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New England Biolabs® Launches EM-seq™ v2, an updated kit for more sensitive detection of 5mC and 5hmC

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This bisulfite-free method of methylation detection is updated with a faster, more streamlined workflow that enables highly sensitive methylation analysis with as little as 100 pg input.

IPSWICH, Mass., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New England Biolabs (NEB®) announces the launch of EM-seq™ v2, a high-performance enzyme-based alternative to bisulfite sequencing for the identification of 5mC and 5hmC. The enzyme-based conversion workflows for EM-seq and E5hmC-seq avoid the pitfalls of whole genome bisulfite treatment, including DNA damage that results in fragmentation, loss and bias. The newly updated kit delivers improved performance for wider input range (100 pg to 200 ng), and a faster, more streamlined workflow as compared to the original EM-seq kit.

“EM-seq v2 will be particularly valuable for researchers working in clinical research and epigenetics who often face challenges sequencing samples less than 10 ng that are below the input range of bisulfite sequencing and our original EM-seq kit,” says Andrew Barry, Associate Director of Product Portfolio Management for NEB’s sequencing product line. “The kit’s high-quality data from low input samples will enable researchers to get improved data for the same amount of sequencing, or similar data with less sequencing.”

Key improvements in EM-seq v2 include:

Substantially Lower DNA Input: The minimum input requirement has been reduced from 10 ng to 100 picograms, making EM-seq v2 suitable for applications with limited sample availability.Streamlined Workflow: EM-seq v2 features a faster incubation step and eliminates a cleanup step, resulting in a time savings of approximately 30-45 minutes.Improved Performance: The kit delivers enhanced data quality, with greater mapping efficiency, more even GC coverage and detection of more CpGs with fewer sequence reads.

“As an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, we need reliable and reproducible kits and protocols,” says Dr. Marta Gut, Head of the Sequencing Unit at Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG) in Barcelona, Spain. “After thorough benchmarking of NEBNext Enzymatic Methyl-Seq v2 interrogating 5mC, the standard bisulfite conversion method lost its reference status for our methylation analyses. NEBNext EM-seq v2 and the NEBNext E5hmC-seq Kit for detecting 5hmC specifically, are now our methods of choice to study both modifications.”

EM-seq v2 is compatible with automation for easy scale-up and with 5hmC-seq for specific detection of 5hmC. Indexing primers are now supplied separately, providing greater flexibility for multiplexing samples. For further streamlining, enzymatic fragmentation of DNA compatible with EM-seq and E5hmC-seq workflows can be achieved using NEBNext UltraShear®.

The original EM-seq kit is not being discontinued at this time. More details and extensive performance data can be found at www.NEBNext.com

About New England Biolabs

For 50 years, New England Biolabs (NEB) has pioneered the discovery and production of innovative products tailored for molecular biology research. Our commitment to scientific discovery is evident in all that we do, including our ever-expanding product portfolio, investment in our basic and applied research program, and support of customers’ research in academia and industry, including cutting-edge technologies for use in molecular diagnostics and nucleic-acid vaccines development. Guided by our founding principles, NEB proactively invests in efforts to improve the well-being of our employees, surrounding communities, as well as the future of our planet. NEB remains a privately held company with global reach, supported by our headquarters in Ipswich, MA, USA, subsidiary offices in 10 countries, and over 60 distribution partners around the world. For more information about New England Biolabs, visit www.neb.com.

NEB®, NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS® and NEBNEXT ULTRASHEAR® are registered trademarks of New England Biolabs, Inc.
EM-Seq™ is a trademark of New England Biolabs, Inc.

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SOURCE New England Biolabs, Inc.

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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