Technology
Mechanical artificial heart is using high-speed rail tech to keep patients alive
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, the first fully mechanical heart developed by BiVACOR has been successfully implanted in a human patient. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the field of cardiac care, offering new hope for those awaiting heart transplants.
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BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (BiVACOR) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
A titanium ticker
The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) is a compact, titanium-constructed device about the size of a fist. Despite its small stature, it packs a powerful punch. It can pump blood at a rate of 12 liters per minute, which is enough to support an adult male during exercise.
Unlike other artificial hearts that rely on flexible polymer diaphragms to pump blood, the BiVACOR TAH uses a magnetically levitated rotor. This design eliminates the wear and tear associated with traditional mechanical hearts, potentially increasing their longevity.
BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (BiVACOR) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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A bridge to life
The primary purpose of the BiVACOR TAH is to serve as a bridge-to-transplant solution. According to the OPTN/SRTR 2022 annual data report, the number of heart transplants in the United States has been on the rise. Since 2011, adult heart transplants have increased significantly by 85.8%. This device could be a lifeline for many of those patients.
BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (BiVACOR) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
PHARMA GIANT’S DATA BREACH EXPOSES PATIENTS’ SENSITIVE INFORMATION
The first beat
On July 9, 2024, history was made at the Texas Heart Institute when the first patient received the BiVACOR TAH as part of an FDA-approved early feasibility study. This procedure was carried out at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center.
Dr. Joseph Rogers, president and CEO of the Texas Heart Institute and national principal investigator on the research, said, “The Texas Heart Institute is enthused about the groundbreaking first implantation of BiVACOR’s TAH. With heart failure remaining a leading cause of mortality globally, the BiVACOR TAH offers a beacon of hope for countless patients awaiting a heart transplant.”
BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (BiVACOR) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
SKYROCKET TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE WITH THIS GEAR IN 2024
The heart of the future
BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart is not your average mechanical heart. It employs the same magnetic levitation technology used in high-speed rail lines, creating a frictionless environment for its single moving part. This innovative design could potentially lead to longer-lasting and more reliable artificial hearts compared to traditional models.
Dr. Daniel Timms, founder and CTO of BiVACOR, said, “Utilizing advanced maglev technology, our TAH brings us one step closer to providing a desperately needed option for people with end-stage heart failure who require support while waiting for a heart transplant.”
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BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (BiVACOR) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The road ahead
Following the success of the first implantation, the study aims to enroll four additional patients. This careful, step-by-step approach will help researchers evaluate the safety and performance of the BiVACOR TAH in real-world conditions. The U.S. National Institutes of Health estimates that up to 100,000 patients could immediately benefit from mechanical circulatory support.
BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (BiVACOR) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
A promising future: Cautious optimism and collaborative innovation
While it’s important to balance our excitement with cautious optimism, the potential impact of this technology cannot be overstated. If the BiVACOR TAH proves successful in clinical trials, it could transform the landscape of heart failure treatment, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.
As we stand on the brink of this new era in cardiac care, one thing is clear: the heart of innovation beats strong in the medical world, and the future looks brighter for those facing the challenges of heart failure. The collaboration between BiVACOR, the Texas Heart Institute, Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center demonstrates the power of teamwork in pushing the boundaries of medical science and improving patient outcomes.
BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (BiVACOR) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
The successful implantation of BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart represents a quantum leap in cardiac care technology. By harnessing the power of magnetic levitation, this device offers a glimpse into a future where mechanical hearts could provide reliable, long-term support for patients with severe heart failure.
Would you feel comfortable relying on artificial organs for long-term health and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
Technology
Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Technology
Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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