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
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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 13
Outbound traffic to the interior
- Begins: 12:00 p.m. at Avenida de los Mártires (BDA)
Ends: 7:30 p.m. at Panamá Pacífico (Howard) - Begins: 12:00 p.m. in Arraiján, Burunga
Ends: 7:00 p.m. at Campana, Capira - Begins: 12:00 p.m. in Sajalices, Chame
Ends: 6:00 p.m. in Las Uvas, San Carlos
Saturday, February 14
Outbound traffic to the interior
- Begins: 6:00 a.m. in Arraiján, Burunga
Ends: 6:00 p.m. at Campana, Capira - Begins: 6:00 a.m. in Sajalices, Chame
Ends: 6:00 p.m. in Las Uvas, San Carlos
Lane reversals for return traffic to Panama City
Tuesday, February 17
- Begins: 10:00 a.m. in Las Uvas, San Carlos
Ends: 6:00 p.m. in Sajalices, Chame - Begins: 10:00 a.m. at Campana, Capira
Ends: 6:00 p.m. in Arraiján, Burunga
Wednesday, February 18
- Begins: 7:00 a.m. in Las Uvas, San Carlos
- Ends: 6:00 p.m. in Arraiján, Burunga
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.
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 symptoms, although many people normalize them.
These include feelings of heaviness, drowsiness after eating, reflux, heartburn, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and in some cases, skin lesions or itching on the arms, neck, or face.
When these symptoms are recurrent and the list of foods that “don’t sit well” grows—even with products previously well tolerated—it may indicate uncontrolled chronic inflammation.
“When a patient eats very late, goes to bed, and wakes up the next day with cramps or pain, that is a very clear sign of intestinal inflammation,” he stated.
Maintaining the body in a constant inflammatory state does not only affect the digestive system. Diaz emphasized that this condition increases the risk of developing noncommunicable chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
In addition, persistent inflammation can activate inflammatory mediators associated with autoimmune diseases, cancer, or tumors, directly impacting quality of life and life expectancy.
New food pyramid: more protein and real foods
Regarding the new U.S. food pyramid approach, Diaz recommended increasing the consumption of lean animal proteins, prioritizing low-fat cuts, and reinforcing the intake of real, whole foods.
He clarified that “whole” does not simply mean high in fiber, but rather foods that have not been manipulated or ultra-processed, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, otoe, cassava, and plantains. Reducing ultra-processed foods, he explained, is key to lowering sustained inflammation in the population.
“When there is a lot of inflammation, something called IL-6, interleukin 6, and something called TNF, tumor necrosis factor, can become more activated. These are two agents that, when excessively elevated in our bodies, may increase the risk of cancer development, tumor formation, and other conditions. Obviously, we know these are factors that can increase or decrease a patient’s quality of life,” he detailed.
When do changes begin to be noticeable?
According to his clinical experience, the first changes can be felt as early as the first week, especially at a sensory level: more energy, improved digestion, better sleep quality, and reduced inflammation.
However, he clarifies that many people have unrealistic expectations of immediate physical results, when the initial benefits are typically functional.
Stress, traffic jams, and poor diet: a high price to pay
The specialist acknowledges that factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and long traffic jams directly influence inflammation. These conditions often lead people to “solve” meals with quick, ultra-processed foods, compromising their long-term health.
In light of this reality, he maintains that the nutritionist’s role is to create practical, accessible, and sustainable strategies that adapt to the patient’s lifestyle without harming their health.
“Maybe at first you don’t feel it (…) but if you were diagnosed with a disease at age 30, and a pill that cost 70 cents a day, when you add it up over time, you may end up spending $35,000, $65,000, or $95,000 throughout your life just to medically manage a condition that you developed over many years. So yes, the bill is high,” he emphasized.
Is healthy eating expensive?
For Diaz, healthy eating is only costly when convenience is prioritized. Buying pre-processed or ready-made foods raises costs, whereas real foods, purchased and prepared at home, are more cost-effective over time.
Examples such as whole fruits, tubers, eggs, and shopping at local markets can cover several meals on a low budget. “The cost is directly proportional to how easy you want it to be,” he noted.
“Try to look for real foods that you can prepare yourselves, and don’t try to completely change your grocery shopping overnight. Gradually add foods such as vegetables, whole tubers, whole fruits, packaged fruits, and stop buying cookies, chips, candy, caramelized nuts, because over time they will be much more expensive—even if they’re conveniently packaged,” he recommended.
Diaz urged people to focus on the “immediate effects you feel when consuming inflammatory foods,” and stressed that “it is not normal to eat and feel without energy; it is not normal to eat and then depend on sleep just to keep functioning.”
“It’s not normal. Food represents energy, and we should feel energized when we consume it,” the specialist emphasized.
In Panama, according to statistics from the Social Security Fund, more than 50% of the population suffers from noncommunicable chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.
According to the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, 7 out of 10 people are overweight or obese, which also represents risk factors for various types of cancer.
According to the organization, in most countries in the region, including Panama, the population has increased its consumption of industrially produced trans fats, sugars, and processed foods.
Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) identify this list of diseases associated with poor diet, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyles as a leading and premature cause of death.
In the Americas alone, approximately 62 million people die from cardiovascular diseases, while in Panama around 15,000 people die from these same conditions, which, according to Diaz, develop over the course of a lifetime.
Police Warn About Fake Officers Linked to Home Burglaries and Digital Scams
The National Police reported the arrest of eight individuals allegedly linked to residential and commercial robberies, as well as scams carried out through digital platforms, during the execution of Operation Shield.
The arrests were made following 20 search warrants conducted in the province of Colón and in the districts of Río Abajo, Juan Díaz, and Pedregal.
Modus operandi built trust with victims
According to the investigations, the suspects are allegedly connected to criminal incidents reported during September and November 2025, as well as in February 2026.
Authorities stated that those involved used different methods to commit the crimes, primarily targeting homes where they posed as police officers in order to gain access to the residences.
Online sales scams also under investigation
Investigations further revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in commercial robberies and scams conducted through online sales platforms.
According to the police report, the criminals allegedly contacted victims through these platforms, arranged to meet at an agreed location, and then robbed them of their belongings using firearms.
Operation ahead of Carnival
The National Police explained that this operation is part of the actions carried out by the Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ) under the security plan implemented ahead of the Carnival festivities, a period during which mobility and commercial activity increase.
Authorities reiterated their call for citizens to verify the identity of police officers, avoid meeting with strangers for commercial transactions, and report any suspicious activity.
Former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo Placed Under House Arrest for Alleged Unjust Enrichment
During the hearing to review precautionary measures, it was confirmed that former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo will remain under house arrest, after the Public Prosecutor’s Office requested pretrial detention in a penitentiary center for the alleged crime of unjust enrichment.
His defense stated that the court made its decision after hearing arguments from both the attorneys and the investigative authorities.
Carrizo must remain at his residence for the duration of the investigation.
His lawyers indicated that there are inconsistencies in the report issued by the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic regarding the former vice president’s funds.
Earlier, Carrizo expressed surprise at the speed with which the process has unfolded, as well as at the findings of the Prosecutor’s investigation, which, according to him, allege that he may have received money during his administration.
Panama Canal Expects to Sign Compensation Framework with Río Indio Families in March
The Panama Canal Authority is moving forward with the resettlement plan for the Río Indio communities and expects to sign the compensation framework in March with the nine community entities created for this process, according to Deputy Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta in an interview.
Espino de Marotta stated that the plan “is moving forward, progressing,” and that seven rounds of meetings with the communities have already been completed. The purpose of signing the framework is to ensure that families understand how compensation will be determined for land, homes, crops, economic activities, and connectivity impacts before individual negotiations begin.
Once the general agreements are signed, the process will continue “family by family,” applying the rules established in the framework to each specific case. “That could take a year,” she explained, noting that each family has different circumstances and that relocations will not occur simultaneously.
The resettlement will be carried out gradually over the four to five years expected for the project’s construction. Initial relocations will focus on areas where early works are scheduled, following a priority-based sequence.
The Deputy Administrator indicated that some parcels of land where families could be relocated have already been identified, although discussions with property owners are still needed for acquisition. The final location will depend on each household’s decision, as the process involves communities across three different provinces.
She also emphasized that dialogue with the communities has been central to the process. “This has been a dialogue; it has not been an imposition,” she said, explaining that housing models have been presented during meetings and feedback has been gathered regarding relocation options. Many families have expressed interest in relocating outside the original area, while others—particularly non-residents—may opt for financial compensation.
At the same time, infrastructure works and community programs are progressing. The ACP has completed nine of the eleven kilometers of planned production roads and is preparing to tender an additional 37 kilometers. It is also implementing reforestation projects, rural aqueducts, school improvements, and the installation of solar panels in six educational centers.
Espino de Marotta added that the technical component of the project is also advancing. The entity has completed approximately 30% of the geotechnical drilling required for the bidding documents and is preparing to begin the environmental impact study, whose baseline phase is in its final stage. The goal is to submit the study to the Ministry of Environment between October and November.
Regarding the overall timeline, she estimated that a tender could be launched between September and October of this year, with the intention of awarding the contract by January 2027.
The compensation framework expected to be signed with the communities compiles the main issues discussed during the seven rounds of dialogue held in the area. Key topics include the formation of the community platform, resettlement principles and regulatory framework, as well as the results of the census that identified each family’s situation and living conditions.
It also includes methodologies for land replacement and criteria for property valuation, along with the identification of impacts and associated measures related to land, private structures, and economic activities. The process also incorporated participatory housing design, with initial proposals adjusted based on community feedback.
Other components of the framework cover valuation and livelihood restoration methodologies, impacts linked to sociocultural networks, and measures to address them, ensuring that compensation considers not only material assets but also the social and productive dynamics of each area. These elements serve as general rules that will later be applied individually during negotiations with each family.
