JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OceanQuest, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to deep ocean exploration, has officially launched in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With a mission to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation, and foster international cooperation while engaging the public, OceanQuest is set to significantly accelerate deep ocean research and knowledge sharing.

The foundation supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by spearheading innovation in ocean exploration and advancing sustainable development. OceanQuest is set to contribute to the Kingdom’s National Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) targets by providing SAR 3 billion in research and development funding by 2050 and eventually supporting more than 150 scientists annually, while also aiding Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect 30% of marine habitats.

OceanQuest will lead a series of joint expeditions to study seamounts—vital underwater ecosystems essential to ocean health. These missions will provide new insights into the biology, chemistry, physics, and geology of the deep ocean, enhancing global knowledge and informing conservation efforts. The foundation will also aim to operate a small fleet of state-of-the-art research vessels equipped with advanced deep-sea robotics, allowing for the exploration of previously unreachable depths. A key component of OceanQuest’s innovation agenda will include the creation of digital twins of ocean seamounts—real-time virtual models that provide valuable insights for informed decision-making, conservation, and sustainable use.

To lead this ambitious initiative, OceanQuest has appointed Dr. Martin Visbeck as Chief Executive Officer. A globally recognized expert in ocean science, Dr. Visbeck brings over three decades of experience in advancing ocean research, policy, and technological innovation. Under his leadership, OceanQuest will drive forward initiatives that accelerate deep-sea exploration, pioneer new technologies, and elevate global engagement with the ocean.

About OceanQuest:

OceanQuest is a Saudi Arabian not-for-profit foundation, committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity. Its mission is to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation, and excite the public. OceanQuest and its global partners will launch a new era of deep ocean exploration and knowledge sharing. OceanQuest is based in the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) campus in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To learn more visit www.OQFoundation.org

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zCHXZLE1mI
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2671006/OCEANQUEST_Dr_Martin_Visbeck.jpg

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TORONTO, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shoplazza announced today that it has been nominated for Best E-Commerce, Finance & Banking Apps & Software in the 29th Annual Webby Awards. Widely regarded by The New York Times as “the Internet’s highest honor,” the Webbys are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), which is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet. IADAS, which nominates and selects the Webby Award winners, comprises internet-industry experts, including senior product, marketing, and creative leaders from companies and organizations such as Dimz Inc., Microsoft, Kraft Heinz, WPP, Hulu, the ACLU, Lenovo, Audible, BET, and the Tribeca Film Festival.

Built on an AI-first architecture, Shoplazza equips merchants—regardless of technical background—with everything needed to build, manage, and scale an online store. The all-in-one SaaS platform combines zero-code storefront design, product personalization, end-to-end order and inventory management, data-driven decision support, automated marketing, and multi-currency/multi-language checkout. More than 500,000 merchants worldwide rely on Shoplazza, reaching consumers in over 180 countries and regions to drive higher conversion and brand growth.

About Shoplazza:

Shoplazza is a leading Canadian e-commerce platform empowering global businesses to build, launch, and grow their online stores. With a robust omnichannel infrastructure, Shoplazza simplifies how merchants connect with customers across online, in – store, and social channels. Learn more at https://www.shoplazza.com/.

About The Webby Awards:

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites and Mobile Sites; Video & Film; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps & Software; Social; Podcasts; AI, Immersive & Games; and Creators. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received nearly 13,000 entries from all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide last year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and partners of The Webby Awards include Adobe, WP Engine, LinkedIn, Verizon, Meltwater, KPMG, NAACP, Vox Media, The Wall Street Journal, Deadline, AdAge, TechCrunch, The Hollywood Reporter, Film Independent, The Hustle, Series Mania, VidCon, The Podcast Show, Passionfruit, Embedded, Morning Brew, Creator Economy NYC, Creator Spotlight, AIGA, and The Publish Press.

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SOURCE Shoplazza

KANAZAWA, Japan, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Scientists at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University have captured real-time footage showing how a key hormone receptor activates genes, offering a clearer view into one of the most fundamental Kaprocesses in biology.

Using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), Richard Wong and colleagues at Kanazawa University directly visualized how the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binds to DNA and switches on genes in response to the hormone estrogen. Their findings, published in ACS Nano, reveal new molecular details of hormone signaling, with important implications for diseases like breast cancer.

Key Points

Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to directly film how estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binds to DNA in living-like conditions.Estrogen binding improves ERα’s ability to dimerize and accurately target specific DNA sites called estrogen response elements (EREs).Findings support a new ‘Ligand-Induced Dimerization (LID)’ model and offer insights into hormone-driven diseases like breast cancer.

Estrogen receptors play a critical role in controlling gene activity in many tissues. When estrogen binds to ERα, the protein changes shape, forms a dimer (a molecular pair), and attaches to specific regions of DNA called estrogen response elements (EREs). Although the importance of this process has been known for decades, it had never before been observed unfolding at the single-molecule level in real time.

To capture this, the researchers used HS-AFM to scan individual ERα molecules interacting with DNA. They compared the behavior of ERα with and without estrogen present. Their experiments showed that ERα could bind to DNA without estrogen but did so less precisely and less stably. When estrogen was present, ERα molecules dimerized more efficiently and exhibited targeted, stable binding to ERE sequences.

“Our study shows that estrogen acts like a molecular matchmaker,” says Richard Wong. “It not only triggers ERα to find the right DNA sequence but also stabilizes its grip, ensuring accurate gene activation.”

Based on these observations, the team proposed a new ‘Ligand-Induced Dimerization’ (LID) model explaining how hormones fine-tune the dynamic behavior of receptors at the DNA level.

This work provides direct visual evidence of how molecular signals from hormones lead to precise gene control — a fundamental advance that could guide new strategies for treating hormone-driven diseases.

Glossary

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα): A protein inside cells that binds estrogen and controls the activity of specific genes.High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM): An imaging technology that captures the movement of individual molecules in real time.Ligand: A molecule, such as estrogen, that binds to a protein and changes its shape or function.Dimerization: The process by which two protein molecules join together to form a pair (dimer), often necessary for function.Estrogen Response Element (ERE): A specific sequence of DNA that the estrogen receptor recognizes and binds to, controlling gene expression.

Figure: How Estrogen Receptor Binds DNA.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Eye-catching-imageEN_ACS-Nano_2025.4.23.png

Caption: This illustration shows the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα, in orange) attaching to DNA (in blue) as a pair, or dimer. The image is based on real-time, high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) data, showing how ERα recognizes and binds specific DNA sequences to activate genes. The close-up highlights the dimer sitting on the DNA strand — a key step in hormone-driven gene regulation.

Reference

Goro Nishide, Tomoka Ishibashi, Keesiang Lim, Yujia Qiu, Masaharu Hazawa, Ayami Matsushima and Richard W. Wong, Zooming into Gene Activation: Estrogen Receptor α Dimerization and DNA Binding Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy, ACS Nano (2025).

DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c14943

URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c14943

Funding

This work was supported by the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) and the WISE Program for Nano-Precision Medicine, Science, and Technology of Kanazawa University, funded by MEXT.

Additional support came from MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI (24K18449, 23H00521, 22H05537, 22H02209, 23H04278, 24H01276, 25H02360), JST CREST (JPMJCR22E3), the Hokuriku Bank, SECOM Science and Technology Foundation, Takeda Science Foundation, and Shimadzu Science Foundation.

Contact

Kimie Nishimura (Ms)

Project Planning and Outreach, NanoLSI Administration Office

Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University

Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University

Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring “uncharted nano-realms”.

Cells are the basic units of almost all life forms. We are developing nanoprobe technologies that allow direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of the behavior and dynamics of important macromolecules in living organisms, such as proteins and nucleic acids, at the surface and interior of cells. We aim at acquiring a fundamental understanding of the various life phenomena at the nanoscale.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal:

https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI

Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel

About Kanazawa University

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa – a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

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