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The Third Hong Kong Science Fair Gathers Creative Technologies of the Next Generation

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Over 30,000 Participants Attended the Annual I&T Mega Event

Gold Award-Winning Teams will Embark on a Journey to the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva to Broaden Their Horizons

HONG KONG, June 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The third Hong Kong Science Fair (‘Science Fair’), organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation (‘HKIF’), was held on June 8 and 9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event showcased smart solutions and creative technology projects from 120 teams of local and international primary and secondary school students. Local young talent and experts were also invited to share their accomplishments, demonstrating the prowess of Hong Kong’s new generation of creative technology talent. The two-day signature event attracted more than 30,000 visitors, including parents who brought their children to explore the joy of technology, with games and workshops in interactive zones inspiring an innovative spirit from an early age and promoting the culture of innovation and technology (I&T).

Today’s award presentation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Mr Zhang Zhihua, Director General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKIF; Mr David Taji-Farouki, President of the Jury, International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva; and members of the Hong Kong Science Fair judging panel including Mrs Ruth Lau, Supervisor, Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong; Professor Anderson Shum, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation), The University of Hong Kong; Ir Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation) of Sino Group. They have shown their support to the young inventors participating in the event, encouraged them to continue shining in the I&T sectors in Hong Kong and globally, and witnessed the naming of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze award-winning teams across the Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary divisions, as well as the ‘Most Popular Award’ voted by the public attendees.

Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said, ‘The country has recently been advocating the development of “new quality productive forces”, while Hong Kong is moving at full steam to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre to foster high-quality economic development, and that these are centered on the I&T development. One of the eight major strategies set out by the Government in the “Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint” is to promote an I&T culture for all. The popularisation of science helps enhance the overall I&T atmosphere in the community and facilitate the I&T development in the long run. The Hong Kong Science Fair, through the competition format, encourages students to apply science to address real-life challenges with the “innovative” and “people-oriented” approach. The Government has been making substantial effort to promote STEM education, and the promotion by the community is also crucial. Today’s Science Fair serves as a commendable demonstration of how community-driven initiatives can promote the popularisation of science and technology. The enthusiastic participation and vibrant atmosphere onsite indicate the success of this well-received science event.’

To equip the young inventors with global perspectives, HKIF will support the primary and secondary school teams that won Gold Awards at this year’s Science Fair to participate in the global invention event, the ‘International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva’ in Switzerland, where they will have an opportunity to exchange ideas and share their creative concepts with inventors. ‘The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is the largest international invention exhibition in the world,’ said Mr David Taji-Farouki, President of the Jury, the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, who came to Hong Kong to participate in the Science Fair for the second time. ‘The recently concluded 49th exhibition featured over 1,000 inventions from around 40 countries and regions. I was delighted to see that the gold award-winning primary and secondary school students from last year’s Hong Kong Science Fair brought their exhibits and showcased their confidence and outstanding communication skills when interacting with people from all over the world during the exhibition. Some of their works were also recognised with awards, demonstrating the creativity of the younger generation in Hong Kong and their global perspective on the application of innovative technologies for tomorrow’s world.’

Dr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, said during his speech, ‘Innovation and technology are key drivers of nation’s prosperity and sustainable development. The Hong Kong Government is committed to working towards establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for innovation and technology. We are delighted that the Science Fair has received widespread support and participation and is able to play a role in inspiring the I&T journey of young innovators. I notice that many parents participated in the event with their children today, aiming to nurture their interest and capability in I&T. I look forward to seeing these young people utilise technology and an innovative mindset to contribute to society in the future, injecting fresh vitality into Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.’

The third Hong Kong Science Fair was successfully concluded with the support of Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node, and over 40 partners from different sectors in society. The Science Fair received around 330 entries from around 1,400 Primary 4 to Secondary 6 students and teachers representing 130 local and international schools, including about 50 schools participating for the first time. The projects covered categories including ‘Smart City & Smart Home’, ‘Medical & Healthcare’, ‘Sustainability’, and ‘Education’. 120 shortlisted teams presented their innovative concepts and development processes at the Science Fair, and the Gold Awards winners are Ng Clan’s Association Tai Pak Memorial School (Project: 「掃」書郎), Pui Shing Catholic Secondary School (Project: 除除善友) and TWGHs Li Ka Shing College (Project: 盲人回憶攝錄機) from the Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary divisions respectively. Singapore International School (Hong Kong) (Project: Smart Anti-Flooding Environment (SAFE)), St. Stephen’s Girls’ College (Project: 智惜冷藏) and St. Paul’s Convent School (Project: Tide) were voted by the on-site public as the winners of the ‘Most Popular Award’.

The Science Fair featured innovative technological advancements from local universities and institutions, allowing young talent to share their passion and experiences. The showcases included the Surface Sampling and Packing System developed by the research team of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology for the country’s first lunar sample return mission, ‘Chang’e 5’, and the first sample return mission to the far side of the moon in human history, ‘Chang’e 6’. The latest generation solar electric vehicle models,  SOPHIE 8 and MOBO-II, developed by the Solar Car Team of the Vocational Training Council, and the Marine-cleaning Robot from a local startup, Clearbot, were also exhibited. The event also invited guest speakers from different institutions to share insights on real-world applications of innovative technologies and their development, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and the public.

The Science Fair also featured six interactive zones to engage families in the exploration of innovative technologies through games and activities, including the most popular ‘Laboratory Series’ workshops. In the ‘Magic Vit-C’ workshop, participants were able to explore the chemical interactions between vitamin C and fresh cut fruits and deepen their understanding of food science; the ‘Sand-sitivity’ workshop offered a creative learning experience by manipulating the texture and colour of sand to stimulate the senses; while in ‘Draw Me to the Stars’, technology was used to transform physical drawings into a virtual imaginary world, bringing a fantastic immersive experience to the Science Fair.

The above press release is published by Ogilvy Public Relations on behalf of Hong Kong Innovation Foundation.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Innovation Foundation

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Capital Advantage, Inc. Offers Tailored Financial Services for Kaiser Permanente® and TPMG Employees

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WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Capital Advantage, Inc., a trusted name in wealth management, is proud to highlight its specialized services designed to meet the unique financial needs of Kaiser Permanente® and The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) employees.

At Capital Advantage, we understand the complexities of Kaiser Permanente® and TPMG benefit plans. Our team is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals navigate their robust and often intricate benefit options. With over 30 years of expertise and a deep understanding of Kaiser’s offerings, we craft personalized financial plans to help maximize the value of our clients’ benefits.

“We recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that healthcare professionals face in managing their financial lives,” says Ian Castille, CFP®, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor at Capital Advantage, Inc.

Donna Zinman, CRPC®, Principal and Senior Advisor, adds, “Our goal is to educate our clients about their attractive benefit options and help them make the most of these opportunities.”

Key services for Kaiser Permanente® and TPMG employees include customized portfolio strategies and personalized guidance on retirement savings plans, identification of ideal pension options and annual open-enrollment benefit selections, advice on traditional vs. Roth 401(k) options, advanced tax-saving strategies (such as mega-backdoor Roth contributions), and simplification of retirement planning by working directly with Kaiser/TPMG’s benefits department. These services are designed to provide Kaiser/TPMG employees with peace of mind, confidence, and financial empowerment as they navigate their retirement and benefits planning.

About Capital Advantage, Inc.

Capital Advantage is a trusted, independently owned wealth management firm with over 40 years of experience helping individuals and families to achieve their financial goals. As a 100% fee-only fiduciary, Capital Advantage strives to provide financial peace of mind to each and every client, delivering large institution expertise with the personalized care and attention of a boutique firm. Our experienced advisors work closely with pre-retirees and retirees, women navigating unique financial journeys, and Kaiser Permanente® and The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) employees to create strategies that provide clarity, confidence, and long-term success.

For more information on Capital Advantage’s services visit: Kaiser/TPMG Employees – Capital Advantage, Inc. or call (925) 299-1500 to contact one of our advisors for a no-cost initial consultation.

Disclaimer: Capital Advantage, Inc. is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Kaiser Permanente® or TPMG (The Permanente Medical Group)

Limitations: No amount of experience, recognition, or past success, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Capital Advantage is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Please see Important Disclosure.

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SOURCE Capital Advantage, Inc.

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NASA Sets Coverage for Firefly First Commercial Robotic Moon Launch

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Carrying NASA science and technology to the Moon as part of the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 is targeting launch Wednesday, Jan. 15. The mission will lift off on a SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Live launch coverage will air on NASA+ with prelaunch events starting Monday, Jan. 13. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media. Follow all events at:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

After the launch, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander will spend approximately 45 days in transit to the Moon before landing on the lunar surface in early March. The lander will carry 10 NASA science investigations to further our understanding of the Moon’s environment and help prepare for future human missions to the lunar surface, as part of the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach. 

Science investigations on this flight aim to test and demonstrate lunar subsurface drilling technology, regolith sample collection capabilities, global navigation satellite system abilities, radiation tolerant computing, and lunar dust mitigation methods. The data captured could benefit humans on Earth by providing insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces impact Earth. 

The deadline has passed for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch. The agency’s media accreditation policy is available online. More information about media accreditation is available by emailing: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.

Full coverage of this mission is as follows (all times Eastern):

Monday, Jan. 13
2:30 p.m. – Lunar science media teleconference with the following participants:

Chris Culbert, CLPS program manager, NASA’s Johnson Space CenterMaria Banks, CLPS project scientist, NASA Johnson

Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 1:30 p.m. EST Jan. 13, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.

Tuesday, Jan. 14
1 p.m. – Lunar delivery readiness media teleconference with the following participants:

Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA HeadquartersJason Kim, CEO, Firefly AerospaceJulianna Scheiman, director, NASA science missions, SpaceXMark Burger, launch weather officer, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron

Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 12 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.

Wednesday, Jan. 15
12:30 a.m. – Launch coverage begins on NASA+ and the agency’s website.

1:11 a.m. – Launch

NASA Launch Coverage
Audio only of the media teleconferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, or -7135. On launch day, the full mission broadcast can be heard on -1220 and -1240, while the countdown net only can be heard on -7135 beginning approximately one hour before the mission broadcast begins.

On launch day, a “tech feed” of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel.

NASA Website Launch Coverage
Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 12:30 a.m. EST Jan. 15, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our launch blog for updates.

NASA Virtual Guests for Launch
Members of the public can register to attend this launch virtually. Registrants will receive mission updates and activities by email, including curated mission resources, schedule updates, and a virtual guest passport stamp following a successful launch. Print your passport and get ready to add your stamp!

Watch, Engage on Social Media
Let people know you’re following the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtag #Artemis. You can also stay connected by following and tagging these accounts:

X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAArtemis, @NASAMoon

Facebook: NASA, NASAKennedy, NASAArtemis

Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAArtemis

Coverage en Español
Did you know NASA has a Spanish section called NASA en español? Check out NASA en español on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for additional mission coverage.

Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo o Messod Bendayan a: antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov o messod.c.bendayan@nasa.gov.

For media inquiries relating to the launch provider, please contact SpaceX’s communications department by emailing: media@spacex.com. For media inquiries relating to the CLPS provider, Firefly Aerospace, please contact Firefly’s communication department by emailing: press@fireflyspace.com.
For more information about the agency’s CLPS initiative, see:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-sets-coverage-for-firefly-first-commercial-robotic-moon-launch-302348344.html

SOURCE NASA

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Universal Brain Announces Publication of Groundbreaking Depression Research Using Multiple Event-Related Potentials

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New findings support the company’s neuroscience-driven approach to precision psychiatry, offering actionable insights for personalized depression treatment

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Brain, a pioneering technology company focused on transforming mental healthcare through neuroscience, today announced the publication of its latest peer-reviewed study, “Neurotyping depression using multiple event-related potentials (ERPs): Leveraging task-based variation to predict remission in depression,” the paper introduces a novel framework for detecting unique neurophysiological patterns that can help predict which depressed patients are most likely to achieve remission from depression.

“By combining several EEG paradigms with novel statistical analyses, we’re moving closer to a future where depression therapies can be precisely tailored to each individual,” said Kazu Okuda, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Brain. “In particular, we are poised to leverage a battery of EEG paradigms to better subtype depression – which will pave the way for more precision in treatment development and selection.  These functional measures of brain activity (i.e., neurotypes) will be used to determine what treatment works best for whom.”

Key Highlights of the Study

Multi-Task ERP Analyses
The study leveraged multiple cognitive and emotional tasks to capture a broader spectrum of brain responses, thereby enabling more robust classification of distinct depression subtypes.Predictive Neurotyping
Through comprehensive ERP assessment, researchers identified patterns linked to a higher likelihood of remission in depression, paving the way for more targeted clinical strategies. Combining ERPs from multiple tasks outperformed classifications based on more traditional single-task analyses.Implications for Precision Psychiatry
These findings underscore the potential of individualized treatment pathways—an approach backed by emerging research in the field of precision psychiatry, which calls for data-driven, personalized solutions to improve outcomes in mental health.

“This work is especially exciting because it bridges the gap between laboratory-based assessments and potential real-world clinical practice. We believe our new method can help physicians potentially select treatment but also help clinicians fine-tune therapeutic interventions to an individual’s unique neural signature,” commented Greg Hajcak, Chief Scientific Advisor of Universal Brain. “By leveraging multiple ERPs in varying tasks, we can aim to better predict who will respond to specific treatments, a key step in transforming how we approach depression management.”

Championing Precision Psychiatry

Universal Brain’s overarching mission is to integrate cutting-edge neuroscience with clinical insights to advance precision psychiatry—a transformative model of care that personalizes interventions based on individual biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. This focus resonates with emerging trends in psychiatric research to enhance treatment outcomes.

In close collaboration with academic institutions, research hospitals, and clinical partners, Universal Brain continues to drive neuroscience-based innovation that bridges the gap between academic discoveries and real-world patient care.

For more information on Universal Brain’s research and the company’s commitment to developing neuroscience-driven solutions for mental health, please visit universal-brain.com or email us at media@universal-brain.com.

About Universal Brain

Universal Brain is a science-driven technology company dedicated to revolutionizing mental healthcare by unlocking the power of precision psychiatry. Drawing on advances in neuroscience, data analytics, and engineering, Universal Brain develops innovative tools and platforms that personalize psychiatric treatment and improve patient outcomes. To learn more, visit www.universal-brain.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-brain-announces-publication-of-groundbreaking-depression-research-using-multiple-event-related-potentials-302348351.html

SOURCE Universal Brain

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