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AI-powered dog robot sniffs out invasive fire ants

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AI-powered dog robot sniffs out invasive fire ants

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Imagine walking through a park on a sunny day, only to feel the sharp sting of fire ants attacking your ankles. 

These tiny invaders are not just a nuisance; they pose significant threats to our ecosystems and economies. Fortunately, scientists have developed an innovative solution to combat these pests: robot dogs. 

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These high-tech canines are being trained to sniff out invasive fire ants, using artificial intelligence to identify their nests with remarkable precision. This breakthrough could change the way we manage invasive species and protect our environment.

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CyberDog designed to locate fire ant nests (Dr Hualong Qiu, Guangdong Academy of Forestry)

A high-tech ant hunter

Researchers from China and Brazil have created a robotic dog known as CyberDog, specifically designed to locate fire ant nests. This high-tech robot has been trained to identify red imported fire ants, which are wreaking havoc in various ecosystems around the globe. Impressively, the CyberDog is capable of finding three times more nests than human inspectors, all while showing off greater accuracy.

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CyberDog designed to locate fire ant nests (Dr Hualong Qiu, Guangdong Academy of Forestry)

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Why fire ants are such a big deal

Red imported fire ants may be small, but their impact is anything but trivial. Native to central South America, these aggressive ants have spread across the United States, Australia and parts of Asia, causing extensive environmental and economic damage. In the U.S. alone, they are responsible for an estimated $6 billion in losses each year due to reduced crop yields and damage to farm equipment.

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CyberDog designed to locate fire ant nests (Dr Hualong Qiu, Guangdong Academy of Forestry)

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How the CyberDog works its magic

Published in the SCI journal Pest Management Science, the study showcases how the CyberDog robot, equipped with an AI model, can efficiently automate the identification and control of red imported fire ants, a notoriously destructive global pest. The research team trained the CyberDog using a comprehensive dataset of over 1,100 images of fire ant nests, resulting in an impressive detection accuracy rate of over 90%.

The robot is programmed to poke suspected nests with its paw; when it does so, active nests release their workers in a defensive frenzy, confirming the presence of fire ants. This unique method allows researchers to distinguish between active mounds and those that may be abandoned or occupied by other species.

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CyberDog designed to locate fire ant nests (Dr Hualong Qiu, Guangdong Academy of Forestry)

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More than just ant control

Beyond its practical applications in pest management, the CyberDog also serves an educational purpose. Zheng Yan, one of the researchers involved in the project, emphasizes that sightings of robots tracking fire ant nests can captivate public interest and raise awareness about the dangers posed by invasive species. By engaging communities in this way, scientists hope to foster greater understanding and proactive measures against these ecological threats.

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CyberDog designed to locate fire ant nests (Dr Hualong Qiu, Guangdong Academy of Forestry)

Challenges and future prospects

Despite its impressive capabilities, the CyberDog is not without challenges. Its battery life currently lasts about 30 minutes, which limits its operational time in the field. Additionally, acquiring more advanced models can be costly. However, as technology continues to evolve and production costs decrease, it’s likely that robotic solutions like this will become more accessible for widespread use in pest control.

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CyberDog designed to locate fire ant nests (Dr Hualong Qiu, Guangdong Academy of Forestry)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The development of the CyberDog shows us how technology can be harnessed to tackle ecological challenges in innovative ways that benefit both nature and society. As we confront increasing threats from invasive species worldwide, AI-powered robots could become our new allies in protecting ecosystems.

Would you welcome robot dogs patrolling your local park for fire ants? Or does the idea of AI-powered pest control make you feel uneasy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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

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L’Oréal claims its new skincare gadget can tell which ingredients work best for you

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L’Oréal claims its new skincare gadget can tell which ingredients work best for you

L’Oréal is hoping its latest beauty gadget can demystify skincare. At CES 2025, the company announced Cell BioPrint, a device that’s designed to analyze your skin and give personalized advice on how to slow down signs of aging.

The device is the result of a partnership with NanoEntek — a Korean startup that specializes in chips that can read biofluids. A person essentially takes a facial tape strip, sticks it on their cheek, and then puts the strip in a buffer solution. That solution is then inserted into a cartridge for the Cell BioPrint to analyze. Once that sample is processed, the device takes images of your face as you answer a few short questions about skin concerns and aging.

From there, L’Oreal says it uses proteomics, or the analysis of protein structure and function from a biological sample. In this case, the Cell BioPrint is designed to determine how well your skin is aging. It’ll then give personalized advice on how to improve your skin’s appearance, as well as predictions of how responsive your skin may be to certain skincare ingredients.

It’s an attractive claim, but as with most beauty tech, it’s difficult to properly evaluate L’Oréal’s methods without peer-reviewed studies or experts weighing in. L’Oréal also claims the device can help predict future cosmetic issues before they manifest. For example, it may be able to determine if your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation or enlarged pores.

The Cell BioPrint analyzes your skin’s proteins to see how well you’re aging.
Image: L’Oréal
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Skincare became massively popular during covid-19 lockdowns, sparking a shift in beauty trends toward self-care and the rise of “skinfluencers.” On the flip side, that virality has since turned skincare buying into an extreme sport. Hop onto TikTok, and you’ll find dozens of skinfluencers egging you into dropping $80 on a vial of vitamin C serum, debating the moisturizing properties of glycerin versus hyaluronic acid, or wagging a finger about this or that retinol cream. (Some, may even convince you to buy a wand that zaps your face to increase the efficacy of said ingredients.) It’s confusing, expensive, and maddeningly, what works for one person may not for another. The most the average consumer can do is cross their fingers and hope that the latest potion they bought will actually work.

The Cell BioPrint’s appeal is it claims to use science to cut through that noise. Maybe every skinfluencer says you need to start using retinol when you turn 30, but this device will purportedly tell you based on your own biology whether retinol will actually work for you. Personalization has always been a major theme with CES beauty tech, but it’s particularly compelling with skincare, which is highly dependent on your individual biology. But again, right now there’s no way to know how reliable the Cell BioPrint’s science and recommendations are.

L’Oréal says the Cell BioPrint will be easy to use, with the process taking only five minutes. It also says people will be able to repeat tests, enabling them to monitor changes and progress over time. That said, it might be a while before something like Cell BioPrint is available for consumers. L’Oréal says the device will first be piloted in Asia later this year but otherwise didn’t have a concrete launch timeline or price.

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Can I outsmart thieves with a hidden AirTag in RFID wallet?

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Can I outsmart thieves with a hidden AirTag in RFID wallet?

Apple AirTags can be a great way to outsmart car thieves, but there are some drawbacks to consider. A key limitation is that thieves who also have iPhones can usually detect a hidden AirTag in vehicles they are trying to steal. This makes hiding an AirTag tricky.

That’s why we were intrigued by Brian’s inquiry about using other ways to make Apple AirTags undetectable to car thieves or outsmarting them twice.

“If an AirTag is put in an RFID wallet and hidden in a car, can the AirTag be located by a thief using a locator? I know the AirTag will function in the wallet, but will it be undetectable by the thief? — Brian, LaSalle, Illinois

Below are reasons why using an RFID wallet might end up leaving you outsmarted instead.

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Illustration of a car thief checking to see if the vehicle has an AirTag. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why RFID wallets might not outsmart car thieves?

Some thieves use RFID readers, which use radio waves, to scan and read data such as credit cards in wallets. The function of RFID wallets and bags is to protect items or devices from these radio waves by blocking them.

Apple AirTags use different technology, so even if it was placed in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag, it could still be detected by a thief with an iPhone or locator. Unlike the radio waves used to scan for credit cards and other data, Apple AirTags use Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Neither technology can be shielded by RFID-blocking material because those materials cannot block Bluetooth and UWB signals.

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A person holding an RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What can block AirTag technology?

Faraday bags, on the other hand, use electromagnetic shielding and can successfully block Apple AirTag signals, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, from being detected by thieves. The only issue with putting an Apple AirTag in a Faraday bag to hide in your car is that if the car thief cannot read or locate the signal it emits, you cannot either.

While the Apple AirTag may go undetected when in a Faraday bag, you will likely not be able to use FindMy or any other tracking methods to locate it either, because those methods require signals pinged from the AirTag to other iPhones and Apple Devices to track location.

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An RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Alternatives to AirTags for car security

While Apple AirTags offer some benefits, there are other technologies and methods to consider for enhancing car security. For example, GPS trackers provide real-time location data without the risk of being detected by a nearby iPhone. Additionally, physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and alarm systems can act as effective safeguards. Combining multiple layers of security can better protect your vehicle against theft. Check out how to prevent your car from being stolen.

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HOW TO OUTSMART CAR THIEVES WITH THESE SMART AIRTAG TACTICS

Kurt’s key takeaways

While Apple AirTags can be a useful device to help you keep track of your vehicle, whether it is lost or stolen, it does not replace the reliability of a GPS system installed in your vehicle if you are trying to outsmart car thieves. Because car thieves might be able to locate an Apple AirTag hidden in your vehicle, it may not provide the layer of protection you hope for. Though the technology in RFID wallets will not block signals from an Apple AirTag, which will make them detectable to locators and scanners, Faraday bags will. Unfortunately, you will end up outsmarting yourself in trying to outsmart car thieves if you use a Faraday bag because you will then not be able to track the Apple AirTags either. If you are looking for the optimal way to outsmart car thieves, the Apple AirTags might not be the answer you are looking for.

What personal experiences have you had with technology aiding in theft prevention? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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

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This pixel light grid can show you the weather (and the price of Bitcoin)

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This pixel light grid can show you the weather (and the price of Bitcoin)

Govee is launching a new pixel light grid that can display art, animations, and live data. The Gaming Pixel Light lets you upload your own images and GIFs to display or choose from 150 different data sources, letting it provide live updates on the weather, Bitcoin prices, NBA scores, and more.

You can also sync the display to games you’re playing by hooking it up to Govee’s HDMI sync box or play 8-bit tunes that sync to the pixel grid using the built-in speaker. Naturally, there’s an AI component as well — an accompanying app can generate new pixel art for you using Govee’s “AI Lighting Bot.”

You can generate pixel art with Govee’s “AI Lighting Bot.”
Image: Govee

The Gaming Pixel Light is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can wall-mount the screen or place it atop a table or desk, making it seem like a neat little addition to a gaming room or office.

Along with this pixel light, Govee is announcing the Table Lamp 2 Pro — an LED-packed tabletop lamp with a 2.5-inch JBL speaker that syncs up lighting with your music. The portable device has 210 independently controlled LED beads and 600 lumens of brightness. When it’s not synced with your music, you can customize the lighting yourself or choose from 100 preset scenes.

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The Table Lamp 2 Pro comes with a 2.5-inch JBL speaker.
Image: Govee

The lamp works with Matter, Google Assistant, and Alexa and comes with a rechargeable battery. You can also link two lamps together for a “full stereo surround experience.” Govee says it will release the Gaming Pixel Light and the Table Lamp 2 Pro in the second quarter of 2025, but it didn’t provide any pricing information.

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