Technology

Volpara to Highlight Growing AI Suite for Mammography at ECR 2024, Including New Lunit Distribution Agreement

Published

7 months ago

February 21, 2024

Volpara technology to be featured in scientific and AI Theatre sessions

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Volpara Health Technologies Ltd. (ASX: VHT), a global leader in software for the early detection and prevention of cancer, announced a distribution agreement to resell Lunit’s AI solutions for mammography. Lunit’s AI-powered Lunit INSIGHT for early detection of breast cancer will be featured as part of the company’s expanded software suite at the 2024 European Congress of Radiology (ECR). The suite also includes tools for assessing breast density, evaluating cancer risk, and ensuring mammography quality.

Volpara and Lunit® commenced negotiating this distribution agreement prior to entering into a Scheme Implementation Agreement on 14 December 2023 (SIA). This distribution agreement is important to Volpara’s ongoing business regardless of whether Lunit acquires Volpara as contemplated in the SIA and allows Volpara to sell Lunit’s products immediately.

“Improving cancer detection rates and alleviating the pressure on radiologist workload cannot wait,” said Teri Thomas, Volpara CEO. “Lunit INSIGHT is significantly enhancing mammography screenings around the world, like Capio S:t Göran Hospital in Sweden, where it replaces one human reader in Europe’s double reading setting. Lunit INSIGHT complements Volpara’s software suite perfectly, and we’re eager to get this essential tool in the hands of more radiologists.”

“The collaboration between Volpara and Lunit marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mammography solutions,” said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. “By combining Volpara’s advanced tools with Lunit’s AI solution into one software suite, we are creating a holistic and transformative mammography journey. This synergistic partnership aims to redefine the standards of breast health, providing healthcare professionals with comprehensive assistance to enhance accuracy and efficiency, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

New studies highlight use of Volpara algorithms

Volpara’s robust algorithms have firmly established the company as a trusted research partner and industry leader. Volpara technology has played a role in many European personalised screening and optimisation studies, such as the DENSE, TOMMY, To-Be trials, PROCAS I/II, and KARMA studies.

Volpara’s technology continues to be the gold standard for cutting edge research globally. For example, a recent study published in European Radiology, titled “Diagnostic performance of 3D automated breast ultrasound (3D-ABUS) in a clinical screening setting—a retrospective study,” showcases the effectiveness of using Volpara volumetric breast density software to identify women appropriate for supplemental 3D-ABUS imaging. This study retrospectively analysed the use of digital breast tomosynthesis and 3D-ABUS from 2014 to 2022 to screen 1,555 women, of whom 96% were identified as having dense breast tissue (category C or D) using Volpara® Scorecard™. The study found malignancies in 2.4% of the screened women, with 27% of these cancers detected exclusively by 3D-ABUS. The cancer detection rate was 2.77 per 1,000 screenings. The authors concluded that the diagnostic performance of 3D-ABUS in a real-world clinical setting matches that of previously published prospective studies, noting particularly the improved rates of recall and biopsy.

Studies featuring Volpara technology to be presented during ECR 2024 include:

“Digital breast tomosynthesis with advanced reading methods for the Dutch national breast cancer screening program (STREAM): design and rationale of a prospective non-randomised screening trial,” van den Oever, L. B.; Kregting, L.; Sechopoulos, I.; Broeders, M.”Improving mammography screening performance by ordering mammograms,” Gommers, J.; Verboom, S.; Webster, M.; Abbey, C.; Broeders, M.; Sechopoulos, I.”Comparison of three AI breast density tools with a human reader,” Payne, N.R.; Marziali, S.; Black, R.; Hickman, S.E.; Gilbert, F.J.”Validation of deep-learning based method for mammographic breast compression pressure measurement,” Wang, K.; Letts, R. F.; Hill, M. L.

“The wider adoption of AI into more national screening programmes hinges on solid research that showcases its benefits in enhancing outcomes or boosting operational efficiencies,” said Melissa Hill, Senior Imaging Scientist and Global Research Lead at Volpara Health. “Clinicians can be confident in the scientific rigour and validation of Volpara’s algorithms, and the company’s commitment to empowering European healthcare providers.”

Volpara will also be presenting “Trustworthy AI for personalised breast cancer screening” in ECR’s AI Theatre on Wednesday, February 28 at 16:15. Volpara’s suite of software will be on display in Booth #AI-21a.

About Volpara Health (ASX: VHT)

Volpara Health makes software to save families from cancer. Healthcare providers use Volpara to better understand cancer risk, empower patients in personal care decisions, and guide recommendations about additional imaging, genetic testing, and other interventions. Our AI-powered image analysis enables radiologists to quantify breast tissue with precision and helps technologists produce mammograms with optimal image quality, positioning, compression, and dose. In an industry facing increasing staffing shortages, our software streamlines operations and provides key performance insights that support continuous quality improvement.

Volpara is the preferred partner of leading healthcare institutions around the world. Our software is used in over 2,000 facilities by more than 5,600 technologists, impacting over 17 million patients globally. It helps providers conduct more than three million cancer risk assessments each year and can be deployed stand-alone or fully integrated with electronic health record systems, mammography reporting systems, imaging hardware, and genetic laboratories. Volpara holds the most rigorous security certifications and numerous patents and regulatory registrations, including FDA clearance and CE marking. Since listing on the ASX in April 2016, the Company has raised A$132 million. With an office in Seattle, Volpara is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

For more information, visit www.volparahealth.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/volpara-to-highlight-growing-ai-suite-for-mammography-at-ecr-2024-including-new-lunit-distribution-agreement-302066844.html

Technology

PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

Published

27 mins ago

September 21, 2024

24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

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SOURCE Pause for Peace

Technology

Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

Published

1 hour ago

September 21, 2024

The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

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SOURCE Global Times

Technology

The Ar-King of Spirits: Ed Arking’s Impact on the Liquor Industry

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2024

In the interest of providing luxury liquors in a convenient and stress-free format, Served Neat was born. When asked about his intentions for the company, Ed states, “My goal with Served Neat is to create a one-stop shop where customers can easily discover these rare gems.”

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Served Neat is an emerging online platform with a curated selection of some of the world’s most popular luxury spirits. The website offers daily flash deals that highlight a variety of high-end international brands including Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, Clase Azul, and more.

“While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Ed and Joe Arking, the father-son team behind the concept of Served Neat, have decades of experience hand-selecting and supplying sought-after liquors. Ed Arking, CEO of New Jersey’s Roger Wilco, grew up in the world of wine and spirits and formed his own business aspirations.

“Growing up, I watched my father navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving wine and spirits industry,” Ed explains. “While I always aspired to create something similar, I knew I needed to wait for the right moment.” Ed has gone on to manage his own liquor store and lead projects for up-and-coming brands, such as the vodka-infused and non-carbonated Smooth Water.

As he evolved in his career, Ed discovered the perfect time to make his lifelong vision a reality. He recalls, “I noticed a gap in the market—especially for whiskey and tequila. These categories have surged in popularity, making it difficult for the everyday consumer to find those elusive sought-after allocated bottles.”

When it comes to Served Neat, quality and knowledge is key. Ed adds, “While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Served Neat is the sister company to WTSO and The Wine Market, two online platforms dedicated to sourcing and distributing top-notch wines from every corner of the globe.

At The Wine Market, an online marketplace for the world’s most popular wine brands, convenience and quality are key. Each bottle in their curated collection is a testament to exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

Since 2006, WTSO has enjoyed creating a unique wine experience and sharing it with new beginners and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Using an extensive network of wineries and wine makers, WTSO connects customers to thousands of brands from top wine appellations around the globe. The strong relationships they’ve formed within the wine world allow the business to deliver authentic and high-quality bottles to homes across the United States.

Wine and spirits lovers alike are invited to explore Served Neat, WTSO, and The Wine Market to find their next favorite bottle. Visit their websites to learn more about these one-of-a-kind online marketplaces!

Media Contact

Julie Blount, WTSO, 1 8669572795, marketing@wtso.com

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SOURCE WTSO