Elizabeth Holmes' partner has a new blood-testing start-up
Billy Evans, who has two children with Holmes, is trying to raise money for a company that describes itself as 'the future of diagnostics' and 'a radically new approach to health testing,' according to marketing materials reviewed by The New York Times.
If that sounds familiar, it's because Theranos similarly aimed to revolutionise diagnostic testing.
The Silicon Valley start-up captured the world's attention by claiming, falsely as it turned out, to have developed a blood-testing device that could run a slew of complex lab tests from a mere finger prick.
Evans' company is named Haemanthus, which is a flower also known as the blood lily. It plans to begin with testing pets for diseases before progressing to humans, according to two investors pitched on the company, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they had agreed to keep the plans secret.
Evans' marketing materials, which lay out hopes to eventually raise more than $50 million, say the ultimate goal is nothing short of 'human health optimisation.'
A photo provided to potential investors of the start-up's prototype bears more than a passing physical resemblance to Theranos' infamous blood-testing machine, variously known as the Edison or miniLab. The device that Evans' company is developing is a rectangular contraption with a door, a digital display screen and what the investor materials describe as tunable lasers inside.
Haemanthus says its device will test blood as well as saliva and urine.
The marketing documents provided with the photo say there is 'no regulatory oversight – USDA confirmed in writing'.
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The Advertiser
08-08-2025
- The Advertiser
Electric goes large: low-emission utes, vans get a show
Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150. Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150. Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150. Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150.
Perth Now
08-08-2025
- Perth Now
Electric goes large: low-emission utes, vans get a show
Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150.
Perth Now
07-08-2025
- Perth Now
Kremlin says Putin and Trump will meet soon
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will meet in the coming days, the Kremlin says, as the US president seeks a breakthrough to end the Ukraine war after voicing mounting frustration with his Russian counterpart and threatening him with new sanctions. The announcement came a day after Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, held three hours of talks with Putin in Moscow. Trump has threatened new sanctions against Russia and countries that buy its exports from Friday unless Putin agrees to end the 3.5-year conflict, the deadliest in Europe since World War Two. On Wednesday he imposed higher tariffs against India for buying Russian oil and said similar additional duties may follow on China, the other top buyer of Russian crude oil. It was not clear if he would announce further steps once his Friday deadline expires. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Russia and the US had agreed to hold a Putin-Trump summit "in the coming days". Putin, at a meeting with the president of the United Arab Emirates, said the UAE would be an "entirely suitable" venue for the meeting but stopped short of confirming that the Gulf country would be the host. There has been no summit of US and Russian leaders since Putin and Joe Biden met in Geneva in June 2021. Russia went to war in Ukraine in February 2022, citing threats to its own security and plunging relations into deep crisis. Kyiv and its Western allies cast the invasion as an imperial-style land grab. Trump has moved to mend relations with Russia and try to end the war, although in his public comments, he has veered between admiration and sharp criticism of Putin. Russia's main stock market index MOEX gained as much as 5.0 per cent on the news, its highest level in two months. The rouble hit a two-week high against the US dollar and China's yuan. "Russian stocks are soaring. Investors hope that the (Trump-Putin) meeting will be a step towards normalising the geopolitical situation," Alfa Bank analysts said. A White House official also said on Wednesday that Trump could meet Putin as soon as next week. The New York Times reported that Trump told European leaders during a call on Wednesday that he intended to meet with Putin and then follow up with a trilateral involving the Russian leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Ukraine and European leaders have long held concerns that Trump, who has voiced sympathy with some of Russia's demands, could align with Putin to force a deal on Zelenskiy that would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Witkoff took part in Wednesday's call between Trump, Zelenskiy and European leaders and briefed them on some things that Putin could agree to. The source added that all the details would become clear at an online meeting of national security advisers expected later on Thursday. Zelenskiy spoke on Thursday with the leaders of France, Italy and Germany as well as with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He said Europe must be involved in the peace process. "The war is happening in Europe, and Ukraine is an integral part of Europe – we are already in negotiations on EU accession. Therefore, Europe must be a participant in the relevant processes," he said on X. Mykola Bielieskov of the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Kyiv said offering Putin a summit with Trump amounted to giving him a reward without getting anything in return. This, he said, gave Russia "the impression of getting out of isolation and talking on an equal footing". He said the Kremlin "will continue to drag out time, using the very fact of the meetings as proof of openness to negotiations without any concessions".
