Lie Detection in the Age of AI; Carrizo Under House Arrest; Canal to Sign Río Indio Compensation Deal; Police Warn about Fake Officers.

Friday, February 13, 2026. Lie Detection in the Age of AI: Where We Truly Stand As a polygraph examiner, I’m often asked a direct question: “Can a machine really detect a lie?” The honest answer is more nuanced than most people expect. No instrument, whether a traditional polygraph, advanced eye-tracking technology, voice analysis software, or AI-driven behavioral systems, directly detects a lie. What these instruments do is measure physiological and cognitive responses that are scientifically associated with recognition, stress, or deception-related processing. That distinction matters. Modern polygraph instruments measure respiration, cardiovascular activity, and electrodermal response with extraordinary precision. EyeCanKnow, a product we now offer, measures involuntary ocular and cognitive reactions to known information. AI systems can now analyze linguistic structure, response timing, and behavioral patterns at scale. These tools are not science fiction.  They are real, structured, evidence-based instruments used daily in professional investigations. But here is the truth: the instrument is only one component. The accuracy of any credibility assessment depends on protocol, structure, examiner training, question formulation, psychological understanding, and proper interpretation. A machine without methodology is just hardware. A machine used within validated protocols becomes a powerful investigative instrument. Where are we today? We are in an era where technology enhances credibility assessment more than ever before. Polygraph systems are more refined. Cognitive-based technologies like EyeCanKnow are introducing new ways to assess concealed knowledge. AI can assist in detecting inconsistencies across large volumes of statements or digital communication. But none of these systems operate as autonomous “truth machines.” They require professional oversight, scientific structure, and human judgment. So where will we be in ten years? My prediction is not that robots will replace examiners. Instead, we will see integrated systems combining physiological measurement, ocular response data, linguistic analysis, and contextual behavioral modeling into unified analytical platforms. Artificial intelligence will assist examiners in real-time pattern recognition and post-test analysis. Pre-test preparation may become data-enhanced. Interview strategy may be partially AI-supported. The future is not machine versus human.  The future is machine-assisted human expertise.  Because of this, anyone in the lie detection field will have to adapt to better systems as well as become more knowledgeable about the science of human behavior than they ever have before. Technology will continue to sharpen our instruments. But disciplined methodology, ethical application, and trained professional interpretation will remain at the core of credibility assessment. And that is unlikely to change, even in the age of artificial intelligence. Brett Mikkelson Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Carnival 2026: Lane Reversal Schedules Announced from February 13 to 18 The National Police reported that, in connection with Carnival 2026, lane reversals will be implemented to facilitate the departure and return of travelers to and from the interior of the country. The measure will be applied at various strategic points in three phases per day, with the objective of expediting vehicular traffic and reducing congestion. Authorities recommend that the public plan their travel in advance. Friday, February 13Outbound traffic to the interior Saturday, February 14Outbound traffic to the interior Lane reversals for return traffic to Panama City Tuesday, February 17 Wednesday, February 18 Authorities reiterated their call for drivers to respect traffic signs, follow the instructions of traffic personnel, and maintain road safety measures while traveling during the Carnival festivities. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Inflammatory Diet: The Daily Threat That Drains Energy and Silently Harms Your Health The recent relaunch of the food pyramid in the United States and its message “Eat real food” have once again brought to the forefront a statement that science has supported for years: poor nutrition makes people sick. The sustained increase in chronic, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases has forced a reassessment of priorities at the table, giving greater prominence to real foods and reducing the consumption of ultra-processed products. In this context, anti-inflammatory diets have gained traction, especially on social media, although not always with clear or responsible information. To better understand what is behind this trend and when it is truly necessary, TVN-2.com spoke with César Diaz, a specialist in sports nutrition, who warns that this is not a fad, but rather a clinical and preventive approach that must be applied with sound judgment. What is an anti-inflammatory diet and what is its purpose? Diaz explains that the main objective of an anti-inflammatory diet is to reduce the body’s inflammatory load, first identifying foods that each person does not tolerate and reinforcing the consumption of those that contain natural anti-inflammatory components. The body, he notes, has its own mechanisms to control inflammation, but these function better when supported through nutrition. Including foods with anti-inflammatory properties optimizes that natural response and improves metabolic and digestive function. Who needs it? Not everyone needs to follow a strict anti-inflammatory diet. According to the specialist, this dietary pattern is primarily indicated for individuals with diagnosed inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, Barrett’s esophagus, or other gastrointestinal disorders. However, he clarifies that the general population should consume anti-inflammatory foods, which is not the same as following a therapeutic diet. “When we talk about diet, we’re talking about a pattern of eating,” he explains, distinguishing between clinical treatment and preventive healthy habits. It’s not just carbohydrates that cause inflammation One of the most widespread myths is that carbohydrates are the main drivers of inflammation. Diaz refutes this idea and warns that inflammation can also be caused by excessive consumption of fatty foods, acidic foods, red meat in excess, and highly concentrated flavor products. He also points out that some carbohydrates have anti-inflammatory properties, especially whole tubers. The issue is not the nutrient itself, but the quantity, frequency, and level of processing. Among foods that help reduce inflammation, he mentioned ginger, turmeric, pepper, nuts, and cinnamon in small amounts, as well as lean proteins, vegetable oils such as olive and avocado oil, and minimally processed whole foods. When food makes you sick From a clinical perspective, the nutritionist warned that inflammation associated with diet usually manifests through clear