Latest news with #AGRI
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Target ALS Chooses PacBio HiFi Sequencing to Advance ALS Research with Largest Global Genomic Study to Date
Organization's 6,000-genome effort will power global ALS research through detailed long-read sequencing data made freely available to scientists worldwide NEW YORK and MENLO PARK, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Target ALS, a nonprofit breaking down barriers to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, has partnered with PacBio (Nasdaq: PACB), a leading provider of high-quality, highly accurate long read sequencing platforms, to launch the largest global whole genome sequencing initiative for ALS to date. By applying PacBio's HiFi sequencing to more than 6,000 genomes from people with ALS and healthy controls, the project aims to detect structural variants, repeat expansions, and other hard-to-detect genetic features that may underlie the disease. As part of the ALS Global Research Initiative (AGRI), all data will be openly shared via the Target ALS Data Engine, removing barriers to access and enabling researchers around the world to uncover disease mechanisms and explore new pathways to treatment. The Importance of Long-Read Sequencing for ALS ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually robbing individuals of muscle control and mobility. While genetic factors are known to play a role in some forms of ALS, much about the disease's origins and progression remains unknown. PacBio HiFi sequencing offers the resolution needed to detect these elements with greater confidence, particularly in non-coding regions of the genome, where regulatory disruptions may play a role in motor neuron degeneration. "90% of ALS patients do not know the cause of their disease. We are combining two powerful approaches to discover new genetic causes of ALS - the first is to go out into communities to generate data from as many people with ALS as we can find, particularly those who would not be able to come into clinic to participate in research, and the second is to use a method of sequencing that allows us to 'see' as much of the genome as is possible," says Dr. Amy Easton, Ph.D., Senior Director of Scientific Programs at Target ALS. Traditional short-read sequencing has helped identify known ALS-associated mutations, but its limited read length makes it difficult to resolve complex regions of the genome where novel variants may lie. Long-read sequencing, like PacBio's HiFi technology, captures DNA fragments ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 base pairs - compared to the 50 to 300 base pairs typical of short-read methods. This allows researchers to more accurately assemble genomes and view the full structure of genes and their regulatory elements. This comprehensive view is essential for ALS, where repeat expansions, cryptic splicing, and regulatory elements may all contribute to disease but often go undetected with short-read tools. In addition to providing access to longer swaths of DNA and accurate variant calls, HiFi data can be used to generate high-quality transcript isoform information and methylation profiles from each sample allowing researchers to examine how genetic variants may influence RNA expression and epigenetic changes in ALS. This integrated view has the potential to reveal novel disease mechanisms that are invisible to short-read sequencing approaches. "We're honored to support Target ALS in addressing one of the most urgent challenges in neurodegenerative disease," said David Miller, Vice President of Marketing at PacBio. "ALS has a complex genetic landscape marked by elements that are often missed with traditional sequencing. HiFi sequencing offers the length and accuracy needed to uncover those hidden regions, helping researchers make new connections between genetic variation and disease progression. By making these data broadly available, this project has the potential to accelerate discoveries that could lead to better diagnostics, new therapeutic targets, and ultimately, hope for people living with ALS." Driving Breakthroughs in ALS Research Through this collaboration, Target ALS is adding invaluable long-read sequencing data to their Data Engine, which already holds the most comprehensive collection of multi-omic datasets for ALS research. As with all Target ALS resources, access to the Data Engine is open to scientists worldwide at no cost. Whole genomes from this initiative are already available to be mined and analyzed. Together, Target ALS and PacBio continue to enrich this resource, performing short-read, long-read, and RNA sequencing on samples from AGRI, which includes a Global Natural History Study and Community Pop-up Clinics, and Target ALS' Postmortem Tissue Core. "For most researchers, the expense of long-read sequencing is prohibitive and the ability to obtain human samples is limited. Target ALS sees it as our role to continue to lower the barriers and fill the gaps, enabling rapid discovery of new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets," says Dr. Manish Raisinghani, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Target ALS. To start mining the data, visit the Target ALS Data Engine. About Target ALS Target ALS is a medical research foundation breaking down barriers to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research to find effective treatments. Since 2013, Target ALS has revolutionized ALS research through its Innovation Ecosystem. By democratizing research through an unbiased review process, providing access to cutting-edge research tools, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration, and galvanizing industry involvement, Target ALS accelerates the most promising ideas in scientific research into drug development programs. Driven by impatient optimism, deliberate disruption, and radical collaboration, Target ALS aims to transform ALS into a manageable disease, building a world where Everyone Lives. About PacBio PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our products and technologies stem from two highly differentiated core technologies focused on accuracy, quality and completeness which include our HiFi long-read sequencing and our SBB® short-read sequencing technologies. Our products address solutions across a broad set of research applications including human germline sequencing, plant and animal sciences, infectious disease and microbiology, oncology, and other emerging applications. For more information, please visit and follow @PacBio. PacBio products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the uses, advantages, quality or performance of, the benefits or expected benefits of using, PacBio products or technologies, including in connection with Target ALS and its efforts to perform long-read sequencing of genomes from ALS patients; making the ALS genetic data available to scientists world-wide free of charge; intentions to examine how genetic variants includes expression and epigenetic changes in ALS; and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from currently anticipated results. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks inherent in identifying complicated genetic drivers of disease, including with respect to ALS; developing and commercializing new technologies; rapidly changing technologies and extensive competition in genomic sequencing; unanticipated increases in tariffs, costs or expenses; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, PacBio products and products under development; third-party claims alleging infringement of patents and proprietary rights or seeking to invalidate PacBio's patents or proprietary rights; and other risks associated with general macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical instability. Additional factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in PacBio's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including PacBio's most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K, and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption "Risk Factors." These forward-looking statements, including PacBio's preliminary unaudited financial information and PacBio's financial guidance, are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof; except as required by law, PacBio disclaims any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available. Contacts (Target ALS) Stephanie IshooManager, Research Communications and Marketing, Target Contacts (PacBio) Investors: Todd Friedmanir@ Media:pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Target ALS
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AgriFORCE Growing Systems launches TerraHash Digital division
AgriForce Growing Systems (AGRI) announced the launch of TerraHash Digital, a wholly owned division focused on developing scalable, energy-efficient Bitcoin mining campuses and next-generation digital infrastructure solutions. The launch of TerraHash Digital coincides with the opening day of Bitcoin 2025, the world's largest Bitcoin conference, held this year in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the three-day event, AgriForce will unveil the new division's brand identity, strategic roadmap, and development priorities to a global audience of digital finance leaders, energy experts, and institutional investors. 'TerraHash Digital represents a bold leap forward,' said Jolie Kahn, CEO of AgriForce. 'By combining smart energy strategies, infrastructure ownership, and decentralized computing, we're positioning to capture long-term value in an evolving digital economy. Bitcoin 2025 is the perfect platform to introduce our vision to the world.' Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See Insiders' Hot Stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on AGRI: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue AgriFORCE commences final installation of bitcoin miners at Ohio site AgriFORCE Growing announces completion of 500 miner delivery at Ohio facility AgriFORCE mines over five bitcoin from Alberta, Ohio operations AgriFORCE Growing Systems provides update on bitcoin mining operations AgriFORCE Growing Systems announces completion of optimization at Sturgeon Sign in to access your portfolio
Agriland
06-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
EU AGRI committee backs proposed fertiliser tariffs
The European Parliament Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (AGRI) has voted to support proposals to impose tariffs on fertiliser imported from Russia and Belarus. During a meeting in Strasbourg yesterday (Monday, May 5), 25 members of the committee voted in favour of an opinion on the proposal, 5 were against and 14 abstained. Irish MEPs Barry Cowen and Maria Walsh, who are both full members of the committee, were among those who voted against. The EU Commission's proposal seeks to modify customs duties applied to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from Russia and Belarus. The move, intended to restrict Russia's war financing and promote EU strategic autonomy, has already been approved by the European Council. Fertiliser In a statement to Agriland, Midlands–North-West MEP Barry Cowen said that 'after careful consideration' he could not support the proposed tariffs in yesterday's vote. 'The reality is they would hit Irish and European farmers and consumers far harder than they would impact the Russian war machine. 'Fertiliser prices are already rising sharply and the commission's approach risks making a difficult situation worse,' he said. The Fianna Fáil MEP noted that he has already secured support for several key amendments at AGRI. These include monthly monitoring and public reporting of fertiliser prices across all member states and promotion of the active diversification of EU fertiliser supply, particularly through stronger trade ties with the US and support for alternatives such as RENURE and digestate. 'Ireland has no domestic fertiliser production – we rely entirely on imports. These tariffs might make sense for other member states, but for us it could spell disaster. 'Ultimately, in relation to yesterday's vote, the commission failed to put forward any serious proposals to address my concerns and those of Irish farmers. That's not good enough. 'I'll always back Irish agriculture and that means advocating for policies grounded in their lived realities, not just political optics,' Cowen said. Bags of fertiliser. Image: Copa Cogeca on X Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said that 'Irish farmers face the highest fertiliser costs in the European Union'. 'The recent Rabobank report highlights the continued increase in the price of fertiliser in 2025, resulting in a decrease of the purchasing power of farmers. 'We are in a particularly vulnerable position due to our reliance on imported fertilisers,' she said. 'I believe the commission's proposal and the compromise reached in the Agriculture Committee lack sufficient safeguards and fail to guarantee that Irish farmers will not be affected by an increase in fertiliser prices. 'Given the multitude of pressures currently facing Irish farmers, they do not need yet another source of uncertainty,' the Midlands–North-West MEP added. 'I have consistently supported sanctions against Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, as my record shows. 'I hope to see a proposal from the Commission that penalises Russia while also protecting Irish farmers,' she said. The next step will be a vote in the International Trade (INTA) Committee, which is the lead committee on this legislation, followed by a vote at plenary (full sitting) of the EU Parliament. Tariffs Meanwhile, Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly voiced his disappointment at the outcome of the vote 'despite strong requests from myself, fellow MEPs and farmers groups not only in Ireland but throughout Europe'. He claimed that the new tariffs will 'inevitably lead to higher prices to be paid by our farmers within the next 18 months'. 'The mad rush to push this through flew in the face of lots of genuine efforts by MEPs of all sides to bring amendments – a fact that wasn't forgotten by other MEPs from other countries who spoke after the vote on the committee,' he said. Ahead of the meeting, Mullooly wrote to the Irish MEPs on the AGRI committee to voice his concern and that of farm organisations about 'targeting such an essential farm input'. Mullooly said that he fully supports the EU's strategic objective to reduce dependence on Russian fertiliser imports. However, he believes the compromise measures proposed by the commission to mitigate the impact on Irish and European farming are 'aspirational in tone and vague in substance'.
Agriland
23-04-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Potential payment under GAEC 2 as part of CAP simplification
Paying farmers for meeting requirements under the controversial good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC) 2 may form part of a further upcoming simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). GAEC 2 – one of several GAEC rules that govern conditionality for payments under CAP – is described as a baseline requirement for the protection of carbon-rich soils, including peatlands and wetlands. A leaked internal European Commission document, seen by Agriland, is recommending to allow possible payments for 'the practices, considered currently baseline' under GAEC 2. The recommendation is part of a list of measures that will be considered as part of a simplification package for CAP. Which measures will form part of the final simplification package remain to be seen. The document, which is understood to have been written up by the commission's Directorate-General of Agriculture (DG AGRI), says: 'Due to [GAEC 2's] sensitivity, level of contribution to the [greenhouse gas] emissions, aspects of stability, and timing of implementation, a careful consideration is needed in relation to possible changes. 'Following…requests, AGRI prepared a set of options, including their pros and cons, and recommending, if need be, to allow possible payments for the practices, considered currently as 'baseline',' the document adds. The document also includes a possible measure to adjust the relevant legal text by specifying that, when implementing GAEC 2, member states, when defining standards, may relay on their national legislation that is protecting peatlands and wetlands, and allow possible payments of those actions. Elsewhere, the document also includes a measure to allow member states to ensure that a farmer is not subject to an 'on-the-spot' control for CAP interventions more than once in a calendar year. However, the document also states that this proposed change risks 'weakening the governance systems, in particular, deterrent effect of controls'. 'It is also very likely that it will be impossible to properly control farms with multiple payments linked to several eligibility conditions, while small farms can face increased controls,' the document added. In the case of young farmers, the document includes a measure to allow investments to be financed that bring farms up to 'legal standards'. Other measures outlined in the commission document include: Derogation for organic farmers from GAECs 1,3,4,5 and 6; Allowing payments per livestock unit for environmental, climate and organic farming commitments; Flexibilities on GAEC 1 (maintenance of permanent grasslands); Applying GAEC 4 (buffer strips along water courses) along water courses as defined by member states under the Water Framework Directive; Removal of two environment/climate related articles from the CAP strategic plan regulation; Flexibility on risk management tools for calculation of losses for certain groups of farmers or areas, and allowing for selection of farmers based on situation or needs; Allowing member states to create a crisis intervention for natural disaster emergencies with up to 2% of the national CAP envelope; A simplified payment scheme for 'small farmers' not otherwise receiving CAP Pillar I funding, and exempting them from conditionality while allowing them access to the Pillar I eco-scheme; A new lump sum payment of €50,000 for the business development of 'small farms'; Additional financial incentive to producer organisations in the fruit and vegetable sector; Changes to financial instruments, including allowing eligibility of VAT in financial instruments; Further use of digital tools; Simplifying the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), further reducing on-the-spot controls; Providing further flexibility to member states on conditionality controls, also with the aim of reducing on-the-spot controls. MEP welcomes CAP simplification Although the CAP simplification package is yet to be finalised and announced, an Irish MEP has welcomed the slate of possible simplification measures. Midlands–North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the measures outlined are 'a step in the right direction for farmers across Ireland and Europe'. 'I am personally pleased with the commission's proposals, particularly the recognition that farmers impacted by GAEC 2 should be eligible for payments based on income forgone. This principle, that farmers deserve fair compensation for complying with environmental conditions, was a key issue in my discussions with the commission,' Mullooly said. He also drew attention to two further elements of the proposals – the reduction in on-farm inspections and increased support for new-generation farmers. 'These changes represent meaningful steps to reduce unnecessary burdens and ensure generational renewal in farming, something that's vital for the long-term sustainability of rural communities,' Mullooly said. 'It's clear that the protests by Irish and European farmers during last [year's] 'summer of discontent' are beginning to pay off. The voices of farmers are finally being heard,' he added.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. Announces Purchase Orders for RCS Devices
Vancouver, B.C., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: AGRI), a leading provider of sustainable Bitcoin mining and agriculture solutions, a leading technology-driven innovator, is pleased to announce key developments in its Radical Clean Solutions (RCS) division As part of its ongoing efforts to expand RCS internationally, AgriFORCE has signed a new distribution agreement in South America and received its first purchase order for delivery. This strategic milestone marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will extend across multiple industry verticals, positioning RCS to potentially become a leading solution in the air purification market. In addition, the RCS division has secured its first two purchase orders in the Caribbean, with deployments set for Barbados and St. Lucia. The division continues to attract strong interest from Latin America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, reinforcing its role as an innovator in its industry vertical. 'We have been working diligently to enhance RCS's sales and manufacturing capabilities,' said Barrett Mooney, AgriFORCE's Chief Operating Officer. 'We are enthusiastic about our latest product offerings and the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding partners who help bring these innovative solutions to market.' About AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: AGRI) is a forward-thinking technology company dedicated to solving critical challenges in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. By leveraging advanced technologies and innovative business models, AgriFORCE aims to deliver value for shareholders while creating lasting benefits for communities and ecosystems. Follow AgriFORCE on Social Media: Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'may,' 'will', 'plan,' 'should,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict with accuracy and some of which the Company might not even anticipate and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are advised to consider the factors listed above together with the additional factors under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the Company's Period Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, as may be supplemented or amended by the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.
