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Space-Grown Brain Organoids Help Advance New Neurological Treatment

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Startup Leverages ISS National Lab to Test Viral Vector That Delivers Gene Therapy

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Did you know some viruses don’t cause illness and can instead be used to treat disease? Biotechnology startup Axonis Therapeutics reprogrammed a virus to carry a novel gene therapy to neurons to treat neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injury. The company needed a way to test the therapeutic in a mature human brain model, which is difficult to produce on Earth. To address this challenge, Axonis leveraged the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to quickly grow 3D human brain organoids and test the therapeutic.

The team’s groundbreaking research is featured in the latest issue of Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab. In the article, Axonis Therapeutics co-founder and chief scientific officer Shane Hegarty says, “Doing research in space is not something you’d ever think about normally, but the opportunity to leverage microgravity conditions can unlock a lot of untouched potential by pushing the boundaries of science in a unique environment.” 

Viruses infect cells in a host and insert genetic material into them. In viruses that cause disease, the genetic material takes over cells and damages them. However, viruses can be reprogrammed to carry helpful genetic material. Axonis has modified a virus that is not harmful to humans to act as a viral vector. This vector targets neurons and delivers gene therapy designed to prevent neuron degeneration and spur regeneration. Importantly, it must be delivered only to neurons and no other cells in the body.

The viral vector worked in mice but required testing in a mature human brain model. On Earth, gravity forces cells to grow in 2D monolayers, and it is hard to culture multiple neuron subtypes together. The Axonis team learned about researchers who sent mature liver cells to space, and the cells spontaneously assembled into a 3D liver organoid. The team wondered if mature central nervous system (CNS) cells would do the same.

Axonis was awarded a Technology in Space Prize—funded by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, which manages the ISS National Lab, and Boeing in partnership with the MassChallenge startup accelerator program—to conduct research on the space station. The team co-cultured mature neurons and astrocytes on the ISS, and within 72 hours, the cells self-assembled into 3D brain organoids—a feat not possible on Earth. The viral vector was loaded with a fluorescent protein gene instead of the gene therapy, and the team was excited to see glowing green neurons, meaning the viral vector had worked. These successful results significantly de-risked Axonis’ therapeutic and helped move it closer to clinical trials.

Hegarty said the company’s ISS National Lab-sponsored research also helped put Axonis on the map and made it easier for the startup to attract seed investors. Axonis recently announced the completion of a successful $115 million Series A financing campaign that was oversubscribed (the company received investor interest beyond its fundraising target). The company will use the funding to advance another of its therapeutics—this one to treat epilepsy and pain—through clinical proof-of-concept in patients.

To learn more about Axonis’ exciting ISS National Lab-sponsored investigation, read the Upward feature “From Viral Villain to Gene Therapy Hero.”

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Space-Grown Brain Organoid.

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)
__________________________________________________________________________________ 

1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

 

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SOURCE International Space Station National Lab

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“Think Large & Demanding EMC Chambers, Think ERETEC” ERETEC Brings Its Large-Scale, Specialized EMC Chamber Expertise to Global Markets

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ERETEC Inc. is accelerating its global expansion, drawing on its expertise in large-scale and specialized EMC chambers for defense, aerospace, and future mobility. Its 10-meter full-vehicle EMC chamber at KATECH demonstrates the company’s engineering capabilities in meeting the complex testing requirements of large electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Accelerating global expansion on Korea’s largest track record of ultra-large chambers, including the nation’s first satellite launch vehicle and high-power RCS EMC chambersProving proprietary engineering that surpasses global standards, as demonstrated by KATECH’s large-scale 10-meter full-vehicle chamberSecuring global competitiveness with turnkey solutions that go beyond construction, from bespoke design to maintenance

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ERETEC Inc. (CEO Man Young Chi), Korea’s largest electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) chamber specialist, is launching a full-scale expansion into global markets, building on its track record of constructing large-scale and special-purpose chambers for advanced industries, including defense, aerospace, and future mobility.

“We will not rest on our laurels as Korea’s first and largest. With our optimized bespoke solutions and technical expertise, we aim to become a world-leading EMC chamber specialist.” Man Young Chi, CEO of ERETEC Inc.

ERETEC is a leading provider of turnkey solutions for large defense systems, satellite and space components (EMC/RF), automotive applications, and ultra-large commercial EMC chambers exceeding 20 meters. The company holds Korea’s largest track record in special-purpose chambers requiring advanced technical expertise, including the nation’s first satellite launch vehicle EMC chamber and first high-power RCS EMC chamber, setting the standard for Korea’s EMC infrastructure market.

An Unrivaled Track Record at Home as a Springboard for Global Expansion

Global demand for high-performance, large-scale EMC chambers has surged in recent years, driven by rising defense exports worldwide and the rapid growth of the electric vehicle and aerospace industries. Confident that its expertise in designing and building chambers of the highest technical complexity will give it a substantial technological edge in global markets, ERETEC is accelerating its overseas expansion.

A key reference project drawing significant attention from international buyers is the 10-meter full-vehicle EMC chamber for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH), which showcases ERETEC’s proprietary technological capabilities.

Measuring 30 meters long, 25 meters wide, and 12 meters high, the chamber features an expansive Ø11-meter Quiet Zone, far exceeding the Ø6 meters at the upper end of conventional 10-meter EMC chambers. This allows large commercial vehicles such as electric buses and hydrogen trucks to be tested precisely in their entirety. Combined with a specialized area that supports loads of up to 50 tons, the chamber provides a world-class environment optimized for EMC testing of heavy zero-emission vehicles.

Bespoke Turnkey Solutions as a Global Differentiator

ERETEC’s core competitive advantage in the global chamber market lies in its ability to design bespoke chamber environments precisely tailored to each customer’s needs and product characteristics.

Going beyond chamber construction, the company provides comprehensive lifecycle engineering services, from proposing optimal EMC testing solutions to conducting tests, analyzing results, and providing ongoing global technical support after installation.

“We will not rest on our laurels as Korea’s first and largest,” said Man Young Chi, CEO of ERETEC. “Building on world-class references such as the KATECH full-vehicle EMC chamber, we will actively pursue opportunities in overseas markets.”

He added, “With our optimized bespoke solutions and technical expertise, we aim to become a world-leading EMC chamber specialist that contributes to the advancement of high-tech industries worldwide.”

Founded in 1999, ERETEC has pioneered electromagnetic compatibility, antenna and reverberation chamber design, and test and measurement solutions. The company has supplied high-quality EMC chambers, measurement systems, and robust electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protection solutions to customers in Korea and abroad, building a strong foundation of technical credibility.

Media Contact

Michelle Park, ERETEC INC., 82 31-345-1134, michelle.park@eretec.com, https://www.eretec.com/en/

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SOURCE ERETEC INC.

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New electrification index shows China out front as US risks stalling and Europe’s policies outpace delivery

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LONDON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China is pulling ahead on electrification, while the US risks losing momentum and some of Europe’s biggest economies have yet to translate policy into delivery, according to new analysis.

The Electrification Competitiveness Index assesses progress in 16 countries, measuring electrification delivery on the ground and the conditions needed for further progress. These enabling and deployment factors indicate how ready economies are for businesses to electrify operations.

The analysis exposes a widespread implementation gap, with policy and other enabling conditions ahead of electrification deployment across most countries.

The Index, developed by We Mean Business Coalition with support from RMI, assesses Australia, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, UK and US.

Electrification, combined with clean power, can reduce fossil fuel reliance, strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to volatile fuel prices, support growth and productivity, cut emissions and improve health through cleaner air. It will be a key focus at COP31.

Countries are grouped in four categories:

Solid foundation – China, France, Spain: relatively strong deployment and strong enablers. China has the highest deployment score, backed by coordinated grid investment, industrial policy and incentives. France and Spain score well on grid performance and clean power shares. In all three countries, electricity prices are more competitive against gas than in most other economies assessed.

Potential for take-off – Germany, India, Italy, Poland, UK: enablers higher than deployment. The UK has the largest gap between policy and delivery. Electricity costs around five times as much as gas per unit of energy for UK industry, while Germany faces a grid connection backlog of hundreds of gigawatts.

Risk of stalling – US, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Korea: deployment sits at/above the halfway mark with enablers below the median. In the US federal policy reversals and grid bottlenecks risk slowing momentum. The US has more than 2TW of generation and storage waiting in interconnection queues, compared with roughly 1.3TW of existing generating capacity.

Early-stage adoption – Indonesia, the Philippines and South Africa: below the halfway marks on deployment and enablers. Clean power accounts for 18% of generation in Indonesia and South Africa and 23% in the Philippines, while grid investment in all three is below 0.4% of GDP, against 0.65% average across the sample.

 

Report & full release: https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/blog/new-index-maps-electrification-competitiveness-of-countries/

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SOURCE We Mean Business Coalition(WMBC)

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ADSQUIRE Named 2026 PPC Agency of the Year by Search Engine Land.

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Philadelphia-Based Legal PPC Agency Wins Top Paid Search Agency Honor for Campaign Delivering Approximately 8,000% ROI in One Month On $4,000 In Ad Spend.

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ADSQUIRE, a digital advertising agency specializing in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising for law firms, has been named PPC Agency of the Year at the 2026 Search Engine Land Awards, one of the search marketing industry’s leading award programs.

Search Engine Land announced the winners of its 12th annual awards on October 26, recognizing agencies, in-house teams, and individuals for excellence in search marketing. ADSQUIRE earned the overall Agency of the Year – PPC award for its entry, “How ADSQUIRE Delivered A 8,000% ROI For Their Client In One Month.”

The award recognizes ADSQUIRE’s work managing paid search campaigns and generating measurable business results for law firms. The recognition also reinforces the agency’s specialized focus on one of the most competitive digital advertising markets: legal services.

A National Award for Specialized Legal PPC Expertise

ADSQUIRE focuses on helping law firms attract prospective clients through Google Ads, Google Local Services Ads (LSAs), and performance-focused paid search campaigns. Rather than treating legal advertising as a general digital marketing service, the agency concentrates on the advertising platforms, competitive dynamics, lead-generation challenges, and performance measurement that matter to law firms.

Legal PPC requires more than generating clicks. Campaigns must reach prospective clients with relevant legal needs, manage advertising costs in highly competitive markets, and provide law firms with meaningful insight into lead quality and campaign performance.

ADSQUIRE’s approach centers on connecting advertising activity to business outcomes, helping law firms evaluate performance beyond impressions, clicks, and other surface-level metrics.

The Search Engine Land award provides independent industry recognition for that work.

“Winning PPC Agency of the Year is a tremendous milestone for ADSQUIRE and our entire team,” said Anthony Higman, CEO of ADSQUIRE. “We built this agency around a straightforward idea: law firms deserve advertising management that understands their business, takes performance seriously, and is accountable for delivering results. Being recognized by Search Engine Land at this level makes this win especially meaningful for the team.”

Helping Law Firms Compete Through Google Ads and Local Services Ads

ADSQUIRE specializes in paid search advertising for attorneys and law firms, including Google Ads management and Google Local Services Ads management.

These channels serve different but complementary roles in legal client acquisition. Google Ads enables law firms to reach people searching for specific legal services, while Local Services Ads can help eligible law firms connect with prospective clients through Google’s local lead-generation platform.

Managing both in unison requires an understanding of campaign structure, search intent, geographic targeting, budget allocation, lead tracking, and the relationship between advertising performance and signed cases.

ADSQUIRE works with law firms seeking specialized PPC management rather than a generalist agency unfamiliar with the economics and operational demands of legal advertising.

The agency’s recognition as the 2026 Search Engine Land PPC Agency of the Year adds an independent industry distinction to its legal advertising specialization.

An Award-Winning Approach to Advertising Performance

ADSQUIRE’s winning award entry highlighted a client campaign that reportedly delivered approximately 8,000% return on investment in one month on only $4,000 in advertising spend.

The case study illustrates the importance of evaluating paid search through business outcomes rather than advertising activity alone. For law firms, meaningful evaluation can include qualified leads, signed cases, cost per acquisition, and the potential value of cases generated.

ADSQUIRE continues to focus on helping law firms make informed advertising decisions, improve campaign execution, and understand how paid search contributes to client acquisition.

About ADSQUIRE

ADSQUIRE is a legal PPC agency headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in Google Ads management and Google Local Services Ads management for law firms. The agency helps attorneys and law firms attract prospective clients through paid search advertising, with an emphasis on campaign execution, performance measurement, lead generation, and return on advertising investment.

ADSQUIRE was named Agency of the Year – PPC at the 2026 Search Engine Land Awards for its work on a campaign that delivered approximately 8,000% ROI in one month.

Law firms interested in specialized PPC management can learn more at https://adsquire.com/.

Award announcement: https://searchengineland.com/search-engine-land-awards-2026-and-the-winners-are-498526

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SOURCE ADSQUIRE

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