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Reimagining our urban futures: Health-Driven Design for Cities (HD4) research programme launches in Singapore

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — December sees the launch of Health-Driven Design for Cities (HD4), a groundbreaking Singapore-based research collaboration seeking to discover how best to design urban environments that enhance the health of their residents.

HD4 is a partnership between Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the University of Cambridge. It has received funding from the National Research Foundation, Singapore, and is hosted and co-led by the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES).

Health challenges of urbanisation

Cities around the world face increasing challenges in managing issues such as heat islands, noise and air pollution, stress, and limited access to healthy food and physical activity. These environmental factors contribute to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiac disease. With urban populations growing rapidly around the world, there is an urgent need to rethink how cities are designed to promote health and well-being.

Prof Nick Wareham, HD4 Programme Lead at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge said:

“As a city with ambitious plans for improving its citizens’ health, and a burgeoning research sector and rich health data, Singapore offers a unique setting for this work. HD4 will not only be studying the challenges of a growing city in the twenty-first century, but doing so in a city eager to implement strategies and tools to address them.”

International, interdisciplinary team

The HD4 programme brings together a world-class team of epidemiologists, clinicians, scientists, engineers, and architects. They will investigate how individuals live and move in Singapore, how the urban environment shapes their exposure to health risks, and how this influences their behaviour and health.

A key element in this process is HD4’s collaboration with Singapore’s SG100K cohort study, which is analysing the factors influencing NCDs in a representative and fully consented sample of 100,000 Singaporeans. All data that HD4 will analyse is fully de-identified and securely processed.

Professor of Cardiovascular Epidemiology (President’s Chair), John Chambers, Programme Lead of the HD4 Programme and SG100K study at NTU Singapore’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, said:

“By integrating environmental data with the health and behavioural data from SG100K, this research will deepen our understanding of how environmental and social factors shape health outcomes, and how we might change the built environment to reduce health risks and burdens.”  

Interlocking research for a healthier Singapore

HD4 will undertake research in the following key areas:

characterising the features of the environment that potentially impact health in Singaporeunderstanding the links between environmental factors, individual behaviour and health outcomesobserving the impact of environmental change on health in Singaporesimulating the impact of potential changes on the health of Singaporeansworking with government agencies to co-develop data-rich public health tools

HD4 co-leads Dr Ronita Bardhan (University of Cambridge) and Dr Rudi Stouffs (NUS College of Design and Engineering), said:

“This project will develop the science of connecting the environment with health at multiple scales, from how individual Singaporeans experience the city, to how planners and policymakers shape our urban futures. The techniques, technologies, tools and knowledge gained through the programme will create a comprehensive system-level view of how the environment affects population health.”

HD4 will provide the basis for a data-rich public health approach, and through partnership with government agencies will ensure that findings can be translated into actionable policy recommendations that can guide Singapore’s urban planning and health strategies in the years ahead.

Learning from this programme also promises to be valuable to those shaping sustainable and health-focused cities the world over. The programme also promises to enrich Singapore’s research ecosystem by training the next generation of researchers, equipped with both local expertise and international perspectives.

About CARES

The Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education (CARES) was established in 2013 as the University of Cambridge’s first overseas research centre, bringing together researchers from Cambridge, Nanyang Technological University, and the National University of Singapore as part of the CREATE (Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise) programme. The flagship programme at CARES is the Centre for Carbon Reduction in Chemical Technology (C4T) programme which focuses on decarbonising Singapore’s chemical industry and expanded in recent years to include additional themes such as digital transformation, and sectors such as the maritime industry.

A further large programme began in October 2020 called the Centre for Lifelong Learning and Individualised Cognition (CLIC), bringing together researchers from Cambridge and NTU to focus on the science of learning. CARES recently launched two projects on hydrogen and ammonia combustion (HYCOMBS) and the sustainable manufacturing of molecules and materials (SM3), as part of a large Decarbonisation programme announced in July 2024, supported by the National Research Foundation in Singapore.

www.cares.cam.ac.uk    LinkedIn: Cambridge CARES

About CREATE (Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise)

CREATE is an international collaboratory housing research centres set up by top universities. At CREATE, researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds work closely together to perform cutting-edge research in strategic areas of interest, for translation into practical applications leading to positive economic and societal outcomes for Singapore. The interdisciplinary research centres at CREATE focus on four areas of interdisciplinary thematic areas of research, namely human systems, energy systems, environmental systems and urban systems.

More information on the CREATE programme can be obtained from www.create.edu.sg.

About the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a department at the University of Cambridge. It is working to improve the health of people in the UK and around the world. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders present a major and growing global public health challenge. These disorders result from a complex interplay between genetic, developmental, behavioural and environmental factors that operate throughout life. The mission of the Unit is to investigate the individual and combined effects of these factors and to develop and evaluate strategies to prevent these diseases and their consequences.
www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk

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SOURCE Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore

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Best AI Tools for Marketing Content (2026): CapCut Recognized for Faster AI-Powered Video and Image Creation by Better Business Advice

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Better Business Advice has recognized CapCut in its 2026 coverage of the best AI tools for marketing content, highlighting its collection of AI-powered features for creating and editing videos, images, audio, and other campaign assets. The recognition reflects growing interest in tools that help transform creative concepts into usable marketing materials while reducing the manual work involved in production.

Best AI Marketing Tools

Seedance 2.0 – an AI video generation model that creates videos from text prompts or imagesSeedream – an AI image generation model that creates high-quality visuals from text prompts

AI-powered content creation is changing how businesses develop digital marketing campaigns. From promotional videos and product imagery to social media graphics and branded audio, organizations face growing demand for creative assets across multiple digital channels. Tools that simplify production and support faster experimentation are becoming an increasingly important part of modern marketing workflows.

CapCut offers a range of AI-assisted capabilities covering several stages of content creation. These include text-based video generation, AI image generation, background removal, image expansion, music generation, and photo animation. Together, the tools provide options for producing marketing assets for social media, digital advertising, product promotions, and other online campaigns.

AI Video Generation Supports Promotional Campaigns

Video is an important format for communicating product information, presenting services, and building audience engagement. However, producing video content regularly can require significant planning, editing, and creative resources.

CapCut’s Seedance 2.0 AI video generator supports prompt-based video creation. Users can describe a creative concept and generate video content that serves as a starting point for further development.

The capability can support promotional videos, product showcases, educational content, and social media campaigns. It also gives creators a way to explore different visual approaches during the planning stage before refining the selected direction.

For businesses producing content across multiple channels, AI-assisted video generation can help reduce the effort required to develop initial concepts. Generated material can then be reviewed and edited to align with campaign objectives, brand guidelines, and platform requirements.

Image Generation Helps Develop Marketing Concepts

Visual assets influence how products, services, and campaigns are presented to audiences. Developing suitable imagery often involves several rounds of brainstorming and creative testing before a final direction is selected.

CapCut’s Seedream AI image generator enables users to create images from text prompts. The tool can support concept drafts, campaign planning, and experimentation with different visual styles.

For example, a seasonal marketing campaign may require several approaches to backgrounds, compositions, and visual themes. AI-generated drafts can help illustrate those options before resources are committed to final production.

CapCut’s GPT Image 2 provides another option for generating images from natural language instructions. The feature can support the development of promotional graphics, campaign imagery, and other visual assets.

These tools help shorten the early stages of creative development by making it easier to turn written ideas into visual references. Human review remains important to ensure the resulting assets accurately represent the product and meet the campaign’s requirements.

Image Editing Simplifies Asset Preparation

AI image generation is only one part of preparing content for publication. Existing photographs and graphics often need adjustments before they can be used across marketing channels.

CapCut’s AI background removal tool helps separate subjects from their original backgrounds. This can be useful when preparing product images, promotional graphics, and other assets that require a different visual setting.

The AI Image Extender addresses the challenge of adapting images to different layouts. By generating content beyond an image’s original boundaries, the tool can help users adjust compositions for different formats without relying entirely on cropping or stretching.

These capabilities can support the preparation of visuals for social media posts, website banners, digital advertisements, and product promotions. They also provide options for repurposing existing creative assets instead of producing entirely new images for every placement.

AI Audio and Photo Animation Expand Creative Options

Marketing content often combines visuals, movement, and sound to communicate a message. Producing these elements separately can add complexity to the creative process.

CapCut’s SeedMusic AI audio generator supports AI-assisted music creation based on creative prompts. Generated music can be used as a starting point for videos, promotional campaigns, and other multimedia projects, subject to appropriate review and usage requirements.

The platform’s Photo-to-3D tool offers another way to adapt still images into more dynamic visual content. This capability can help transform existing photography into animated presentations for product showcases, social media, and digital promotions.

By supporting audio creation and image animation alongside video and image tools, CapCut provides additional options for developing varied marketing materials.

A Connected Workflow for Marketing Content

CapCut’s collection of AI-powered features supports several stages of campaign production within one creative environment. A project could begin with concept images generated through Seedream, followed by visual development with GPT Image 2. Background removal and image expansion can then help prepare assets for different placements.

Selected visuals can be incorporated into video projects using Seedance 2.0, while SeedMusic offers an option for developing accompanying audio. Photo-to-3D can provide another format for repurposing existing images.

Not every campaign requires all these capabilities. Their practical value depends on the content format, production requirements, and intended audience. Reviewing generated assets for accuracy, visual consistency, and suitability remains essential before publication.

Better Business Advice’s recognition of CapCut reflects the growing role of AI-assisted production in digital marketing. As businesses continue to develop content for multiple channels, tools that support video creation, image generation, editing, and multimedia production can help simplify creative workflows while leaving room for human direction and quality control.

The full article can be read at the Better Business Advice website.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice covers the news and strategies driving modern business success. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided.

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SOURCE BetterBusinessAdvice.com

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Bio-Thera Announces Promising Clinical Data for BAT8008 in Combination with BAT1308 in First-Line Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at ESMO 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd. (688177.SH), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies and biosimilars, today announced the presentation of clinical data for BAT8008, a TROP2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with BAT1308, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, at the 2026 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Professor Shaodong Hong of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center delivered a rapid oral presentation highlighting results from the combination regimen in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Further details are available on Bio-Thera’s official website.

In the first-line, mutation-negative NSCLC population (N=104), treatment with BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 61.2% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 12.42 months. In the non-squamous NSCLC subgroup, the ORR was 65.2%, while median PFS had not yet been reached at the time of analysis. The combination demonstrated a manageable safety profile consistent with the known safety characteristics of the individual agents, with no new safety signals identified.

“We are very encouraged by these Phase 2 results evaluating BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer”, said Shengfeng Li, CEO of Bio-Thera Solutions.  “The findings support the potential of this combination approach in First Line NSCLC and reinforce our commitment to advancing innovative oncology therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs.”

Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge, and NSCLC accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases. Patients with advanced NSCLC who lack actionable genomic alterations continue to face significant treatment challenges, despite advances in immunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy. New treatment strategies that can improve clinical outcomes while maintaining a manageable safety profile remain an important area of oncology research.

TROP2-targeted ADCs combine tumor-directed delivery of cytotoxic payloads with the potential to modulate the tumor microenvironment. When combined with PD-1 blockade, this approach may offer complementary mechanisms of action, providing a rationale for clinical investigation in NSCLC. The clinical findings presented at ESMO 2026 support further evaluation of BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 as a potential treatment option for patients with NSCLC.

About Bio-Thera Solutions:

Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd., a leading innovative, global biopharmaceutical company in Guangzhou, China, is dedicated to researching and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular, eye diseases, and other severe unmet medical needs, as well as biosimilars for existing, branded biologics to treat a range of cancer and autoimmune diseases. As a leader in next generation antibody discovery and engineering, the company has advanced multiple candidates into late-stage development, including six approved products: QLETLI® (adalimumab) and BETAGRIN® (bevifibatide citrate) Injection in China, STARJEMZA® (ustekinumab) in the US and USYMRO® (ustekinumab) in the EU, TOFIDENCE®/BAT1806 (tocilizumab) and AVZIVI® (bevacizumab-tnjn) in the US and in the EU, a/k/a POBEVCY® in China, and GOTENFIA® (golimumab) in the EU and IMMGOLIS™ (golimumab-sldi) in the US. In addition, the company has more than 20 promising candidates in clinical trials, focusing on immuno-oncology in the post-PD-1 era and targeted therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). For more information, please visit www.bio-thera.com/en/ or follow us on X (@bio_thera_sol) and WeChat (Bio-Thera).

Bio-Thera Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to BAT8008, BAT1308 or the product pipelines in general of Bio-Thera Solutions. Readers are strongly cautioned that reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements include, among others, those containing “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “promising,” “potentially,” or similar expressions. They reflect the company’s current views with respect to future events that are based on what the company believes are reasonable assumptions in view of information currently available to Bio-Thera Solutions, and are not a guarantee of future performance or developments. Actual results and events may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties inherent in pharmaceutical research and development, such as the uncertainties of pre-clinical and clinical studies. Other risks and uncertainties include challenges in obtaining regulatory approvals, manufacturing, marketing, competition, intellectual property, product efficacy or safety, changes in global healthcare situation, changes in the company’s financial conditions, and changes to applicable laws and regulations, etc. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of their initial publication. Unless required by laws or regulations, Bio-Thera Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in the company’s views or otherwise.

Bio-Thera Contact:
Bert E. Thomas IV
Phone: +1.410.627.1734
Email: bethomas@bio-thera.com

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SOURCE Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd

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ASTRI Showcases Pioneering Technologies at InnoCarnival 2026

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Driving Technology Adoption, Shaping a Vision for the Future

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is proud to present a range of cutting-edge technologies and practical solutions at this year’s InnoCarnival, spanning communications technology, smart cities, IoT sensing, and renewable energy and energy storage. ASTRI’s innovations address urban development needs and everyday applications, driving diversity in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector.

Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the InnoCarnival 2026 runs from today through 1 November at Hong Kong Science Park (HKSP) with the theme of “Lead with I&T, Dream to Fly High “, offering the public an opportunity to experience the transformative power and I&T vibrancy.

Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, stated: “Innovation is not just about breakthroughs in the lab – it’s about putting technology into practice, empowering industries, and benefiting society as a whole. At ASTRI, we align closely with the government’s priorities in advancing AI development and accelerating new industrialisation. Through our participation in the InnoCarnival, we showcase various state-of-the-art technologies, some of which have been co-developed with industry partners and are already in commercial rollout. These innovations demonstrate the tangible benefits of technology in daily life and inspire the public to explore their curiosity about science and innovation.”

He highlighted the InnoCarnival as a key platform to bridge the I&T community with the public. “This annual landmark event motivates young people to explore their potential and encourages them to pursue careers in Hong Kong’s growing I&T sector,” he added.

ASTRI’s booth (A08), located at the HKSP’s Atrium Link, features interactive games powered by its groundbreaking technologies “5G-SAT Link” and “Omniguard-All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System” technologies. Visitors can also explore other advanced solutions on display, including the dual-purpose “SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard”, the “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker”, and the award-winning “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions”, which received gold award at the prestigious Edison Awards.

1. 5G-SAT Link
ASTRI’s “5G-SAT Link” technology delivers seamless, comprehensive communications coverage—even in remote areas, emergency scenarios where infrastructure is compromised, or at sea and in the air.

2. Omniguard: All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System
The “Omniguard” is equipped with exceptional fog penetration capabilities, superior contrast, and crystal-clear signal quality. Leveraging its advanced shortwave and longwave infrared sensors, the system can even detect non-metallic vessels that are difficult for radar systems to identify in harsh coastal environments.

3. SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard
Developed by ASTRI, the “SafeStop Bollard” features a unique material design inspired by the retractable claw structure of cats. Its 3D tension-expansion composition allows it to effectively dissipate kinetic energy from moving vehicles, providing dual protection by blocking vehicles while minimising potential harm to occupants. Certified to meet international crash-test standards, the bollard’s shallow foundation design makes it ideal for fast and efficient installation in high-traffic urban locations.

4. Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker
The “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker” enables efficient, real-time management of airport equipment such as baggage carts over extended periods. Supported by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the tracker is compatible with airport wireless networks and utilises automatic Bluetooth-GPS switching for seamless indoor and outdoor location updates. With a long-lasting battery combined with an efficient, low-light solar panel, the tracker extends its lifespan from under two years to five years.

5. NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions
The “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions” offer an innovative authentication system by embedding covert near-infrared (NIR) absorbing materials into product packaging. Users can verify product authenticity instantly using a smartphone, paired with an NIR reader and mobile app. Highly scalable and robust, this solution combats counterfeit goods while preserving the original product design and production workflow. Co-developed with Zhuhai Print-Rite New Materials Corporation Ltd., this technology sets a new benchmark in secure authentication.

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/4iguifh

About ASTRI

Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city’s largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development. For more information, please visit: https://www.astri.org 

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SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

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