First-of-its-kind presumptive fentanyl detection wipe honored with the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® for scientific innovation, field usability and professional safety applications

MINERVA, Ohio, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visual Detection Systems (VDS), The University of Akron and Rockline Industries are proud to announce that the First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe has received the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The award was presented at the World of Wipes® International Conference, held June 29–July 2, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Tennessee.

The foundational chemistry behind First Defense™ originated at The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, a nationally recognized leader in advanced materials and polymer research. Scientists at the university developed the first-generation formulation, using their expertise in polymer behavior and surface-interaction chemistry to establish the detection mechanism that became the foundation of the wipe’s plant-based technology.

The award was presented to Rockline Industries for the First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe, developed in collaboration with Visual Detection Systems and The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. The recognition highlights the product’s innovative approach to presumptive fentanyl surface detection and its potential to support professionals working in high-risk environments where unknown substances may be present.

First Defense™ is a single-use presumptive test designed to rapidly detect trace fentanyl through a clear, visible color change. Its technology has been independently validated by a third party to detect both laboratory-grade and street-level fentanyl at very low concentrations. The wipe utilizes plant-based technology and was created to provide a simple, practical and field-focused detection method for professional-use environments.

The University of Akron’s early research helped enable First Defense™ to rapidly identify trace fentanyl through a visible color change, providing the scientific groundwork for a practical detection tool designed for real-world professional environments.

Designed for law enforcement, fire and EMS, military personnel, airports, schools, correctional facilities and other safety-sensitive settings, First Defense™ gives professionals a convenient tool to help improve situational awareness during unknown substance encounters.

“This recognition represents an important milestone for First Defense™ and for every organization involved in bringing this product from an innovative idea to a practical, professional-use solution,” said Ann Hull of Visual Detection Systems. “The University of Akron provided the foundational scientific research, and our partnership with Rockline Industries helped transform that work into a first-of-its-kind detection wipe that can be used in real-world environments. We are incredibly proud to see that collaboration and innovation recognized by the wipes and nonwovens industry.”

In the INDA announcement, Doug Cole, Vice President of Global Product Development at Rockline Industries, stated: “Rockline is honored to receive the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award for the First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe. This recognition reflects the innovation, passion, and dedication of our team to develop a first-of-its-kind solution that helps protect first responders, EMS, law enforcement, and others with a convenient, single-use product that performs effectively in real-world environments.”

The World of Wipes Innovation Award® recognizes products that demonstrate creativity, technical achievement and market potential within the wipes industry. Fellow 2026 finalists included The Clorox Company with Clorox™ Refreshables™ and Lenzing Fibers, Inc. with Lenzing™ DualWipe.

For Visual Detection Systems, the award underscores the importance of collaboration between scientific research, product development and advanced manufacturing. It also highlights the need for practical, professional-use detection tools that can support greater awareness and more informed decision-making in the field.

As fentanyl-related risks continue to challenge first responders and public safety professionals, First Defense™ provides a convenient presumptive detection option developed specifically for real-world use.

About The University of Akron School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering

The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is nationally recognized for education and research in polymer science, polymer engineering and advanced materials. Its researchers pursue innovations in polymer behavior, surface interactions, material performance and other disciplines with applications across industry and society.

About First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe

First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe is a first-of-its-kind, single-use presumptive detection wipe designed to rapidly detect trace fentanyl through a clear, visible color change.

The initial formulation was developed in partnership with The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Its pioneering work in polymer-based detection chemistry laid the foundation for the plant-based technology that powers the wipe.

First Defense™ is intended for professional-use environments where unknown substance encounters may occur, including law enforcement, fire and EMS, military, airports, schools, correctional facilities and other safety-sensitive settings.

About Visual Detection Systems

Visual Detection Systems develops advanced detection solutions designed to support enhanced safety, awareness and response in professional-use environments. Through practical, field-focused products, VDS helps provide professionals with tools that support more informed decision-making when unknown substances may be present.

About Rockline Industries

About Rockline Industries Rockline Industries is a leading manufacturer of wet wipes and coffee filters for retail, commercial and professional markets. With decades of world-class product development and manufacturing experience globally. Rockline is committed to advancing cutting-edge innovations across a broad range of wipes and nonwoven product applications.

To learn more about First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipes, visit firstdefensewipe.com.

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SOURCE Visual Detection Systems

The article explains how veterinary rehabilitation supports recovery, improves mobility, and helps pets maintain long-term function after injury or illness.

KEARNEY, Neb., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What are the real benefits of pet rehabilitation for pets recovering from surgery, injury, or chronic health conditions? HelloNation answers that question in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Veterinary Experts Drs. Brandon and Paola Beebout of Kearney, Nebraska. The article explains how pet rehab combines targeted exercises, therapeutic treatments, and medical oversight to improve healing, restore mobility, and enhance quality of life for animals at every stage of recovery.

The HelloNation article explains that rehabilitation is more than a way to help pets recover after surgery. It describes a personalized process that addresses pain, weakness, balance, and mobility while helping pets regain confidence in their movement. By tailoring rehabilitation plans to each animal’s condition and progress, veterinary teams can support safer, more effective healing and reduce the likelihood of future injuries.

According to the article, pet rehab often includes carefully supervised therapeutic exercises designed to rebuild muscle strength and improve joint function. Activities such as controlled leash walking, range-of-motion exercises, and core strengthening help pets regain movement while protecting healing tissues. The article notes that these exercises are adjusted throughout recovery to match each pet’s changing abilities and medical needs.

The article also describes several supportive therapies that work alongside exercise to improve comfort and healing. Hydrotherapy allows dogs to exercise with less stress on their joints while strengthening muscles and improving endurance. Laser therapy is highlighted as another treatment that can reduce discomfort and support tissue healing. Together, these therapies help pets participate more comfortably in the rehabilitation process while promoting steady progress.

Beyond post-surgical recovery, the HelloNation article explains that rehabilitation can play an important role in managing chronic orthopedic and neurological conditions. Pets living with arthritis, vestibular disease, or other progressive disorders may benefit from exercises that improve balance, coordination, and stability. The article describes how these therapies help many animals maintain independence and enjoy daily activities for longer periods despite ongoing medical challenges.

Veterinary Experts Drs. Brandon and Paola Beebout also emphasize in the article that successful rehabilitation extends beyond appointments at the veterinary clinic. Pet owners become active participants by learning safe techniques to continue prescribed exercises at home. The article explains that this partnership helps reinforce progress made during therapy sessions while reducing the risk of setbacks or re-injury between visits.

The HelloNation article further notes that regular monitoring allows rehabilitation plans to evolve as pets improve. Adjustments to exercise intensity, treatment frequency, and therapeutic goals ensure that each stage of recovery reflects the pet’s current condition rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. This individualized care helps maximize both comfort and long-term function.

Throughout the article, Veterinary Experts Drs. Brandon and Paola Beebout demonstrate how pet rehab serves a wide range of patients, from animals recovering after orthopedic surgery to those living with chronic disease. The article concludes that combining medical supervision with customized therapy and owner involvement creates stronger outcomes by helping pets regain mobility, manage pain, and maintain healthier, more active lives.

How Pet Rehab Relieves Pain and Builds Strength features insights from Drs. Brandon and Paola Beebout, Veterinary Experts of Kearney, Nebraska, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

Chainguard Libraries enables AWS customers to protect open source dependencies with malware-free packages rebuilt from verified source

KIRKLAND, Wash., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chainguard, the trusted source for open source, today announced its availability through AWS Security Hub Extended as a Partner in the new Supply Chain category. Through AWS Security Hub Extended, customers can access Chainguard Libraries to help protect against software supply chain threats by replacing public open source dependencies with malware-free, secure-by-default alternatives. This creates a simpler path to reducing software supply chain risk by integrating trusted open source software directly into customers’ existing Amazon Web Services (AWS) security operations workflows.

Addressing a growing attack surface in open source software

As AI-assisted attacks continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, organizations face growing risk from compromised open source packages entering development environments. Tools that scan packages at build or runtime are not designed to keep up with the threat. More than 98% of malware ships as a pre-built package with no matching source code — a malicious version goes live, gets pulled into builds around the world within hours, and the damage is done well before any scanner flags it. Chainguard Libraries secures dependencies before they enter customer environments, helping teams move from reactive detection to proactive prevention. Instead of pulling packages directly from public repositories, organizations consume open source packages rebuilt from verified source code in the Chainguard Factory, the company’s isolated build environment. This approach helps prevent malicious packages from reaching developers, CI/CD pipelines, and production systems.

“Open source is the foundation the world’s software is built on. When that ecosystem gets compromised, the blast radius is enormous,” said Patrick Donahue, Senior Vice President of Product, Chainguard. “AWS adding us as a partner for supply chain security with the Extended plan is a real signal that the industry is treating this problem with the seriousness it deserves. Chainguard delivers that protection to customers with open source that’s trustworthy by default.”

Chainguard’s inclusion in AWS Security Hub Extended allows AWS customers to:

Purchase Chainguard Libraries through their existing AWS contract with no long-term commitment and Enterprise Discount Program (EDP) discounts automatically applied;Reduce procurement complexity while preserving direct access to each provider’s domain expertise by consolidating solution usage into one bill;View centralized findings based on the Open Cybersecurity Schema Framework (OCSF) alongside AWS and partner security findings within Security Hub;And receive unified Level 1 from AWS for Enterprise Support customers.

Chainguard’s role in AWS Security Hub Extended

Through AWS Security Hub Extended, Chainguard Libraries serves as a malware-free catalog of language dependencies, replacing reliance on public registries like PyPI, Maven Central, and npm. Every package is rebuilt from verified source in Chainguard’s SLSA Level 3 build environment and delivered with signed provenance and SBOMs. By preventing malicious packages from entering customer environments and reducing exposure to known Python vulnerabilities, Chainguard helps organizations strengthen software supply chain security while maintaining developer productivity.

AWS customers can access Chainguard Libraries through AWS Security Hub Extended. Log into the AWS Security Hub console and select the Extended plan. Choose Chainguard and follow the guided onboarding experience to subscribe and configure Chainguard Libraries within your environment.

Learn more about Chainguard Libraries at chainguard.dev/libraries. 

About Chainguard
Chainguard is the trust layer for open source software. Its solutions provide engineers and AI agents with the hardened, trusted, and production-ready artifacts they rely on, so organizations can build fast while staying compliant and protecting against AI supply chain attacks. Customers include Fortune 500 enterprises and global industry leaders, including Anduril, Canva, Fortinet, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, OpenAI, Snap Inc., and Snowflake. Chainguard is venture-backed by leading investors, including Amplify, IVP, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Mantis VC, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia Capital, and Spark Capital. For more information, visit: https://www.chainguard.dev/ 

Contact: Brittany Hendrickson, press@chainguard.dev 

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SOURCE Chainguard