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Wasatch BioLabs and Oxford Nanopore Team Up to Accelerate Methylation Sequencing Towards Clinical Use

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SALT LAKE CITY and OXFORD, United Kingdom, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wasatch Biolabs (WBL), a disruptive R&D and high-throughput clinical laboratory, today announced a collaboration with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), the company delivering a new generation of nanopore-based molecular sensing technology, to develop a Direct Whole Methylome Sequencing product that addresses key limitations associated with traditional bisulfite sequencing and methylation microarrays.

WBL develops proprietary methylation and genomic assays for mass-market research and customized clinical applications incorporating Oxford Nanopore’s rich genomic insights and rapid, accessible, and affordable sequencing technology. This collaboration is designed to build on Wasatch BioLab’s existing proprietary methylation assays and create market-leading offers to drive innovation in genomic and epigenomic analysis, accelerating breakthroughs in research and clinical applications.

“Through this collaboration, we are utilizing Oxford Nanopore’s industry-leading sequencing technology and additional technological expertise to accelerate product development and bring groundbreaking innovations to market faster,” said Chad Pollard, CEO and Co-Founder of Wasatch BioLabs. “These products are poised to redefine the standard for epigenetic research and revolutionize the field.”

New Product Announcement: Direct Whole Methylome Sequencing

Following Wasatch BioLabs’ recent release of a cell-free whole genome methylation sequencing assay that significantly improves sensitivity and data quality in assays targeting highly fragmented cfDNA, WBL is excited to announce their latest product: Direct Whole Methylome Sequencing (dWMS). This innovative technology addresses key limitations of traditional methods, such as bisulfite sequencing and methylation microarrays.

By eliminating DNA damage from harsh chemical treatments, sequencing biases from PCR amplification, batch effects, and restricted genomic coverage, dWMS offers comprehensive genome-wide coverage, capturing up to 98% of the 28.1 million CpG methylation sites in the human genome. It delivers precise single-molecule resolution and enables the simultaneous detection of DNA sequence, methylation, and hydroxymethylation patterns.

“We’re excited to work closely with the Wasatch BioLabs team to help facilitate a paradigm shift in methylation research,” said Kathleen Barnes, SVP of Population Health and Precision Medicine at ONT. “Together we will co-develop products that will replace conventional technologies such as sequencing arrays and bisulfite sequencing and reshape how methylation is incorporated into clinical research and diagnostics.”

ASHG 2024 Speaking Event Announcement

From Arrays to Sequencing: Enhancing Methylation Analysis for Biomarker Discovery and Clinical Applications

WBL will discuss this product and other key developments in a joint WBL and Oxford Nanopore CoLab session at the upcoming American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting, held November 6th-8th in Denver, CO. The presentation will unveil key product details, including more robust details of MethylSeqR, a proprietary analysis package designed to provide researchers with the tools to perform complex analyses on robust native-read DNA output in minutes.

Date and time: Nov 6th at 12pm MT
Location: Colab: Theater #1

About Wasatch BioLabs
Wasatch BioLabs (WBL) is a leading R&D laboratory and next-generation sequencing service provider dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and clinical epigenomics. Headquartered in Utah, WBL specializes in developing innovative methylation-based technologies and delivering custom assays built for scalability, precision, and impactful results. WBL’s offerings empower researchers and other clients with unprecedented insights into the genome. With a focus on collaboration, adaptability, and excellence, Wasatch BioLabs is a trusted partner for academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries worldwide. To learn more, visit www.wasatchbiolabs.com.

About Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for real-time, high-performance, accessible, and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 125 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. Oxford Nanopore Technologies products are intended for molecular biology applications and are not intended for diagnostic purposes. For more, visit: https://nanoporetech.com/

Forward-looking statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and profit margins are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as “aim”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “target”, and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature should also be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address our expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and by definition address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Our results could be affected by macroeconomic conditions, delays or challenges in manufacturing or delivering of products to our customers, suspensions of large projects and/or acceleration of large products or accelerated adoption of pathogen surveillance or applied uses of our products. These or other uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements.

For more information, please visit:
Wasatch BioLabs: www.wasatchbiolabs.com
Oxford Nanopore Technologies: https://nanoporetech.com

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SOURCE Wasatch BioLabs

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Celebrate 40 Years of the UAE and China’s Diplomatic Relations at the Upcoming ‘Building bridges for the future UAE & China’ Event in Abu Dhabi

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Taking place on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche from November 1st to 3rd, ‘Building bridges for the future UAE & China‘ will host a series of interactive workshops, live performances, cultural displays, and culinary experiences

ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The distinguished “Building Bridges for the Future: UAE-China” event, reflecting the spirit of unity and collaboration between the UAE and China, will be held in cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Taking place over three days, from November 1 to 3, on Abu Dhabi’s picturesque Corniche, this landmark event commemorates 40 years of enduring partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China.

The event’s theme, “Reflecting on The Past, Present, and Future,” pays tribute to the deep-rooted ties, milestones, and collaborative spirit that have defined the UAE-China relationship since 1984. The UAE currently maintains two diplomatic representative offices in China, in Beijing and Shanghai, and this strong bond has continued to develop over the past number of years, with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed visiting China in June of this year.

What to Expect

Visitors to the Corniche will instantly be immersed in a rich tapestry of Emirati and Chinese culture, with interactive workshops that invite attendees to explore traditional crafts from both nations. Through hands-on activities like calligraphy, fan painting, and basket weaving, guests can experience the artistry that has been passed down through generations, celebrating the shared values of craftsmanship and heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the soulful notes of traditional Emirati Oud music and the dynamic moves of the Tai Chi, and Kung Fu, with each display honouring the distinct cultural essence of its origin.

Artisan stalls situated along the Corniche will display handcrafted goods from Emirati and Chinese artists, providing an intimate view into each nation’s cultural richness. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, a roaming Dragon Dance and Al-Ayyala performers will weave through the crowds, filling Abu Dhabi’s Corniche with the colours, sounds, and spirit of celebration, embodying the unity at the heart of the UAE-China partnership.

Join the Celebration

When: November 1st to 3rd
Timings: from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM for all days
Where: Abu Dhabi’s Corniche
Buy tickets online here: https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/95487/building-bridges-for-the-future

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/celebrate-40-years-of-the-uae-and-chinas-diplomatic-relations-at-the-upcoming-building-bridges-for-the-future-uae–china-event-in-abu-dhabi-302294556.html

SOURCE Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

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URGENT CALL TO BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO FUND ALTERNATIVES TO BURN PITS

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Billions going to help VETS with medical conditions caused by toxic exposure, but not enough being done to prevent the current and next generation from falling to same

BATAVIA, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Eco Waste Solutions™  (EWS), a leader in deployable waste management technology, calls on the Biden administration to ensure military service members never again face the health risks associated with toxic burn pits. Eco Waste Solutions has developed the Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal System (ESWDS) specifically for military use, offering a proven alternative to open burn pits.

Though the Army has invested heavily in ESWDS testing and has contracted EWS to supply units for safe waste disposal in combat zones, funding limitations jeopardize the future production of this critical equipment. Since 2021, only ten of the planned 236 units have been procured, with the production line set to close by June 2025 without further investment.

“A modest $9 million increase in the Army’s budget could ensure ongoing ESWDS availability and prevent a return to harmful burn pits in future conflicts and act as a bridge until the defense department can budget for the program,” says Jean Lucas, President and CEO of Eco Waste Solutions. “The effects of burn pits are well-documented and devastating, and we have a ready, deployable solution. This investment would safeguard troop health and sustain a skilled workforce in Batavia, New York.”

With bipartisan support, including the PACT Act’s acknowledgment of burn pit health impacts, Eco Waste Solutions is committed to ending the use of open burn pits in the military once and for all. By fully funding the ESWDS, the administration can honor this commitment and ensure long-term health protection for our troops.

For more information, visit ecosolutions.com.

About Eco Waste Solutions:
Since 1993, Eco Waste Solutions™ has been delivering thermal waste conversion solutions to companies, communities, governments and military organizations around the world. From world-leading products, to specialized engineering and technical services, we help thermal waste conversion projects thrive. Our environmental technologies have diverted millions of tons of garbage from landfills, while recovering valuable materials, and generating over half a million megawatts of energy, while protecting the public from infectious disease, and other hazards. The company has operations in Burlington, Ontario and Batavia, New York.
www.ecosolutions.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/urgent-call-to-biden-administration-to-fund-alternatives-to-burn-pits-302294572.html

SOURCE Eco Waste Solutions

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LITE ACCESS AMENDS CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURE MATURITY DATE AND EXTENDS EXCLUSIVITY WITH IRONMAN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

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VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – LITE ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (“Lite Access”) (TSXV: LTE) (OTC: LTCCF), a world leader in the fibre optic products and advanced installation methodologies, announces it will extend the maturity date of previously issued convertible debentures in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Debentures”) from November 22, 2024 to November 22, 2026 (the “New Maturity Date”).  The New Maturity Date has been approved by all of the holders of the Debentures.

The principal amount of the Debentures will continue to bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum and be convertible at a conversion price of $0.10 per share (see news release dated November 22, 2022).  Other than the New Maturity Date, no other terms of the Debentures were amended.

The New Maturity Date is subject to acceptance of the Exchange.

Update on Ironman Transaction

The Company also announces that the Company and Ironman have agreed to further extend the exclusivity period until December 31, 2024, in relation to its proposed acquisition of Ironman and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ironman Direction Drilling Ltd., an experienced provider of directional drilling (the “Transaction”), which was previously announced in the news release dated May 5, 2023.  Ironman is currently finalizing the audit of its financial statements and the parties intend to enter into the definitive agreement in November 2024.

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of key conditions including entry into a definitive agreement between Lite Access and Ironman, completion of due diligence of the parties, shareholder approval, TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”) final approval and other conditions customary for this type of Transaction. The Company will issue a subsequent news release upon entry into a definitive share purchase agreement with Ironman.

About Lite Access

Lite Access Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the use of innovative and proven micro/narrow trenching technologies, alternate methods of deployment and specialist products which transform the cost the network deployment for telecommunications operators.

As part of its suite of services Lite Access provides clients with integrated solutions or select components for the design and implementation of fibre optic networks.  Lite Access’ products have been deployed in many high-profile communication networks including Olympic facilities, military and government, numerous communities throughout the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada as well as global telecommunications companies that have adopted Lite Access as the “solution of choice” for the least invasive, most cost effective and future-proof fibre optic connectivity available.

Lite Access’ installation technology and proprietary products extend a network provider’s ability to deliver true broadband connectivity directly to end-users, such as homes, businesses, government and educational institutions, and emergency response facilities. Lite Access remains flexible and innovative in its commitment to provide global clients and partners with the most cost effective and proven fibre connectivity solutions available.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical fact, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Lite Access uses words such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “likely”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by Lite Access in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to Lite Access’ expectations and predictions is subject to any number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties.  Many factors could cause Lite Access’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties described in Lite Access’s most recent Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) for the financial year ended September 30, 2023 which can be accessed at www.sedarplus.com. The “forward-looking statements” contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release and, unless required by applicable law, Lite Access undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Lite Access Technologies Inc.

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