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RFU Neuroscientist Awarded $2.3 Million NIH Grant to Fund Ground-Breaking Research on Covid-19’s Impact on Adolescent Brains

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Nicole Ferrara, PhD, will investigate how social deprivation alters amygdala development and social behavior during adolescence

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nicole Ferrara, PhD, a neuroscientist and assistant professor of physiology and biophysics at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) secured a five-year, $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how adolescent brains are affected by social disruptions such as COVID-19.

Dr. Ferrara’s research project, “Social Experience Guides BMA Mediated Social Development,” explores how significant social disruptions shape the neural processes that govern social behaviors. Her work is part of RFU’s Brain Science Institute as part of the Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders. 

“It’s rare that people are in total isolation,” Dr. Ferrara said. “More often, it’s restricted or inconsistent contact, and we want to see how that affects the brain. What we’re learning from the research during the COVID19 lockdown is that those breaks are connected to the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social dysregulation.”

Janice Urban, PhD, interim executive vice president of research and director of the Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, said Dr. Ferrara’s research is important because it focuses on a critical period of brain development.

“Since many mental health disorders manifest during adolescence and early adulthood, the results of these funded studies will provide important information that can be utilized to develop therapeutic interventions that could lessen these maladaptive changes and ultimately mental health disorders,” Dr. Urban said.

Some of the behaviors impacted by social disruption include withdrawal from friends and family, aggression or hostility, slowed social maturation, poor school performance and substance abuse. This work is timely given that the psychosocial aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic are a major driving force underlying the steep rise in the incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially in adolescents who are now approaching early adulthood.

Dr. Ferrara and her team’s future research will center on how social deprivation during adolescence and adulthood shapes amygdala function leading to negative consequences on mental health and social behavior. Her preliminary data demonstrate a strong scientific premise that the basomedial amygdala (BMA) is developmentally unique from other parts of the brain in the way it functions during the teen and young adult years, which may make it especially susceptible to social disruption. 

Ferrara joined RFU in 2018 as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology. She became an assistant professor in September 2022 and is a faculty member in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders.

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving the global population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. Founded in Chicago in 1912, RFU embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in the areas of neuroscience, brain related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, the university includes Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.

Media Contact:
Lisa Baer, Sr. AVP for Marketing and Communications
Office of Marketing and Communications
media@rosalindfranklin.edu

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SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

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Tecpinion Launches Sweepstakes Industry Analysis Report 2026, Covering Market Insights, Growth, Regulation, Technology and Industry Future

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Tecpinion’s 2026 report examines U.S. sweepstakes growth, rules, technology and future scenarios.

MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Tecpinion, a GLI-19 iGaming platform provider delivering technology solutions across iGaming, sweepstakes, prediction markets and other digital gaming verticals, today announced the launch of its new industry report, “Sweepstakes Industry Analysis 2026: Market Dynamics, Trends & Forecast.”

Sweepstakes industry Report 2026 – Latest Insights into Market Growth, Regulation, Technology and the Future of the sweepstakes/social Industry

The report is designed not only to examine where the sweepstakes industry stands today, but also to share practical market insights and contribute to a more informed industry conversation as the sector continues to evolve.

The research provides a detailed assessment of the U.S. sweepstakes ecosystem, covering market structure, consumer behaviour, business economics, regulation, technology, payments, customer acquisition, competitive dynamics and the 2026–2030 outlook. It spans 16 analytical sections, five market segments and 12 U.S. states, supported by nine strategic exhibits and 21 primary, regulatory, standards and company sources.

As the industry moves from experimentation toward greater professionalisation, the report highlights a shift in competitive priorities. Launch speed alone is becoming less important as operators increasingly need to balance customer acquisition, retention, payment reliability, fraud prevention, promotional costs, regulatory requirements and consumer trust.

A Sneak Peek at the Report

One of the report’s key observations is that a single official market-size figure cannot accurately capture the sweepstakes industry. Different estimates can cover very different segments. Rather than presenting an unsupported headline number, the report takes a segmented, scenario-based approach to understanding the market.

The report identifies five key segments: promotional sweepstakes, social casino, sweepstakes casino, prize-based gaming and B2B sweepstakes technology.

Technology is also becoming a major competitive layer. Modern platforms increasingly depend on PAM, payments, identity and age verification, geolocation, fraud detection, CRM, analytics, game aggregation and security. The report also explores practical AI applications, including LTV prediction, churn analysis, player segmentation, fraud detection, forecasting and customer support.

Regulation remains another defining factor. The report assesses 12 U.S. states, examining regulatory attention and legislative activity while highlighting the importance of jurisdiction-specific analysis.

Looking ahead, the report presents four 2026–2030 scenarios – professionalisation, high growth, regulatory constraint and technology-driven growth, and explores how regulation, technology, payments, trust and customer economics could shape the industry’s next phase.

Knowledge Sharing at the Core

For Tecpinion, the report is also about sharing knowledge, not just presenting data.

“We believe the industry grows stronger when knowledge is shared. Sweepstakes is evolving quickly, and operators and technology providers are facing many of the same questions around regulation, technology, payments, customer acquisition, trust and long-term sustainability. By sharing our research and observations, we want to contribute to a more informed industry where businesses can learn from one another, innovate responsibly and build for the long term.” said [Manoj Trivedi, Co-Founder & CSMO, Tecpinion].

The publication forms part of Tecpinion’s broader commitment to industry research, thought leadership and knowledge sharing across the evolving digital gaming ecosystem.

Access the Full Report

The full “Sweepstakes Industry Analysis 2026: Market Dynamics, Trends & Forecast” is now available for operators, technology providers, affiliates, investors and industry professionals looking to understand the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the market.

👉 [Explore the Full Report]

About Tecpinion

Tecpinion is a GLI-19 iGaming platform provider delivering technology solutions across online casino, sportsbook, sweepstakes, prediction markets, social gaming and emerging gaming verticals. Its offerings include full source code, iGaming platform development, PAM, game aggregation, payment solutions, KYC, geolocation, fraud prevention, CRM, bonuses and promotions, affiliate management, analytics, responsible gaming, security and compliance technology.

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Manoj Trivedi, TECPINION, 91 9926504499, sales@tecpinion.com, https://www.tecpinion.com/ 

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SOURCE TECPINION

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Agoda Unveils 2026 Return Visitor Ranking: Tokyo Is Asia’s Most Revisited City

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its latest Repeat Visitor Ranking, highlighting the top 10 destinations across Asia that keep travelers coming back for more. Based on bookings made during the first half of the year, Agoda reveals that Tokyo has claimed the top spot for the first time, overtaking Bangkok. Rounding out the top five are Bali—ranking third place for the first time—followed by Seoul and Osaka. Da Nang, Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Taipei, and Johor Bahru complete the top 10 list.

Some destinations have a way of calling travelers back for more. The chance to discover new attractions, revisit fond favorites, or simply enjoy the familiar surroundings keeps travelers booking again and again. Agoda’s data shows that these beloved places often attract repeat visits, with some travelers returning multiple times in just the first half of the year.

Tokyo’s rise to number one reflects its unique ability to offer something new with each visit, from seasonal spectacles like cherry blossoms to hidden neighborhoods and an unmatched culinary scene. Bangkok, ranking second, continues to captivate with its unparalleled wellness experiences, world-class dining, and cultural landmarks. Bali’s climb to third place underscores the island’s magnetic appeal with its irresistible beaches, spiritual retreats, and lush landscapes that enchant travelers time and again.

This year’s ranking also reveals the rising appeal of Japan and Vietnam as increasingly popular places people love to revisit. Beyond Tokyo’s ascent to the top, Fukuoka has entered the top 10 for the first time at number eight, signaling travelers’ desire to explore beyond Japan’s traditional tourist hubs to experience Fukuoka’s renowned ramen culture and laid-back atmosphere. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Da Nang has climbed two spots to sixth place, with its stunning beaches, proximity to UNESCO sites like Hoi An, and excellent value drawing visitors back repeatedly.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, “Asia is home to so many destinations that are worth revisiting, and what we’re seeing is that travelers are building relationships with their favorite cities. The shift with Tokyo’s rise to number one and destinations like Fukuoka and Da Nang gaining ground show that travelers are finding new reasons to return, whether it’s seasonal attractions, undiscovered neighborhoods, or simply great food. At Agoda, we’re here to make those return trips easy and rewarding.”

For travelers looking to revisit their favorite destinations or discover new ones, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Visit the website at www.Agoda.com or download the mobile app for the best deals.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-unveils-2026-return-visitor-ranking-tokyo-is-asias-most-revisited-city-302887498.html

SOURCE Agoda

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FDIC Appoints Sunwest Bank as Nano Banc’s Acquiring Institution

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IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sunwest Bank has acquired Nano Banc of Irvine, California in an FDIC-assisted acquisition. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) accepted receivership of Nano Banc from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), which closed Nano Banc on Friday, September 25th. The FDIC subsequently entered into an agreement with Sunwest Bank, under which Sunwest agreed to acquire substantially all the deposits and a portion of assets of Nano Banc. The assumed deposits total approximately $605 million and assumed loans total $227 million.

Nano Banc customers will have immediate access to their deposits. Over the weekend, they can access their deposits by writing checks, using ATMs or through their debit cards. Checks drawn on Nano Banc will continue to be processed. All loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual. The former Nano Banc will reopen as Sunwest Bank on Monday, September 28th.

“We are honored to once again to be selected by the FDIC as the acquiring institution of an FDIC-assisted acquisition, marking the sixth time Sunwest Bank has completed such a transaction,” said Carson Lappetito, President and CEO of Sunwest Bank. “This opportunity reflects the financial strength, disciplined management, and stability that have defined Sunwest Bank for more than five decades. We are excited to welcome Nano Banc’s customers to Sunwest and show them the high-touch service, advanced technology and sophistication we offer to our clients.”

Customers with questions should contact the FDIC toll-free at 1-866-314-1744 or visit the FDIC Website at FDIC.GOV. This phone number will be operational this evening until 8:00 p.m., Pacific Time (PT); on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PT; Sunday from noon to 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., PT; Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PT, and thereafter, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., PT. 

About Sunwest Bank

Founded in 1969, Sunwest Bank is a privately held commercial bank with over $5.0 billion in assets. With a growing presence throughout the United States, Sunwest is headquartered in Sandy, Utah, with offices across California, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Florida. The bank partners with businesses,

individuals, and entrepreneurs nationwide to deliver leading banking services including technology forward treasury management, commercial and real estate lending products, and corporate financial solutions.

With a strong capital position and a commitment to innovation, Sunwest Bank continues to challenge traditional banking models through forward-thinking initiatives designed to support its clients’ growth and long-term success. Sunwest Bank operates with a Fortress Balance Sheet, long-term outlook, and has an impeccable track record of supporting their clients through all economic cycles.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fdic-appoints-sunwest-bank-as-nano-bancs-acquiring-institution-302890681.html

SOURCE Sunwest Bank

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