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Planet Classroom Network features solar pioneer Andrew Blakers on path to 100% clean energy

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“We Have Everything We Need”: Renewable Energy Pioneer Says the World Already Has the Technology for a 100% Clean Energy Future

Australian National University professor and co-inventor of PERC solar cell technology tells youth climate audiences that the clean-energy transition is no longer a technological challenge—it is a matter of action.

NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Planet Classroom Network and the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement today announced a new episode of the acclaimed global series Net Zero Speaks featuring Professor Andrew Blakers AO FAA FTSE FRSN of the Australian National University, one of the world’s leading renewable energy researchers and co-developer of the PERC solar cell technology used in much of today’s global solar industry.

Hosted by youth climate advocate Ivan Ransom, the episode explores one of the defining questions of our time:

Can the world really run on 100 percent renewable energy?

According to Blakers, the answer is unequivocal.

“We have everything we need. We don’t need to invent anything. It’s just a matter of getting out and doing it.”

Throughout the conversation, Blakers argues that the transition to clean energy is no longer constrained by technology. He describes a future powered by what he calls “clean, cheap energy forever” and notes that “most countries are their own Saudi Arabia of solar and wind.” Drawing on decades of research, he explains why solar power, wind energy, pumped hydro storage, batteries, and electrification technologies can work together to create reliable, affordable, zero-carbon energy systems at global scale.

A Global Voice on Renewable Energy

Professor Blakers is internationally recognized for helping develop the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) solar cell, a breakthrough that dramatically increased solar panel efficiency and accelerated the global adoption of solar energy.

The technology became the foundation for much of the modern solar industry and contributed to the dramatic decline in solar energy costs worldwide.

Today, Blakers leads research on large-scale renewable energy systems and the Global Pumped Hydro Atlas, which identifies hundreds of thousands of potential energy storage sites around the world capable of supporting renewable electricity systems.

His work has helped governments, utilities, researchers, and policymakers better understand how nations can achieve deep decarbonization while maintaining reliable and affordable energy systems.

From Solar Panels to “Gravity Batteries”

One of the episode’s central themes is energy storage.

Blakers explains how pumped hydro systems—often described as giant “gravity batteries”—can store renewable energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations.

His team’s research identified approximately 820,000 potential pumped hydro sites globally, providing vastly more storage capacity than would be required for a fully renewable energy future.

The discussion explores how these systems can help balance solar and wind generation while maintaining grid reliability and affordability.

The episode also addresses some of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding renewable energy, including concerns about land use, energy storage, raw materials, waste, reliability, and grid stability.

Why Youth Voices Matter

For more than fifty episodes, Net Zero Speaks has connected youth climate leaders with many of the world’s foremost scientists, policymakers, engineers, economists, and environmental advocates.

Produced by the Planet Classroom Network in partnership with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement, the series gives young people direct access to the experts shaping the global transition to a net-zero future.

Each episode explores practical solutions, emerging challenges, and the latest scientific developments affecting climate action worldwide.

“Net Zero Speaks was created to give young people a seat at the table in one of the most important conversations humanity has ever had,” said C. M. (Cathy) Rubin, Founder and CEO of Planet Classroom. “Professor Blakers reminds us that many of the solutions we need already exist. The challenge now is accelerating action.”

Watch the Episode

Net Zero Speaks to Andrew Blakers premieres on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube channel.

About Net Zero Speaks

Net Zero Speaks is Planet Classroom’s acclaimed climate interview series produced in partnership with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement. Through conversations between youth climate leaders and leading scientists, policymakers, innovators, and environmental experts, the series explores the solutions, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the global transition to net zero.

More than 50 episodes have been produced, giving young people direct access to the experts helping shape the future of our planet.

About the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement

The Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement mobilizes young people worldwide to advance climate solutions, support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and protect threatened ecosystems.

Through education, storytelling, advocacy, and youth engagement, POP empowers the next generation to become active participants in building a more sustainable future.

www.cmrubinworld.com 

 

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SOURCE Planet Classroom Network

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iScreen Reaches No. 1 in Graphics & Design Across 94 Markets Following iOS 27 Update

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Extra-large widget experiences, iOS 27-inspired themes and new customization tools drive iScreen’s latest global growth

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iScreen, a mobile customization app for iOS and Android, announced that it has reached No. 1 in the Graphics & Design category across 94 countries and regions following its latest iOS 27-focused update.

The update expands iScreen’s Home Screen customization experience with new extra-large widgets, iOS 27-inspired themes, layouts optimized for new screen proportions, and AI-assisted design tools.

Extra-Large Widgets

Built for the larger widget canvas available in iOS 27, iScreen’s new extra-large widgets go beyond simply scaling up existing formats. The collection includes Photo, Album, Music, Calendar, Interactive Refrigerator and Quick Launch widgets, among others. Users can also customize content, layouts and visual styles to create more functional and expressive Home Screen experiences.

iOS 27-Inspired Themes and iPhone Duo Theme Support

iScreen has introduced new iOS 27-inspired themes that combine coordinated wallpapers, transparent-style widgets, icons and other visual elements into complete Home Screen setups.

Selected themes have also been optimized for iPhone Duo’s screen proportions and display dimensions, with wallpapers, widgets and icons adjusted to better fit the new format while maintaining a cohesive visual experience.

AI-Assisted Home Screen Design

iScreen is also testing AI Home Screen Designer with a limited group of users. The feature generates coordinated design suggestions based on users’ preferences for style, color and visual elements, combining wallpapers, widgets and icons into a unified setup.

“The latest iOS update has opened up new possibilities for mobile personalization,” said the iScreen team. “We want to turn those capabilities into practical and creative experiences that make Home Screen design easier and more expressive.”

About iScreen

iScreen is a mobile customization app offering widgets, wallpapers, themes and Home Screen customization tools for iOS and Android devices. With more than 100 million users worldwide, iScreen has ranked No. 1 in Graphics & Design across 94 countries and regions and has been featured by Apple Editorial in 128 countries for five consecutive days.

Official Website: iScreen – Phone Style, iScreen it!
iOS Download: ‎‎iScreen – Widgets & Wallpaper App – App Store
Android Download: iScreen Google Play

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JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology Publishes 12-Month Outcomes from Field Medical’s First-in-Human Field PULSE Trial: 94.2% Per-Vein PVI Durability with Optimized Waveform

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Late-breaking HRX data advance Field Medical’s “instantaneous ablation” workflow and expand the clinical evidence for high-voltage focal PFA with the FieldForce™ PFA System

ATLANTA and CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Field Medical, Inc., advancing high-voltage focal pulsed field ablation (PFA) for complex arrhythmias, today announced publication of 12-month results from the first-in-human Field PULSE trial in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. The findings were presented simultaneously as a Late-Breaking Clinical Trial at HRX Live 2026.

Field Medical developed the FieldForce™ PFA System around a high-voltage focal PFA architecture designed first for the ventricle, where depth, stability and control are among the most difficult challenges in ablation. Field PULSE extends that work into the atrium and evaluates a subsecond point-by-point workflow Field Medical terms “instantaneous ablation.” In this study, the approach was associated with procedural efficiency, durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and flexibility beyond the pulmonary veins, without the need for prolonged catheter stability.

Key Findings:

Procedural efficiency with subsecond focal PFA: 13-minute median elapsed PVI ablation time, with a fastest time of 7.7 minutesDurable PVI with the optimized waveform: 94.2% per-vein durability reflecting progressive improvement with waveform evolutionFlexible focal ablation: 49% of patients received non-PV ablation for additional atrial targetsNo primary safety events were observed80% freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 12 months with the optimized waveform

“Field PULSE demonstrates the feasibility of truly instantaneous focal PFA,” said Vivek Reddy, M.D., co-principal investigator, lead author and electrophysiologist at Mount Sinai Health System. “Delivering the full application in less than 200 milliseconds reduces the need for prolonged catheter stability while preserving the flexibility of point-by-point ablation. The procedural efficiency, safety and pulmonary vein durability observed with the optimized waveform support continued clinical development of this approach.”

The publication builds on Field Medical’s peer-reviewed clinical work in ventricular tachycardia. Six-month outcomes from the company’s first-in-human VCAS trial were published in Circulation in 2025. Field PULSE now adds first-in-human, peer-reviewed atrial data evaluating the same high-voltage focal PFA architecture through a distinct focal workflow in a different cardiac substrate.

“We designed FieldForce to solve some of the hardest problems in focal cardiac ablation, beginning in the ventricle,” said Mark A. Turco, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Field Medical. “Field PULSE demonstrates that the same high-voltage focal PFA architecture can support an ‘instantaneous ablation’ workflow in the atrium. This growing body of evidence reinforces the range of the platform: depth and focal control in the ventricle, speed and precision in the atrium, and the versatility to address very different cardiac substrates through a familiar point-by-point approach. These results add important clinical evidence as we continue to advance our differentiated PFA platform.”

The study, “High-Voltage Focal PFA Catheter for ‘Instant’ Point-By-Point Ablation: The First-In-Human FIELD-PULSE Trial to Treat AF,” was published online in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology concurrent with the HRX presentation. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2026.09.001.

About Field Medical®, Inc.
Field Medical is a clinical-stage medical technology company committed to advancing pulsed field ablation (PFA) solutions for complex cardiac arrhythmias. The company was founded by Steven Mickelsen, M.D., CTO, a pioneer and global thought leader in PFA whose work has helped shape the evolution of the field. The FieldForce PFA System integrates a focal catheter design with proprietary FieldBending™ energy designed to safely deliver efficient, precise ablation with the goal of improving outcomes in ventricular and atrial arrhythmia treatment. In 2024, Field Medical earned Breakthrough Device Designation and gained entry into the FDA TAP Pilot Program for its ventricular tachycardia indication. In October 2025, the VCAS trial was published in Circulation.

For more information, visit fieldmedicalinc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

The FieldForce™ PFA System is an investigational device and is limited by federal (or United States) law to investigational use.

Media Contact
Holly Windler
619.929.1275
media@fieldmedicalinc.com

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GameSir Announces Official Fortnite Mobile Controller Collection

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Officially Licensed Fortnite Edition Mobile Controllers Deliver Console-Level Precision and Premium Collectible Designs

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GameSir, a global leader in gaming peripherals, announced its collaboration with Fortnite, introducing an all-new collection of officially licensed mobile controllers that combine GameSir’s award-winning technology with one of the world’s most iconic games.

Launching with the GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition and GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition, the collection is designed for mobile players who demand more from every match. Featuring premium controller technology that delivers console inspired performance, authentic Fortnite-inspired designs, and an in-game bonus item with every controller, the collection delivers an experience that extends well beyond the hardware.

Facilitated by IMG Licensing, the collaboration brings console-quality precision, comfort, and customization to mobile gaming—whether players are dropping into Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, or developer-made games.

“Fortnite has built one of the most passionate communities in gaming, and we’re honored to collaborate on products worthy of that community,” said Eric Bright, Vice President of Partnerships & Product Strategy, North America at GameSir. “Our goal wasn’t simply to build another controller. We wanted to create the ultimate Fortnite experience—from the premium hardware to the authentic character-inspired designs.”

“Fortnite continues to set the standard for how gaming brands connect with players through innovative products and meaningful experiences,” said Louie Sandoval, Vice President of Global Gaming at IMG Licensing. “GameSir has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality gaming peripherals, making them an outstanding partner for this collaboration. We’re excited to see Fortnite fans around the world experience this collection.”

GameSir G8 Plus – Fortnite Edition

The flagship controller for players seeking the ultimate competitive experience.

Drift-resistant Hall Effect sticks for lasting precisionMappable rear buttons for faster edits and personalized controlsConsole-inspired ergonomics for extended gaming sessionsMulti-platform compatibility across today’s leading gaming devicesFortnite-inspired artwork and premium collectible packagingFortnite digital in-game bonus item included with every controller. Depending on which controller, players will get the Bully Emote, Burpee Emote, Gun Show Emote,Page-Turner Emote, Go! Go! Go! Emote, or Harmony Emote with their purchase.

GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX – Fortnite Edition

Designed for Fortnite wherever life takes you.

Ultra-lightweight portable designResponsive wired performanceComfortable controls optimized for mobile gameplayFortnite-inspired stylingFortnite digital in-game bonus item included with every controller. Depending on which controller, players will get the Extra Cheese Glider, Storm Sigil Glider, Cerberus Glider, Snow Squall Glider, or On Your Mark… Emote with their purchase.

Choose Your Legend

Fortnite has always been about expressing your unique style. Whether it’s your outfit, your loadout, or your strategy, every player leaves their own mark on the Island.

The GameSir Fortnite Collection celebrates that individuality with collectible character-inspired editions built for every type of player. Whether you choose the flagship G8 Plus, the ultra-portable X5 Lite for XBOX, or your favorite Fortnite character edition, every controller delivers the premium performance GameSir is known for.

Coming Soon

The GameSir Fortnite Collection launches this fall through GameSir.com and select retail partners worldwide, including Amazon, Best Buy, AliExpress, TikTok Shop and Walmart.

Additional product details, pricing, launch timing, and the included digital in-game bonus will be announced soon.

Follow GameSir on X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Discord, and Reddit for launch updates, creator reveals, livestreams, gameplay demonstrations, and community events.

Join the conversation using:

#PlayFortnite
#ChooseYourLegend
#MyGameSir

About GameSir

GameSir is one of the fastest-growing gaming peripheral brands in the world, delivering award-winning controllers and accessories designed for mobile, PC, console, and cloud gaming. Known for pioneering Hall Effect technology, innovative product design, and strategic collaborations with the world’s leading gaming and entertainment brands, GameSir creates premium hardware that helps players perform at their best while bringing their favorite gaming experiences to life.

Trusted by millions of players worldwide, GameSir partners with many of the world’s leading entertainment and gaming brands to create officially licensed products that blend iconic franchises with industry-leading hardware. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and accessibility, GameSir empowers players of every skill level to play with confidence—whether at home, on the go, or on the competitive stage.

To learn more, visit www.gamesir.com or follow GameSir on X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Discord, and Reddit.

About IMG Licensing

IMG Licensing is the global leader in brand licensing, managing licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. With over 25 offices worldwide, IMG Licensing provides a unique one-stop-solution for innovative brand growth across a diverse portfolio of clients from business, entertainment, fashion, food, gaming and sports. IMG Licensing is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property, and brands. For more information, visit imglicensing.com.

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