Dec 30 2024, 09:47 AM EST Share on Facebook 'Forever Chemicals' on Smartwatch Bands A new study from the University of Notre Dame revealed a shocking discovery about your regular smartwatch bands from renowned manufacturers, particularly as they contain "forever chemicals" that could lead to serious health conditions. The researchers were able to find Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, to be present on as many as 22 smartwatch bands from popular brands. This includes Apple, Samsung, Google, and more whose accessories contain high levels of PFHxA, or a common form of PFAS, across 13 fluoroelastomer bands, which brings flexibility and durability to the straps. PFAS are commonly found in the Arctic Circle or as deep as the Marianas Trench but are also present among these smartwatch bands that could lead to developing cancer, kidney damage, hormonal disruptions, and more. Additionally, as much as 98 percent of Americans have PFAS in their blood streams. Retro Gaming is Making a Comeback Retro games have grown in popularity over the years but this 2024, it made an exceptional comeback where there has been another surge in these classic experiences being popular in the community. There is nothing like the experiences in the past, and while the present cannot replicate them, apart from the remasters or remakes, picking up an old console or booting up a beloved game is still a surreal experience. Modern games indeed bring more realism, experiences, and advanced features to gaming, but the classics are still unbeatable as evident in the growth of retro gaming, and it does not end with the old-school players only. While restoration and preservation have thrived this year, there have been re-releases of retro gaming platforms made available to users that make them available to play on up-to-date formats, as well as games that are available to enjoy on modern platforms.