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Cancer Research in Space for Life on Earth: Five Projects Selected Through ISS National Lab Solicitation in Partnership With NASA

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Inaugural Igniting Innovation research announcement is providing more than $7 million in funding to advance cancer research through space-based R&D

BOSTON, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory, in partnership with NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division, jointly announced the selection of five projects through the inaugural Igniting Innovation solicitation for cancer and other disease-related research and technology development on the ISS. The projects, which were announced at the annual ISS Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) in Boston, will harness the unique microgravity environment to advance cancer research to benefit patients on Earth. 

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 2 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and more than 600,000 people will die from the disease. Cancer and other disease-related research on the space station is critical not only to the ISS National Lab and NASA but also to the Biden-Harris administration and its Cancer Moonshot initiative. Through the inaugural Igniting Innovating solicitation, more than $7 million in total funding is being awarded to the selected research teams. Each team intends to fly multiple projects to the orbiting laboratory through this research announcement.

“Over the years, the space station has been a catalyst for biomedical research that has profound impacts on patient care on Earth,” said Ray Lugo, chief executive officer for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, manager of the ISS National Lab. “Through this inaugural Igniting Innovation research announcement, the ISS National Lab and NASA focused funding efforts to specifically target cancer through space-based research, and we look forward to working with the selected projects as they push the boundaries of research and innovation to develop more effective therapeutics for those impacted by this devastating disease.”

The selected projects are listed below:

Mari Anne Snow, Eascra Biotech: This project seeks to produce cancer therapeutics in space using Janus base nanomaterials (JBNs) designed to target drug delivery to solid tumors, improving cancer treatment and reducing side effects. JBNs are formed by DNA-inspired building blocks that self-assemble. Producing JBNs in microgravity could make them more uniform, increasing both safety and efficacy. This would allow JBNs to carry larger amounts of drugs for more effective treatment. This project builds on prior space station research that Eascra and the University of Connecticut conducted with support from Axiom Space to examine the use of JBNs to treat arthritis.Arun Sharma, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: This project aims to grow cardiac spheroids with blood vessels from induced pluripotent stem cells in space for cardiovascular disease modeling and to test how cancer drugs affect the heart. In space, cells grow into 3D structures that are more like cell growth in the body. Blood vessels may also grow better within the spheroids in microgravity. Space-grown cardiac spheroids could provide a better disease model to study cardiovascular disease and test cancer drug toxicity. Additionally, on Northrop Grumman’s 21st Commercial Resupply Services mission (NG-21) to the ISS, slated for early August, the Cedars-Sinai team intends to launch a regenerative medicine investigation supporting the in-space manufacturing of stem cells, building on prior space studies. Catriona Jamieson, University of California, San Diego: This project seeks to use patient-derived tumor organoids to study accelerated cancer development in microgravity and identify new cancer therapeutic targets. After cancer treatment, cancer stem cells can remain in the body. These cancer cells self-renew, evade the immune system, and develop resistance, resulting in their ability to spread throughout the body. The research team will observe the rate of cancer stem cell growth in space, where cancer cells can grow more quickly, to test whether blocking a specific enzyme prevents cancer stem cell growth. Results could lead to new treatments that target evasive cancer stem cells to prevent cancer recurrence. The UCSD team has launched multiple investigations to the ISS through private astronaut missions and NASA-sponsored missions.Cassian Yee, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: This project aims to use microgravity to better understand how T cells work in order to develop new immunotherapy treatments for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. T cells are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune system. Previous research has shown that microgravity induces changes in the structure and function of these cells. The team will study T cells in space to better understand what controls them, and results could lead to improved immunotherapy drugs that use the immune system to fight cancer.Shay Soker, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM): This project seeks to use organoids created from cells recovered from colorectal cancer patients to see if chemotherapy works better in space, offering insight into improved chemotherapies. Microgravity causes changes in cancer cells that may make them more sensitive to chemotherapy. The team will study how spaceflight changes gene expression in the organoids to identify targets for new, more effective chemotherapy drugs. Results from this project could also lead to personalized cancer treatment. WFIRM is actively involved in research on the space station and will launch an investigation on NG-21 analyzing the behavior of engineered liver constructs, which could lead to in-space production of tissues for organ transplants on Earth.

All five research teams intend to work with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Axiom Space, together with BioServe Space Technologies, who will provide engineering and logistical support to prepare the projects for spaceflight and successful operations on station.

“We are thrilled to support this critical in-space cancer research,” said Lisa Carnell, director of NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division. “The unique microgravity environment of space offers incredible opportunities for researchers to study the effects of spaceflight stressors on human tissue. This research could be used not only to help protect crew health on long-duration missions but also to contribute to initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot and improved treatment options for patients here on Earth.”

The final award of funding is contingent upon acceptance of legal terms and conditions between the recipients, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, which manages the ISS National Lab, and NASA’s BPS division.

The ISS National Lab and NASA plan to announce the 2024 Igniting Innovation solicitation in August. This research announcement is focused on leveraging the space environment to address challenges that hinder progress in preventing, diagnosing, and treating the most challenging diseases of our time, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease.

To download a high-resolution image for this release, click here.

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page. 

Media Contact:

Patrick O’Neill 

904-806-0035 

PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org

 

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory

Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS)

6905 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 500, Melbourne, FL 32940 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

 

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SOURCE International Space Station National Lab

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Haier Announces Global Partnership with UEFA Champions League

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September 4, 2026

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New brand building milestone deepens Haier’s global consumer connections

BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Haier, the world’s No.1 major home appliances brand, today announced a global partnership with UC3, under which Haier will become a Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League from the 2027/28 season through the 2030/31 season.

The four-year partnership, running from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2031, grants Haier exclusive worldwide rights in the home appliances, televisions and commercial display screens categories across a range of UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.

More than a commercial sponsorship, the collaboration outlines Haier’s transition from a globally recognized appliances company towards developing a deeper relationship with consumers worldwide.

“This partnership represents a key milestone in Haier’s global brand strategy,” said Wang Meiyan, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Haier Group. “The UEFA Champions League brings together millions of fans around the world through a shared pursuit of excellence. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring the passion and spirit of champions closer to consumers’ everyday life, creating new possibilities through intelligent technologies.”

“We are delighted to welcome Haier as a new global partner of the UEFA Champions League. Its international presence, ability to innovate and ambition to create increasingly relevant experiences for people make Haier an ideal partner for the competition. Together, we aim to develop new opportunities to engage fans around the world and bring them even closer to our competitions, while celebrating the emotion, excellence and sense of belonging that make European football unique,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein Co-Managing Director, UC3.

From Global Recognition to Global Connection

Upon entering international markets in 1991, Haier was among the earliest Chinese companies to pursue global growth by building its own brands rather than relying on product exports. Over the decades, Haier has established a strong local presence across more than 200 countries and regions, with leading positions in over 30 markets.

This global presence is supported by a network of 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks and 173 manufacturing centers worldwide. By combining global capabilities with local insights, Haier develops products, solutions and experiences tailored to consumers’ diverse needs across markets.

This approach has driven sustained global recognition. Haier has ranked as the world’s No.1 major appliances brand by retail volume for 17 consecutive years and has been recognized among the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for eight consecutive years.

Building on this track record, Haier will continue to strengthen its presence in premium markets while developing brands, products and solutions that respond to evolving consumer expectations and create new possibilities for intelligent living.

Leading Through Technology, Connecting Through Sports

Technology has long been a key driver of Haier’s global development. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into products, connected scenarios and smart living ecosystems, Haier is expanding from individual product innovation towards more integrated experiences across the home.

The interconnection between technological development in everyday lives and the cultural centrality of sport provides a powerful platform for closer relationships with consumers. For more than two decades, Haier has developed a global sports partnership portfolio spanning leading football clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool Football Club, as well as major international sporting events including the Australian Open and Roland-Garros.

Over the years, Haier’s sports marketing has evolved from building brand visibility to creating deeper consumer connections through global sports partnerships and locally relevant experiences. Beyond football and established international sporting events, Haier has expanded its sports portfolio across markets, including badminton, marathon running, cricket and basketball.

The partnership with UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League Finals and UEFA Futsal Champions League Finals, represents the next stage of this journey. By bringing together the passion and excellence of elite football with the possibilities of intelligent living, Haier aims to create experiences that extend beyond the stadium and become part of consumers’ everyday lives.

Unveiled during IFA 2026 in Berlin, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and home appliance exhibitions, the partnership reinforces Haier’s commitment to building stronger connections with consumers worldwide. Together with the UEFA Champions League, Haier will connect the spirit of champions with intelligent living, creating new experiences for consumers and fans around the world.

ABOUT HAIER GROUP

Founded in 1984, Haier Group is a leading global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions, with the purpose of “More Creation, More Possibilities”. The company has established 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks and 173 manufacturing centers, achieving a global revenue of USD 59.8 billion in 2025. Haier has been ranked in the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for 8 consecutive years. Additionally, Haier has held the No.1 position in Euromonitor International Global Major Appliances Brand for 17 consecutive years. Haier has 8 listed companies, with its subsidiary Haier Smart Home named among the Fortune Global 500 and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies.

ABOUT UC3

UC3 unites European football’s governing body UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), representing more than 800 top European clubs, around a new vision for managing commercial rights to UEFA club competitions (the “UCCs”). It is the commercial entity responsible for generating revenues from the UCCs and creating value for our partners. UC3 oversees the management, sales and delivery of all commercial rights (including media, sponsorship and licensing rights) for UEFA’s elite men’s and women’s club competitions.

SOURCE Haier Group

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Aurzen Introduces “Unfold the Art,” a New Creative Chapter Inspired by Basquiat for Portable Projection

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September 4, 2026

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IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2026 /CNW/ — Aurzen today announced “Unfold the Art,” a new creative collection inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, bringing the brand’s portable projection vision into closer dialogue with art, design, and everyday living. By combining Aurzen’s design-led approach to portable devices with Basquiat’s bold visual energy, the initiative marks the beginning of a long-term platform dedicated to exploring new expressions across art, space, and modern lifestyle.

Known for making portable projection easier to carry, place, and enjoy across different environments, Aurzen sees this special collection as a natural extension of its design philosophy. With “Unfold the Art,” the brand connects portable technology with a stronger visual point of view and a more expressive sense of atmosphere.

The collection draws on a shared belief that everyday objects can be both functional and emotionally resonant. Aurzen’s clean, flexible design language meets the raw energy, layered symbolism, and unmistakable immediacy associated with Basquiat’s iconic visual world, creating a project shaped by contrast, expression, and personality.

“Aurzen has always believed technology should feel easy to live with and meaningful to experience,” said Jason Zhang, Senior Director of Product at Aurzen. “Through this collection inspired by Basquiat, we are exploring a more expressive side.”

Designed to grow beyond a single launch moment, “Unfold the Art” will evolve as a broader creative story. Future expressions will build on this foundation, exploring how portable projection can feel more personal, more visual, and more culturally alive in the home.

For Aurzen, this initiative reflects a commitment to shaping not only how projection performs, but how it looks and feels in everyday living spaces, where useful technology and artistic inspiration can naturally coexist.

This project was done in collaboration with Artestar, a global licensing agency and creative consultancy representing world-renowned visual artists, estates, and foundations. Artestar conceptualizes and develops some of the world’s most iconic brand partnerships across an array of categories and geographic regions, all while preserving and elevating each artist’s unique legacy. Through strategic planning and thoughtful curation, Artestar powers creative collaborations to make art accessible to everyone. Learn more at artestar.com.

About Aurzen

Aurzen is a global innovator in smart projection technology. By combining advanced optical engineering with intuitive software and user-focused design, Aurzen delivers products that bring big-screen experiences to any space. The company pioneered the world’s first Tri-Fold Truly Portable Projector, ZIP, and its designs have been recognized with multiple international awards, including the iF Design Award, Red Dot Award, G-Mark Award, and IDEA Award. For more information, visit www.aurzen.com.

About JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT

Jean-Michel Basquiat stands as one of the most influential artists of his generation and is widely regarded as a defining figure of 20th-century art. Though his career lasted less than a decade, it transformed contemporary art and continues to shape culture today.

Basquiat’s art is raw, charged with energy, and fiercely original. With a fearless approach to color and composition, he balanced opposing forces with control and spontaneity, menace and humor, urban grit and primal expression. His work embraced a fusion of media, incorporating painting, drawing, and collage. The surfaces of his canvases teem with language and coded imagery: words, numbers, symbols, diagrams, and pictograms merge with fragments of popular culture, history, and personal iconography. His multi-panel constructions, exposed stretcher bars, and dense overlays of text and imagery became hallmarks of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s inimitable style, positioning him as a true innovator who blurred boundaries between fine art and street culture.

© Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.

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SOURCE Aurzen Official

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ECOVACS Robotics Unveils Next Generation of Intelligent Cleaning at IFA 2026

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September 4, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As ECOVACS unveils the next generation of intelligent cleaning at IFA, Forbes Asia has recognised ECOVACS as the ‘Global No. 1 Home Robotics Brand’, acknowledging the company’s leadership across multiple categories from floor care to windows, lawns, and pools. Its products are currently used across 38 million households in nearly 180 markets, demonstrating ECOVACS’ successful expansion and innovation trajectory.

“Launching into the UK and Irish markets earlier this year was a huge milestone for us,” said Graham Mitchell, Head of Sales, UK and Ireland. “From day one, our goal has been to give people the freedom from daily chores and the latest innovations revealed at IFA represent the next generation of cleaning, delivering power, innovation and seamless integration to UK and Irish homes”.

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AT IFA

DEEBOT X12S OmniCyclone: Features industry-leading suction, built-in AGENT YIKO 3.0 AI assistant helping consumers create automated routines that fit their lifestyle, and an auto-empty station eliminating bag costs and allergen exposure. RRP: £1,199. Available 9th September

DEEBOT T90S PRO OMNI: Combines 27cm self-cleaning OZMO Roller with 40,000 Pa suction and superior hygiene technology preventing residue build-up and reducing odours. RRP: £699. Available 24th September

DEEBOT T90 MAX PRO OMNI: Boasts flagship mopping technology at an accessible price point, 40,000 Pa suction, and slim 95mm design for under-furniture access. RRP: £549, 9th September

All three DEEBOT models feature industry leading OZMO Roller 3.0 mopping system, upgraded AI navigation, enhanced OMNI stations with self-cleaning technology, and powerful suction (27,000-40,000 Pa) capturing fine dust and pet hair.

WINBOT W2S PRO OMNI: Window-cleaning robot with TruEdge 2.0 edge-to-edge coverage and three-nozzle spray technology delivering 46% improved efficiency. WIN-SLAM 4.0 navigation enables safe cleaning up to 75m² per fill with 12-step protection. RRP: £529. Available from 9th September

All models to be available through Amazon and major UK retailers including Argos, Currys, and Very.

2027 INNOVATIONS

ECOVACS previewed upcoming launches including the GOAT T-Series lawnmower and the ULTRAMARINE L1 PRO pool-cleaning robot, signalling expansion beyond home floor care.

IFA visitors can experience innovations live September 4-8 in Hall 9, Booth 113.

For more information on all new ECOVACS products, please visit ecovacs.com. You can find individual press releases and product cards for each new launch here, or a selection of images for each product here. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ecovacs-robotics-unveils-next-generation-of-intelligent-cleaning-at-ifa-2026-302869519.html

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