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deCODE genetics: Variants in the genome affect DNA methylation

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REYKJAVIK, Iceland, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new study by scientists at deCODE Genetics, subsidiary of Amgen, shows that sequence variants drive the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. The same variants are linked to various diseases as well as other human traits.

The research was published today in the scientific journal Nature Genetics under the title: The correlation between CpG methylation and gene expression is driven by sequence variants.

Nanopore sequencing is a new technology developed by ONT (Oxford Nanopore Technology), that enables us to analyze DNA sequences in real-time. With this technology, DNA molecules are drawn through tiny protein pores, and real-time measurements of electric current indicate which nucleotides in the DNA have passed through the pores. This allows the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA to be read, while also making it possible to detect chemical modifications of the nucleotides from these same measurements.

One such modification is called DNA methylation and is thought to be important in determining which genes are used at any given time; commonly referred to as regulation of gene expression by scientist in the field. Nanopore sequencing technology enables direct measurement of DNA methylation, while also yielding longer reads of DNA sequences than pre-existing technologies have been able to achieve.  These advances offer new opportunities by enabling the measurement of DNA methylation of all CpG sites in the human genome and, as this technology can read long DNA sequences, it is possible to determine DNA methylation on chromosomes from both parents, separately.

In the study, the scientists were able to assign CpG methylation, gene expression and alleles of sequence variants to parental chromosomes, allowing them to investigate correlations between the three sets of measurements on a haplotype level. The study shows that sequence variants affect DNA methylation and, furthermore, some of these variants can be linked to various diseases as well as other human traits. Importantly, the study shows that the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression can be attributed to sequence variants, indicating that these variants are the driving factor.

The majority of sequence variants that have been linked to diseases are found in the noncoding genome, on regions of the genome that do not encode for proteins.  For this reason, it has been difficult to understand how noncoding sequence variants lead to diseases. By studying the effects on DNA methylation, the scientists were able to show that many of these variants correspond to sequence variants that had previously been associated with disease, thereby enabling us to better understand how they lead to the progression of diseases.

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SOURCE deCODE genetics

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Cheers to One Million! Broadway.com’s Instagram Hits a Milestone

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NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A celebration is in order! Broadway.com’s Instagram account has hit a milestone one million followers.

For over a decade, Broadway.com has offered exclusive access to Broadway’s hottest shows and iconic stars via Instagram. Followers have been invited along to starry opening nights, glamorous red carpets and exciting one-night-only events. We’ve shared gorgeous portraits, introduced Broadway newcomers, celebrated screen stars taking to the stage and given tastes of exciting interviews. There have been curtain calls and exclusive performances, backstage visits and sneak peeks into rehearsal. Need to keep up with breaking news? We’ve got that too! If it’s happening, rest assured, Broadway.com is there, and will continue to celebrate the Broadway community for years to come.

If you’re one of the million, thanks for choosing to have us on your feed! If not, what are you waiting for? Join in on the fun!

CONTACT:
Andrew Mitchell
media@cambridgeglobal.com

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SOURCE Broadway.com

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Vusion Completes Acquisition of In-Store Media, Opening a New Chapter for Digital Retail Media in Physical Stores

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Vusion and ISM combine connected store technology and retail media expertise to unlock the untapped advertising potential of physical stores

PARIS, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vusion (VU – FR0010282822), the global leader in AI-powered digitalization solutions for physical commerce, today announces the completion of its acquisition of In-Store Media (ISM), following the agreement announced on July 27, 2026 and the satisfaction of all conditions precedent, including the receipt of the required regulatory approvals. 

The acquisition is financed through a bridge financing facility with total commitments of €200 million, an initial maturity of 12 months and two six-month extension options.

Headquartered in Barcelona, ISM brings deep expertise in designing, deploying and monetizing in-store retail media networks, long-standing relationships with 90 retail banners and more than 1,600 brands, as well as a strong international track record in 9 countries across EMEA, Americas and APAC.

This acquisition strengthens retail media as a core pillar of Vusion’s connected store platform. Despite their significant shopper traffic and proximity to purchasing decisions, physical stores remain an underdeveloped retail media channel, capturing less than 3% of retail media spending. Unlocking this opportunity requires combining retail media expertise with the digital capabilities to understand audiences, activate relevant content and demonstrate campaign performance.

Together, Vusion and ISM aim to help retailers and brands better understand in-store audiences, deliver more relevant content and adapt campaigns in real time. By making in-store media easier to integrate into brands’ omnichannel campaigns and its impact on sales easier to measure, the combination will help brands invest with greater confidence and retailers generate more revenue from their media networks.

“We are delighted to welcome the In-Store Media teams to Vusion,” said Thierry Gadou, Chairman and CEO of Vusion. “We share the same vision that physical stores will be the next great digital media. Together, we now have an exceptional opportunity to bring that vision to life, combining our cutting-edge connected store platform and ISM’s retail media expertise to create lasting value for retailers, brands and shoppers.”

“Joining Vusion is a tremendous opportunity for our teams and customers,” said Fernando de Vicente, CEO of In-Store Media. “We have built our business through close partnerships with retailers and brands, and a deep understanding of how to make in-store media work. We look forward to leveraging those foundations with Vusion, accelerating our digitalization, and expanding what we can achieve together.”

In-Store Media to participate in Vusion’s Capital Markets Day

ISM will participate in Vusion’s Capital Markets Day in Paris on November 18, 2026. The event will provide an opportunity to share more about the role of in-store digital retail media in Vusion’s medium-term strategic plan and the growth opportunities created by this acquisition.

About In-Store Media

The Spanish multinational, founded in 1998, is today a global benchmark in the development of Retail Media advertising solutions. Present in 9 countries across Europe, Latin America and Asia, it works with more than 90 retailers and maintains partnerships with over 1,600 brands. It covers hypermarkets, supermarkets, shopping centres, department stores and specialty stores in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and the Philippines.

About Vusion

Vusion is the global leader in AI-powered digitalization solutions for physical commerce, serving over 350 major retail groups in the world. www.vusion.com

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Abel Communications CEO Greg Abel Named President of Newly Formed Public Relations Society of America Maryland Chesapeake Chapter

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Merger of two regional public relations chapters creates new opportunities for professional development and industry connection across Maryland

BALTIMORE, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Abel Communications announced today that CEO and founder Greg Abel will serve as President of the newly formed Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Maryland Chesapeake chapter, helping lead an expanded network of public relations and communications professionals across the Baltimore region.

The PRSA Maryland Chesapeake chapter brings together the PRSA’s Maryland and Central Chesapeake chapters following a merger approved by both chapters’ members and boards, as well as PRSA’s national leadership. Effective immediately, the merger will support broader professional engagement across Maryland, with a strategic focus on the Greater Baltimore region.

“This is an exciting day and the culmination of a great deal of behind-the-scenes work by leaders who are committed to promoting and supporting the public relations profession,” said Greg Abel, CEO and founder of Abel Communications. “By combining our energy, talent, and networks, the PRSA Maryland Chesapeake chapter is committed to delivering high-quality and consistent programming for our members.”

As President, Abel will work alongside a board representing public relations agencies, higher education, public media, philanthropy, and advocacy organizations. This board aims to strengthen the chapter’s programming and create more opportunities for members to learn, build relationships, and contribute to the public relations profession.

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026, the PRSA Maryland Chesapeake chapter plans to offer monthly virtual learning sessions with industry thought leaders, monthly in-person coffee meetups at member locations, and visits every other month to local news organizations and other organizations making news.

PRSA and Public Relations Student Society of America members are invited to help shape the chapter through its Communications, Programming & Professional Development, and Membership & Engagement committees. Those interested in joining or volunteering can learn more by visiting https://prsamd.org.

About Abel Communications
Abel Communications is a full-service public relations firm, delivering strategic communications programs for regional and national clients in sectors including health and wellness, professional services, and local, national, and global brands. The firm provides strategic counsel to help clients navigate the intersection of media relations, content development, social media, and digital strategy.

About the PRSA Maryland Chesapeake Chapter
The PRSA Maryland Chesapeake Chapter is the premier professional organization serving strategic communication, public relations and marketing professionals across Maryland. Formed through the union of two established regional chapters, PRSA Maryland Chesapeake fosters lifelong learning, ethical standard-setting and collaborative connection through programming, professional development and industry leadership.

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SOURCE ABEL COMMUNICATIONS

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