Technology

3D Artificial Cornea from Stem Cells: Chula Researchers Advance Canine Corneal Wound Treatment

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

BANGKOK, July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Faculty of Engineering have worked together to research and develop a three-dimensional artificial cornea from stem cells that offers a way to treat deep corneal wounds in dogs. The innovation helps to solve the problem of treatment methods that rely on tissue replacement which is hard to find and very expensive. It makes it possible for dogs to be able to see clearly and comfortably once again.

Does your dog have any of these symptoms? The inability to fully open its eyes, squinting or blinking frequently, shedding lots of tears, sometimes the tears are thick, and the mucus appears greenish. The sclera is unusually red and not clear like before. The cornea becomes cloudy and there are blood vessels in it.

If your answer is “yes” then your pet might be suffering from a corneal ulcer which, if left untreated could eventually cause blindness.

Nowadays, the number of dogs receiving treatment for corneal ulcers has increased tremendously. The small animal hospital at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chulalongkorn University alone is already treating dogs with corneal ulcers daily.

“We find quite a number of lesions like this in dogs. Corneal ulcers occur as a result of many reasons, such as dogs scratching their own eyes because they have allergies causing itching around the eyes followed by scratching until the lesions form. Fights with other dogs, being scratched by a cat, or accidentally bumps into objects” Veterinarian Dr. Chutirat Torssahakul of the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chulalongkorn University addressed the problems that became the starting point for the research and innovation development. “Three-dimensional artificial cornea from stem cells” enables your beloved pet to have perfect vision once again. “The current treatment being used is to have grafts made from replacement tissue derived from porcine bladder or canine placentas which are rare and relatively expensive. There is also the possibility of causing post-surgery reaction and inflammation. Therefore, we thought that if we could produce our own innovative artificial cornea using natural materials that are easily found and reduce the chance of causing inflammation this might be a better option.” Dr. Chutirat explained.

Three-dimensional artificial cornea from stem cells – a brighter alternative

As a result of the effort and intention to solve eye problems for dogs, the Faculty of Veterinary Science’s research team through the Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC) has therefore embarked on additional studies on stem cells and is working with the Biomedical Engineering Research Center of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University recognizing its expertise in tissue engineering to help make adhesive materials for growing stem cells.

According to Veterinary Professor Dr. Chutirat “Artificial corneal tissue is obtained by cultivating real dog corneal stem cells on a natural material structure made from silk fibroin mixed with gelatin. The material can be cheaply and easily found in Thailand. It is strong and durable, clear and transparent, and adheres well to cells making them three-dimensional which is comparable to real corneal tissue.”

This innovation can be used to treat corneal perforations in dogs as well as large corneal wounds where the tissue cannot be stitched or even deep wounds in which a large amount of corneal tissue has been lost. In cases of dogs with mild or moderate levels of corneal ulcer problems, currently, 2 methods for treatment are still in use.

Treatment with topical eye drops is usually used in cases that are not too severe, such as a superficial wound or a bit deeper layer. Treatment with eye drops can help prevent complications due to secondary infections. The drops do not help, however, with healing wounds since that depends on the dog’s own body mechanisms. If the body is strong and there is normal cell growth, then most cases will recover on their own.

Treatment with surgery is used in cases of very deep wounds, complicated wounds, reaching the last layer of the cornea, or penetrating wounds where it is still possible to stitch the corneas together normally.

“But in cases where the wound in the cornea is so large that tissue must be used to replace the missing part, we usually use a graft which could be the dog’s own conjunctiva. The other option is to use replacement tissue such as tissues derived from human or canine placentas. These are costly and difficult to find so we have invented a new way to treat them and that is the three-dimensional artificial cornea made from stem cells.”

4 outstanding features of the 3D artificial cornea innovation

It appears very similar to the real corneal surface – Research shows that stem cells grown in the lab can create tissue cells. The extracellular matrix is interconnected and the outline is similar to the real corneal surface. In particular, the arrangement of stem cells in the cornea is remarkable in that it is more orderly than other positions. This will help maintain the clarity of the cornea compared to other alternative materials currently in use that are somewhat opaque. It derives entirely from all-natural substances- The stem cells used are those that have been harvested from the cornea of the dog being treated or collected from recently deceased corpses so there is little chance of post-transplantation inflammation or irritation. The structure for cells to adhere to is made from silk fibroin mixed with gelatin. As time passes, stem cells create their own network of cells that form three-dimensional pieces even though the structural materials are naturally degraded by enzymes. They can be trimmed during the transplantation process – since the parts are three-dimensional sheets they can be trimmed to fit the wound where the cornea is missing. Wounds heal faster – stem cells are living cells and have properties that help in network formation causing cell adhesion. They also help with strengthening and building collagen so that wound healing can occur. This is different from using graft sheets that do not contain living cells.

At present, the “3D artificial cornea from stem cells” innovation is still in the laboratory testing stage to study whether the 3D artificial cornea can actually be used as a cornea replacement, and to determine how it interacts with the animal’s body. According to Veterinary Professor Dr. Chutirat in many countries research on such innovations is also currently underway at the laboratory level.

“The research we have done has produced satisfactory results. It is expected that this innovation will be applied to dogs in the next few years. Moreover, we have plans to apply this knowledge to cats as well from cell collection, locating cells, separating cells, and arranging cells” Dr. Chutirat concluded.

Those who are interested can further read the research paper on the subject at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35120168/

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/170754/

About Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and workability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/

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SOURCE Chulalongkorn University

Technology

Hexagon releases new targets at its Capital Markets Day 2026

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

Hexagon is the global leader in precision measurement, positioning and autonomous solutions with a serviceable addressable market of ~€38bn by 2030.Hexagon’s €3.7bn in revenue and ~17,000 employees are across three Business Areas – Manufacturing Intelligence, Infrastructure & Especial and Autonomous Solutions plus a Robotics Division currently in an investment phase.Recent portfolio actions, including the upcoming separation of Octave, the sale of the Design & Engineering business and the announced acquisition of Agate Technologies, have focused Hexagon on its strong core business in precision measurement & positioning technologies.Hexagon’s organic growth will be driven by strong end market potential and structural tailwinds, new product introductions and an operating model focused on accountability and closeness to customers.Hexagon launches new financial targets for the 2026 – 2030 period of average organic revenue growth of 4-6%, an EBITDA margin of 24-26%[1] and an EBITDA cash conversion of 90-100%. It also targets reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 70% by 2030, from a 2022 baseline.

[1] EBITAC is defined as adjusted EBIT1 excluding capitalised and amortised R&D. See pages the appendix for further information

STOCKHOLM, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hexagon AB is hosting its Capital Markets Day today in London. At the event, President and CEO Anders Svensson, CFO Enrique Patrickson and the Presidents of Hexagon’s Business Areas will set out Hexagon’s ambitious growth strategy and its new 2026–2030 financial targets.

“Hexagon enters this new phase as a focused global leader in precision measurement and positioning, with a solutions portfolio essential to enabling industrial autonomy,” said Anders Svensson, President and CEO of Hexagon. “Our new targets reflect both the quality of our portfolio and the discipline of The Hexagon Way. With a strong leadership team and the financial flexibility to invest behind our growth priorities both organically and through synergistic acquisitions, we are well placed to deliver value creation for shareholders.”

“Today we are taking transparency to the next level — enhancing our disclosures, introducing EBITAC as our key profitability metric and providing clarity around our capital allocation priorities,” said Enrique Patrickson, CFO of Hexagon. “EBITAC is the right metric for Hexagon, a technology company with a significant R&D spend, funding market-leading product launches that drive our growth. With additional transparency comes additional accountability. We commit to drive capital allocation around R&D, M&A and Dividends with discipline and rigor.”

New sustainability targets

70% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 (from 2022 baseline)Net-zero by 2050

New 2026–2030 financial targets

Average annual organic revenue growth of 4-6%EBITAC margin in the range of 24-26%Annual cash conversion (of EBITAC) of 90-100%

A focused group focused on enabling industrial autonomy

Hexagon has undertaken significant portfolio changes, namely the upcoming spin-off of Octave and the sale of the Design & Engineering business. The resulting business is a focused global leader in precision measurement and positioning with proforma 2025 revenue of €3.7bn, EBITAC of €826m (22% EBITAC margin) and ~17,000 employees.

Hexagon is organised into three business areas – Manufacturing Intelligence, Infrastructure & Geospatial (formerly Geosystems) and Autonomous Solutions – alongside the Robotics Division, currently in an investment phase.

The overarching growth opportunity that underpins Hexagon’s long-term strategy is enabling customers to move towards true autonomy in their industrial operations.

President and CEO Anders Svensson will outline how Hexagon’s precision measurement and positioning technologies, digital twins and spatial intelligence capabilities are essential to enabling this true industrial autonomy. Hexagon holds market leadership positions across its serviceable addressable market, which is estimated to grow to ~€38bn by 2030.

Anders will also outline the key changes to Hexagon’s operating model. The Hexagon Way is an accountability-driven, decentralised model built around three strategic enablers: innovation and AI; portfolio management and M&A; and people & culture.

Central to this model is a clear accountability structure: the group’s three Business Areas are divided into 17 Divisions, each with full ownership of its financial performance and a defined strategic mandate covering three value creation priorities – Stability, Profitability and Growth.

The group-wide enablers allow Divisions to identify and execute on strategies targeted specifically to their markets and customers while drawing on the scale and resources of the broader Hexagon organisation. This balance of focused execution at the Division level and shared capability at the group level is designed to unlock each Division’s full potential and drive overall performance and shareholder value.

Hexagon’s new mid-term financial targets for 2026 to 2030 will be outlined by CFO Enrique Patrickson alongside a new financial framework including revised metric definitions designed to improve transparency, capital allocation and shareholder value creation.

The new 2026-30 through the cycle targets are:

Average annual organic revenue growth of 4–6% (CAGR 2026–2030)EBITAC margin in the range of 24–26%Annual cash conversion (of EBITAC) of 90–100%

In 2025, Hexagon achieved organic growth of 2.6%, an EBITAC margin of 22% and cash conversion (of EBITAC) of 109%.

Capital allocation

Hexagon’s capital allocation priorities are, in order: reinvestment in organic growth, value-accretive bolt-on M&A, a progressive dividend, and selective larger strategic moves where they enhance long-term shareholder value. The Group’s strong cash conversion and balance sheet provide the flexibility to pursue these priorities through the cycle.

Business Area presentations

Senior leadership from Hexagon’s Business Areas will provide additional context on strategy, markets and Business Area targets. The presenters will be:

Andreas Renulf, President, Manufacturing Intelligence Business AreaHenning Sandfort, President, Infrastructure & Geospatial Business AreaGordon Dale, President, Autonomous Solutions Business AreaArnaud Robert, President, Robotics Division

EBITAC – EBIT1 excluding capitalisation & amortisation of R&D

Hexagon is introducing EBITAC as its primary profitability measure. By immediately reflecting the full cost of R&D investments on the P&L, it will provide a tool to focus management firmly on the return on investment of R&D, go-to-market and capital investments and support performance management and capital allocation. The top end of the target EBITAC margin range (26%) was last achieved in 2021 and corresponds to the highest EBIT1 margin achieved by Hexagon in the last 5-years.

It is defined as adjusted EBIT1 excluding capitalised and amortised R&D.

Hexagon will continue to report EBIT1 (adjusted operating profit) for full transparency. A bridge between reported EBIT, EBIT1 and EBITAC and the EBITAC performance between 2024 and 2025 can be found in the appendix to this announcement.

Profitability metric bridge, 2025

Item

€M

Reported EBIT

575

Add: in year adjustments (impairments, restructuring, LTIP, PPA)

+372

EBIT1

947

Subtract: R&D capitalisation

-340

Add: R&D amortisation

+195

EBITAC

802

Subtract: in year robotics costs

+24

EBITAC (target definition)

826

Robotics – AEON, a potential global market leader in humanoid Robotics

Investment in Robotics to double from €24m in 2025 to €50m in 2026.Pilots with BMW, Schaeffler, Pilatus & Fill underway.Robotics is an exciting opportunity for significant value creation.

Due to its rapidly evolving structure Hexagon has decided to exclude Robotics from the 2026-30 financial targets and the calculation of EBITAC. This gives better visibility on the core group performance.

The financial performance of Robotics will be disclosed on a quarterly basis.

New sustainability targets

Hexagon is committed to operating responsibly for the good of the environment. It has set challenging new targets for emission reductions. Hexagon targets a 70% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline) and net-zero in Scope 1, 2 & 3 by 2050.

In 2025 Hexagon saw a 33% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions from its 2022 baseline.

Joining instructions

The webcast will be streamed here: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/d2han2qw/

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Tom Hull, Head of Investor Relations, Hexagon AB, +44 7442 678 437, ir@hexagon.com
Anton Heikenström, Investor Relations Manager, Hexagon AB, +46 8 601 26 26, ir@hexagon.com

This is information that Hexagon AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08:00 CET on 30 April 2026.

Appendix – Reconciling EBIT1 & EBITAC performance, 2025 quarterly

Metric

Q1 2025

Q2 2025

Q3 2025

Q4 2025

FY 2025

Revenue €m

961.5

1,010.5

976.0

1,053.1

4,001.2

EBIT1 €m

248.7

260.0

264.7

299.1

1,072.4

Subtract: capitalisation of R&D €m

-94.6

-94.7

-91.1

-84.1

-364.5

Add: amortisation of R&D €m

54.6

54.3

59.2

50.4

218.5

EBITAC €m

208.7

219.6

232.8

265.3

926.4

In year robotics cost €mEBIT

-4.7

-5.9

-5.6

-7.6

-23.7

EBITAC (excluding robotics costs)

213.4

225.5

238.3

272.9

950.1

EBIT1 margin %

25.9 %

25.7 %

27.1 %

28.4 %

26.8 %

EBITAC margin %

21.7 %

23.8 %

25.2 %

23.2 %

EBITAC margin % (excluding robotics costs)

22.2 %

22.3 %

24.4 %

25.9 %

23.7 %

Appendix – Reconciling EBIT1 & EBITAC performance, 2025 quarterly, excluding Design & Engineering

Metric

Q1 2025

Q2 2025

Q3 2025

Q4 2025

FY 2025

Revenue €m

888.2

939.4

907.1

980.3

3,715.0

EBIT1 €m

225.0

231.1

235.5

255.4

947.0

Subtract: capitalisation of R&D €m

-88.6

-88.0

-84.8

-78.3

-339.6

Add: amortisation of R&D €m

48.2

48.0

53.3

45.8

195.3

EBITAC €m

184.6

191.1

204.0

223.0

802.7

In year robotics cost €m

-4.7

-5.9

-5.6

-7.6

-23.7

EBITAC (excluding robotics costs)

189.3

196.9

209.6

230.5

826.4

EBIT1 margin %

25.3 %

24.6 %

26.0 %

26.1 %

25.5 %

EBITAC margin %

20.8 %

20.3 %

22.5 %

22.7 %

21.6 %

EBITAC margin % (excluding robotics costs)

21.3 %

21.0 %

23.1 %

23.5 %

22.2 %

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/hexagon/r/hexagon-releases-new-targets-at-its-capital-markets-day-2026,c4342580

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/387/4342580/4069574.pdf

Hexagon releases new targets at its Capital Markets Day 2026

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SOURCE Hexagon

Technology

Accountants Streamline Cash Flow with ezACH Direct Deposit Software

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

Eliminate payment delays, reduce manual errors, and gain full control with a low-cost and high-quality ACH solution built for modern accounting workflows.

REDMOND, Wash., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Halfpricesoft.com developers understand that businesses demand faster payments and greater financial control, and now accountants are rethinking how they manage transactions. ezACH direct deposit software will simplify payment processing, accelerate cash flow, and reduce costly errors.

Clients are encouraged to download and test ezACH today to purchase to confirm compatibility.

ezACH empowers accountants to securely process electronic payments for clients, vendors, payroll, and tax obligations, all from one streamlined platform. By generating ACH files that can be uploaded directly to a bank, the software removes the need for manual payment handling and outdated processes.

“Speed and accuracy are critical in today’s financial environment,” said Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com. “ezACH gives accountants the ability to process multiple payments quickly and securely, without added complexity or cost.”

Designed with flexibility in mind, ezACH allows users to manage unlimited transactions for unlimited companies at a one-time flat rate of $199.00, making it a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based payment platforms. Try it today!

Why Accountants Are Making the Switch:

Process ACH payments for vendors, clients, payroll, and tax agenciesEliminate manual entry and reduce costly errorsImport data easily from CSV files or other Halfpricesoft applicationsHandle unlimited companies and transactions with no recurring feesMaintain full control over payment timing and processingClients can upload transactions for up to $4.99 to test compatibility

Halfpricesoft.com offers a variety of applications that will seamlessly integrate with ezACH software:

ezPaycheck: A new version of ezACH has just been released to support import CSV with ezPaycheck importing. ezCheckprinting: Business check writer for vendors, miscellaneous and draft checks. https://www.halfpricesoft.com/product_ezCheck.aspezAccounting: DIY in-house bookkeeping and payroll solution for one flat rate. https://www.halfpricesoft.com/accounting/accounting-software.asp

With a one-time cost of $199 per installation, ezACH offers long-term savings compared to subscription-based services. There are no hidden fees, and users can process unlimited ACH transactions. (Note: Banks may apply their own ACH processing fees. We recommend contacting your bank for compatibility prior to purchase).

Simplify the business operations and boost efficiency with the powerful, all-in-one solutions fromHalfpricesoft.com. To save both time and money, get started today at HalfPriceSoft.com for no cost or obligation

About Halfpricesoft.com

Halfpricesoft.com has been delivering affordable, reliable business software solutions for over 20 years. Its suite of products, including payroll, accounting, check printing, tax filing, and ACH deposit software, helps small businesses, accountants, and nonprofits streamline operations and reduce costs. Trusted by thousands nationwide, Halfpricesoft.com remains committed to simplifying financial management with powerful, budget-friendly tools.

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SOURCE Halfpricesoft.com

Technology

Neusoft Smart Go and Tencent Cloud Forge Strategic Partnership to Build a New AI-Powered Intelligent Cockpit Ecosystem

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

BEIJING, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At Auto China 2026, Neusoft Smart Go, a subsidiary of Neusoft Corporation (SSE:600718), officially announced its strategic upgrade. The company now aims to become a global leading provider in full-domain upper-body electronics solutions for intelligent vehicles. At the same time, Neusoft Smart Go and Tencent Cloud announced a strategic partnership. Aligning with “AI-defined vehicles” trend, the two parties will focus on key areas such as intelligent cockpits, on-device AI large model applications, ecosystem content integration, in-vehicle cybersecurity, and cloud services. By integrating their technologies and resources, they will engage in in-depth collaboration to develop AI-powered intelligent cockpit products and solutions that offer enhanced interactivity and emotional experiences, accelerating the intelligent transformation of entire vehicles.

The integration of AI large models and ecosystems into vehicles is essentially a full-chain systematic project covering hardware-software architecture adaptation, data processing, compliance assurance, and real-time response. Currently, automakers face challenges such as high in-house R&D expenses, ecosystem integration hurdles, and a lack of differentiated user experiences. They urgently require full-domain solutions that seamlessly integrate hardware and software, offer comprehensive ecosystem coverage, and enable rapid mass production to meet users’ core demands for multi-modal interaction, full-scenario services, and continuous OTA updates.

As a leading cloud service provider in China, Tencent Cloud has core strengths in on-device large models, in-vehicle ecosystems and applications, cloud services, and data compliance assurance. It also offers a full-chain app ecosystem spanning social media, music, maps, and more. In this partnership, the two parties will take Neusoft Smart Go’s next-gen intelligent cockpit system as the core platform, deeply integrating Tencent Cloud’s on-device large models to jointly develop a benchmark AI-powered intelligent cockpit featuring natural conversations, proactive interactions, and highly emotional, smooth experiences. Furthermore, they will fully integrate a wide range of ecosystem apps, enabling seamless transitions between mobile phones and in-vehicle systems across all scenarios.

At present, Neusoft Smart Go has established a product matrix covering a full range of in-vehicle electronics solutions, including central computing platforms, cockpit-driving-parking integration, intelligent cockpits, intelligent communications, intelligent audio systems, and zonal control units. Through a dual-track strategy of high-end cutting-edge solutions and mature standardized products, it can flexibly meet the mass production needs of vehicle models across different regions and price segments worldwide. Leveraging Tencent’s intelligent driving cloud, data compliance, OTA technical support, and AI platform services, the two parties will provide stable, secure, and intelligent hardware-software integrated solutions tailored to the diverse needs of global automakers, comprehensively assisting them in achieving intelligent and AI-driven upgrades for entire vehicles.

Jian Guodong, Senior Vice President of Neusoft and CEO of Neusoft Smart Go, said, “The integration of AI large models and full-scenario ecosystems represents an inevitable trend and a shared vision for both Neusoft Smart Go and Tencent Intelligent Mobility. Leveraging Neusoft Smart Go’s technical expertise in the full domain of upper-body electronics and Tencent’s leading solutions in AI large models and full-chain ecosystems, the two parties will collaborate to provide global automakers with truly mass-producible and evolvable AI-powered intelligent cockpit solutions.”

Zhong Xuedan, Vice President and Head of Tencent Intelligent Mobility, said, “We share complementary strengths and similar philosophies with Neusoft Smart Go, laying a solid foundation for cooperation. Both parties will further deepen cooperation in AI-powered intelligent cockpits, jointly exploring proactive interactions and emotional services powered by large models, transforming the cockpit into a smarter companion that better understands users.”

The deep integration of on-device AI large models and full-scenario ecosystems is reshaping the value boundaries and user experiences of intelligent cockpits. The automotive industry needs to accelerate innovation and mass production, achieving a balance between advanced technologies and cost-effectiveness. Neusoft Smart Go will focus on enhancing its systematic integration, software-hardware synergy, and global delivery capabilities. Through collaboration with more ecosystem partners, it will provide sustained momentum for the intelligent transformation of the automotive industry.

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SOURCE Neusoft Corporation