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July 08, 2025

Bricks made from recycled coffee grounds reduce emissions and costs

Was it a coffee lover or hater who came up with this innovative idea? What if your morning coffee could help build the next generation of eco-friendly homes? That's exactly what researchers in Australia are doing: turning leftover coffee grounds into bricks. These bricks from recycled coffee grounds aren't just a quirky experiment. They're strong, sustainable, and could seriously cut down on construction emissions and costs. Here's how your daily brew is becoming the foundation for greener buildings.

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At Swinburne University of Technology, researchers found a creative way to cut both construction emissions and material costs by making bricks from recycled coffee grounds. Instead of letting all that coffee waste go to landfills, they partnered with local coffee shops to collect spent grounds straight from espresso machines. Then, by blending the coffee waste with natural clay and an alkali activator, they developed a recipe for low-emission bricks that are not only more sustainable but also faster and cheaper to produce than traditional clay ones.

Coffee is the world’s second most popular beverage, beaten only by tea. As such, there are approximately two and a quarter billion cups of coffee consumed daily. If you average out the espressos, cappuccinos, and americanos, then each cup brews using roughly eleven grams of freshly ground coffee. However, that leads to over nine million tonnes of coffee bean grounds. In turn, this generates an estimated eighteen million tonnes of damp, burnt byproduct dumped into landfills every single year. So, there is an abundance of supply, but how can coffee grounds be more efficient than traditional clay bricks?

This innovative method of using spent coffee grounds drastically reduces the energy needed to mold bricks. Even low-quality traditional clay bricks must be baked in a kiln at over 900 degrees Celsius. These new coffee bricks only need to be cooked at 200 degrees Celsius. That’s an 80 percent reduction in energy usage, meaning that these bricks are significantly more efficient for both the environment and manufacturing costs.

The lead scientist, Dr. Wong, claimed, "It’s lighter on energy, faster to produce, and designed to reduce electricity-related CO₂ emissions by up to 80 percent per unit."

Not only are the manufacturing costs lower, but experts claim these coffee bricks are remarkably durable. According to Green Brick, they double "the Australian minimum standard for strength."

In June, Swinburne University of Technology took a major step forward by signing an IP licensing deal with Australian company Green Brick. This partnership paves the way for using bricks made from recycled coffee grounds in real-world construction projects. Green Brick founder Philip Ng explained, "For the last century, materials have been judged by one thing: cost per square meter. But in the next chapter, we'll judge them by carbon, transparency, and circularity, and those metrics favor a new product."

While Swinburne's team is transforming coffee waste, others around the world are exploring similar paths. In London, a group of researchers has developed "sugarcrete," a bio-brick made from sugarcane waste. As these kinds of innovations gain traction, recycled organic materials are starting to look like a practical and scalable alternative for the construction industry.

It turns out your coffee habit might be more powerful than you think, not just for waking you up, but for building a cleaner future. Bricks from recycled coffee grounds are a creative solution to two big problems: construction pollution and coffee waste. As more researchers and companies get behind ideas like this, the future of sustainable building is looking a lot more grounded and a little more caffeinated.

Would you live in a home built from recycled materials like coffee grounds or sugarcane waste? Why or why not? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

July 08, 2025

AI and learning retention: Does ChatGPT help or hurt?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, are transforming how we learn. But what does this mean for AI and learning retention? While these tools provide instant answers and personalized support, experts are beginning to question whether this convenience might actually reduce our ability to retain knowledge in the long term.

AI-powered platforms can personalize education by adapting to each learner's pace, style, and needs. This tailored approach is credited with boosting engagement and, in some cases, improving retention rates by up to 30%. Features like adaptive quizzes, intelligent tutoring, and spaced repetition are designed to reinforce memory and help information stick. For students who struggle with traditional methods, AI can break down barriers, making learning more accessible and inclusive.

However, recent research suggests that the very convenience AI offers may undermine long-term learning retention. In a series of experiments at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, participants who used LLMs like ChatGPT to research topics showed weaker understanding and produced less original insights compared to those who used traditional search engines. The reason? AI often delivers concise, ready-made answers, reducing the need for active engagement, critical thinking, and synthesis-key ingredients for lasting learning.

A similar pattern emerged in a 2024 study involving high school students: those who relied on AI tools performed better on immediate assignments but scored lower on later tests that required recall and understanding without AI assistance. The researchers found that passive use of AI, simply asking for answers, can lead to superficial learning, where information is quickly forgotten.

Experts point to a "motivation problem." When learners believe AI is smarter than they are, they may stop putting in effort, leading to shallower processing and weaker retention. Over-reliance on AI can also reduce opportunities to practice critical thinking and problem-solving, skills that are essential for deep, durable learning.

Despite these concerns, AI is not inherently bad for learning. When used thoughtfully, such as prompting students to critique AI-generated drafts or ask probing questions, AI can encourage deeper engagement and support retention. The key is to integrate AI as a supplement, not a substitute, for active learning and human guidance.

Educators play a vital role in this balance. By designing lessons that require students to interact with AI critically and reflect on what they learn, teachers can harness AI's benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.

If you eat a bunch of candy all the time, you are likely going to gain weight and help your dentist with a car payment when cavities show up. AI is a lot like candy. Moderation is the name of the game. Using AI in smart ways rather than in abundance replacing your own critical thinking can be bad for your health.

AI is reshaping education, offering unprecedented personalization and accessibility. Yet, when it comes to learning retention, the way we use AI matters as much as the technology itself. Passive reliance on AI tools can erode deep understanding, but strategic, active engagement can turn AI into a powerful ally for lasting learning. As AI continues to evolve, fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning will be essential to ensure that knowledge doesn't just come quickly-but sticks for the long haul.

What balance should we strike between leveraging AI's convenience and preserving the value of human effort in learning? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

July 08, 2025

Energy-sucking AI data centers can look here for power instead

Artificial intelligence is expanding quickly, and so is the energy required to run it. Modern AI data centers use much more electricity than traditional cloud servers. In many cases, the existing power grid cannot keep up. One innovative solution is gaining traction: repurposed EV batteries for AI data centers.

Redwood Materials, created by Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, is addressing the energy needs of AI through a new venture called Redwood Energy. Instead of sending used electric vehicle batteries straight to recycling, the company gives them a second life.

The process begins by collecting and testing old EV battery packs. Many still retain over 50 percent of their original capacity. Once approved, these batteries are rebuilt into modular storage systems that can power AI operations.

One example is a 12-megawatt, 63-megawatt-hour microgrid now supporting a 2,000-GPU data center operated by Crusoe in Nevada. This project is considered the largest active deployment of second-life EV batteries. It already operates more affordably than systems built with new batteries.

The environmental and financial benefits are significant. By using repurposed EV batteries for AI data centers, companies avoid sending usable materials to landfills. This also cuts down on mining for new raw materials, which helps reduce carbon emissions.

Second-life battery systems typically cost less than brand-new lithium-ion options. That makes large-scale energy storage more accessible to AI developers and utilities. Since these batteries are already built and tested, they can be installed more quickly than waiting for new infrastructure.

Redwood Energy estimates that over 100,000 electric vehicles will be retired in the United States this year. That adds up to hundreds of gigawatt-hours in potential energy storage.

The company already has more than 1 gigawatt-hour of second-life battery capacity in its development pipeline. Its goal is to reach 5 gigawatt-hours next year.

Larger energy projects, including 100-megawatt sites, are also planned. Each one is designed to support the increasing power demands of AI data centers using repurposed batteries instead of new supply chains.

Repurposed EV batteries for AI data centers are proving to be a smart, sustainable solution for the industry's soaring energy demands. By bridging the gap between battery recovery and recycling, Redwood Energy is helping power the future of AI while reducing waste and emissions. As more EVs retire and AI continues to grow, expect to see even more green-powered data centers on the horizon.

Is repurposing EV batteries the missing link in building greener, smarter data centers, or just another temporary fix masking a bigger problem? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

July 08, 2025

How I almost fell for a Microsoft 365 Calendar invite scam

There’s a new phishing scam that’s sneaking past inbox filters in unexpected ways. Instead of sending suspicious links or obvious malware, this one uses something most people trust: calendar invites. Microsoft 365 and Outlook users are being targeted by a tactic that injects fake billing alerts directly into their calendars. Sometimes it includes malicious attachments, but in other cases, it exploits the default settings of calendars. Paul from Cape Coral, Florida, wrote us to share his experience:

"I had a very disturbing experience with a phishing attempt that almost had me hooked. I’m a Microsoft 365 subscriber and recently got the usual renewal emails. But a few days later, I started getting meeting invites saying my payment failed — they showed up directly on my calendar, even though I never opened or clicked anything. I got nervous when I tried to delete them and saw the only option was ‘delete and decline,’ which might have triggered a response to the attacker. I’ve never seen anything like this before."

Paul verified his subscription status and avoided interacting with the event, which was the safest move, but his story highlights how easily this type of scam can slip through. Here’s how the attack works, and what to do if it shows up on your calendar.

This type of phishing combines fake calendar events, Microsoft branding, and social engineering tactics to trick users into handing over personal information or clicking on malicious content.

It starts with a fake billing alert: The message appears to be from Microsoft 365, warning that your subscription renewal has either failed or been renewed. Some versions include an .htm attachment designed to look like a billing portal that captures credit card details.

The calendar invite adds pressure: Many of these scams include a calendar file (.ics) that places the event directly on your calendar. If your Microsoft 365 or Outlook settings automatically accept invites, the event appears without you doing anything.

The event looks official: Titles like "Payment Failed" or "Account Suspended" are used to trigger a quick reaction. Even if you never click a link, just seeing the event may prompt panic or confusion.

Deleting can confirm your identity: If your only option is "Delete and Decline," that sends a response back to the sender. This confirms that your email is active and being monitored, which makes you a bigger target.

Scammers use compromised domains: These events often come from addresses that appear legitimate at a glance but are actually sent through hijacked third-party domains like .shop sites. Some even pass basic security checks, making them harder to detect.

This tactic is effective because it exploits a loophole in how Microsoft 365 processes calendar invitations. Even if a phishing email is flagged or blocked, the calendar event associated with it can still appear on your calendar. Here’s how:

It bypasses traditional email filters: Tools like Microsoft Defender scan incoming messages for bad links and attachments, but in this case, the attacker sends a malicious calendar invite that gets processed by Microsoft’s backend calendar services. So even if the email itself gets caught, the event still lands on your calendar.

You don’t have to click or open anything: If your settings allow calendar invites to be added automatically, that fake billing alert can show up instantly, making it feel urgent and legitimate, especially when it looks like it’s from Microsoft.

It exploits trust in internal tools: Because the invite appears inside Microsoft 365 or Teams, tools you use every day, it feels more "real" than an email from a random domain. That trust is exactly what scammers are counting on.

If a suspicious calendar event shows up and you didn’t accept it yourself, do not interact with it. Don’t click links, don’t download attachments, and don’t decline the invite; even that response can confirm your email is active.

Outlook is Microsoft’s interface for managing email and calendar events, and it comes in several different versions. The instructions below cover all three:

Most people using Microsoft 365 today are on the new Outlook. Here’s what to do next, depending on your version:

It might be tempting to hit "Decline" and move on, but that can actually send a response back to the attacker, letting them know your account is active. Previewing the event is generally safe, but avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or interacting with it in any way.

New Outlook (desktop or web): This version no longer offers a "delete without response" option from the calendar view, making it trickier to handle suspicious invites. Here’s what you can do instead:

Option 2: Use "Ignore" from the inbox - This won’t necessarily remove the event from your calendar, but it’s a helpful way to get rid of the email without sending a response.

This will move the email to your Trash without sending any response or showing RSVP tracking. However, in some cases, the event may remain on your calendar, and you can delete it manually afterward. Based on testing, this usuallydoesn’t notify the sender, but there is still no guarantee that RSVP tracking is avoided. If the invite is still on your calendar, the safest approach is to leave it.

Note: The "Ignore" option is only available in the inbox/mail view. If you try to manage the invite from the calendar view, your only options are Accept, Tentative, or Decline, all of which either notify the sender or leave behind RSVP tracking.

Classic Outlook desktop (older version)

This version still gives you a clean, no-reply option:

This removes the invite without alerting the sender or recording your RSVP.

New Outlook

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent meeting invites from being automatically added to your calendar. Microsoft removed this control in newer versions, and users can only limit certain types of "Events from email" (such as travel reservations), not actual meeting invites.

Classic Outlook desktop

You can limit auto-processing of invites so Outlook doesn’t automatically add them:

This doesn’t block invites completely, but it stops Outlook from acting on them without your input.

If the event also appeared in your inbox, you can report it using Outlook’s built-in phishing tool.

New Outlook

Do not forward the invite from the calendar, as this may notify the sender and confirm your account is active.

If the phishing report button doesn’t work, you can email a report to phish@office365.microsoft.com. To do this safely:

This method forwards the email as an attachment, avoiding the risk of sending the actual invite and notifying the sender.

Classic Outlook

To manually forward it to Microsoft:

Again, do not forward directly from the calendar. Always forward from the inbox view using "Forward as Attachment" to avoid interacting with the calendar invite or notifying the sender.

Even if you didn’t interact with the invite, it’s smart to review your account just in case:

Once you've checked your account activity, it’s also worth strengthening your defenses moving forward. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech.

If your email or login info has been exposed, scammers may try again later. Use an identity protection service to scan the dark web for leaked credentials and alert you before they can be misused.

Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft.

Scammers often buy personal information from data broker sites, which makes it easier for them to target you again later. A removal service can help stop that by automatically scanning and deleting your data from hundreds of these sites.

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/Delete.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan.

If a suspicious event suddenly shows up on your calendar, avoid interacting with it. That means no clicking, no declining, and no replies of any kind. Just opening the event is usually safe, but responding in any way can let scammers know your account is active. The new Outlook versions make this harder to manage, so the safest move is to leave the event alone, report it from your inbox, and double-check your account security. Until Microsoft adds stronger controls, calendar scams will continue to sneak through, but a few careful steps can keep you protected.

What responsibility does Microsoft have to protect users from security flaws in its own ecosystem, especially when default settings can expose people to phishing attacks without their knowledge? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

Blogs

From Our Blog

Bricks made from recycled coffee grounds reduce emissions and costs

AI and learning retention: Does ChatGPT help or hurt?

Energy-sucking AI data centers can look here for power instead

How I almost fell for a Microsoft 365 Calendar invite scam

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