
James M. Schlatter is the chemist known for discovering aspartame. Its ingredients contain a peptide (a short chain of amino acids), specificallyaspartic acid and phenylalanine that are joined together. It is this combination of amino acids that contributes to its sweetness.
A Weight Loss Alternative to Sugar
Due to its intense sweetness, only a fraction of its calorie intake is required to achieve the same level of sweetness compared to other sweeteners.
Controversy
There have been claims about potential health effects associated with aspartame consumption, including links to cancer, headaches, and potential neurological disorders, but these claims have not been substantiatedafter many studies, consequently, regulatory agencies have reaffirmed the safety of aspartame when consumed within the recommended levels.
Results
As of July 2023, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the sweetener in the United States. Aspartamehas also beenstudied by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and these agencies have also concluded that the sweetener is safe when consumed within the acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels.
Safety Exceptions
As with any drug, prescribed or over the counter), some people may experience mild reactions to aspartame, such as headaches,digestive issues or other ailments; however, this is relatively rare and studies have shown that most people do not experience side effects. For the vast majority of the population, aspartame is considered safe when consumed within recommended limits.
Additionally,it should be noted that aspartame may not be suitable for individuals with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is characterized by the body’s inability to metabolize phenylalanine, which is one of the amino acids present in aspartame.
Those who have this disorder or other health conditions or are unsure if they should use aspartame may want to discuss with their medical professional if it is safe to consume.
Conclusion
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. It is composed of two amino acids, asprtic acid and phenylalanin.
It is a low-calorie alternative to sugar,which is appealing to people who are looking tomanage their weight.
It has beenevaluated by regulatory agencies around the worldfor years, and it is considered safe for most people when consumed within recommended limits. However, it is recommended that individuals with phenylketonuria should avoid aspartame due to its phenylalanine content. As with any food additive, it is essential to consume aspartame in moderation as part of a balanced diet and if you have any health conditions or concerns, it is always prudent to consult with your medical professional before consuming aspartame.
3D rendering 3D illustration of medical artificial intelligence robot working in a future hospital. Futuristic prosthetic healthcare for patients and biomedical technology concept.
We published an article on medical advancements in 2018, but five years have passed, and the advances in medicine have been astounding. Let’s look at some of the most significant medical advancements in recent years that have the potential to change medicine as we know it today!
CRISPR Gene Editing
Wouldn’t it be great for medical scientists to replace bad genes with healthy ones?
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, or CRISPR, is a fairly new biological process that allows scientists to modify the DNA of living organisms.
The name arises from clustered DNA sequences composed of a succession of repeats (short or long patterns of DNA, also RNA, that occur in multiple copies) separated by unique sequences called spacers.
It has made significant strides in genealogical research, but what is most appealing is its potential ability to cure certain diseases by editing faulty genes responsible for the disease.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
Cancer cell and CAR t-cell (lymphocyte) and red blood cells. Photo: iStock
This therapy, technically called Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, uses a patient’s own immune cells to attack cancer cells. Your immune system keeps track of all the substances normally found in your body. Any substance the immune system doesn’t recognize triggers an alarm, causing the system to attack it.
More specifically, it is a way to get immune cells called T cells(a type of white blood cell)to fight cancer by changing them in the lab so they can find and destroy the bad cells.
CAR T-cell therapy is also sometimes called cell-based gene therapy because it involves altering the genes inside T cells to help them attack the carcinogen.
This type of treatment can be very helpful in treating some types of cancer, even when other treatments are no longer working.
Most of us have already seen or heard of 3D printing, but how is it applied to medicine? 3D printing technology has already been used to create customized implants, prosthetics, and human organs. Let’s look at what 3D printing has done for the medical field, starting with the heart, as major accomplishments have been achieved in creating an actual 3D heart and some individual organs.
The 3D Heart
Doctors and scientists at Tel Aviv University in Israel have created the world’s first 3D-printed heart from human cells. This heart includes all the major components that connect to this life-and-death organ: the blood vessels, left and right ventricles, and its chambers.
At Stanford University, bioengineers are experimenting with living cells that will develop into living heart tissue using 3D printing.
But that’s not all. 3D printing that can replace defective or missing human organs is being researched worldwide. Let’s take a look.
Surgical Training Using 3D-printed anatomical models is undoubtedly the perfect training for medical professionals. Surgeons can now understand the patient’s anatomy more than ever before and improve surgical outcomes.
Prosthetics
3D printing allows for the creation of personalized prosthetics, which is designed to match the anatomy of the individual perfectly. Not only is this a great advance for those who lose limbs due to diseases or accidents, but it is extremely helpful for over 150,000 veterans who would benefit from this technology.
Patient-Specific Implants: Surgeons can use 3D printing to create implants tailored to a patient’s unique anatomy. This is particularly valuable in complex cases where off-the-shelf implants may not fit optimally or provide the required level of support.
3D bioprinter. iStock
Organ and Tissue Bioprinting: While still an evolving technology, 3D bioprinting holds great promise for creating functional human organs and tissues for transplantation. This could potentially alleviate the shortage of organ donors and reduce the risk of transplant rejection.
Drug Delivery Systems: 3D printing enables the production of complex drug delivery systems, such as personalized drug dosage forms or implants that release drugs gradually over time, improving treatment effectiveness and patient compliance.
Medical Devices: 3D printing allows for the rapid prototyping and production of medical devices, ranging from simple instruments to more complex tools used in surgeries or diagnostic procedures.
Orthotics and Wearables: Customized orthotic devices, such as braces and supports, can be easily produced using 3D printing technology, improving patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
Education and Research: 3D-printed models are valuable educational tools for medical students and researchers. They can help them learn anatomy, practice surgical techniques, and explore new treatment options.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness: 3D printing can reduce the cost of manufacturing medical devices and prosthetics, making them more accessible to patients, especially in resource-constrained regions.
Emergency Medicine: In remote or disaster-stricken areas, 3D printing can quickly produce essential medical supplies or devices, helping to bridge the gap until conventional supply chains can be restored.
It’s important to note that while 3D printing has shown immense potential in the medical field, it also raises some ethical and regulatory considerations, especially concerning bioprinting and patient-specific implants. Therefore, ongoing research and responsible implementation are crucial to fully harnessing this technology’s benefits while upholding patient safety and ethical standards.
Precision Medicine
Precision medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that considers a patient’s unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors when diagnosing and treating disease. It has the potential to improve patient outcomes greatly.
Regenerative Medicine
Many animals can regenerate. Now, add humans to the list. Here, doctors use stem cells and other techniques to repair or replace damaged tissue or organs. This technique can potentially revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases and injuries.
Liquid Biopsies
Liquid biopsies are a less invasive alternative to traditional biopsies and can detect cancer at an early stage. They are expected to become more widely used in the coming years.
Nanomedicine
Artist’s illustration of nanomedicine robots inside a human artery flowing inside as a treatment for disease
No. Not Nano Nano from Mork and Mindy. This is mind-boggling stuff! Nanomedicine involves using very tiny man-made devices called nanoparticles to deliver drugs and treat diseases at a cellular level. It has the potential to improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects greatly.
Virtual Reality Therapy
Virtual reality therapy is a type of therapy that uses immersive technology to help patients with mental health disorders, phobias, and chronic pain. It is effective in some cases and is expected to continue growing in popularity.
Artificial Intelligence
Doctors studying robotic AI to diagnose virtual Human Lungs with viruses spread inside
We saved the best for last! Artificial Intelligence. AI is used to improve diagnosis, develop personalized treatments, and streamline administrative tasks. It is expected to become more prevalent in the coming years.
One of the most significant advancements in medical AI is its potential to diagnose issues with much greater accuracy. Machine learning algorithms can now analyze X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans with a precision never imagined.
These AI programs are designed to detect subtle anomalies that doctors might miss. These faint but undoubtedly significant detections can provide more accurate diagnoses of cancer and other serious medical issues. Subsequently, they will allow medical professionals to detect life-threatening diseases much earlier.
Conclusion
We live in an exciting time for medical advancements, and there is no telling how far these technologies will take us. However, anyone who watches Star Trek may have a pretty good idea of what’s in store!
