Tech

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Is GPS Killing Our Sense of Direction

Posted on by Rubayat M.

GPS and the Human Compass: Are We Navigating Smarter or Losing Our Way?

In an age where a smartphone can guide you from your doorstep to a hidden café halfway across the city, it’s easy to forget that humans once relied on stars, shadows, and instinct to find their way. GPS has become our go-to navigator, but as we lean more heavily on this digital guide, a question quietly lingers:

Is GPS sharpening our navigation skills—or slowly dulling them?

 

The Rise of Effortless Navigation

Let’s face it: GPS is a marvel. It’s fast, precise, and incredibly user-friendly. Whether you’re navigating Toronto’s traffic or exploring the quiet charm of Sault Ste. Marie, GPS makes travel smoother and less stressful. For many, especially those who struggle with spatial awareness, it’s a game-changer.

Dr. Ben Carter, a computational neuroscientist, likens GPS to a digital memory bank. “We don’t memorize phone numbers anymore—we store them. GPS works the same way. It’s not about forgetting how to navigate; it’s about reallocating mental energy.” In other words, GPS lets us focus on what’s around us, not just how to get there.

The Hidden Cost: A Brain on Autopilot?

But there’s another side to the story. Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Anya Sharma warns that relying too much on GPS can reduce activity in the hippocampus—the brain’s navigation hub. This region helps us build mental maps and remember spatial layouts. When GPS takes over, our brains may stop doing the heavy lifting.

Supporting this, a study from University College London found that London taxi drivers—who navigate complex routes manually—had more developed hippocampi than bus drivers who followed fixed paths. The implication? Active navigation keeps our brains fit.

When we follow GPS instructions without engaging with our surroundings, we risk becoming passive travelers. We might reach our destination, but we lose the ability to retrace our steps or understand the geography we’ve just passed through.

✈️ Lessons from the Sky: Pilots Know Best

Pilots operate with some of the most advanced navigation tech available, but they’re trained to never rely on it blindly. “Always fly the aircraft first,” they’re taught. That means staying alert, cross-checking instruments, and maintaining situational awareness—even when autopilot is engaged.

They use GPS, yes—but also dead reckoning, visual landmarks, and even celestial navigation. The takeaway? Technology should support your skills, not replace them.

Finding the Middle Ground

So, is GPS a threat to our sense of direction? Not necessarily. Like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it. Here’s how to strike a healthy balance:

  • Preview your route: Before heading out, study the map. Get a feel for the direction and major turns.
  • Notice your surroundings: Identify landmarks and street patterns. Build your own mental map.
  • Challenge yourself: Try navigating familiar routes without voice prompts.
  • Get intentionally lost: Explore new areas without GPS and find your way back. It’s a great workout for your brain.

 

Reclaiming the Joy of Navigation

GPS isn’t the enemy—it’s a powerful ally. But our internal compass is a skill worth preserving. By staying curious and occasionally unplugging, we can keep our spatial awareness sharp and our journeys more meaningful.

So next time you hit the road, ask yourself: Are you just following directions, or are you truly navigating?

 

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Hackers Steal North Korean Defectors Information

Posted on by Rubayat M.
Latest technology news

Database of a South Korean resettlement agency called “Hana Center” has been compromised.

Database contain personal information like name, date of birth and address of nearly 1000 people who defected from North Korea.

Identity or origins of the hackers has not been identified yet. authority this is the first large-scale information leak of North Koreans.

There is a wide-spread fear the safety of the family members and relatives of the defectors living in North Korea.

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American Port Hit by Ransomware Attack

Posted on by Rubayat M.
NHH-Ransomeware-Lock-Screen

September 28, 2018 San Diego (California, US )port’s computer system has been compromised by ransomware. In a press statement port authority inform that their system has been compromised and disrupting administration systems. Payment was being demanded in Bitcoins

CEO of the port mention that the regular port operations are running as usual. It’s the administrative parts are interrupting. They are not able to issue park permits, respond to public records requests and running other general business services,

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are investigate the and helping the Port authority to bring back the system.

By Rubayat M.

 

 

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New Blood Tests Detects Many Types of Cancer

Posted on by Rubayat M.

Earlier detection is key to reducing cancer deaths. Scientists are reporting progress on a blood test to detect many types of cancer at an early stage, including some of the most deadly ones that lack screening tools now. Johns Hopkins University is conducting the research.

Johns Hopkins University Research

The blood tests called CancerSEEK conducted on 1,005 patients. It detects mutations in 16 genes tied to cancer and measures eight proteins that often are elevated when cancer is present. It covers breast, colon and lung and five kinds that don’t have screening tests for people at average risk: ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreatic and esophageal.

One of the study co-author Nickolas Papadopoulos express his excitment – ‘We’re very, very excited and see this as a first step’.

CellMax Life Research

Also this week, Taiwan-based CellMax Life gave results on its liquid biopsy test, which looks for whole tumour cells shed into blood. The company said its test had an overall accuracy of 84 to 88 per cent for detecting cancer or precancerous growths and a false alarm rate around 3 per cent. The test is sold now in Taiwan for $500, but should cost around $150 in the U.S.

Great Start

Chief medical officer of the oncology society Dr. Richard Schilsky said results are encouraging, but the test needs more study, especially to see if it gives too many false alarms. It’s a start and we still have a long way to go – but it is a great start.

Writer – Rubayat M.

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US Military Created Mind Control Chip

Posted on by Rubayat M.
Mind Control Chip

US military has been working on artificial intelligence for some times now.  Recently they have developed a chip that will be implanted to human brain and will be will use to change a person’s mood ! It is in testing stage now. If successful, then this chip can be use to treat number of mental health conditions. Which is awesome!

One good thing – researchers won’t be able to read people’s minds with this chip (yet).

The Developers

The chip is the work of DARPA or Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency a section of US’s Department of Defense. Whose main work is to develops new technology for the military. Two other American university University of California (UC) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) also has been working with DARPA in this project. Together they have developed an artificial intelligence algorithm that will detect the pattern of mood.

How it works

This technology has been tested on people who has epilepsy. These people already have electrodes implanted in their brains that track their seizures. This chip has been incorporated with that implant. The chip’s AI algorithm will then monitor the brain activity for one to three weeks. That gives data to create an algorithm to understand the moods pattern.

Once the AI algorithm understand the pattern – it can then detect the normal and abnormal pattern. So when abnormal pattern is detected – the CHIP can give a shock to the patient’s brain and bring it back to a normal pattern automatically.

The study data gives enough information to the researcher – that they can even shock the regions of the brain that deals with decision making and emotions. Result – test subjects take the right decision for a particular tusk.

Who are the test subjects

This technology has been tested on people who have epilepsy, as epilepsy cause very bad seizure.

Problems

Through these AI chip and electrodes, the researchers can track what is happening in the brain. They can also  use the chips to stimulate a brain. And that create the first problem. This AI chip gives the researcher the ability to stimulate the brain’s “specific” region to do a “specific” tusk. This can be defines as the first steps towards mind
control.

And the following bad thing can be done using these technology-

  • Using this AI chip – military can create mindless soldier who will do anything without thinking.
  • Bad politicians can “program” the chip to control the mass population. So people will always have a warm
    feeling when the politician appears on television or in public. Result bad politician will be able to do anything they want.

Conclusion

This technology has open a window on the brain that will help the researcher to understand what is happening inthe brain when someone relapses. It will help “fix” many many brain functionality related disorder.  The possibility is endless – if this technology is used properly.

Rubayat M.

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Drug with a sensor that alerts doctors when the medication has been taken

Posted on by Rubayat M.
AbilifyMyCite

November 13, 2017 FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) has approved a new pill  called Abilify MyCite. This is pill
is use for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and for use as an add-on treatment for depression in adults. Abilify MyCite has a sensor that digitally tracks if patients have ingested their medication or not.  This is a new way of monitoring patients  but is also has privacy concerns.

How it works

Pill’s digital sensor that is activated by stomach fluids send a  message to a wearable patch. The patch transmits the information to a mobile application.Patients then can track the ingestion of the medication on their smart phone. With patients permission their caregivers or physician can access the
information through a web-based portal.

Importance

The technology will  help prevent dangerous emergencies that can occur when patients skip their medication. According to Mitchell Mathis, M.D (director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research) “Being able to track ingestion of medications prescribed for mental illness may be useful for some patients”. About 1 percent of Americans have schizophrenia and disabling brain disorder.  This  technology might benefit some patients and prescribers.

This is a new way of monitoring patients  but is also has privacy concerns. What  if there are breaches of medical data and patient’s personal health record was published in public portal.  There are so many other “unknown privacy concern” at this point. Medical professional need to be careful before they prescribed this pill.

Writer – Rubayat M.

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60 Years Ago From Today Sputnik 1 Was Launched and Opened the Space Era

Posted on by Rubayat M.
Sputnik 1 earth’s first artificial satellite

On Oct. 4, 1957, earth’s first artificial satellite Sputnik 1 successfully launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome (Kazakhstan) and entered Earth’s orbit. IT was launched by former Soviet Union (USSR) but it was also a big achievement for the whole human race as it  began the space age. The word ‘Sputnik’ originally meant ‘fellow traveler’.

Launch of Sputnik 1 became a major triumph for the Soviet Union and also stunned the rest of the world. Details of the development and the launch of Sputnik 1 was hidden from the general public. Decades later the information was made public.

Even though the satellite itself wasn’t equipped with sensors but provided scientists with valuable information. Sputnik 1 remained in orbit until January. 4, 1958, when it re-entered and burned up in Earth’s atmosphere.

Writer – Rubayat M.

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Hacking-Ransomware Attack of 27 June 2017

Posted on by Rubayat M.
Ransom-Message-27-June-2017

A new global cyber attack took place in 27 June, 2017. The attack was originated in Ukraine.A tax accounting software company named M.E.Doc become the initial victim. Then ransomware spread to at least 64 countries. Though Ukraine seems to have been particularly badly hit this time round.

Ransom Message

The computers affected by the attack showed a message of red text on a black screen: “Oops, your important files have been encrypted. If you see this text then your files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted. Perhaps you are busy looking to recover your files but don’t waste your time.”

List of Affected Business

Aircraft manufacturer Antonov, and two postal services
Rosneft (Russia’s biggest oil producer)
Danish shipping company Maersk
Pennsylvania hospital operator (Heritage Valley Health System)
Mondelez (Spanish food giant)
TNT (Netherlands-based shipping company)
St Gobain (French construction materials company)
Merck (Pharmaceutical Company)

Companies are paying. A bitcoin wallet associated with the outbreak has received several payments since the outbreak began.

Author – Rubayat M.

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Computer Hacking Scam Spearphishing

Posted on by Rubayat M.
Computer Scam

Recently we have witnessed some extremely high profile and dangerous cyber attack. High profile – because these attack happen simultaneously in few countries. I am talking about the cyber attack that took place in UK and other European countries in May 20, 2017.

An attack like this shows us, what happen to people and their life, when some of the lifesaving system become un-accessible. It teach us, we need to be vigilant when we are online.

So how these attack took place ? Answer is – in many ways. But I am going to talk about a specific kind of attack that can happen against anyone. It’s called “Spearphishing”

 

What is Spearphishing ?

Bad Guy in Dark

Spear Phishing is a scam. An attacker will send an email to you, disguise as a friend or a business and collect your information. Attacker then use those information and steal money from you.

 

 

 

Search in faceboook

How Phishers Select You ?

One of the common place is Facebook. Most people  like to share every detail of their life. Phisars collect these information from their  Facebook account. So they know your name, your contact email, phone, address and a good understanding about your personality.

 

How Spear phishing Attack Happen ?

I am going to use an example to describe this. Let say you bought an expensive lens for your Nikon digital camera. And posted this in Facebook. Phisars learn about this. Then they start their attack.

Step 1: After your buy the lens, few days later your received an email. Now this email came from your Credit card company and they are saying their have some error happen and your card has been charged few times and they need to rectify the issue.

Step 2: They are also saying they have included a link with the email. And you need to click the link and answer few security question. Then the credit card can start fixing the multiple charge issue.

Step 3:  You – who is now worried about your money, will click the link to fix the problem.

Step 4: The moment click the link, it will take you to a friendly looking website where the phisars already included some malicious code. The code will give the attacker direct control of your computer and your would not even know about it.

Step 5: As the phisars have control over your system, they can now collect any information they want and use them to steal money from you.

Now this is just an example. But actual like this happen on a regular basis. A big example of phishing attack was the September 2015’s Democratic National Committee’s cyber attack Attack.

 

 

Knowledge & Awareness

Protection Against Spearphishing

There is no actual protection against Spear phishing. Staying alert is the only defense.

 

Writer – Rubayat M.

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Massive Ransomware Attack Hits Computers in 99 Countries

Posted on by Rubayat M.
NHH-Ransomeware-Lock-Screen

A massive cyber-attack other wise known as the Ransomware has been infected computer systems in 99 countries. Countries are UK, US, China, Russia, Spain, Italy and Taiwan. So far more then 74,000 computer system has been identified as infected.

This is Huge

UK : The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has been hit. Some hospitals and doctor’s have been unable to access patient data. Some surgeries has been cancelled.

Russia : Reports confirmed Russia had seen more infections than any other country. In
Germany: Some local railway ticket system is down.

Spain : Communication(Telefonica), utility (Iberdrola, Gas Natural).

Portugal : Communication(Portugal Telecom).

Other Companies : FedEx.

Attack Tools and Who is Behind the Attack

At this point it is not sure who is behind this attack.) Attack tools known as WannaCry believed to have been developed by the NSA (National Security Agency of US) has struck organizations around the world.

Our Ransomware Posts

http://www.linkmeshin.com/blog/home/ransomware-what-is-it-why-it-matters-what-is-the-next-level-how-to-get-protection/

http://www.linkmeshin.com/blog/home/mobile-malware-gooligan-infected-millions-of-devices-and-google-accounts/

http://www.linkmeshin.com/blog/home/beware-of-godless-mobile-malware/

http://www.linkmeshin.com/blog/home/carleton-university-of-canada-is-the-latest-victim-of-hacking-attack/

Writer – Rubayat M.