Being able to see color is a significant evolutionary trait. We can see how blue the sky is or how beautiful fresh flowers are. But, it turns out not all of us see color the same way, and scientists now believe women can see more colors than men. So why is this?
A mysterious salmonella outbreak has spread across 25 states
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The Centers for Disease Control is a major part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC protects the U.S. from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and domestic.
The agency has been at the forefront of news since the pandemic swept across the country. It has been studying COVID-19 and advising on how to deal with the virus. Tap or click here to check out an interactive map that tracks the Delta variant’s movements.
Now, the CDC is investigating a mysterious salmonella outbreak that, as of last week, had already led to 127 illnesses and 18 hospitalizations across half of the U.S.
Here’s the backstory
There are more than 2,500 types of the bacteria salmonella, but less than 100 are known to cause infections in humans. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, which usually arise between six hours and six days after infection and last up to a week. The CDC notes that some people don’t develop symptoms for weeks while others experience symptoms for many weeks.
Most cases of salmonella infection pass without the need for antibiotics. But vulnerable people such as children under five and adults 65 and over, along with those with weakened immune systems, may experience a more severe illness that requires hospitalization.
The CDC estimates that salmonella causes about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the U.S. each year.
The latest outbreak
On Sept. 2, 2021, the CDC identified an outbreak of 20 Salmonella Oranienburg infections, which have spread rapidly since then. As of Sept. 15, 127 cases of the illness have been reported across 25 states, with an age range of one to 82. No deaths have been reported.
The CDC notes that the number of sick people in an outbreak is usually higher than what’s reported, and the spread may be greater. This is because most people recover without medical care, and not everyone is tested for infection.
Tap or click here to check out a towel that kills bacteria.
How to report an illness
3 reasons the new Kindle Paperwhite is worth the upgrade
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You probably know that reading is better for your brain than social media. Healthline reports that reading can even prevent age-related cognitive decline. But most of us spend more time scrolling on our phones than reading.
Your iPad just got its biggest upgrade in years - 7 new features try now
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Typically with the changing of seasons from summer to fall comes a slew of new Apple devices. This year is no different as the Cupertino company updates its line of iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches.
Along with four models of iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7, a new entry-level iPad and a redesigned sixth-generation iPad Mini are being released. Tap or click here to check out some features on these updated Apple devices.
Use this calculator to determine your risk of contracting COVID-19
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As the Delta variant forces us to change strategies when dealing with COVID-19, more tools are available to give us a hand. Each state has its own policies and rate of infection, which also factor into the mix.
The Mayo Clinic has an interactive map that shows a rolling average of daily COVID cases for the past week across the U.S. It also has an option to look ahead for two weeks. Tap or click here for more information on this helpful tool.
This new COVID scam tries to lure you in with a refund on your phone bill
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By now, you should know that scammers and criminals will do almost anything to get their hands on your data and money. There is seemingly no length that they won’t go to, even if that means using the pandemic as a lure.
If you get a document from a stranger, delete it! Here's why
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Updated 09/13/2021 – Since this vulnerability was disclosed last week, security researchers have seen exploits in the wild and found the flaw is more dangerous than originally thought. Keep reading to find out how to stay protected.
Have a SimpliSafe system? There's a brand new HD outdoor camera to add to your home's arsenal
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When it comes to home security, you need a company you can trust. Traditional home security companies are all about the bottom line. You work with a salesperson to find a system, someone comes over to install it, then you’re locked into a long contract with high monthly fees.
5 TikTok appliance cleaning hacks you have to see
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Cleaning hacks have been all over the popular video-sharing app TikTok. Millions tune in to watch people clean their toilets, mop their floors, scrub their showers and even clean out their refrigerators. Tap or click here for our TikTok beginner’s guide.
Smartphone security: Do you need a VPN on your phone?
Compared to computers, smartphones have weak defenses and easy-to-crack passwords. They’ve also got a ton of valuable data. Just think about everything on your phone.
Chances are your work email is connected, which means a savvy cybercriminal could steal your company’s secrets. There’s also your contacts list, which is stuffed with phone numbers and maybe even emails.
Ding, dong: 6 funniest moments caught by video doorbells
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Sure, you probably know all about the ways doorbell cameras like SimpliSafe can boost your home security system. Connect them to your phone, and you get a 24/7 live stream of everything going on in your home. With these nifty tools, you can catch burglars, find missing children and even tell your neighbors about a fire.
3 ways to make sure Facebook really isn't listening
We all know that Google can listen to your conversations, but what about Facebook? The social media giant claims that it doesn’t eavesdrop, but how often have you seen ads for products relating to a recent conversation?
Lock down your phone from snoops and hackers
Your phone is full of secrets, whether you think about it that way or not. Would you want just anyone to see your private conversations, swipe through your photos, or open up your emails? Of course not.
There are digital spies to worry about, too. Tap or click to see which apps are accessing your camera or microphone.
Where Spotify beats Apple Music – and where it doesn't
Apple Music grew in popularity when programs like Napster were making paying for music less than favorable. Since then, no other music platform has been able to beat them out. That is until Spotify entered the market.
6 essential features you need in a home security system
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Most people who don’t have home security systems yet are probably still planning on installing one in the future. How many times have you left your home thinking, “I wish I had some kind of protection system in place?”
How carbon nanotubes will change the world
In 1991 a Japanese physicist created a new form of carbon. These tiny threads of carbon turned out to be amazingly strong and durable. Now known as carbon nanotubes, this amazing material is set to make an enormous impact on the world of engineering. But how exactly will it be used?
Tile trackers vs. the new AirTags – What's the difference?
You might be wondering, what in the world are trackers? They have been around for years, and like every revolutionary product, Tile’s competitors finally caught up.
If you’ve ever lost your car keys or smartphone, you’re perfect for trackers. They were invented to solve this pesky problem by helping you track your stuff anytime it went missing. This includes your phone, car keys, wallet, etc. Hey, maybe even your kids? Slip a tracker in their pocket!
Royal Marines using jet suits to board a ship
Jet packs used to be just a thing in science fiction movies. But they have finally become a reality. The British military is trying out these amazing pieces of tech to board ships, and seeing them in action is truly amazing.
Headed back to the office? Best way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere
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You know the stress of being a parent. When the kids were young, you jumped at every sneeze, cough and wobbly step.
Now that they’re young adults or teenagers, there are different stresses. Are they driving while distracted by texts and social media messages? At home, are they safe? Are they being responsible for getting home on time from school, not raiding your liquor cabinet and staying out of trouble?
True or false: you should plug in your phone before bed
Many tech myths are floating around, like more bars on your phone means better service. Type *3001#12345#* into your dialer and press the call button to access “Field Mode” to get details about local networks and cell towers. Tap or click to learn what the test results mean.