5, Sep 2026
Archaea As Flexitarians: Ammonia-Oxidizing Microbes Also Feed on Amino Acids
Sep 05: Symbiotic ammonia-oxidizing archaea in marine sponges are not strict specialists, but true “flexitarians”: A team led by microbiologists Bettina Glasl and Katharina Kitzinger from the University of Vienna, in collaboration with partners from Australia, has shown that these microbes dine not only on ammonia but also on amino acids such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine – and presumably do that to communicate with their animal host. The findings shed new light on one of the oldest animal-microbe symbiotic relationships on Earth and point to a previously underestimated role played by archaea. The study was published in the prestigious journal Science Advances.
For decades, scientists assumed that ammonia-oxidizing archaea had a strict diet, feeding exclusively on ammonia, and to some extent, on the simple nitrogenous compounds cyanate and urea, to fix CO2. A new study led by researchers from the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science at the University of Vienna, in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, shows that symbiotic ammonia-oxidizing archaea, unlike their free-living relatives studied thus far, are actually “flexitarians”. They use amino acids, such as valine, leucine and isoleucine, as additional food sources. This finding also suggests that these symbiotic microbes may have an unknown ability to communicate with their animal hosts.
An ancient symbiosis
Marine sponges are among the oldest animals. Their simple bodies are teeming with microbes. This partnership, also called symbiosis, is vital for the sponge’s survival in the oceans. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea are key symbionts in marine sponges. They are renowned as the sponge’s microscopically sized sanitation crew as they remove toxic ammonia, a metabolic waste product.
Until now, it was assumed that they are strict “chemolithoautotrophs”: They derive energy from inorganic compounds, in this case ammonia, and use CO2 as their carbon source.Hints that symbiotic ammonia-oxidizing archaea might be more flexible came from their genomes. Unlike many free-living ammonia-oxidizing archaea, they carry genes encoding transporters for branched-chain amino acids. The new study provides the first direct experimental evidence that symbiotic ammonia-oxidizing archaea actually are mixotrophs, capable to use CO2 and amino acids as a carbon source.
Zooming in on individual microbes’ activity
The researchers studied the coral reef sponge Ianthella basta, also called elephant ear sponge, and its ammonia-oxidizing archaeal symbiont Nitrosospongia ianthellae. Using a cutting-edge combination of advanced chemical and microscopic imaging techniques, including NanoSIMS, they were able to watch the dietary habits of individual symbiont cells in their sponge host.
“The real challenge was to prove which specific cells were consuming the amino acids within the sponge,” says Katharina Kitzinger, co-lead author and specialist in single-cell analysis. “We could literally see the labeled amino acids being incorporated into individual symbiont cells, linking a cell’s identity to its function rather than relying on genome predictions alone.”
From waste disposal to microbial communication
The discovery has implications beyond the microbes’ diet. As they can both consume and produce branched-chain amino acids, symbiotic ammonia-oxidising archaea may influence the availability of these essential amino acids within their ancient animal host.
“We used to think of these symbionts primarily as a waste disposal service for the sponge” says Bettina Glasl, co-lead author and expert in sponge–microbiome interactions. “By producing and consuming these amino acids, the symbionts can potentially modulate important signalling molecules for the sponge. This could be a form of communication between microbes and animal hosts with deep evolutionary roots.”
The researchers propose that this metabolic activity could even influence the mTOR signaling pathway, a conserved regulator of cell growth and metabolism that responds to branched-chain amino acid availability.
“This work would not have been possible without the tight collaboration of many people in Austria and Australia, and the generous support from the FWF for the Cluster of Excellence ‘Microbiomes drive planetary health'” says Michael Wagner, head of the FWF-Cluster and last author of the study.
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- By Neel Achary
5, Sep 2026
Utah researchers join NSF center that studies how robots and people learn to work together
Sep 05: A new National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center, led by the University of Texas at Austin, will study what happens when assistive robots leave the lab and move into the real world to live and work alongside humans.
The Center for Human and Robot Co-Adaptation will bring together 39 researchers from six universities and multiple industry partners to establish a new science of “human-robot co-adaptation”—how people and robots learn from one another and adjust their behavior over long periods in everyday settings that will include homes, hospitals and assisted-living residences.
The University of Utah will play a central role in the new center under the leadership of Daniel Brown, assistant professor in the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering’s Kahlert School of Computing. The Utah contingent of researchers has expertise spanning human-AI alignment and safety, robot learning and manipulation, human-centered computing and human factors.
“A lot of research into robotics research today focuses on whether a robot can successfully complete a particular task,” Brown said. “Through this center, we want to dive deeper and understand what happens when a person and a robot live and work together for weeks, months or even years.”
“This kind of long-term study of co-adaptation is really only possible with the kind of large-scale effort afforded by the center,” he said. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to get the research we’ve been developing in the lab into hospitals, dormitories, museums and care facilities to better understand how to create human-robot interactions that benefit and empower people.”
Other Kahlert faculty involved with the 5-year collaboration, which is funded by a $30 million NSF grant, include Tucker Hermans, Jason Wiese and Kenneth Marino, along with Frank Drews, a Utah professor of psychology.
The University of Utah will also provide one of the center’s most important real-world proving grounds. Through the Human Environment with Robots Facility Network, robots will be deployed at University of Utah Health sites, including the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital and the planned One U Residential Center, designed to support independent living for people with complex physical injuries.
Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital is a leader in patient-facing technology and innovation, providing a clinical environment to develop and test new technologies that can increase patient independence, improve rehabilitation outcomes and support care teams. The project builds on a longstanding collaboration between Jason Wiese; Dr. Jeffrey Rosenbluth, Vice Chair of Innovation and Community Programs at Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital; James Gardner, who coordinates the development of new patient-facing technology at Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital; and Brent Eliesen, Health Innovation Team Lead with University of Utah Information Technology.
Their work includes the hospital’s 75 smart patient rooms, where assistive technologies are integrated into patient care and studied in a clinical setting. This established infrastructure and experience provide a strong foundation for expanding this work into assistive robotics.
These real-world settings will allow researchers to study how patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and robots adapt to one another during extended, real-world interactions—moving robotics research beyond short laboratory experiments toward technologies that can safely support rehabilitation and independent living. Utah will also contribute to the center’s education and outreach efforts through collaborations with the Utah STEM Action Center.
“This project gives us a chance to study robotics where the technology really matters: alongside people in their everyday environments,” Wiese said. “We want to understand how robots can adapt to individual needs and support greater independence.”
Partner universities include Indiana University Bloomington, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, and Yale University. Industry collaborators include Amazon, Apptronik, Diligent Robotics, Google DeepMind, Hello Robot, MassRobotics, NVIDIA and Robust AI.
5, Sep 2026
New ESG Framework Maps Key Risks and Growth Opportunities Across India’s FMCG Sector
Mumbai, Sep 05: Aspire Circle and Aspire Impact have launched “Fast Moving Consumer Goods: An ESG Performance Framework,” a new research publication under the Impact Future Project, a thought-leadership initiative supported by Capgemini. The publication brings together 19 senior ESG, sustainability and business leaders to develop a sector-specific approach to measuring ESG performance and assessing ESG risks and opportunities.
India’s FMCG sector generated USD 245.4 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 615.9 billion by FY2027, touching more than 1.4 billion consumers. The framework moves beyond a single blended ESG score by assessing ESG Risk and ESG Opportunity separately, providing companies, investors and other stakeholders a clearer view of vulnerabilities and potential for sustainable value creation.
The framework combines sector-agnostic KPIs with FMCG-specific indicators across Personal Care, Household, Food Products and Diversified FMCG. The assessment covers Environment, Social and Governance issues including emissions, energy, water, packaging, product lifecycle, responsible sourcing, employee health and safety, customer impact, governance and ethical conduct.
Key ESG risk areas include packaging waste, water stress, energy-intensive manufacturing, supply chain traceability, sustainable sourcing, product quality and safety, responsible marketing and natural resource stewardship. Opportunities include circular packaging, renewable energy, refill and reuse models, ethical sourcing and regenerative agriculture. The essence of the framework is that clearer identification of material ESG risks, combined with measurable opportunities, can help FMCG companies build consumer trust and brand equity, anticipate regulatory and market shifts, and drive innovation and responsible growth, ultimately contributing to stronger long-term business performance and stakeholder outcomes.
The framework integrates Risk and Opportunity assessments through a 2×2 Risk–Opportunity quadrant. The framework integrates Risk and Opportunity assessments through a 2×2 Risk–Opportunity quadrant, where the respective scores position a company within the quadrant and provide a clear view of its current ESG risk–opportunity profile and direction of travel. This goes beyond a single embedded score by showing where a company stands, where it should aim to move, and whether progress is being driven by reducing risk, strengthening opportunities, or both.
Amit Bhatia, Founder, Aspire Circle and Aspire Impact, said,
“India’s USD 245 billion FMCG sector reaches over a billion consumers every day, giving it a unique ability to turn everyday choices into large-scale climate and social impact. Our ESG framework, with separate Risk & Opportunity ratings and both sector-agnostic and sector-specific KPIs, lets FMCG companies benchmark themselves against peers and translate ESG intent into measurable, comparable action.”
Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, said,
“As the FMCG sector touches billions of lives every day, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to make sustainable choices more accessible and impactful. At Colgate-Palmolive India, our experience of embedding ESG across our products, operations and communities has shown us the value of clear, measurable goals and collective action. Through our 2030 SMILE Strategy, we are advancing climate action, circularity, oral health and community impact..”
The publication is the latest in IFP’s planned series of 12 sector-specific ESG performance frameworks, following frameworks covering industry-agnostic ESG KPIs, Financial Services, Healthcare, Information Technology and Utilities. The Working Group members for the FMCG publication included Amit Saha, Founder & CEO, Pro India, Ex Chief Sustainability Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages; Dr. Ankur Chaturvedi, Assistant Vice President Operations & ESG Lead, Emami; Burzin Dubash, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Ankur Capital; Dipanwita Chakraborty, Founder Advisory at Visible Growth Inflection Points; Former Regional Director – Corporate Responsibility & Sustainable Development, Asia Pacific, Cargill; Gagandeep Singh Sethi, Senior Vice President, Integrated Operations, Sustainability & Responsibility, Pernod Ricard India; Gayatri Divecha, Senior Advisor, Gayatri Divecha Consulting; Former Head, Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, Godrej Group; Kanika Pal, ISB-BIPP Visiting Fellow; Milind Datar, VP Manufacturing and EHSS, Tilak Nagar Industries; Nehit Vasavada, Deputy General Manager, Operations Management and Food Safety Management Systems, Amulfed Dairy; Prachi Singh, Senior Vice President, INI Farms; Saloni Malhotra, CEO, Aspire Impact Assurance; Former CEO, MIPL; Sanskriti Kapoor, Vice President, ESG & Impact, Omnivore; Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director, ESG & Communications, Colgate-Palmolive; Sreemoyee C. Bhattacharyya, Lead, Sustainability, Marico; Srinidhi S. Rao, Head Sustainability, Diageo India; Tannya Garg, Director, Impact, Partnerships & New Initiatives, FarMart; and Dr. Taruna Saxena, Former Director Sustainability & Societal Initiatives, Nestlé.
Capgemini continues its association with the Impact Future Project. Anurag Pratap, VP & CSR Leader, India, Capgemini, said,
“We believe the time has come to mainstream the principles of an Impact Economy. The Impact Future Project is playing a significant role in accelerating this vision by fostering greater awareness, encouraging collaboration, and bringing together diverse stakeholders to drive meaningful action towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
The framework is also supported by IKOO World, Aspire Impact’s digital platform for ESG, Sustainability and Impact Assessments and benchmarking, with data for more than 750 organisations.
Harpreet Kaur, Chief Knowledge Officer, Aspire Impact, said,
“The publication ultimately seeks to make ESG measurement more useful for companies, investors, regulators and other stakeholders by combining a common set of industry-agnostic indicators with FMCG-specific KPIs, separating ESG Risks from ESG Opportunities, and moving ESG assessment beyond broad sustainability claims towards more measurable, comparable and actionable insights.”
5, Sep 2026
SAIL Achieves Record August Steel Production, Sales Jump 13 percent as Borrowings Fall by Rs 870 Crore
State-owned steel giant Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has delivered one of its strongest monthly performances in recent years, posting record production and double-digit sales growth in August 2026. The Maharatna PSU achieved its highest-ever August output of hot metal, crude steel and saleable steel, while robust domestic demand and improved retail sales helped push overall sales volumes to 1.87 million tonnes. The performance further strengthens SAIL’s position as one of the key drivers of India’s expanding steel consumption story.
SAIL’s production numbers reflected strong operational momentum across its integrated steel plants. Crude steel production increased 8% year-on-year to 1.68 million tonnes, while hot metal production rose 9% to 1.78 million tonnes. Saleable steel production also edged up to 1.69 million tonnes, marking a new August record for the company. The growth comes as India’s infrastructure, construction and manufacturing sectors continue to generate healthy demand for domestically produced steel.
The company also reported an impressive commercial performance during the month. Overall steel sales surged 13% year-on-year to 1.871 million tonnes, compared with 1.654 million tonnes in August last year, supported by strong demand across Tier-1 and Tier-2 retail markets. Cash collections jumped 23%, reflecting better customer realisations and disciplined commercial execution. SAIL also recorded its highest-ever August sales in value-added steel products, including cold rolled, galvanized and alloy steel, while reducing inventory levels through faster supply-chain movement and improved market servicing.
SAIL’s growth was also visible in its supplies to the railway sector, a major consumer of long steel products. Rail supplies to Indian Railways increased 5% to 1.23 lakh tonnes, while supplies of long rails touched an all-time monthly high of 1.12 lakh tonnes, registering 11% growth over the corresponding period last year. On the financial front, the company reduced its borrowings by ₹870 crore compared to its position on March 31, 2026, strengthening its balance sheet and improving financial flexibility.
The strong performance extended beyond August. During the April-August 2026 period, SAIL’s cumulative steel sales reached 7.71 million tonnes, up 5.6% over the same period last year despite global market volatility and fluctuating steel prices. Higher sales of finished and processed steel, an improved product mix and wider regional market penetration helped sustain growth during the five-month period.
Commenting on the company’s performance, Dr. A.K. Panda, Chairman and Managing Director, SAIL, said the results demonstrate a strong alignment between operational efficiency, commercial execution and financial discipline. He added that ongoing expansion projects, improving domestic demand and India’s long-term infrastructure push position SAIL to accelerate growth while making a significant contribution to the country’s rising steel consumption and manufacturing ambitions.
4, Sep 2026
Midea Brings “Simply ideal” to Life at IFA 2026
BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At IFA 2026, Midea brings its “Simply ideal” vision to life through the latest innovations, designed to bring greater intelligence, comfort, efficiency and ease to the home.
The exhibition also highlights Midea’s new five-year partnership with FC Barcelona.
The Midea Suites: Ways to Master the Home
The new SMART MASTER showcases Midea’s AI-powered home ecosystem. The AI Agent enables more natural, intuitive interaction with appliances across daily household scenarios. Midea Robot brings AI into the physical world through cooking, cleaning, laundry, care and whole-home control.
At IFA 2026, Midea unveiled its new AI voice-controlled air conditioner. Cliff Liang, General Manager of Enterprise Commercial for the China Region at Microsoft, joined the Midea event and shared Microsoft’s perspective on the next phase of AI.
AI ECOMASTER coordinates appliances and connected systems through intelligent power management. It learns household routines and adapts to changing needs for greater flexibility and comfort.
For homes where every inch counts, SPACE MASTER delivers more usable capacity within the same external dimensions, as demonstrated by the refrigerator’s expanded storage.
Alongside the MASTER Suites, the BUILT-IN Series includes the Milanese-inspired Ispira Series, combining cohesive design with intelligent functionality for an integrated cooking experience.
The Midea Scenarios: Innovation for Everyday Living
Comfort begins with the air around us. Midea’s R290 Series responds to growing demand for efficient cooling. It combines advanced compressor and safety-sealing technologies with ultra-low-GWP R290 refrigerant, delivering around 10% higher energy efficiency. Residential applications include H-Pack and PortaSplit, with PortaSplit set to adopt R290 in 2027.
In the kitchen, technology simplifies daily routines, from food storage and cooking to after-meal care. The Visionary Series refrigerators make food easier to see and access through GlassVision, hands-free lighting and clear, even illumination.
The InfiniteFit Series hobs feature an ultra-slim design for seamless integration into European kitchens, while OmniFlex enables flexible cookware placement. The PizzaPro built-in oven combines rapid heating with an 81L cavity, balancing speed with capacity.
After the meal, the Tri-GreenApex System brings washing, drying and storage together while using around 50% less energy than required for Europe’s highest A rating.
Laundry brings its own everyday needs. Midea’s family laundry room concept combines multi-drum solutions for different garment-care needs, allowing separate loads to run at the same time. The OMNI SERIES offers flexible combinations to suit different household routines.
Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, introduced Matter at Midea’s booth, highlighting its open, secure, interoperable framework and Midea’s role in advancing smart appliance connectivity.
Partnership and Brand Portfolio
At IFA 2026, Midea celebrated its partnership through an immersive FC Barcelona experience at its booth. FC Barcelona legend Carles Puyol made a special appearance, sharing insights from his career on leadership, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence. His presence reflected Midea and FC Barcelona’s shared commitment to world-class performance.
As part of Midea Group’s multi-brand portfolio, TEKA presents its latest innovations under the “Meaningful Experiences Through Technology” concept, including its new coffee machine range, the In-Line Series and Laundry Care solutions, bringing European design and functionality to modern living.
About Midea and Midea Group
Midea is one of over 10 brands within the Smart Home Business of Midea Group.
Founded in 1968, Midea Group is a leading global technology company and one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers. As a Fortune Global 500 enterprise, it ranked No. 231 in 2026. The Group has streamlined its core operations into seven high-growth business pillars to drive future growth: Smart Home, Industrial Technologies, Building Technologies, KUKA, New Energy, Midea Healthcare, and ANNTO Logistics.
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4, Sep 2026
Dahua Technology Showcases Integrated Smart Living and Innovations at IFA Berlin 2026
BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, is showcasing its expanding portfolio of intelligent products and solutions at IFA Berlin 2026, highlighting the company’s continued innovation in its core technology strengths while extending AIoT capabilities into a broader range of business areas.
At this year’s exhibition, Dahua is presenting innovations spanning wireless surveillance, intrusion alarm, video intercom, monitor, and fire safety. The lineup demonstrates how Dahua is building on its expertise in video, AI, and intelligent security to address a wider range of residential, commercial, and professional needs.
WITHS: Extending Professional Security through Wireless Innovation
Developed around the concept of “Simple, Smart, Secure”, WITHS brings Dahua’s professional imaging and intelligent security expertise into a flexible wireless portfolio designed for easier deployment and management.
Supporting Wi-Fi, 4G, and DMSS app control, WITHS helps reduce cabling requirements and enables smaller installations to be conveniently managed through mobile devices, while NVR-based management supports larger applications. Its intelligent capabilities include human, pet, and vehicle detection, auto tracking, gesture recognition, facial recognition, AOV/AOR recording, WizColor imaging, and two-way talk. It covers indoor, outdoor, wire-free, and off-grid scenarios, including solar-powered and high-capacity battery options.
Dahua AirShield: Integrated Wireless Intrusion Protection
Dahua AirShield provides wireless intrusion protection by integrating alarm devices with surveillance, video intercom, and other security systems. Its Airfly private RF protocol supports event transmission between alarm hubs and wireless peripherals, while RF-HD enables rapid image and audio transmission from compatible devices.
The solution supports wired devices through expansion modules, helping users modernize existing systems while reducing upgrade costs. Powered by DoLynk Cloud, AirShield connects end-users, installers, and Alarm Receiving Centers through DMSS and DoLynk Care. AP Mode provides flexible network configuration, while Cloud Update enables one-click upgrades of alarm hubs and wireless peripherals.
Dahua WizTalk: Intelligent Residential Video Intercom
Dahua WizTalk, the company’s flagship IP video intercom series, combines high-resolution imaging, AI capabilities, integrated security, and intelligent residential control. Selected door stations feature 5MP or 5MP+2MP dual-camera configurations, full-color night vision, ultra-wide viewing angles, and panoramic vertical dual-lens designs.
WizTalk supports detection of people, loitering, vehicles, packages, and pets, while selected models also provide crying detection. Its indoor panels integrate video surveillance, PTZ control, digital zoom, and intrusion alarm functions. SCP Series Smart Control Panels running Android 14 also support compatible third-party applications, allowing multiple functions to be managed through a unified interface.
More Technological Innovations Beyond Security
Beyond these core highlights, Dahua is also presenting fire safety solutions and gaming monitors, further demonstrating the breadth of the company’s growing product portfolio. Wisualarm extends Dahua’s capabilities into professional fire detection and alarm applications, including connected fire protection and AI-assisted early fire detection, while Dahua monitors address commercial, gaming, and residential display needs.
“IFA gives us an opportunity to show both the depth of our technology expertise and the breadth of our growing portfolio,” said Eason Rao, Overseas Product General Manager at Dahua. “We are continuing to strengthen our core businesses while exploring new opportunities and developing solutions that bring intelligent technology to more applications and customers.”
Experience Dahua at IFA 2026!
Visitors can experience Dahua’s latest technologies through live demonstrations and speak directly with the company’s product and business teams about their applications and development. Through its diverse portfolio, Dahua continues to strengthen its core businesses while exploring new opportunities to bring intelligent technology to more customers and scenarios.
IFA Berlin 2026 | September 4–8, 2026 | Berlin, Germany
Dahua Booth: H1.2-173
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4, Sep 2026
CHiQ at IFA 2026: From Global Expansion to Deeper Local Engagement
BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At IFA Berlin on September 4, CHiQ unveiled its new AI-powered home appliance range, covering TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washer-dryer combos. Rather than emphasizing technical specifications in isolation, the brand demonstrated how AI integrates into real-life household routines, marking a shift from technological innovation to everyday experiences and reflecting parent company Changhong’s continued focus on localization across global markets.
To address diverse household needs, CHiQ is embedding AI into a growing number of everyday scenarios. Its RGB MiniLED AI TV lineup integrates an integrated AI Sports Platform, transforming the TV from a traditional display into an interactive hub for home fitness and shared activities. The air conditioner features AI Human Presence Radar, which detects users’ locations and habits to adjust airflow dynamically. Meanwhile, the AI-powered refrigerator and laundry care system employ intelligent sensing and monitoring to help users take a more proactive approach to managing food freshness and garment cleanliness.
On IFA’s opening day, Grundig, CHiQ’s strategic partner and a premium European home appliance brand, presented a new product lineup across TVs, refrigerators, washer-dryers, and air conditioners. This showcase represents a further extension of Grundig’s brand development and product strategy and points to a new direction for Grundig in European and global markets.
In recent years, CHiQ’s focus has centered on simplifying everyday household chores through smart innovation. The brand has introduced a virtual giant panda as an AI interactive assistant, adding warmth and personality to its smart TVs and other AI-enabled appliances while naturally incorporating distinctive elements of Chinese culture into the user experience.
Skiing has also become another bridge connecting CHiQ with European lifestyles. Over the same period, the brand has strengthened its European presence as an official data partner of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. These efforts have deepened CHiQ’s connections with consumers in Europe and around the world. At the same time, the brand incorporates the speed of skiing and the pristine character of winter sports into its products, bringing technology closer to users’ lifestyles.
Behind these initiatives lies a broader shift: CHiQ is advancing its localization efforts. From product experiences and brand messaging to sports, culture and other aspects of local life, the company is establishing more diverse touchpoints as it expands its presence in Europe. Moving beyond simply entering overseas markets toward becoming part of them, CHiQ is bringing its global expansion into closer alignment with the local markets it serves.
About CHiQ
CHiQ, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and household appliances, is redefining industry standards with innovative products, intelligent technologies, and a growing commitment to corporate social responsibility. Its influence continues to grow across global markets, especially in Europe.
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4, Sep 2026
Bybit On-Chain Earn Raises BTC Staking Yield by 50% to 1.2% APR
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce Bybit On-Chain Earn has partnered with Function (FBTC) to upgrade its BTC staking Vault product, raising the guaranteed annualized return from 0.8% to as much as 1.2%, a 50% increase of the evergreen offering. With Bybit, BTC holders no longer need to sit on their idle asset as they navigate a range-bound BTC.
In early September 2026, BTC has been consolidating around the $80,000 level after rebounding from roughly $62,600 in August and briefly climbing above $81,000 in late August. The cryptocurrency continues to hold above its key moving averages, encouraging many long-term holders to maintain their position.
Bybit On-Chain Earn‘s new BTC staking solution comes with a guaranteed minimum return, distinguishing it from variable-rate products where yield fluctuates with market conditions. Eligible users may subscribe to a fixed 45-day term with no option for early redemption. A subscription cap of 200 BTC applies. Upon maturity, participants can opt into automatic renewal, allowing both principal and accrued returns to roll seamlessly into the next staking cycle without requiring manual reinvestment. This structure is designed to give BTC holders a straightforward way to generate yield on idle holdings while maintaining predictable, fixed-term commitments.
The partnership with Function, the protocol behind FBTC, extends Bybit’s collaboration with the DeFi and TradFi convergence space, diversifying user access to potential yield opportunities across the digital asset landscape.
The upgraded exclusive BTC vault is now live on Bybit. Terms and conditions apply. Users may visit Bybit On-Chain Earn for details on eligibility requirements and potential restrictions.
#Bybit / #NewFinancialPlatform
About Bybit
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4, Sep 2026
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road Sets a Broader Footprint in South Bangalore’s Healthcare Landscape with 360° Gut Care
BENGALURU, India, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gastrointestinal health has increasingly moved to the centre of India’s lifestyle disease burden, with rising rates of fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel issues, and a growing number of GI malignancies. Addressing this shift calls for care that spans early screening, diagnosis, surgical intervention and long-term management, rather than treatment confined to a single point in a patient’s journey.
Keeping this in mind, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road launched its Comprehensive Gastrosciences Department – 360° Gut Care, bringing together Medical Gastroenterology, Surgical Gastroenterology, GI Oncology, and Robotic Surgery under a single, integrated care pathway. The launch was graced by chief guests — Dr. Rajani M, Director of Health & Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, along with Mr. Sridhar, a prominent Sandalwood Actor and Dance Choreographer, in the presence of the hospital’s GI specialists and clinical leadership. The event began with an introduction of the clinical team, felicitation of the doctors and staff, and the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by remarks from the dignitaries and a high tea.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Veerendra Sandur, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, said, “We are seeing a lot of lifestyle and metabolic disorders like fatty liver and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and cancers. That is why we are starting this comprehensive gastro care program as a single point of access for patients navigating gastrointestinal concerns, from early screening and diagnosis to surgical intervention, oncology care, and long-term management.” He credited the Radiology and Anaesthesia teams for their role in enabling complex diagnostic and interventional work.
Delivering the chief guest address, Dr. Rajani M congratulated the hospital on the initiative. “The gut and the brain are very closely linked, and food habits have a real bearing on gut health. Karnataka has also taken solid organ transplantation to the next level, and we now stand second highest in the country. I understand that liver transplants are also an integral part of this program, which makes it a truly 360-degree approach for gut-related transplants as well.”
Actor Sridhar reflected on his family’s long association with the medical team. “For over a decade now, my family has been under the care of Dr. Sandur, and I want to acknowledge the exceptional compassion and empathy we have received throughout.” He recalled a particularly difficult time when his mother-in-law required a complex GI surgery, and how the team’s care and support through that experience left a lasting impression on his family.
On the surgical and oncology capabilities, Dr. Girish S P, Consultant – General & GI Surgery, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, spoke about the department’s robotic surgery program, calling it central to treating complex GI cases. “Robotics does a great job in surgery because the vision it offers is so enhanced. It allows surgeons to work with far greater precision than we could with the naked eye alone. We are longer limited by what our own eyes might miss; the clarity it gives lets us do far greater justice to the surgery itself.”
Mr. Mohan Hariharan, Cluster Director – Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road and Jayanagar, spoke to the comprehensiveness of the new setup and noted, “Our commitment has always been to make sure patients don’t have to look beyond this institution for comprehensive gut care, and today’s launch is a step towards that promise. This has been possible because of the dedication our GI team has shown from day one with the support from ICU, interventional radiology and blood bank teams, along with the liver transplant approval we received just yesterday from the government. Hence, I’m confident this commitment will translate into meaningful care, not just for patients in South Bangalore but well beyond it.”
The launch was preceded by a CME session featuring talks from the team on the evolving landscape of gastroenterology and GI oncology, advances in managing GI bleeding, and comprehensive care for abdominal wall hernia and advanced robotic surgery.
For more information, please visit https://www.manipalhospitals.com/kanakapuraroad/.
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4, Sep 2026
AtomVie Global Radiopharma Celebrates the Grand Opening of its New State-of-the-Art Radiopharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility in Hamilton, Ontario
HAMILTON, ON, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – AtomVie Global Radiopharma (AtomVie), a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the radiopharmaceutical industry, today celebrated the Grand Opening of its new purpose-built, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at 10 Aeropark Boulevard in Hamilton, Ontario. The milestone marks a defining moment in AtomVie’s evolution that transforms clinical success into life-changing precision therapies for patients worldwide.
Representing an investment of more than $160 million, the 72,300-square-foot facility is the largest single-site CDMO facility in North America for radiopharmaceutical development to date, featuring low-to-high throughput production and delivering more than a tenfold increase in AtomVie’s manufacturing capacity. Purpose-built for lifecycle growth, the facility enables seamless progression from early development to commercial manufacturing of radiopharmaceuticals, with customizable space dedicated to clients’ future needs.
A distinctive success story, AtomVie is a spinout of the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC), a McMaster University-based Centre of Excellence established to advance Canada’s leadership in radiopharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. Today, AtomVie employs a growing team of highly skilled professionals, with the organization targeting more than 200 employees by the end of 2026 as the new site continues to scale toward full operations.
Built on more than a decade of experience and renowned technical expertise in process and analytical method development, AtomVie has supported over 70 clinical development and technology transfer programs, manufactured more than 1,000 cGMP batches, and delivered over 4,400 cGMP doses to patients across 28 countries and six continents with a delivery success rate of over 99%. With its new facility, AtomVie is well-positioned to scale production with its partners from clinical development to commercial manufacturing.
“This Grand Opening represents the next chapter of AtomVie’s journey and a proud milestone for Canadian innovation in nuclear medicine,” said Bruno Paquin, Chief Executive Officer of AtomVie. “Our new purpose-built facility amplifies a proven track record of reliable global delivery and deep scientific expertise, enabling us to support the development and commercialization of our partners’ pipelines. Above all, it advances our purpose of transforming patients’ lives by delivering high-quality radiopharmaceuticals to those who need them, all around the world.”
“AtomVie’s new facility inauguration reflects the discipline and dedication of the AtomVie team and the confidence of the partners who have supported our growth,” said Kevin McNeill, Chairman of AtomVie’s Board of Directors. “This facility continues AtomVie’s status as a leading radiopharmaceutical CDMO, now built at commercial scale to serve partners with the reliability the field requires.”
The Grand Opening celebration welcomed government representatives, clients, partners, and members of the radiopharmaceutical community for facility tours and a firsthand view of how AtomVie’s expertise is helping deliver the next generation of precision cancer therapies to patients worldwide.
About AtomVie Global Radiopharma (AtomVie)
AtomVie is a global leading CDMO offering the full range of scientific, technical, regulatory, quality and logistics services combined with a specialized infrastructure for the development of radiopharmaceuticals from phase I through phase III clinical studies and commercialization. AtomVie currently serves international clients conducting clinical studies in over 28 countries worldwide. For additional details visit our website https://www.atomvie.com.
For more information, please contact: Tina Chainani, Business Development Manager, Email: tina.chainani@atomvie.com
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