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Moa and NAICONS join forces to discover the next generation of naturally-occurring herbicides

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OXFORD, England, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Oxford-based agricultural biotech firm Moa Technology has stepped up the global hunt for a safe, effective and affordable biological herbicide by forming a new partnership with NAICONS, an Italian natural products company.

Moa’s proprietary high-throughput screening platform will rapidly test 70,000 micro-bacterial extracts from NAICONS’ library of natural products, searching for biological leads which could control weeds, while being safe to humans or the environment, either as a standalone new herbicide or to enhance the efficacy, safety, and resistance-breaking potential of existing herbicides.

The need for new herbicides to help farmers protect their harvests has never been more urgent, with over 273 species of weeds now resistant to one or more commercially available herbicides. For example, annual crop losses from weeds cost the US economy over $11 billion and the Australian economy over $3.3 billion.  In the UK, the herbicide-resistant weed blackgrass costs farmers around $500 million every year.

To date, Moa’s platforms have screened almost 800,000 synthetic and naturally-occurring compounds, discovering over 70 potentially novel mode of action herbicides. Three synthetic herbicides with novel modes of action discovered by Moa have already performed strongly in their first two seasons of international field trials.

The agreement with NAICONS gives Moa exclusive rights to develop any new herbicides discovered in the library, with value to be shared from future licensing and commercialisation.

Dr Virginia Corless, Chief Executive Officer of Moa Technology, said “Our discovery platform is very well suited to screen natural product libraries, as it provides a reliable and early indication when a compound is too weak or too toxic to become a commercially viable herbicide.  We are looking forward to applying our screening technology to NAICONS’ high-quality library of actinomycete bacteria to see if we can find a biological compound that can help farmers control weeds effectively and sustainably.”

Stefano Donadio, Chief Executive Officer of NAICONS said: “We are very excited about this collaboration. Our library has never been screened for herbicides and we are confident promising lead molecules will be rapidly identified through our powerful micro4all platform. Over 150,000 different molecules have been identified in the extracts sent to Moa and our team is eager to help in identifying the most promising herbicide candidates.”

About Moa:

Spun out of Oxford University in 2017, Moa aims to provide farmers with effective, safe and affordable herbicides to protect their harvests against the toughest and most resistant of weeds.  With our proprietary technology platforms, we have screened over 700,000 synthetic and 100,000 naturally occurring compounds in the last three years, discovering over 70 promising novel mode of action areas.  Our three most advanced novel mode of action herbicides have just completed a second successful season of international field trials.  In July 2024 Moa signed a major partnership with Nufarm to co-develop and commercialise one of these new chemical series.

About NAICONS:

NAICONS Srl (www.naicons.com) is a Milan-based biotech company specializing in the discovery and development of bioactive molecules. Its proprietary micro4all platform integrates a vast and diverse library of actinomycete bacteria, a ready-to-screen extract collection, and an advanced molecular annotation database to accelerate the identification of compounds with applications in human, animal and plant health. With decades of expertise in natural product research, NAICONS collaborates with public and private institutions worldwide to drive innovation in drug discovery, agriculture and biotechnology, unlocking the potential of microbial diversity to develop next-generation solutions.    

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2648537/Soil_microorganisms_under_a_microscope.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/moa-and-naicons-join-forces-to-discover-the-next-generation-of-naturally-occurring-herbicides-302410538.html

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Groundbreaking Study Explores THC Beverages as a Wellness Alternative to Alcohol

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PHILADELPHIA, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MoreBetter, a leader in Real-World-Data collection and research, has announced a pioneering study aimed at understanding the impact of THC-infused beverages on alcohol consumption, mood, and overall quality of life. This innovative effort comes at a critical time, as alcohol sales are experiencing a decline, and as consumers are increasingly curious about trying “better-for-you” alcohol alternatives.

The observational research study is currently recruiting up to 2,000 qualified participants who will provide daily feedback over a three week period on their infused beverage and alcohol consumption patterns, as well as self-assessments on their overall quality of life. The study is sponsored by multiple leading beverage brands, who are collectively supplying participants with free infused beverage products to use throughout the course of the study.

“By collecting consumer-reported outcomes from thousands of consumers, over a multi-week basis, we provide brands and industry advocates with the Real World Data they need to understand how infused beverages are impacting consumers’ quality of life,” says MoreBetter COO, Tyler Dautrich.

“Our mission has always been to provide a healthier, more mindful way to enjoy social moments, and we believe this study will help us better understand and validate the positive impact of our product,” said Aaron Nosbisch, Founder and CEO at BRĒZ, a sponsor of the study.

Timely Research Supported by Industry Leaders

In January of 2025, the outgoing Surgeon General released the New Advisory Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk which outlined how alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer, despite less than half of Americans recognising it as a risk factor for cancer. As consumers begin to seek alcohol alternatives, THC-Infused Beverage brands want to gain insight into how consumers are using their products and what perceived lifestyle benefits or wellness outcomes might result after consumption.

“The cannabis plant should be better researched, and we are hopeful that this is just the first step in learning how these products can improve people’s lives as acceptance, access, and consumption of infused beverages expands across the US,” said Adam Terry, CEO of Cantrip, also a sponsor of the study.

“This pioneering study reflects our commitment at Iconic Tonics to reshape the future of adult beverages—delivering functional, flavorful, and elevated alternatives that meet the moment. As more consumers explore mindful options, real-world data like this will be essential in understanding how THC-infused beverages are enhancing quality of life and transforming social rituals. Our partnership with MoreBetter isn’t just about validating our brands—it’s about leading a cultural shift with integrity, innovation, and style,” said Evan Eneman, CEO and co-founder of Iconic Tonics, alongside entertainment icon and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg.

While canned THC-Infused seltzers are the primary form factor being studied, MoreBetter will also investigate 750ml bottles used as mixers, dry powder mixes, and 1.5-2 oz “shots” in an effort to study how various doses and form factors impact consumer’s perceived experiences.

“Participating in this study allows us to stay at the forefront of innovation while helping to shape standards that prioritize safety, quality, and consumer education,” said Justin Tidwell, CEO of Nowadays, about sponsoring the study.

Join the Infused Beverage Study

Consumers over the age of twenty-one are invited to join the study and share their day-to-day experiences with using infused beverages. Individuals can check if they’re eligible for the study at this website: mystudi.es/bevstudy.

About MoreBetter

MoreBetter is a software and contract research organization (CRO) specializing in Real World Data collection on the use and performance of functional ingredients and consumer wellness products. Clients include dietary supplement manufacturers, federal and state government agencies, and global academic researchers. MoreBetter’s mission is to empower consumers to make data-informed decisions in pursuit of better personal health and wellness. Learn more at www.morebetter.ltd.

Contact Information

Tyler Dautrich
COO
MoreBetter
610-406-7505
tyler@morebetter.ltd
www.morebetter.ltd

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/groundbreaking-study-explores-thc-beverages-as-a-wellness-alternative-to-alcohol-302425992.html

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Six Red Marbles and T.I.B. Editorial Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Spanish-Language Educational Offerings

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Six Red Marbles and T.I.B. Editorial Inc. have partnered to provide high-quality Spanish-language and bilingual K–12 educational materials. This collaboration expands SRM’s ability to offer full-service, multilingual solutions—supporting publishers, school districts, and dual-language programs with culturally responsive, research-backed content.

BOSTON, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Six Red Marbles (SRM), a leader in innovative educational content and curriculum development, has partnered with T.I.B. Editorial Inc., a premier provider of Spanish-language editorial services, to enhance bilingual and dual-language educational materials for the K-12 market.

“Together, we’re bringing decades of expertise in Spanish-language publishing and bilingual education to ensure students receive engaging, high-quality literature tailored specifically for educational purposes and learning materials that support academic success in both English and Spanish.”

This partnership enables SRM to expand its service offerings by leveraging T.I.B. Editorial’s expertise in Spanish-language content development, bilingual education, and transadaptation. Through this collaboration, SRM and T.I.B. Editorial will provide high-quality Spanish-language instructional materials, including decodable readers, structured literacy programs, culturally responsive curriculum, multimedia learning tools, and much more.

This partnership also expands SRM’s ability to offer even more full-service solutions, ensuring that clients can execute large-scale, multilingual projects with a single, trusted partner. SRM’s proven expertise in full-service educational development, spanning instructional design, content creation, and digital learning solutions combined with T.I.B. Editorial’s deep knowledge of Spanish-language publishing and bilingual education, allows both organizations to deliver comprehensive learning experiences at scale.

“We’re thrilled to partner with T.I.B. Editorial and Andrés Pi Andreu, an award-winning bilingual author and curriculum expert,” said Bill Scroggie, EVP of Learning Solutions at Six Red Marbles. “This collaboration allows us to offer our clients an even broader range of services. With T.I.B.’s exceptional Spanish-language capabilities, SRM can now be a true one-stop shop for multilingual program development.”

The collaboration between SRM and T.I.B. Editorial aims to address the increasing demand for bilingual and Spanish-language education by offering:

Bilingual & Dual-Language Curriculum Development: Spanish-language materials aligned with best practices in cross-linguistic transfer, Science of Reading, and multimodal literacy.Decodable Readers & Structured Literacy Materials: Research-based resources designed to support Spanish-speaking and bilingual learners.Culturally Responsive Content & Heritage Spanish Programs: Authentic, engaging materials that reflect Latin and Hispanic cultures and diverse linguistic experiences.Spanish Translations & Transadaptations: Pedagogical adaptation of English materials into Spanish to ensure linguistic and cultural accuracy.Innovative Digital & Multimedia Learning Tools: Spanish-language e-learning solutions, interactive content, and bilingual voiceover services.

“This collaboration bridges a crucial gap in K–12 bilingual education,” said Andrés Pi Andreu, Founder of T.I.B. Editorial Inc. “Together, we’re bringing decades of expertise in Spanish-language publishing and bilingual education to ensure students receive engaging, high-quality literature tailored specifically for educational purposes and learning materials that support academic success in both English and Spanish.”

With this partnership, SRM and T.I.B. Editorial will offer publishers and educational institutions a full suite of bilingual content solutions, allowing them to tap into the rapidly growing Spanish-language education market. The collaboration will support dual-language programs, heritage Spanish speakers, and districts seeking culturally relevant instructional materials.

About Six Red Marbles

Six Red Marbles is a leading provider of innovative learning solutions, offering curriculum development, instructional design, and educational technology services to publishers, school districts, higher education institutions, and corporate learning programs. With a focus on research-backed pedagogy and engaging content, SRM delivers impactful learning experiences that meet the evolving needs of learners worldwide. Learn more at: https://www.sixredmarbles.com/

About T.I.B. Editorial Inc.

T.I.B. Editorial Inc. specializes in editorial services for the K-12 market, with expertise in Spanish-language content development, bilingual education, and transadaptation. Headquartered in Miami, T.I.B. Editorial provides publishers with high-quality Spanish-language instructional materials, decodable readers, heritage Spanish programs, and multimedia learning tools that align with state and district education standards.

For more information about the partnership, please contact:

Robin Zaccardo, Chief Experience Officer

Six Red Marbles

contact@sixredmarbles.com

Media Contact

Robin Zaccardo, Six Red Marbles, 1 8575889000, contact@sixredmarbles.com, https://sixredmarbles.com 

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View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/six-red-marbles-and-tib-editorial-inc-announce-strategic-partnership-to-expand-spanish-language-educational-offerings-302424235.html

SOURCE Six Red Marbles

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Smith Consulting Group Celebrates Fifteen Years In Business

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Smith Consulting Group Celebrates Fifteen Years Of Helping Banks and Credit Unions

LAKE MARY, Fla., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Smith Consulting Group is celebrating fifteen years of helping banks and credit unions of all shapes and sizes overcome challenges and achieve success. Starting with just three people, Smith Consulting Group (“SCG”) has grown to a team of over seventy people consisting of the some of the most respected experts in the fintech and financial services industry.

“Technological advances, consumer demands, regulatory compliance, and other challenges require expertise that is difficult for banks and credit unions to manage internally in a cost and time effective manner. SCG continues to grow our team to meet these demands for our clients.” – Darren Smith, CEO

“It’s been an incredible journey for both SCG and our clients,” said Darren Smith, Founder and CEO of Smith Consulting Group. “The environment that banks and credit unions operate in has changed significantly over the last fifteen years, and it continues to change on an almost daily basis. Technological advances, evolving consumer demands and expectations, regulatory compliance, and other challenges require the addition of new areas of expertise that are almost impossible for banks and credit unions to manage internally in a cost and time effective manner. That is why SCG continues to grow our team to meet these demands for our clients.”

“I have known Darren for many years, including the time we spent together at Fiserv, and it has been inspiring to watch him build SCG and use his unique ability to stay ahead of the curve to the advantage of SCG’s clients,” said John Macaluso, Chief Operating Officer for Smith Consulting Group. “Under Darren’s leadership, SCG has assembled an unsurpassed team of experts that encompass everything banks and credit unions need to meet the demands of today’s banking environment. This team and their skills continue to adjust to make sure that whatever challenges a bank or credit union faces SCG can help them overcome them. Whatever comes next SCG will be ready for it, and so will our clients.”

About Smith Consulting Group: Our team of banking and credit union professionals have decades of experience dealing with all aspects of bank and credit union operations. In addition to our extensive work with banking software system conversions and implementations, our team also has a broad range of experience working with the various systems required in your bank’s operations including Core, Teller, Customer Service and Call Center Platforms, ECM Systems, Document Development and Delivery Systems, Online and Mobile Banking, and various other interfaces.

To learn more about Smith Consulting Group visit www.smithconsultinggrp.com, email them at info@smithconsultinggrp.com, or call 866-4-SmithGrp.

Media Contact

Darren Smith, Smith Consulting Group, 1 (321) 263-6955, darrensmith@smithconsultinggrp.com, smithconsultinggrp.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/smith-consulting-group-celebrates-fifteen-years-in-business-302425329.html

SOURCE Smith Consulting Group

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