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Is this technology the answer to cleaning up our ocean’s plastic problem?

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Is this technology the answer to cleaning up our ocean’s plastic problem?

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In the vast, swirling expanse of the North Pacific Ocean lies a phenomenon as intriguing as it is troubling – the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). This colossal debris vortex stretching from California to Japan has become the poster child for the planet’s plastic pollution crisis.

Yet, amid this dire scenario, a project called The Ocean Cleanup has emerged as a beacon of hope and a subject of debate.

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Trash collected by U-shaped catchment system (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The massive island of trash

The GPGP is no ordinary island. It’s an immense floating trash vortex spanning approximately 617,763.454 square miles, with Hawaii nestled in its midst.

Map of the GPGP (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The majority of this debris is plastic, ranging in size from large discarded fishing nets to microplastics that pose a more insidious threat.

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U-shaped catchment system (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

While only 8% of the GPGP’s total mass, these tiny plastic fragments represent 94% of the estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic floating in this marine desert. The presence of microplastics highlights the immense challenge of addressing oceanic plastic pollution, as these particles continue to break down but never fully disappear, threatening marine life in profound ways.

U-shaped catchment system (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: THIS AI ROBOT GARBAGE PICKER CAN SORT OVER 500 TYPES OF TRASH IN SECONDS

The Ocean Cleanup’s “Jenny” technology

Enter The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit that uses technology to combat oceanic and riverine trash. Central to their mission is System 002, affectionately dubbed “Jenny.” This innovative U-shaped catchment system, towed by two fuel-powered ships, trawls the ocean surface, collecting debris in its path. Once Jenny is full, the garbage is transferred to a larger vessel and taken ashore for processing.

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Underwater view of U-shaped catchment system (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

As The Ocean Cleanup evolves, so do its methods. The upcoming System 03, or “Josh,” promises even greater cleanups, boasting enhancements like the “MASH” – a marine animal safety hatch designed to safeguard sea life during the collection process.

System 03 features an expansive floating barrier spanning roughly 1.4 miles, strategically positioned between a pair of vessels towing it at a reduced speed. Attached to this barrier is a downward-reaching screen that plunges 13 feet beneath the water’s surface, targeting the zone where the majority of floating plastic debris is typically found.

Aerial view of U-shaped catchment system (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: AI ROBOT CAN TRIM, EDGE, AND BLOW YOUR LAWN FOR YOU

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What becomes of the collected trash?

A crucial question looms: What happens to the trash once it’s hauled ashore? The Ocean Cleanup asserts that a significant portion of the plastic is recycled and transformed into “durable and valuable” products. The remnants, deemed unrecyclable, are incinerated to generate electricity – a process known as thermal recycling.

However, this approach is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the optimistic view of plastic recycling and the potential environmental impact of thermal recycling, including the release of toxins.

Vehicle used to haul trash ashore (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DIVE INTO THE SEA WITH THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART UNDERWATER DRONE

The debate and the path forward

The Ocean Cleanup’s efforts are not unchallenged. Critics argue that while removing trash from the oceans is beneficial, the ultimate solution lies in preventing plastic from entering the waters in the first place.

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Vehicle used to haul trash ashore (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ocean scientists and environmental advocates emphasize the need to reduce our reliance on plastic and to intercept it before it reaches the ocean, citing projects like river interceptors and initiatives like Baltimore’s Mr. Trash Wheel.

Vehicle used to haul trash ashore (The Ocean Cleanup) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and The Ocean Cleanup’s efforts to address it present a microcosm of the broader challenges and debates surrounding oceanic plastic pollution. While the organization’s innovative approaches offer hope, they also spark important conversations about the most effective strategies for preserving our oceans. As we navigate these turbulent waters, the tale of the GPGP serves as a poignant reminder of human activity’s impact on the natural world and the urgent need for collective action to safeguard our planet’s future.

Do you believe technological interventions like ‘The Ocean Cleanup’ are sustainable long-term solutions, or should we focus more on preventive measures? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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The Setapp Mobile iOS store is shutting down on February 16th

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The Setapp Mobile iOS store is shutting down on February 16th

Setapp Mobile was a bold, breakthrough project that aimed to provide EU iOS users with access to alternative app marketplaces – creating a new app ecosystem where both developers and users could thrive. We are proud of what we have accomplished with it over the past two years and still believe passionately in this vision.

As a result of still-evolving commercial conditions, we have determined that it is not viable to continue development or support for Setapp Mobile within Setapp’s current business model.

While we are disappointed to discontinue Setapp Mobile, we are looking forward to pursuing the development of other innovations. We are excited to focus efforts on various projects that will launch later this year. This includes Eney, a first-of-its-kind AI assistant native to macOS, and new enhancements to Setapp Desktop.

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Breakthrough device promises to detect glucose without needles

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Breakthrough device promises to detect glucose without needles

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The idea of tracking blood sugar without needles has challenged health tech for years. For people with diabetes, constant monitoring is critical, yet the tools remain uncomfortable and invasive. Finger pricks hurt. Traditional continuous glucose monitors still sit under the skin. That daily burden adds up fast.

Recently, one small device has been drawing significant attention for tackling that problem in a very different way.

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A small breath-based device called isaac aims to alert users to glucose changes without needles or sensors under the skin. (PreEvnt)

Why noninvasive glucose tracking matters

Blood sugar levels can rise or fall quickly. When changes go unnoticed, the risks increase, from long-term organ damage to sudden hypoglycemia. Monitoring can be especially difficult for:

  • Small children
  • Older adults
  • Anyone who struggles with needles

At the same time, glucose tracking has surged among people without diabetes. As GLP-1 medications gain popularity, many people now track their blood sugar to understand how food affects their bodies. The need for simpler tools keeps growing.

Even Apple has spent years trying to bring no-prick glucose tracking to wearables. Despite heavy investment, the feature has yet to arrive.

NEEDLE-FREE GLUCOSE CHECKS MOVE CLOSER TO REALITY

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Instead of finger pricks, the device analyzes acetone and other compounds in exhaled breath linked to blood sugar levels. (PreEvnt)

How the PreEvnt isaac monitors glucose using breath

One of the most talked-about health devices at CES 2026 came from PreEvnt. Its product, called isaac, takes a nontraditional approach to glucose awareness. Instead of piercing skin or using optical sensors, isaac analyzes your breath. 

The device measures volatile organic compounds, especially acetone, which has long been associated with rising blood glucose. That sweet fruity breath is a known marker of diabetes. By detecting changes in those compounds, isaac can alert users to potential glucose events. The device is small, about the size of a quarter, with a loop so it can be worn on a lanyard or clipped to clothing or a bag.

The breath-based design is intended to reduce how often users need finger-prick blood tests, while providing early alerts for glucose-related changes.

The device is named after the inventor’s grandson, Isaac, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 2 years old. The inventor, Bud Wilcox, wanted to reduce the number of painful finger pricks his grandson faced each day. That personal motivation led to years of collaboration with scientists, designers and engineers. Research and development included work with Indiana University under the direction of Dr. M. Agarwal. The goal was simple but ambitious: Alert families to blood sugar events earlier while reducing the physical and emotional toll of constant testing.

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How the isaac device fits into daily life

Isaac is designed to fit into everyday routines. Users breathe into the device, which processes the reading and sends the data to a companion smartphone app. The app, still in its final stages of development, focuses on awareness and safety. Current features include:

  • A timeline for logging meals
  • A history of breath readings
  • Alerts that can notify emergency contacts

This matters because people with diabetes can become disoriented or incapacitated during hypoglycemic events. Early alerts give caregivers or family members a chance to step in. A single charge lasts all day and supports multiple breath tests. The device comes with a USB-C charging cradle and cable.

Who isaac is designed for

According to PreEvnt, isaac is being developed for:

  • Type 1 diabetics
  • Type 2 diabetics
  • Prediabetics

It may also appeal to people focused on metabolic health. As mentioned, the device is still undergoing development and FDA review and is not yet for sale in the U.S. The companion app will launch on iOS and Android closer to availability.

TYPE 1 DIABETES REVERSED IN LANDMARK STUDY, PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMAN STUDIES

Designed for everyday use, the isaac wearable device pairs with a smartphone app to log readings and send alerts when needed. (PreEvnt)

Clinical trials and FDA review for the isaac device

PreEvnt first introduced isaac publicly at CES 2025. Later that year, the device entered active human clinical trials. Those studies compare isaac’s breath-based alerts with traditional blood glucose monitoring methods. 

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Trials began with adolescents who have Type 1 diabetes and later expanded to adults with Type 2 diabetes. The company is now working toward regulatory review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because this technology is new, PreEvnt is pursuing a de novo pathway, which allows devices to be evaluated while standards are still being defined. According to the company, regulators have shown strong interest as the data continues to come in.

Isaac does not claim to replace medical-grade glucose meters. The device is being developed to supplement existing monitoring methods by offering breath-based alerts tied to glucose-related changes.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Noninvasive glucose monitoring has long felt like a future promise that never quite arrives. The attention around isaac at CES 2026 suggests that promise may finally be getting closer. If clinical trials continue to deliver strong results and regulators give approval, breathing into a small device could one day replace at least some finger pricks. For families living with diabetes, that shift could make daily life easier and safer.

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Would you trust a breath-based device to warn you about rising blood sugar before symptoms appear? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Disney deleted a Thread because people kept putting anti-fascist quotes from its movies in the replies

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Disney deleted a Thread because people kept putting anti-fascist quotes from its movies in the replies

”Share a Disney quote that sums up how you’re feeling right now!”

That’s what Disney posted on Threads the other day, and people immediately replied with lines from Star Wars, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and even Mary Poppins. The throughline between all the quotes: they were pretty pointedly anti-fascist and clearly aimed at the current administration.

Apparently, Disney either couldn’t handle the anti-fascist messaging of its own movies or was too afraid of pissing off the powers that be, because it quickly deleted the post. Thankfully, one resourceful Threads user recorded it for posterity, reminding us that yes, the human world is, in fact, a mess.

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