Latest news with #HeidelbergUniversity
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Firefly Inks Latest Commercial Agreement for Use of its FDA-Cleared BNA™ Platform in Groundbreaking Precision Neuroscience Research
– Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital ongoing EEG biomarker study on 15q13.3 CNVs – – Collaboration aims to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions – – Building and growing a license business is an increasingly important pillar of Firefly's commercial strategy – KENMORE, N.Y., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. ('Firefly' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: AIFF), an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders, is pleased to highlight its ongoing collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Christian Schaaf, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital and Chairman of Human Genetics at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, on a groundbreaking study investigating the neurophysiological impact of 15q13.3 copy number variants ('CNVs'). This engagement builds on prior work between Firefly and Prof. Schaaf, including a joint publication on CHRNA7-related phenotypes.1 The current study leverages Firefly's FDA-cleared technology to analyze Electroencephalograms ('EEG') data from 30 subjects — 15 with deletions and 15 with duplications of the 15q13.3 chromosomal region. Study subjects undergo resting state and two cognitive paradigms running automatically through Firefly's BNA platform. The study is scheduled to run through 2026, with Firefly commercially engaged to provide EEG systems, training, and full analytic support, including the comparison to its proprietary, FDA-cleared normative Resting and Event-Related Potential Cognitive tasks database. The study aims to: Identify electrophysiological biomarkers associated with 15q13.3 CNVs; Characterize neurocognitive profiles linked to deletions vs. duplications; and Support future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. 'This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing precision neuroscience,' said Gil Issachar, Chief Technology Officer of Firefly. 'By combining Heidelberg's clinical expertise with our proprietary technology, we aim to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions. But our mission goes well beyond any single study — deepening our understanding of cognitive disorders, both common and rare, is essential to transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat these conditions. Every insight we gain from rare genetic variants like 15q13.3 helps illuminate the broader landscape of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We believe that by decoding the brain's electrical language, we can bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, and ultimately bring more personalized, effective care to patients worldwide.' Greg Lipschitz, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, said, 'As pharma and medtech organizations increasingly look to leverage the use of objective measures of brain activity such as EEG across various stages of new product development, from ideation up to and including commercialization, there is growing industry awareness and adoption of our highly differentiated, AI-powered technology. We are truly honored that a world-renowned physician scientist, like Prof. Schaaf, is the latest to see the value of his institution licensing our technology, and we look forward to updating our stakeholders as this important research is completed.' Source 1 Stern T, Crutcher EH, McCarthy JM, Ali MA, Issachar G, Geva AB, Peremen Z, Schaaf CP. Brain Network Analysis of EEG Recordings Can Be Used to Assess Cognitive Function in Teenagers With 15q13.3 Microdeletion Syndrome. Front Neurosci. 2021 Jan 28;15:622329. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.622329. PMID: 33584189; PMCID: PMC7876406. About Firefly Firefly (NASDAQ: AIFF) is an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders. Firefly's FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) technology revolutionizes diagnostic and treatment monitoring methods for conditions such as depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, concussions, and ADHD. Over the past 15 years, Firefly has built a comprehensive database of brain wave tests, securing patent protection, and achieving FDA clearance. The Company is now launching BNA™ commercially, targeting pharmaceutical companies engaged in drug research and clinical trials, as well as medical practitioners for clinical use. Brain Network Analytics was developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning on Firefly's extensive proprietary database of standardized, high-definition longitudinal electroencephalograms (EEGs) of over 17,000 patients representing twelve disorders, as well as clinically normal patients. BNA™, in conjunction with an FDA-cleared EEG/ERP system, can provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into brain function. These insights can enhance a clinician's ability to accurately diagnose mental and cognitive disorders and to evaluate what therapy and/or drug is best suited to optimize a patient's outcome. Please visit for more information. About Prof. Christian Schaaf Professor Schaaf is the Medical Director at Heidelberg University Hospital and Department Chair of the Institute of Human Genetics at the Heidelberg University in Germany. He studies the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including copy number variants of 15q13.3. His work led to the discovery of multiple new disease genes, and three disorders have been named after him: Schaaf-Yang syndrome, Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy syndrome, and Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental syndrome. Professor Schaaf's groundbreaking work has been recognized with many awards, including the William K. Bowes Award for Medical Genetics by Partners Healthcare and Harvard Medical School and the inaugural Seldin-Smith Award for Pioneering Research by the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of the federal securities laws concerning Firefly. These forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to Firefly's management teams' expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Firefly will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Firefly's control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those factors described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the reports and other filings of Firefly with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Firefly's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. Forward-looking statements included in this press release only speak as of the date they are made, and Firefly does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Investor & Media ContactStephen Kilmer(646) in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
14-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Firefly Inks Latest Commercial Agreement for Use of its FDA-Cleared BNA™ Platform in Groundbreaking Precision Neuroscience Research
– Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital ongoing EEG biomarker study on 15q13.3 CNVs – – Collaboration aims to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions – – Building and growing a license business is an increasingly important pillar of Firefly's commercial strategy – KENMORE, N.Y., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. ('Firefly' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: AIFF), an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders, is pleased to highlight its ongoing collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Christian Schaaf, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital and Chairman of Human Genetics at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, on a groundbreaking study investigating the neurophysiological impact of 15q13.3 copy number variants ('CNVs'). This engagement builds on prior work between Firefly and Prof. Schaaf, including a joint publication on CHRNA7-related phenotypes. 1 The current study leverages Firefly's FDA-cleared technology to analyze Electroencephalograms ('EEG') data from 30 subjects — 15 with deletions and 15 with duplications of the 15q13.3 chromosomal region. Study subjects undergo resting state and two cognitive paradigms running automatically through Firefly's BNA platform. The study is scheduled to run through 2026, with Firefly commercially engaged to provide EEG systems, training, and full analytic support, including the comparison to its proprietary, FDA-cleared normative Resting and Event-Related Potential Cognitive tasks database. The study aims to: Identify electrophysiological biomarkers associated with 15q13.3 CNVs; Characterize neurocognitive profiles linked to deletions vs. duplications; and Support future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. 'This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing precision neuroscience,' said Gil Issachar, Chief Technology Officer of Firefly. 'By combining Heidelberg's clinical expertise with our proprietary technology, we aim to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions. But our mission goes well beyond any single study — deepening our understanding of cognitive disorders, both common and rare, is essential to transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat these conditions. Every insight we gain from rare genetic variants like 15q13.3 helps illuminate the broader landscape of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We believe that by decoding the brain's electrical language, we can bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, and ultimately bring more personalized, effective care to patients worldwide.' Greg Lipschitz, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, said, 'As pharma and medtech organizations increasingly look to leverage the use of objective measures of brain activity such as EEG across various stages of new product development, from ideation up to and including commercialization, there is growing industry awareness and adoption of our highly differentiated, AI-powered technology. We are truly honored that a world-renowned physician scientist, like Prof. Schaaf, is the latest to see the value of his institution licensing our technology, and we look forward to updating our stakeholders as this important research is completed.' Source 1 Stern T, Crutcher EH, McCarthy JM, Ali MA, Issachar G, Geva AB, Peremen Z, Schaaf CP. Brain Network Analysis of EEG Recordings Can Be Used to Assess Cognitive Function in Teenagers With 15q13.3 Microdeletion Syndrome. Front Neurosci. 2021 Jan 28;15:622329. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.622329. PMID: 33584189; PMCID: PMC7876406. About Firefly Firefly (NASDAQ: AIFF) is an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders. Firefly's FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) technology revolutionizes diagnostic and treatment monitoring methods for conditions such as depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, concussions, and ADHD. Over the past 15 years, Firefly has built a comprehensive database of brain wave tests, securing patent protection, and achieving FDA clearance. The Company is now launching BNA™ commercially, targeting pharmaceutical companies engaged in drug research and clinical trials, as well as medical practitioners for clinical use. Brain Network Analytics was developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning on Firefly's extensive proprietary database of standardized, high-definition longitudinal electroencephalograms (EEGs) of over 17,000 patients representing twelve disorders, as well as clinically normal patients. BNA™, in conjunction with an FDA-cleared EEG/ERP system, can provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into brain function. These insights can enhance a clinician's ability to accurately diagnose mental and cognitive disorders and to evaluate what therapy and/or drug is best suited to optimize a patient's outcome. Please visit for more information. About Prof. Christian Schaaf Professor Schaaf is the Medical Director at Heidelberg University Hospital and Department Chair of the Institute of Human Genetics at the Heidelberg University in Germany. He studies the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including copy number variants of 15q13.3. His work led to the discovery of multiple new disease genes, and three disorders have been named after him: Schaaf-Yang syndrome, Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy syndrome, and Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental syndrome. Professor Schaaf's groundbreaking work has been recognized with many awards, including the William K. Bowes Award for Medical Genetics by Partners Healthcare and Harvard Medical School and the inaugural Seldin-Smith Award for Pioneering Research by the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of the federal securities laws concerning Firefly. These forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to Firefly's management teams' expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Firefly will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Firefly's control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those factors described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the reports and other filings of Firefly with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Firefly's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. Forward-looking statements included in this press release only speak as of the date they are made, and Firefly does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Associated Press
01-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid) Leads the Way in Predicting Graft Outcomes for Kidney Transplant Recipients
PenKid surpasses serum creatinine on Day 1 post-transplant in detecting delayed graft function (DGF), with an AUROC of 0.87 versus 0.56 for creatinine. PenKid differentiates slow graft function (SGF) from DGF up to 8 days earlier than current methods, supporting more timely clinical decisions. PenKid levels remain unaffected by kidney replacement therapy (KRT), allowing for more accurate assessment of kidney function. Independent validation in transplant cohort from Australia confirms performance and broad applicability. HENNIGSDORF, GERMANY AND BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESS Newswire / July 1, 2025 / Diagnostic company SphingoTec GmbH ('SphingoTec') announces a landmark study (1) published in Transplant International, led by Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany in collaboration with researchers from Sydney, Australia, which identifies Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid) as a reliable biomarker for early and precise assessment of graft function trajectories following kidney transplantation. The research demonstrates that PenKid not only identifies patients at risk for DGF significantly earlier than traditional markers but also distinguishes between slow and delayed graft function with remarkable accuracy, offering clinicians a valuable new tool for patient management. The study prospectively evaluated 159 consecutive kidney transplant recipients at Heidelberg University Hospital and validated findings in an independent cohort from Sydney. PenKid consistently outperformed serum creatinine (SCr) in predicting graft function trajectories, particularly in the critical early post-transplant period. Notably, PenKid's ability to remain unaffected by KRT-a treatment for severe kidney dysfunction-further sets it apart from SCr, which can be influenced by non-renal factors and KRT itself, thereby enhancing the reliability of graft function assessment. Multivariate analysis confirmed PenKid as the strongest independent predictor of both short-term graft function and 30-day outcomes, underscoring its clinical utility for early risk stratification. The biomarker's superior granularity allows for nuanced classification of DGF severity, supporting more informed decisions regarding the initiation of dialysis or biopsy and offering potential for individualized patient care. With these findings, penKid steps forward as a practical addition to the transplant clinician's toolkit, promising to sharpen decision-making for optimal outcomes. Its adoption could help transplant teams act with greater confidence and precision, ultimately strengthening the standard of care in kidney transplantation. References Benning L et al. (2025) Proenkephalin A 119-159 in Kidney Transplantation: A Novel Biomarker for Superior Tracking of Graft Function Trajectories. Transpl. Int. 38:14366. doi: 10.3389/ti.2025.14366 About SphingoTec SphingoTec GmbH ('SphingoTec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) is a biomarker company focusing on the out-licensing of innovative critical care solutions for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring acute medical conditions. SphingoTec develops its biomarkers to the commercial stage and partners with IVD companies to make them available on different IVD platforms. SphingoTec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid), a biomarker for the assessment of kidney function in critical diseases, commercially available on diagnostic platforms AFIAS and Nexus IB10 and bioactive Adrenomedullin 1-52 (bio-ADM), a biomarker for the assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis. Discover more on Contact: Ruxandra Lenz Marketing and Communication SphingoTec GmbH Phone +49-3302-20565-0 Email: [email protected] SOURCE: SphingoTec GmbH press release
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientists capture the most detailed image of a galaxy yet – covering an area about 65,000 light-years wide
As far as galactic pictures go, this one's a masterpiece. Astronomers have created an ultra-detailed image of the Sculptor Galaxy, covering an area around 65,000 light-years wide. Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, they captured more than 100 exposures detailing thousands of colours. And the result is this stunning composite of pink and blue hues that provide a snapshot of the lives of stars within it. The Sculptor Galaxy, which is one of the brightest visible in the night sky, is located 11 million light-years away. It is a spiral galaxy that can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is so bright because it's what's known as a 'starburst galaxy', meaning it is undergoing very high rates of star formation. To create this new map, researchers observed the galaxy for over 50 hours. They then stitched together more than 100 exposures to cover an area of the galaxy around 65,000 light-years wide. According to co-author Kathryn Kreckel from Heidelberg University in Germany, this makes the map a potent tool. 'We can zoom in to study individual regions where stars form at nearly the scale of individual stars, but we can also zoom out to study the galaxy as a whole,' she said. In their first analysis of the data, the team uncovered around 500 planetary nebulae - regions of gas and dust cast off from dying Sun-like stars. Co-author Fabian Scheuermann, a doctoral student at Heidelberg University, said: 'Beyond our galactic neighbourhood, we usually deal with fewer than 100 detections per galaxy.' Because of the properties of planetary nebulae, they can be used as distance markers to their host galaxies. 'Finding the planetary nebulae allows us to verify the distance to the galaxy — a critical piece of information on which the rest of the studies of the galaxy depend,' said Adam Leroy, a professor at The Ohio State University, USA, and study co-author. Since a galaxy's building blocks – stars, gas and dust – emit light at different colours, the more shades of colour there are in an image the more researchers can learn about its inner workings. And as this map comprises thousands of colours, astronomers can work out the age, composition and motion of the stars, gas and dust within. 'Galaxies are incredibly complex systems that we are still struggling to understand,' researcher Dr Enrico Congiu, who led the study, said. Here, experts have enhanced the image by assigning colours to different wavelengths of light, which are naked to the human eye. This false-colour composition shows specific wavelengths of light released by hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen. The pink light represents gas excited by the radiation of newborn stars, while the cone of whiter light at the centre is caused by an outflow of gas from the black hole at the galaxy's core. 'The Sculptor Galaxy is in a sweet spot. 'It is close enough that we can resolve its internal structure and study its building blocks with incredible detail, but at the same time, big enough that we can still see it as a whole system. Future projects using the map will explore how gas flows, changes its composition, and forms stars all across this galaxy. 'How such small processes can have such a big impact on a galaxy whose entire size is thousands of times bigger is still a mystery,' Dr Congiu added. This research was presented in a paper accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics. THE VERY LARGE TELESCOPE IS A POWERFUL GROUND-BASED INSTRUMENT IN CHILE The European Southern Observatory (ESO) built the most powerful telescope ever made in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. It is called the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and is widely regarded as one of the most advanced optical instruments ever made. It consists of four telescopes, whose main mirrors measures 27 feet (8.2 metres) in diameter. There are also four movable six feet (1.8 metre) diameter auxiliary telescopes. The large telescopes are called Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun. The first of the Unit Telescopes, 'Antu', went into routine scientific operations on April 1, 1999. The telescopes can work together to form a giant 'interferometer'. This interferometer allows images to be filtered for any unnecessary obscuring objects and, as a result, astronomers can see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. It has been involved in spotting the first image of an extrasolar planet as well as tracking individual stars moving around the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. It also observed the afterglow of the furthest known Gamma Ray Burst.
Hindustan Times
06-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Delhiwale: Paradise is in Sector 14, see!
Washed laundry is drying in the porch. The bungalow truly looks ordinary, here in Gurugram's Sector 14. A jaali door opens into a corridor illumined in the afternoon light. Spotting the staircase inside gives the first jolt. It is littered with neat stacks of books. Up the stairs, the veranda is wholly crammed with books. So is the drawing room. So are the two bedrooms. The kitchen, too. Books claim beds, sofas, tables and chairs. This private library is the work of a lifetime. At 84, the antiquarian bookseller Vijay Kumar Jain is warming up to the theme of retirement. His long relationship with 'old, rare books on South Asia in general and India in particular' had begun in the 1960s. Gradually, the collection became renowned. Bibliophiles from across the world would visit his ancestral mansion in the town's Sadar Bazar to view the prized editions. After the family sold the old house a decade ago, Vijay Kumar moved the collection to his current address. Today, the books inhabit the bungalow's first floor. He, with wife, Nisha, and their family, inhabit the more navigable ground-floor rooms. Attentively waving an arm towards his precious piles of hardbounds, the mild-mannered host murmurs softly: 'This section is all partition, Punjab is over there… that's Bengal… here is Gandhiana…' The first editions include several, but not all, of the 100 volumes of 'The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi.' A first edition Nehru is stacked tight in a shelf — its opening page bears the seal of 'Kitabistan, Allahabad.' 'The Jews of India' lies close to 'The Aryans in Iran and India.' Smiling under his bushy moustache, the book collector recalls the cross-country tours of his youth, visiting collectors and sellers in various cities, plus the weekly excursions to Delhi's legendary Sunday Book Bazar. During the early days of struggles and uncertainties, he would spent hours preparing the catalogues of his new acquisitions, the copies posted to college libraries and research scholars worldwide. Then came the day when young Vijay received his 'first fat order.' It had arrived from Germany's Heidelberg University. The excitement propelled him to cycle to elder brother Satya Prakash's residence in distant Delhi. He had felt an urgent urge to share the news with his beloved 'bhai saheb,' who had initiated him into books. Vijay Kumar had five brothers. All have passed—one was Ansari Road bookseller Ramesh Chandra, who operated independently. Strolling slowly from one room to another, the elderly gent pauses to gush over handsome bindings. He picks up the yellowed front page of the 3 April, 1924 edition of 'Young India,' a journal that Gandhi edited. Finally, settling down into a chair, he grows sentimental. 'When I hold an old book, I feel ajeeb sa anand, a kind of mental sakoon.'
