Tech The best ways to give your old Android a second life Before tossing your old Android, consider these 7 creative ideas Published April 6, 2025 10:00am EDT close How to free up space on your Android Three simple tricks to free up valuable space on your device. With mobile technology evolving rapidly, its common for older devices to become outdated.But heres the thing. Those neglected Android devices are actually full of untapped potential.With the right approach, you can repurpose them and unlock their hidden value. Here are seven creative ways to put your old Android to good use.If you have an iPhone, here aresome great ways to repurpose it for good use.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW An Android phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)1. Separate work and personal phoneWith more and more companies letting us use our own phones for work, its getting harder to keep our work and personal lives separate. This is where having a dedicated device for each role can help. Think about setting up your old phone as your work device or personal phone and using your current phone for the opposite. That way, youll have two devices for two separate parts of your life without the headache of constantly switching between profiles or worrying about mixing business with pleasure. Image of an older Android phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)2. Digital photo frameWho doesnt love a good photo flashback? Grab acheap stand, plug in your old Android phone and youve got yourself a digital photo frame. If you use Google Photos, open the app, pick a photo (or album), hit the three-dot menu in the top-right and choose "Slideshow."Your phone will automatically cycle through your pictures and bring back some good memories while you work or relax.Got a Pixel phone? Pop it on aGoogle Pixel Stand, and youll have a constantly updated photo slideshow of your best moments, all linked to your Google Photos albums.3. Desk calendarYour old phone can be repurposed as your personal calendar. Stick it on your desk and use Google Calendar for all your scheduling needs or grab the freeDigiCal app for a more customizable experience. With this setup, youve got a dedicated calendar that is always within arms reach, helping you stay on top of things and organized all day long.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Desk calendar using an Android phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)4. Security cameraYou dont need to buy a fancy security camera when your old Android phone can do the job. Just download an app like theAlfredCamera security app, and youve got yourself a DIY security cam. AlfredCamera is recognized as the world's most popular and top-rated security camera app for Android phones with over 70 million families using it to convert their old phones into home security cameras. The app offers features like live cam streaming, instant intruder alerts and two-way audio communication. So, its a great way to keep an eye on your space without spending any extra cash.But if you're looking for something a bit more advanced or want a fully integrated system with professional monitoring, it's worth exploring dedicated home security solutions.Here are some of the best home security systems that offer greater peace of mind and robust protection for your home.5. Videoconferencing hubTurn your old phone into a permanent videoconferencing station. Set it up with your go-to video chat app, likeZoom orGoogle Meet, and place it on your desk or conference table. In no time, youve got a dedicated spot for video calls. If you have more old phones around, you could even set up multiple video conference hubs around your home or office. This can be a game changer for easy virtual meetings.6. Dedicated music playerHaving a device just for music or podcasts might seem old school, but its super handy. Use your old Android phone to handle all your audio needs, so you dont have to worry about draining the battery on your current phone. You can also save your main phone from constant notifications while listening to music or podcasts. Its a win-win. An Android being used as a dedicated music player (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)7. Wireless trackpadYour old Android phone can also double as a wireless trackpad for your computer. All you need is an app likeUnified Remote, and, in a few minutes, youll be controlling your computer from your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The free version lets you control the mouse and keyboard, plus basic media playback. Upgrade to the paid version for more features like remote controls for presentations. Its a cool little hack to make your old phone even more useful.Kurts key takeawaysDont let your old Android sit forgotten in a drawer. There are tons of creative ways to give it a new life. From turning it into a dedicated work phone to repurposing it as a security camera, the possibilities are endless.What other devices would you like to repurpose? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Clearing your TV's cache can boost performance, fix annoying glitches, and even sharpen your streaming experience. Here's how to do it the right way.

Somewhere between years 5 and 20, many married couples hit an unsettling shift. But real love isnt ... More about staying the same. Its about choosing each other, over and over, through every change.gettyIn the early years of marriage, partners often merge their lives seamlessly. But as time goes on, individuality reasserts itself. Each partner begins to grow in new ways professionally, personally and emotionally. This differentiation phase also brings the realization that no matter how wonderful your partner is, they cannot meet all of your emotional needs.This stage comes with common psychological challenges:The illusion of happily ever after fades. Many couples believe that deep love means never feeling lonely or disconnected. In reality, long-term love isnt about eliminating loneliness its about knowing how to find your way back to each other.Increased responsibilities create distance. Between raising children, advancing in careers and managing finances, partners may spend more time as co-parents or logistical teammates than as lovers. Conversations shift from dreams and desires to schedules and grocery lists.Boredom and stagnation set in. What once felt exciting may now seem predictable. The thrill of discovery fades, and routines that once felt comforting can start to feel like being stuck in a rut.This is where many couples panic. They assume the spark is gone or that experiencing distance means theyve fallen out of love. But in reality, this is a natural and often necessary stage of marriage. Love isnt dying its evolving. And if you embrace this phase with intention, you can come out the other side stronger than ever.Heres how to navigate the differentiation phase of marriage and rekindle your connection.1. Stop Chasing The High And Start Cultivating DepthEarly love is exhilarating the butterflies, late-night conversations, spontaneous getaways all fueled by novelty and anticipation. But when that initial high fades, many couples worry. They assume something is wrong even when it isnt.One of the biggest mistakes couples make is trying to get back to how things used to be. However, love isnt meant to stay the same. The rush of early romance fades so something richer can take its place.Elaine Hatfield, PhD, a psychology professor who has studied love for decades, compares passionate love to a drug-induced high intense but unsustainable over time. Similarly, Robert J. Sternberg, PhD, argues that love can remain strong, but its longevity depends on both partners embracing a shared narrative about their relationship.Instead of chasing the high, focus on the emotional depth you can create together. Heres how:Reframe your expectations. Love isnt a constant thrill ride. Passion ebbs and flows, but companionship, trust and shared meaning are what sustain a marriage. Instead of craving the highs, learn to appreciate the quiet depth of a love that grows over time.Look for the quiet magic. Romance isnt just in grand gestures its in the small, everyday moments. A knowing glance across the room, the way they still make your coffee just the way you like it. that inside joke youve shared for years love lives in these details.Actively invest in the relationship. Love doesnt thrive on autopilot. It requires deliberate effort. Keep showing up. Keep choosing each other. A strong marriage isnt something you fall into once. Its something you nurture daily.2. Normalize Distance But Dont Let It Become The DefaultEvery long-term relationship goes through phases of emotional distance. Work stress, parenting and personal growth can create moments of disconnection but this isnt a sign of failure. The key isnt to avoid distance but to respond to it with intention.A 2015 study on the equilibrium model of relationship maintenance shows that when satisfaction declines, couples naturally reinvest in their relationship by accommodating each other, reinforcing mutual dependence and resisting the urge to devalue their partner. Distance, then, isnt a threat. Instead, its a cue to re-engage.Building on this, the study also highlights that moments of doubt or disconnection dont weaken a relationship neglect does. Long-term love flourishes when couples recognize distance as a call to reconnect, not retreat.Heres how to make distance work for you rather than against you:Acknowledge it early. Instead of ignoring the gap or letting resentment build, name it. Try saying, I feel like weve been a little off lately. Want to check in? Small disconnections are easier to mend than prolonged emotional detachment.Dont take it personally. A partners emotional withdrawal isnt always about you. Sometimes, they need space to process stress. Instead of assuming rejection, offer support while staying present and available.Create reconnection rituals. Intimacy doesnt happen on autopilot build it into your routine. A daily 10-minute check-in, a morning coffee together or a post-dinner walk can serve as anchor points that bring you back to each other. Small, consistent efforts prevent long-term disconnection.3. Get Curious About Who Your Partner Is NowOne of the biggest reasons marriages feel stale is the illusion of familiarity. You assume you already know everything about your partner, so you stop asking questions. However, research on social bonding highlights that curiosity is not only vital in the early stages of a relationship but also crucial for maintaining long-term emotional connection.A 2012 study published in the Journal of Personality found that individuals who exhibit higher levels of curiosity naturally develop stronger interpersonal bonds, even in routine interactions. Conversely, those who lack curiosity often struggle to connect unless provided with structured opportunities for engagement.These findings suggest that sustaining a fulfilling marriage does not depend on passively waiting for excitement to return. Rather, it requires a proactive effort to continually discover and understand ones partner.Instead of seeing change as a threat, embrace it as an opportunity to rediscover each other. Heres how to start:Ask better questions. Swap How was your day? for Whats something youve been thinking about lately?Try new experiences together. Shake up the routine travel somewhere new, start a hobby together or take an unexpected day off just for fun.Support each others growth. Let your partner evolve. Cheer them on. Stay curious about who theyre becoming.4. Make Intimacy A Priority Even If It Feels Like WorkHeres something most long-term couples dont talk about: intimacy doesnt just happen it takes effort. And thats not a bad thing.Research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science tested Baumeister and Bratslavskys (1999) model, which found that passion isnt tied to absolute levels of intimacy but rather to fluctuations in intimacy over time. The findings confirmed that when intimacy stays the same, passion dips. But when partners keep creating new moments of closeness, passion and satisfaction stay high. In other words, intimacy fades not because something is wrong, but because its left on autopilot.Instead of waiting for intimacy to just happen, make it a habit:Schedule connection time. Not because its unromantic, but because in a busy life, what gets scheduled gets done.Incorporate small physical gestures into your daily rhythm. A lingering touch, a hand on their back as you pass by, or a slightly longer hug than usual can reinforce connection in subtle but powerful ways.Initiate intimacy in ways that resonate with both of you. Whether through deep conversation, playful teasing or rekindling physical closeness, the key is intentionality. Dont wait for physical connection to just happen create it.In the end, remember, youre both growing as individuals, but growth doesnt have to mean growing apart. When you keep showing up for each other through the distance, the changes and the quiet moments in between you build a love that lasts.Love is a choice so, would you keep showing up for each other over and over again? Take the research-backed Relationship Satisfaction Scale to find out.

In context: Many things can cause writer's block--fatigue, hunger, not being in the right head space. Even the constant distractions from the computer can ruin a thought process. One writer decided to break free of continual notifications and doomscrolling by making an old-school typewriter with a modern twist. A DYIer going by "Bilbonbigos" built this slick little machine, aptly dubbed "The Typewriter," to maximize writer focus. Powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ board, the wooden case gives it a delightfully rustic look reminiscent of a vintage "suitcase" typewriter. While the form is as close as it can get to a vintage typewriter, it is not devoid of modern features.The Typewriter does away with the long-stroke keys, ink ribbon, and paper carriage for a more modern interface. For input, Bilbonbigos used a Redragon K614 Anivia 60-percent mechanical keyboard. A 7.9-inch ultra-wide display fixed above the keys provides the output. The foldout lid doubles as a stand to support a notebook or written copy for hands-free reference. It also has a cubby for stashing a mouse.The Typewriter sports a 10,000 mAh battery charged via a built-in USB-C port. The device runs on the full desktop version of Raspberry Pi OS. However, Bilbonbigos only uses it to run the FocusWriter app. Remember, the point was to eliminate the modern PC's many distractions.Bilbonbigos posted his creation on the r/writerDeck subreddit, a community devoted to dedicated writing devices that reduce or eliminate distractions and the temptations of regular computers and laptops. Generally, this means no emails, text messaging, social media, and endless notifications to pay attention to that stuff. For Bilbonbigos, creating The Typewriter was deeply personal."The fact that I managed to finish it when fighting depression and burnout (successfully thanks to doctors in the hospital where I was for a few weeks in the middle of making The Typewriter) and that it works is just wow, man. A fantastic feeling," he wrote. // Related StoriesThe DIYer admits there is still room for improvement. A newer Raspberry Pi and a better cooling solution are already on the list of improvements. He would also like to install a more lightweight and minimal OS. For now, this bulky but fun word processor is the perfect antidote to a modern writer's woes.

Rivian fans rejoice! Just a few weeks ago, Rivian rolled out automated, hands-off driving for its second-gen R1 vehicles with a game-changing software update. Yet, the new feature, which is only operational on mapped highways, had left many fans craving for more.Now the company, which prides itself on listening to and delivering on what its customers want, didnt wait long to signal a map-free upgrade will be available later this year.Recommended VideosOne feedback weve heard loud and clear is that customers love [Highway Assist] but they want to use it in more places, James Philbin, Rivian VP of autonomy, said on the podcast RivianTrackr Hangouts. So thats something kind of exciting were working on, were calling it internally Map Free, that were targeting for later this year.RelatedThe lag between the release of Highway Assist (HWA) and Map Free automated driving gives time for the fleet of Rivian vehicles to gather unique events. These events are used to train Rivians offline model in the cloud before data is distilled back to individual vehicles.As Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe explained in early March, HWA marked the very beginning of an expanding automated-driving feature set, going from highways to surface roads, to turn-by-turn.For now, HWA still requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road. The system will send alerts if you drift too long without paying attention. But stay tunedeyes-off driving is set for 2026.Its also part of what Rivian calls its Giving you your time back philosophy, the first of three pillars supporting Rivians vision over the next three to five years. Philbin says that philosophy is focused on meeting drivers where they are, as opposed to chasing full automation in the way other automakers, such as Teslas robotaxi, might be doing.We recognize a lot of people buy Rivians to go on these adventures, to have these amazing trips. They want to drive, and we want to let them drive, Philbin says. But theres a lot of other driving thats very monotonous, very boring, like on the highway. There, giving you your time back is how we can give the best experience.This will also eventually lead to the third pillar of Rivians vision, which is delivering Level 4, or high-automation vehicles: Those will offer features such as auto park or auto valet, where you can get out of your Rivian at the office, or at the airport, and it goes off and parks itself.While not promising anything, Philbin says he believes the current Gen 2 hardware and platforms should be able to support these upcoming features.The second pillar for Rivian is its focus on active safety features, as the EV-maker rewrote its entire autonomous vehicle (AV) system for its Gen2 models. This focus allowed Rivians R1T to be the only large truck in North America to get a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.I believe theres a lot of innovation in the active safety space, in terms of making those features more capable and preventing more accidents, Philbin says. Really the goal, the north star goal, would be to have Rivian be one of the safest vehicles on the road, not only for the occupants but also for other road users.Editors Recommendations

Inspired by Martin Luthers revolutionary example, German-speaking peasants banded together in an attempt to overthrow their rulers.

The author (not pictured) plans to track her daughter on Life360 when she goes to college. Tim Robberts/Getty Images 2025-04-06T16:07:01Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? My daughter is going away to college this fall, and my anxiety is already creeping in.I've used Life360 to track my kids ever since they started driving.I have no intention of removing my daughter from Life360 once she heads off to college.My daughter is a high school senior and was recently accepted to her dream college. As we celebrate her huge accomplishment and start planning for this exciting change, part of me is more than a little anxious about my first child leaving home.Don't get me wrong I fully trust my daughter. She is the proverbial "good kid" and has given us no reason to worry over the years. Still, the world outside her exemplary behavior and our well-intentioned parenting is still a dangerous place.That's why my daughter will stay on our family's Life360 account for her freshman year and possibly beyond. That's nonnegotiable.I understand my decision is controversialFor the uninitiated, Life360 is a location-sharing app where you can track your family member's movements. I became aware of its existence as my kids hit their teen years; I heard about other parents using it. I decided to track my kids through high school, especially when they started driving and have no plans to stop.To be clear, I don't stalk my teenagers. I don't obsessively check the notifications when they arrive in a new location. I don't ask a million questions about their plans. I don't punish them if they travel a certain distance or go somewhere without telling me.Really, it's just a gut check a way to keep me from worrying if they're running late or not replying to texts or phone calls. If I can at least see where they are, that their phone still has battery, and that there are no unsafe driving alerts, then I know they're simply living their lives, and I can go back to living mine.I don't want to lose that peace of mind just because my daughter is going to college.I've mentioned my plan to other college moms, and some of them raised their eyebrows. I understand that to some people, this may seem like a breach of privacy and, possibly, a bit of a helicopter mom move. To me, it's a practical use of a tool at my disposal that may help me sleep easier when half my heart is living in a dorm room 150 miles away.I'm mostly open to changing my mindRight now, my plan to track my daughter at college is nonnegotiable.But as an experienced mom, I know better than to speak in absolutes. My list of "I nevers" that I've gone back on over the years is about a mile long. When raising kids, there is no rule book, and we need to be prepared to make adjustments.After all, when my kids first started learning to drive, I couldn't fathom them going places without me, and now, they drive everywhere on their own.Maybe several months of safe and uneventful college life will convince me that it's time to cut the digital cord. Maybe I will feel the need to have her location available for the rest of her college years. I am keeping the door open for either possibility.For now, my daughter is fine with my trackingThankfully, my daughter isn't asking to be removed and doesn't seem bothered.In fact, she's been known to check on me when I'm on a trip without her or merely going to Sephora without inviting her along. I consider our relationship to be quite healthy, and she knows the app provides me with some mental breathing room, so she hasn't asked me to stop.If she did, we would have a conversation, and I would hear her out. But tracking her for at least the first few months at college would be a requirement.Eventually, I'm sure it will become clear to us both that it's time to move on from this phase, but for the immediate future, the app stays.Recommended video

For the first time, Star Wars Celebration is being held in Japan this year. The new location is exciting all on its own, and its going to feel even more special with a food hall selling exclusive, authentic Japanese dishes. Lucasfilm posted the menu on Friday, which features a little something from all three film trilogies andThe Mandalorian. For OG fans, youve got Its a Trap! Takoyaki (octopus balls), Wookiee Yakisoba noodles, and Light and Dark onigiri balls. Prequel lovers can get the Forbidden Love onigiri balls, Jar Jar Men noodles, or drinks inspired by Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, and Yoda. Sequel heads can similarly sip on some Rey and Kylo Ren-themed soda and iced coffee, but they dont get much in the way of food. Finally, theres the in-between treats like chicken for Grogu, droids printed on Monaka wafers, and warabi-mochi inspired by everyones favorite sandy hellhole, Tatooine. You can see the full menu below, whose prices range from 800 yen ($5.50) to 1,200 yen ($8.25). Disney/Lucasfilm This is the first-ever Star Wars Celebration food hall, and its fitting Lucasfilm uses the occasion to celebrate Japanese food. Theses a lot of Japan in Star Wars, which has recently looped back around to letting Japanese creatives take their own swing at the franchise withStar Wars Visions,whose third season will once again feature shorts from exclusively Japanese studios. Godzilla Minus One director Takashi Yamazaki, himself a fan of the franchise, said in 2023 hed be more than interested in helming a film if Lucasfilm ever called him up. Whether that actually happens, Lucasfilms certainly paying attention to how important Japan is to this franchise and wants to further court interest from that demographic. Star Wars Celebration Japan runs from Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

ReSidence Research Installation / Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) + FibR GmbHSave this picture! DDF_KITAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:51 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:DDF_KITMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. ReSidence presents a forward-looking approach to multi-storey construction by uniting natural materials with low-impact digital fabrication techniques. The combination of willow, earth, flax, and wood demonstrates how challenges inherent to natural materials can be transformed into opportunities, empowering architects to actively shape and design change. Inspired by traditional half-timbered construction techniques, where willow and earth serve as non-structural infill, this project synergistically combines these materials into low-emission, structurally effective building elements.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The architectural concept relies on a modular configuration in which the 3.6 x 1.2-meter hybrid earth-willow-timber elements are slotted into a timber frame. The ceiling slab components not only enhance the building's structural function but also introduce a distinctive architectural character that reflects a thoughtful integration of form and materiality. The faade system consists of flax fiber composite elements that span the area between the primary load-bearing structure and carry the point-supported faade. This modular design ensures that each component can be removed without generating waste, supporting a truly closed-loop material lifecycle. After deconstruction, the constituent materialswillow, earth, flax, and woodcan be returned via local material cycles or reused as components in different projects.Save this picture!Willow is used as a tensile reinforcement and is arranged into spatial 'rebar' structures, while earth acts in compression, forming stable modules that echo the performance of steel-reinforced concrete yet significantly reduce environmental impact. Flax fibers and timber complement these materials, facilitating a hybrid system that promotes closed material cycles and supports a circular local bio-economy. These materials and the novel processes involved in their fabrication act as design drivers, inspiring new approaches to architecture that merge sustainability with design exploration. In turn, these approaches may enrich the building's expression with the textural qualities of natural materials, celebrating a dialogue between form and function. The materials used in ReSidenceearth, willow, flax, and woodwere carefully selected for their sustainability and ability to promote closed material cycles, contributing to a local circular bio-economy. The emphasis on local resources, such as willow grown on rewetted moorlands, underscores an ecological strategy aimed at reducing CO emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity.Save this picture!Research in digital construction technologies formed the foundation of the project, fostering innovation from initial concept to final fabrication. Digital tools played a crucial role in design exploration, structural simulations, and the advancement of construction techniques. This approach underscored the importance of synergistic research across digital and sustainable construction, building and structural design, component testing, and life cycle assessment. By integrating these fields, the project explored the interaction between materials and their potential for structural applications, highlighting the project's commitment to transforming sustainable building practices.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Wangen im Allgu, GermanyLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on April 06, 2025Cite: "ReSidence Research Installation / Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) + FibR GmbH" 06 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028461/residence-research-installation-karlsruhe-institute-of-technology-kit-plus-fibr-gmbh&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

In 1925, colds were poorly understood. Today, virology has identified rhinoviruses as the cause, leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies.Image: Popular Science Composite Get the Popular Science daily newsletterBefore germs were first spied under a microscope by Robert Koch, a doctor from East Prussia, catching colds was blamed on evil spirits, foul weather, and medical enigmas such as blood impurities. Kochs findings ignited the medical community in the late 19th1883, Popular Science was among the first publications to forward and promote the emerging and controversial germ theory of disease. Even as some in the medical community resisted mounting evidence for germ theory, the 1880s became known as the golden age of bacteriology. In that same decade, Louis Pasteur, a French chemist, developed the first human vaccine, which successfully prevented rabies in a single-person trial.But folklore is stubborn, capable of resisting even the most compelling facts. By 1925, when Popular Science reported the findings of the US Public Health Services first-ever survey on the common cold, many still clung to outdated beliefs despite four decades of germ science.Four Ways to Avoid Catching a Cold. Credit: Popular Science, April 1925 As contributing writer Malcolm MacDonald noted, the myth persisted that colds were typically caused by bad weather or wet feet. MacDonald pressed the case for germs as the root cause of the common cold, even though no specific pathogen had yet been identified in 1925. The common cold, at least some varieties, is extremely contagious, MacDonald wrote. Prevention lies in avoiding contact with sufferers. Weve learned much about the common cold since 1925from its underlying viruses to its seasonality. But we still contract it just as frequently as we did a century ago; we still suffer the same symptoms for the same duration; and theres still no vaccine. In other words, avoiding contact with sufferers remains the best prevention even after a hundred years.It wasnt until the 1950s that the common colds elusive origins began to surface. Inspired by the success of Jonas Salks polio vaccine, some researchers set their sights on curing the common cold. But, as Popular Science reported in November 1955, scientists were playing catch-up. It wasnt clear which viruses caused the common cold, or how many there might be. Robert Huebner, a US Public Health Service virologist, had identified adenovirus in 1953 as a contributor, but it soon became clear that adenovirus was not the only one. By 1956, Winston Price, a Johns Hopkins University virologist, had discovered rhinovirus as another cause. Since then, three species of rhinovirus have been identified (A, B, and C).Popular Science, November 1955 The more scientists dug into the common cold, the more they learned that what we thought of as the common cold was just a catch-all for similar upper respiratory symptoms caused by several different viruses, amounting to hundreds of different strains. While rhinoviruses account for as much as 3050 percent of common cold cases, and non-Covid coronaviruses another 1015 percent, other causes include adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), and parainfluenza (non-flu) viruses.Although there are more than a billion cases of the common cold in the US each yeartwo to four cases on average for each adult, more for childrenthere has been little progress on a vaccine because of the sheer number of viral strains such a vaccine would need to target. Fortunately, an RSV vaccine is now available for vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly. But RSV only accounts for a fraction of common cold cases. Even a rhinovirus vaccine, which would require more than 100 strains in one dose, would not prevent a majority of cases.While a universal common cold vaccine remains elusive, many of MacDonalds century-old observations about prevention, treatment, and seasonality have stood the test of time. They remain uncannily accurate considering the root cause of the common cold had not yet been identified in 1925. For instance, MacDonald went to great lengths to explain how stifling indoor conditions during the winter months could make us susceptible to colds, writing: This hot dry air is very irritating to the nerves and injurious to the eyes. It makes the membranes of the nose and throat too dry, which is harmful. MacDonald was onto something. We now know that while weather is not a direct cause of colds, our environment matters. Dry airhot or coldcan reduce mucosal defenses, making people more susceptible to infections. We also know that common cold viruses are highly contagious and spread more easily indoors than outdoors through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. Fortunately, 21st-century indoor environments tend to be a bit more sanitary than in MacDonalds day, with improved ventilation systems and air purifiers.MacDonald also cited the US Public Health Services observation about the seasonality of common colds, with the largest peak in October and another smaller peak in January. Similar peaks still exist, especially in northern regions, although they move around a bit. Today, just as in 1925, seasonal peaks are often connected with the resumption of the school year (an October, or autumn, peak) and holiday gatherings (January), when people tend to gather indoors.MacDonald even described certain risk factors for catching colds. He claimed that colds are most apt to attack overfed, under-exercised and constipated people, and those who avoid fresh air. Our 21st-century understanding of risk factors is a bit more nuanced. Being overfed, under-exercised and constipated are only risk factors if they represent psychological stress, which lowers immune response to any infection. Similarly, lack of sleep, age, and smoking are risk factors as well as autoimmune disorders and other diseases.As for treating a common cold, MacDonald recommended a hot full-tub bath at the onset of symptoms, immediately followed by one to three days of rest in a fairly well-ventilated room. He also suggested the right diet, including fruit and fresh vegetables and not too much meat or pastry. According to the 1925 US Public Health Service survey, when such measures were taken, the average length of disability for all respiratory disorders is slightly less than 6 days. MacDonald cautioned that not taking such measures could lead to much more serious conditions. His treatment recommendations and warnings still track with the advice offered by 21st-century clinics, like Johns Hopkins Medicine, which includes getting rest, drinking fluids, eating well, and using indoor vaporizers. Today, we have decongestants and pain relievers that were not available in 1925, but there is still no cure, and the duration of a cold is about the sameseveral days to a couple weeks.More than anything, MacDonalds article highlights how the 1925 US Public Health Service survey represented an early scientific approacha firstto understanding common colds, gathering population-level data rather than anecdotal evidence. Building on that science for a century has given us the tools to better understand coldsto know what causes them, how to prevent them, how to treat them, and what the risk factors are for more serious illness. Despite all this knowledge, the best advice in 2025 isnt dramatically different from 1925: Avoid contact with sufferers, rest, and maintain healthy habits. We may not have a universal vaccine, but if we stick to the science, even that may be within reachhopefully long before the next centennial of MacDonalds groundbreaking article.