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Loft Dynamics Unveils VR Instruction from World-Renowned Pilots to Increase Access and Quality of Training, Elevate Safety Standards and Address the Pilot Shortage

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Virtual Demonstration Mode Enhances Training Quality and Safety at Scale for Aircraft OEMs, Operators
and Pilots  

New VR Simulations for Night Vision and Whiteout/Brownout Conditions Make High-Risk Scenario
Training Safe  

Pilots Gain Personalized Insights to Track Progress, Accelerate Skill Development and Gamify Their
Training Experience

ZURICH, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Loft Dynamics, the global leader in qualified virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training devices (FSTDs), today announced a suite of industry-shaping features to more efficiently and effectively address the global pilot shortage and high rates of training related accidents. Central to this is LofTWIN,a virtual demonstration mode that digitizes flight instruction from world-renowned pilots and instructors from aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This tool makes their expertise immersive, accessible, and scalable across Loft Dynamics’ global network of simulators. Additionally, Loft Dynamics is introducing new simulations—including Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and Whiteout/Brownout conditions— that make skill- and scenario-based training safer and make simulations more realistic.  

The Next-Gen Solution: Immersive Hardware and Instruction 

“Our VR FSTDs have made realistic and safe pilot training drastically more accessible and affordable, but hardware alone isn’t enough,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “The industry faces a global pilot shortage, pandemic-related retirements, and rising demand for air transport—issues compounded by the high costs and limited availability of safe yet effective training solutions. LofTWIN addresses these challenges on a new level by making world-class instruction more accessible and scalable. More than just a tool, LofTWIN is a powerful knowledge-sharing platform that captures and disseminates invaluable expertise to improve training for the next generation of exceptional pilots. It’s the first in a series of upcoming software innovations aimed at democratizing the best pilot training resources.”

Introduction to LofTWIN 

LofTWIN records and transforms expert flight instruction into an immersive VR experience for deployment across Loft Dynamics’ cloud-connected simulator fleet. Its ever-expanding catalog of demonstrations features legendary pilots and instructors, including Glenn White, an experienced EMS pilot and former factory instructor at Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters); Gerold Biner, former CEO of Air Zermatt and a rescue pilot in the Himalayas and the Alps; Scott Urschel, one of the world’s few aerobatic helicopter pilots; and Yann Guérin, head of pilot training at Airbus Helicopters. With LofTWIN, pilots build essential skills safely and more efficiently, while OEMs benefit from consistent and accurate demonstrations that lead to safer aircraft operations in real-world flight.  

The Pilot and Operator Experience 

Pilots and operators choose their scenario-based demonstration through Loft Dynamics’ training device, immersing themselves in a realistic VR cockpit with expert virtual instructors. The instructors’ movements are visually replicated by a full-body avatar that provides real-time guidance, while haptic feedback from the controls enhances the experience. After a LofTWIN demo session, pilots can apply learnings to their simulator training, where advanced eye and body tracking monitors responses during each maneuver. The data captured in these sessions equips pilots with insights to track progress over time and benchmark performance against experts. The gamified approach promotes regular skill development and helps usher in a new generation of digital-native pilots. Additionally, LofTWIN allows operators’ chief pilots and instructors to produce high-quality lessons in a standardized way, educating everyone in the organization more efficiently.

The Aircraft OEM Experience 

For aircraft OEMs, now their chief instructors can easily record demonstrations on any Loft Dynamics simulator, allowing them to develop the most relevant and precise instruction and instantly deploy it to any Loft Dynamics training device worldwide. The instructors execute specific maneuvers in the simulator as they usually would, providing detailed commentary through the headset microphone. All audio, visuals, control movements, and force feedback during the session are captured, uploaded, and packaged into a shareable session.   

“This technology is an important milestone for us,” said Yann Guérin, Head of Pilot Training at Airbus Helicopters. “LofTWIN lets us create instructor demonstrations. With just a push of a button, instructors can record their demo on the VR H125 simulator and instantly share it with their trainees. Thus, the training is much more consistent and efficient. Instructors are able to demonstrate and assist their trainees. Furthermore, these demos could be shared within the VR H125 instructor community, increasing training standardization and safety.”  

“LofTWIN also allows OEMs to monetize their expertise,” Riesen added. “For instance, Air Zermatt’s VR mountain rescue demo in whiteout conditions could be purchased by operators in Nepal training rescue pilots and uploaded to their Loft sim. This goes beyond just providing access to exceptional instruction; it connects people to the most relevant expertise available, helping us collectively improve pilot skills and safety.”

Night Operations, Whiteouts and Brownouts Meet VR   

Loft Dynamics continuously develops new simulations of high-risk, complex environments that cannot be safely or accurately replicated in-flight or with other VR tools. This includes the NVG module, which simulates night flight and allows pilots to adjust NVG controls, such as goggle settings, as they would in the real world. Similarly, whiteout and brownout conditions are recreated in VR to elicit realistic physiological responses. Pilots can fine-tune environmental factors like sand and snow levels, enabling them to safely practice maintaining control with minimal visual cues.

Experience It  

To learn more and book your LofTWIN experience, visit www.loftwin.loftdynamics.com

About Loft Dynamics  
Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in qualified virtual reality flight simulation training devices (FSTD). It is the first and only VR FSTD qualified by the FAA and EASA. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our revolutionary VR simulators provide a more immersive, realistic, customizable, and safe training experience. By offering a training solution 10 times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet global demand. We serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts. Visit   www.loftdynamics.com.    

CONTACT: Press@loftdynamics.com  

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SOURCE Loft Dynamics

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Real-World Study of Over 185,000 Users Finds Engagement with UpLife Digital Mental Health App Yields Significant Reductions in Depression and Anxiety

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Five-year evaluation shows a clear “dose–response” link between deeper engagement with UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ programs and greater depression and anxiety symptom improvement

LEESBURG, Va., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — UpLife Inc, a digital mental health and self-therapy platform, today announced a set of research findings from a large real-world evaluation of its app, showing that people who engaged with the platform reported statistically significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety over time. The evaluation drew on five years of real-world data from an engaged user base of more than 185,000 people across the United States and 197 other countries worldwide.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it.” Jeff Musa, CEO, UpLife

The research analysis examined anonymized data collected between 2021 and 2026 using three validated clinical outcome measures: the PHQ-9 (depression), the GAD-7 (anxiety), and the WHO-5 (well-being). Among UpLife users who completed assessments at baseline and follow-up, depression and anxiety scores decreased significantly over time.

In the fully adjusted analysis, average depression scores (PHQ-9) fell by approximately 3.7 points; moving the typical UpLife user from the “moderately severe” range toward the “moderate” range. Anxiety scores (GAD-7) showed comparable significant reductions over time.

A clear dose–response relationship

One of the study’s central findings was a consistent dose–response pattern regarding the relationship between engagement and outcomes. Users who completed UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ experienced a reduction in their symptoms. The study also found that the completion of additional Journeys were associated with a further measurable decrease in their assessment scores, even after accounting for subscription type and other factors. Notably, depth of engagement with therapeutic content was a stronger predictor of improvement than simply the amount of time spent in the app.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out most is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it. That tells us our job is to keep building an experience that helps people stay engaged, because engagement is where the clinical value lives.” — Jeff Musa, Chief Executive Officer, UpLife

Built on cognitive behavioral therapy

UpLife delivers evidence-based psychological education and interventions grounded in the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through five core features: structured Journeys, a Daily Plan, a Mood Tracker, journaling, and an AI assistant (“Lila”) that recommends relevant content from the platform. The app does not provide AI-generated therapy; its assistant only directs users to content that has been created, curated, and reviewed by clinicians.

For clinicians, UpLife also offers a HIPAA-compliant therapist portal that supports a Blended Care model, allowing providers to extend therapeutic support between sessions through structured digital programs, progress tracking, and shared assessments.

The platform has also been extensively used in humanitarian settings. Through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program, tens of thousands of users in Ukraine have received full, free access to a localized version of the app through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program.

About the evaluation

The study used an observational pre–post design based on real-world data and was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. As an observational evaluation without a control group, it demonstrates associations between app engagement and symptom improvement rather than establishing causation, and well-being scores (WHO-5) did not change significantly over the study period. The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that CBT-based digital interventions can be associated with meaningful symptom reduction, while underscoring the central role of sustained user engagement.

About UpLife

Founded in 2019, UpLife is a digital mental health and self-guided therapy platform that is designed to help people improve their emotional well-being, build healthier thinking patterns, and develop positive daily habits through structured, evidence-based psychological programs. UpLife also provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal to help therapists and health systems to extend care beyond the through a Blended Care Therapy model. Learn more at www.uplifecare.com.

Media Contact

Matt Landry, UpLife, 1 617-699-7205, matt@thesecondrow.net, https://www.uplifecare.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/real-world-study-of-over-185-000-users-finds-engagement-with-uplife-digital-mental-health-app-yields-significant-reductions-in-depression-and-anxiety-302829280.html

SOURCE UpLife

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TruHeight Joins Nordstrom and JCPenney Marketplaces as Wellness Brands Reshape the Department Store

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Family nutrition brand’s newest retail partnerships reflect a broader shift: health and wellness products are becoming a staple of platforms once reserved for fashion and apparel

LAS VEGAS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruHeight, the family nutrition brand, today announced it is joining the Nordstrom Marketplace and the JCPenney Marketplace, bringing its lineup of clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products to two of America’s most iconic department store names.

The partnerships place TruHeight at the center of one of retail’s most notable shifts. Department stores and fashion-first marketplaces, long defined by clothing, shoes, and accessories, are rapidly expanding into health and wellness as consumers increasingly treat wellness as part of their everyday lifestyle rather than a separate shopping trip. For a generation of shoppers, the same platforms where they buy back-to-school outfits and activewear are becoming destinations for the products that fuel those activities.

“Five years ago, you wouldn’t expect to find a family nutrition brand next to denim and sneakers,” said Justin Rapoport, Co-CEO of TruHeight. “Today, wellness is part of how families shop for everything. Nordstrom and JCPenney recognize that, and we’re proud to bring family nutrition to their marketplaces.”

The move extends a period of rapid retail growth for TruHeight, which launched in 5,000 CVS stores nationwide in June following its national debut at Target earlier this year, and is also available at iHerb and on Amazon. With the addition of Nordstrom and JCPenney, TruHeight’s products will reach shoppers across drug, mass, e-commerce, and department store channels.

“Every retailer we add is a signal of the trust families place in our brand,” said Eden Stelmach, Co-Founder of TruHeight. “Department stores are where families have shopped together for generations. Meeting them there with simple, clean nutrition products is a natural next step.”

TruHeight products will be available on the Nordstrom and JCPenney marketplaces in the coming weeks, joining the brand’s existing availability at CVS, Target, iHerb, Amazon, and truheightvitamins.com.

About TruHeight
TruHeight is a family nutrition brand offering clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products for kids, teens, and active families. Founded with a commitment to simple ingredients and convenient formats, TruHeight products are available at major retailers nationwide and online at truheightvitamins.com.

Media Contact
TruHeight Vitamins
Kim Brown
419189@email4pr.com
4704265920
truheightvitamins.com

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TrendyMinds Founder Trevor Yager Returns as CEO to Lead Agency’s Next Phase of Growth

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Veteran agency leader returns to accelerate TrendyMinds’ AI capabilities and advance the firm’s evolution as a strategic partner helping organizations drive growth, strengthen reputation, and navigate transformation.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trevor Yager has returned as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TrendyMinds, the Indianapolis-based agency he founded in 1995, while continuing to serve as Chairman. In this dual role, Yager has resumed direct involvement in day-to-day leadership, working alongside account and delivery teams on client work in addition to setting the agency’s strategic direction. As CEO, he is leading the company’s next phase of growth by advancing the firm’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities while strengthening its position as a strategic partner to organizations navigating growth and change.

Yager previously transitioned from CEO to Chairman as part of a planned leadership evolution that reflected both the agency’s maturity and his own exploration of future ownership opportunities. As AI has accelerated the pace of change across the industry, reshaping how organizations operate and compete, he made the decision to step back into the CEO role and lead TrendyMinds through its next chapter directly.

“Moving into the Chairman role was the right decision at the time because the Board, including myself, believed TrendyMinds needed to demonstrate it could thrive beyond its founder,” said Yager. “But after more than 30 years of leading through every major technology shift, I believe artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities our industry has ever seen. The environment shifted fast enough that it made sense for me to step back in and lead it personally, continuing to build the capabilities our clients will need and position the agency for what’s next.”

Beginning in 2019, TrendyMinds became increasingly intentional about optimizing the artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation capabilities already embedded within the technologies used across the agency. Following a comprehensive assessment of AI-enabled tools and workflows, the agency integrated AI across strategy, research, creative development, marketing operations, and internal business processes while establishing governance, security, and data protection standards to support responsible implementation.

By transforming its own business first, TrendyMinds refined its methodologies, validated new approaches, and built the operational discipline that now informs how it evaluates AI opportunities with clients. Today, TrendyMinds continues to expand its internal AI capabilities through a dedicated team of AI transformation specialists, developing proprietary workflows, audience intelligence tools, and implementation frameworks. Drawing on that experience, the agency helps clients responsibly evaluate and implement AI in ways that align with their business objectives, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.

That experience also enables TrendyMinds to support clients developing innovative AI technologies, including a leading healthcare AI innovator. By combining firsthand AI transformation experience with strategic consulting, communications, and market positioning expertise, the agency helps organizations communicate complex technologies, build trust with stakeholders, and accelerate market adoption.

Founded as a traditional marketing agency more than 30 years ago, TrendyMinds has continually evolved alongside the changing needs of its clients, bringing together strategic consulting, integrated marketing, communications, creative, thought leadership, media relations, digital strategy and development, research, analytics, and emerging technologies.

About TrendyMinds

TrendyMinds is the Agency of Preference®, a multidisciplinary consulting partner helping organizations accelerate growth, strengthen and protect reputation, and navigate transformation. Founded in Indianapolis in 1995, the firm has spent more than 30 years uniting strategic consulting, communications, marketing, creative, technology, and data-driven insight into a single integrated practice built to solve complex business challenges.

Learn more at TrendyMinds.com.

Media Contact:
Claire Gregory
419095@email4pr.com | 317.902.6973

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