A slithery surprise discovered in a banana shipment sent a scare through a southern New Hampshire grocery store.
A conservation officer with the state New Hampshire Fish and Game Department responded Saturday to a report of an "unwanted hitchhiker" at the Market Basket in Manchester, according to WMUR and a statement posted to Facebook.
The slithering stowaway was determined to be an ornate cat-eyed snake, a mildly venomous reptile native to Ecuador, which is one of the largest exporters of bananas to the U.S.
Conservation officer Griffin McKeown told WMUR that in responding to the incident, he spoke with an employee who "seemed to be pretty familiar with snakes."
The call was "a first" for McKeown, he continued. "We've had a few calls about pet surrenders of ball pythons and stuff like that, but never, never [a] venomous snake."
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC, has issued a product recall due to "undeclared almonds" that were found in its milk chocolate-covered macadamia nut product sold in 1-ounce pouches.
The company, based in Kea'au, Hawaii, made the announcement on Feb. 15, 2025.
The company is voluntarily recalling one batch of its macadamia nut pouches "due to the presence of undeclared almonds, which are an allergen."
The announcement appeared on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's website.
"Consumers who have allergies to almonds," the FDA notice also indicates, "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product."
To date, "no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported… in connection with this issue," the notice also says.
The voluntarily recalled Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias snack (1 oz.) pouches were distributed to two different retail locations in Southern California, the company said.
The two retailers are World Market and Abraham & Sons, Inc.
The product comes packaged in a 1-oz. pouch – "with UPC 0 72992 04260 3, marked with lot number K4351 and best by date 07 2026 on the back of the packaging," the notice on the FDA's site says.
The company began the voluntary recall after its internal quality control process found that the affected batch contained undeclared almonds, according to the notice.
The batch was made by a third-party co-manufacturer.
"Immediate action was taken to contain the affected product, notify the third-party co-manufacturer, alert consumers and distributors – and report the issue to the FDA," the company said.
The company said in its notice, "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in our products."
Other product recalls have been in the news lately.
As FOX Business recently reported, FDA officials recently escalated the recall of certain Quaker Oats pancake mixes, increasing the recall category to the most serious level.
The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of Pepsi Co., previously announced the limited recall of certain boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix on Jan. 14. Pearl Milling was branded as Aunt Jemima before 2021.
This past Thursday, the FDA updated the recall category to Class I, which pertains to "situation[s] in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
Also recently recalled: a brand of alfalfa sprouts, canned tuna sold under certain brand names, 60 doughnut products and a brand of breadcrumbs.
Andrea Margolis of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
A heart-wrenching new film recounts the beheadings 10 years ago this week of 21 Coptic Christians at the hands of ISIS radicals.
Yet the film, simply titled "The 21," also tells the poignant story of the martyrs' incredible faith, how they were diligent to the end — never once denying their Savior even unto death.
Producer Mandi Hart said, "I don't know that I'll ever get over imagining, in the course of 40-some-odd days of captivity, how many nanoseconds of opportunity they had to save their own lives. And to a man, all 21 of them were true to the end."
Hart and the team at MORE Productions presented the 13-minute film at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., last week. It was a jolting reminder of how the events of Feb. 15, 2015, shocked the world — one, for the sheer horror of its staging, and two, because the Islamic radicals filmed the brutal slayings.
As a way to soften the horror and enhance the spirit of hope, "The 21" tells the story through animation — intercut with actual ISIS propaganda footage.
But it's the imagery of the animation that gives it greater impact. The animation is in the style of Orthodox iconography — the paintings of the saints and of Jesus that adorn the iconostas, the screens in front of the altar, on the nave, the sanctuary and the dome of every Orthodox church in the world.
Hart said, "We knew that we wanted a project that would reflect the cultural distinctiveness of the Coptic tradition, particularly its iconography."
She called out its "function," as well as its architecture and community — and "the symbolism, colors, shapes and the way that iconography was actually all about creating an icon."
On a recent episode of "Lighthouse Faith" podcast, producer Mandi Hart spoke more about the making of "The 21" — and the transformative power of learning about what these men endured for their faith.
They were simple laborers from Egypt, working in Libya, when ISIS members kidnapped them and demanded they denounce their faith in Jesus Christ, the only condition to secure their freedom.
The men refused. For a month and a half, the men were tortured and abused. Then they were put in orange jumpsuits and paraded to a sandy hill where masked, knife-wielding radicals lined them up and took their lives.
Hart said the most barbarous part of the story is actually not in the new film.
"They were actually beheaded one by one," she said. "And ISIS did that, hoping that … being killed in that gruesome way would persuade at least one of the men to recant, to save themselves by denying Christ. And none of them did. And actually one of the men asked to be the last one."
Hart added with emotion, "There are no words [about] the depth of [their] faith. And it's been extremely challenging and convicting personally, too. I can't imagine myself in that position — and the fact that all of them were true to the end is just remarkable."
Hart purposely did not view the ISIS footage of the beheadings. It was just too much to take. But director Tod Polson did.
He told Fox News, "The original video made by ISIS is surreal. I’ve only seen it once but …[it is] forever burned into my memory. It’s as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. Inspiring because the sacrifice of the martyrs is so total. It’s one thing to talk about their faithfulness. It’s another to see it demonstrated close up."
Polson also said, "Many of the martyrs' families play the original ISIS video in their homes on a loop. One of the complaints they have is that ‘The 21’ isn’t violent enough. They want people outside their community to know what their men went through."
ISIS filmed their abomination for the purpose of propaganda and power, believing they would usher in a new caliphate for the glory of Islam.
But transcripts from interviews of ISIS members conducted by authorities revealed that there were other supernatural powers also at work on that sandy hill.
This is new information.
Said Hart, "In the interviews with the former ISIS members, one in particular talks about earthquakes. He talks about shadowy figures being seen and some of the figures bearing swords, others dressed in certain ways accompanying the martyrs, particularly when the martyrs were on the beach."
On that sandy beach a decade ago, those men may have witnessed God’s holy army and the forces of Satan in their ancient battle.
And at least one member of ISIS was shaken to the core.
Hart said one ISIS member was so terrified by what he saw that he fled. Reports are that he came to faith and was baptized. He remains in hiding, according to Hart.
The larger story has been the display of the depths of faith of the entire Coptic community. "Coptic" means Egyptian. The Coptic are one of the original Christian Orthodox churches.
For 2,000 years, they've been a persecuted church.
And some scholars, said Hart, think they've had millions of martyrs over the course of their history, past and present.
The 21 martyrs asked that Jesus forgive their killers — just as Jesus said, while being crucified, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
At a time when it’s more acceptable to publicly profane the name of Jesus than to praise Him, the film shows the power of that name — and how the men relied on it for strength, for hope.
Hart reflected on the greater good that came out of such evil.
She said the Coptic archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, told her to think about when that former ISIS member who became a believer dies.
Those 21 Coptic men will welcome him into heaven as their brother — as only in Christ can natural-born enemies become one people.
We've reported on many tiny houses, but none quite like this before. This housing concept is called the Esch 22 Space Station, also nicknamed E22SS PIU!
This mobile living space resembles a space station with its inflatable dome, which can inflate to triple its size. The brains behind this futuristic pad is an architectural firm called 2001, and it was developed for Esch-Alzette in Luxembourg, which is the country's second-largest city.
Now, I'm not talking about just another cramped mobile tiny home here. This thing can not only grow in size but is transportable, and it's even eco-friendly. Let's dive in and see how this space-age dwelling actually works.
At its core, E22SS PIU! is a 6-person mobile tiny house that can be easily transported to various locations. In its compact form, it resembles a stainless steel trailer, containing essential amenities such as a bathroom, kitchen and dining space. However, the real magic happens when it reaches its destination.
Once parked, the E22SS PIU! undergoes a remarkable transformation. Two wings unfold from the trailer, creating a circular platform with a 29.53-foot diameter. This platform is then covered with cork, providing a stable and eco-friendly base. The final step in this metamorphosis is the inflation of a double-shell pneumatic dome on top of the platform.
This inflation process, which can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, turns the compact trailer into generous sleeping quarters capable of accommodating up to six people comfortably.
The E22SS PIU! incorporates several innovative features. A water recycling system ensures that wastewater from sinks and showers is repurposed for toilet flushing, promoting efficient water use. Accessibility has been carefully considered, with an elevator system ensuring the upper level is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The use of cork for flooring adds an eco-friendly touch to the design, further emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability.
While the E22SS PIU! may not be a practical solution for everyday tiny living, it serves a greater purpose. Created as part of Esch's Capital of Culture program, this project is designed to explore various contexts and environments within the city of Esch. It challenges our perceptions of resource usage in architecture and society, stimulating discussions about innovative housing solutions.
Phillippe Nathan, Founder of 2001, an architecture firm developing territories, buildings, spaces and ideas, tells CyberGuy, "E22SSPIU is not a solution, nor does it seek resolution. It is a provocation — an experimental construct that redefines collective living by destabilizing conventional relationships to resources: soil, water and energy. It resists fixity, embedding itself within shifting landscapes, absorbing and reflecting their logic. Less an answer, more a system in flux."
What's cool is that you can now stay in this unique inflatable house situated at the Ellergronn Nature Reserve. The spacious, inflatable structure is now available to rent. So, it's your chance to explore the surrounding trails and immerse yourself in a blend of innovative design and natural beauty.
The Esch 22 Space Station is a bold experiment in mobile architecture. By combining portability with expandability and sustainable features, it pushes the boundaries of what we consider possible in temporary living spaces. While it may not be a practical solution for everyday use, the E22SS PIU! serves as an important conversation starter about the future of housing, resource management and urban development.
Would you feel comfortable staying in an inflatable tiny home like the E22SS PIU!? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Autonomous driving technology company Waymo has partnered with automaker Zeekr to develop the next generation of vehicles for ride-hailing services.
Zeekr provides the base electric vehicle platform, called the Zeekr RT, which is purpose-built for autonomous applications. Waymo then integrates its proprietary sixth-generation Waymo Driver technology, including hardware and software, to create the final autonomous vehicle.
This collaboration follows Waymo's established process, which is similar to their work with Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
The Waymo Driver, integrated into the Zeekr RT, is equipped with an impressive array of 13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar sensors, and external audio receivers, ensuring a 360-degree view of its surroundings.
To maintain optimal performance in various weather conditions, the Zeekr RT features a specially designed system to keep its sensors clean. This custom-designed sensor-cleaning system includes tiny wipers and spray nozzles for windshield wiper fluid, specifically created by Waymo, to ensure clear visibility for the cameras and lidar sensors. The robotaxi's advanced sensor suite provides overlapping fields of view all around the vehicle, functioning effectively both day and night.
The Zeekr RT serves as the base vehicle for Waymo's autonomous driving technology. The Waymo Driver, which provides the autonomous capabilities, is integrated into the Zeekr RT. This integration includes Waymo's own suite of sensors and a powerful onboard computer. This powerful AI platform is capable of up to 2,500 teraflops of performance, unifying various intelligent functions such as automated driving, parking, occupant monitoring and infotainment into a single architecture.
Inside, passengers will find a spacious cabin with a fully configurable interior, which can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of Waymo's ride-hailing service. The Zeekr RT is built on Zeekr's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform and features an 800V ultra-fast charging e-powertrain, showcasing the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.
The journey from concept to production has been swift and impressive. The Zeekr RT was designed and developed at Zeekr's R&D facility, CEVT (China Europe Vehicle Technology Centre) in Gothenburg, Sweden. Waymo has been testing prototype versions of the Zeekr RT on public roads in San Francisco and Phoenix, with human safety drivers at the helm. Mass production of the Zeekr RT is set to begin later this year, with initial deliveries to Waymo for further testing and validation.
As Waymo prepares to integrate the Zeekr RT into its commercial fleet, the future of autonomous ride-hailing services looks promising. Waymo plans to deploy these vehicles in its Waymo One service, which currently operates in select cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. After thorough testing, Waymo aims to operate these vehicles in fully driverless mode, marking a significant milestone in autonomous transportation. The introduction of a cost-effective and passenger-friendly vehicle could give Waymo a competitive edge in the growing robotaxi market.
The Zeekr RT is a pretty big deal in the world of self-driving cars. It's cool to see car companies and tech firms teaming up like this. As these robotaxis hit the streets for testing, we're getting a sneak peek at what city travel might look like in the near future. Sure, there are still some bumps in the road ahead, but the Zeekr RT is definitely pushing us closer to a world where calling a self-driving cab is as normal as ordering a pizza.
Would you feel comfortable taking a ride in a driverless robotaxi? 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.
A U.S. startup company is reportedly offering wealthy couples the chance to screen their embryos for IQ and other favorable genetic traits, which has raised ethical concerns.
Heliospect Genomics is charging up to $50,000 to test 100 embryos and claims their technology can help couples undergoing IVF pick children with IQ scores six points higher or more over babies conceived naturally, The Guardian reports.
The company has already worked with more than a dozen couples, undercover video footage reviewed by the outlet reveals.
"Everyone can have all the children they want, and they can have children that are basically disease-free, smart, healthy; it’s going to be great," CEO Michael Christensen said on a video call in November 2023, according to the report. The call was recorded by an undercover researcher for Hope Not Hate, an antifascist group that works to "expose and oppose far-right extremism."
On the call, Heliospect employees reportedly walk prospective parents through the experimental genetic selection techniques advertised by the company. One employee explained how couples could use polygenic scoring to rank up to 100 embryos based on "IQ and the other naughty traits that everybody wants," including sex, height, risk of obesity and risk of mental illness, according to The Guardian.
Heliospect says its prediction tools use data from UK Biobank, a publicly funded genetic repository with half a million British volunteers. The database permits approved researchers and scientists around the world to access it for "health-related research that is in the public interest."
United Kingdom law prohibits parents from selecting embryos on the basis of predicted high IQ, but the practice is currently legal in the U.S., even if the technology is not yet commercially available.
Expert geneticists and bioethicists told The Guardian the prospect of selecting embryos for favorable genetic traits is ethically questionable since it could reinforce the idea of "superior" and "inferior" genetics. Hope Not Hate went further in its own reporting, tying a handful of Heliospect employees to people and publications that have purportedly promoted so-called scientific racism, or the contested belief that human races have innately different levels of physical, intellectual and moral development determined by their genetics.
Katie Hasson, associate director of the Center for Genetics and Society in California, warned in comments to The Guardian that embryo selection technology could mainstream "the belief that inequality comes from biology rather than social causes."
Heliospect Genomics did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Heliospect managers told The Guardian the U.S.-based company operates within the bounds of all applicable law and regulations. The company said it is currently in "stealth mode" and is still developing its services before a planned public launch. They added that couples who have screened fewer embryos were charged around $4,000 for the service.
On the calls recorded by Hope Not Hate, Heliospect's team described how its "polygenic scoring" service uses algorithms to analyze the genetic data given by parents to predict the specific traits of their individual embryos. The company does not offer IVF services, according to The Guardian.
Christensen presented an ambitious vision for how the technology could develop, even suggesting that "lab-grown eggs would allow couples to create embryos on an industrial scale – a thousand, or even a million – from which an elite selection could be handpicked," the report said.
According to The Guardian, he suggested that future technology might be able to screen for personality types, including what he referred to as "dark triad" traits, namely machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy.
"Beauty is something lots of people actually ask about," he reportedly added.
Heliospect told The Guardian it does not condone industrial-scale egg or embryo production or elite selection and that it does not plan to offer personality screening services.
Among Heliospect's senior staff is Jonathan Anomaly, a controversial academic who has defended so-called "liberal eugenics," or the idea that parents should use genetic technology to enhance their children's prospects.
Anomaly told The Guardian that as a professor of philosophy, he has published provocative articles intended to stimulate debate and that "liberal eugenics" was an accepted term by bioethicists.
Records show Heliospect gained access to UK Biobank's data in June 2023. In its application, the company said it planned to use advanced techniques to improve the prediction of "complex traits." But Heliospect did not disclose screening embryos as an intended commercial application or mention IQ, The Guardian reported.
UK Biobank told the outlet Heliospect's use of its data appeared to be "entirely consistent with our access conditions."
Experts suggested to The Guardian that restrictions on access to databases like UK Biobank may need to be strengthened in light of the ethical concerns around embryo screening.
"UK Biobank, and the UK government, may want to think harder about whether it needs to impose some new restrictions," said professor Hank Greely, a bioethicist at Stanford University.
Heliospect emphasized that its use of UK Biobank data is lawful and complies with relevant regulations. The company told The Guardian it supports addressing concerns about preimplantation embryonic screening through public education, policy discussions and properly informed debates about the technology, which it strongly believed had the potential to help people.
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