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THE AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES FIRST EVER EYE-FRIENDLY MOBILE BOARD GAME, BLINK LAND

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Blink Land teaches players about better screen time habits, how to ease common symptoms of digital eye strain and the importance of in-person care with an AOA doctor of optometry

ST. LOUIS, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the American Optometric Association (AOA), the leading authority on quality eye care and an advocate for our nation’s health, launched Blink Land, a single-player mobile game that teaches players about eye health and its relation to screen time.

 

Over 227 million Americans play video games1, and AOA’s 2022 Gamer Survey results revealed that the average gamer has experienced various eye-related symptoms from gaming, including eye strain, headaches, dry eyes and blurred vision. Prolonged screen time also can increase your risk of developing eye infections due to decreased blink rate while viewing screens. Blinking spreads tears across the eye, and when eyes don’t have enough tears to rinse away foreign matter, they become more prone to infection. To solve for this, Blink Land will educate gamers how screen time and eye health are connected through minigames, facts, and trivia throughout the game.

Many gamers are aware of the eye health implications for long-term screen time usage, but more than half (54%) do not visit a health care professional for a comprehensive eye exam every year. Blink Land helps share tangible actions players can take to protect their eyes while on screens, such as using the 20-20-20 rule, blinking frequently, and setting up your screens properly, along with players to book in-person yearly exams with an AOA doctor of optometry.

“During an annual in-person comprehensive eye exam, a doctor of optometry will not only check your vision but scan for and identify over 270 serious conditions. Annual eye exams coupled with healthy eye habits are a great formula for gamers to optimize their eye and overall health,” shared AOA President, Ronald L. Benner O.D. “This mobile game is an exciting bridge between the gaming and eye care worlds.”

Blink Land was developed as part of Eye Deserve More, AOA’s national public awareness campaign, now in its third year, that takes a stand that every American deserves in-person comprehensive eye care from a doctor of optometry as part of their eye health and overall wellbeing.

Blink Land provides gamers with the opportunity to learn about eye health and adopt healthy eye habits alongside the hero character “Blink.” The game was developed by Elaine Gómez-Sanchez and Playcrafting, a member of the Screen Time Alliance, which is a partnership between the American Optometric Association and gaming industry partners that provides gamers eye health tips right where they are – within a game.

“As someone who has experienced the impact long hours on screens has on my eyes, I felt passionate about developing Blink Land, which incorporates eye health into every aspect of the game” says Elaine Gómez-Sanchez, Game Designer and Developer, Blink Land. “With the popularity of gaming on the rise, we should all ensure we are taking proper care of our eye health so we can continue doing all that we love on screens for years to come.”

Download Blink Land on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To book an appointment with a local AOA doctor of optometry, visit AOA.org/EyeDeserveMore.

About The American Optometric Association (AOA)

The American Optometric Association (AOA) is the leading authority on and advocate for quality eye health care, representing more than 48,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and optometric professionals. As the sole primary eye care provider in many communities across America, doctors of optometry are often a patient’s first entry point into the health care system, and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders, diseases and injuries that affect the eye and visual system. Through a nationwide public health initiative, AOA’s Eye Deserve More campaign is fostering awareness of the importance of eye health and vision care and the overall health benefits of in-person, comprehensive eye examinations with AOA doctors of optometry for all Americans.

About Eye Deserve More & Screen Time Alliance 

Eye Deserve More is a multi-faceted national campaign to take a stand that every American deserves in-person comprehensive care from an AOA doctor of optometry as part of their eye health and overall health and wellbeing. The Screen Time Alliance, a first-of-its-kind alliance between the American Optometric Association and gaming industry partners, is a call to action to prioritize eye health across screens, devices and platforms. The Alliance aims to educate Americans about healthy screen time, especially the 227 million who play video games.

References:

Entertainment Software Association. February 2022. “2021 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry.” https://www.theesa.com/resource/2021-essential-facts-about-the-video-game-industry/  

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SOURCE American Optometric Association

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MGI Tech Showcases Expanding Genomics Ecosystem at ESHG 2026 with New IVD Partnering Program and OEM Collaborations

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GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI), a company committed to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, is showcasing its latest advancements in sequencing, automation and clinical genomics at the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) 2026 Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.

At Booth 352, MGI welcomes researchers, clinicians, laboratory leaders and industry partners to explore its comprehensive portfolio of sequencing and automation solutions while unveiling new initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration across the genomics ecosystem.

Advancing Clinical Genomics Through Partnership

A key highlight of ESHG 2026 is the launch of the MGI NGS Partner Enablement Program, a new initiative designed to connect diagnostic developers, assay providers and laboratory partners seeking to build validated clinical workflows on MGI sequencing platforms.

The program aims to accelerate the development and adoption of regulated next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications by fostering collaborations that simplify workflow implementation, reduce time-to-market and support broader access to precision medicine solutions.

“Clinical genomics is increasingly dependent on strong partnerships across the value chain,” said Fang Chen, General Manager Europe & Africa at MGI. “With the launch of our NGS Partner Enablement Program, we are creating a collaborative framework that brings together assay developers, software providers, automation partners and clinical laboratories to accelerate access to high-quality genomic testing.”

Expanding Automation Capabilities Through OEM Collaborations

At ESHG 2026, MGI is also announcing new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partnership opportunities on MGI’s DE Bundles (integrated library preparation and sequencing platform), bringing turnkey automation to global partners. The DE Bundle includes the current D4+E25 combination, as well as the new D16 paired with the E25 featuring a new 50M flow cell.

The D16, which will be launched later this year, is a benchtop, mid-to-low throughput library prep system and the upgraded successor to the D4. Retaining the fully enclosed contamination control system, it integrates a single-channel robotic pipetting module to maximize automation. With two sample preparation cartridges each processing 8 samples, the D16 delivers significantly higher throughput. The D16 and E25 systems provide flexible and scalable automation solutions for library construction, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, streamlining the entire laboratory workflow.

Through this open OEM framework, MGI is enabling customers and solution providers to integrate proven automation technologies into customized workflows tailored to specific clinical and research applications. The OEM program reflects MGI’s commitment to building an open ecosystem that empowers laboratories to increase efficiency, improve standardization and accelerate scientific discovery.

“We are excited to expand the opportunities available to our OEM partners by providing access to the D16 platform, enabling the development of truly walkaway solutions that simplify and automate complex laboratory workflows,” said Wim Vervaeke, OEM Director at Europe & Africa at MGI. “Our innovations, including the PrepALL, E25, and G99, have already sparked new partnerships across the life sciences ecosystem. By combining MGI’s automation expertise with the specialized capabilities of our partners, we are creating integrated solutions that deliver maximum value, efficiency, and convenience for end users.”

Corporate Satellite Symposium Highlights Clinical Genomics, Precision Oncology and Spatial Multi-Omics

As part of ESHG 2026, MGI hosted its Corporate Satellite Symposium, Advancing Diagnostics: From Clinical Implementation to Biomarker Discovery, bringing together leading experts from across Europe to showcase how advanced genomic technologies are being translated into real-world clinical and research impact. The symposium highlighted applications spanning clinical oncology diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, and spatial multi-omics.

Dr. Raquel T. Lima from IPATIMUP (Portugal) presented the clinical value of RNA sequencing for detecting actionable gene fusions in solid tumours, improving diagnostic yield and supporting precision oncology decision-making. Prof. Dr. Andreas Braun from University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) shared how spatial biology technologies map the tumour microenvironment in melanoma, revealing tumour heterogeneity, cellular interactions, and mechanisms associated with disease progression and treatment response. Dr. Andrea Conti from BMR Genomics (Italy) explored the opportunities of whole genome sequencing for pharmacogenetic marker evaluation, highlighting how comprehensive genomic approaches can support the implementation of personalised medicine through improved identification of clinically relevant variants.

Together, the presentations demonstrated how genomic and multi-omics technologies are advancing clinical diagnostics, translational oncology research, and precision medicine, while highlighting the growing role of sequencing in delivering actionable insights across healthcare and biomedical research.

Comprehensive Solutions for Genomics and Multi-Omics Research

Visitors to the MGI booth can explore the company’s comprehensive portfolio of sequencing and automation technologies supporting applications across human genetics, oncology, reproductive health, population genomics and multi-omics research.

Highlighting strong market adoption, MGI is showcasing the T7+, its ultra-high-throughput sequencing platform at the conference. Following its official launch for the Europe and Africa region at Analytica 2026 in Munich, the T7+ has gained significant momentum, with 27 units installed worldwide as of the end of 2025. From benchtop to ultra-high-throughput sequencing platforms, as well as advanced laboratory automation solutions, MGI continues to support laboratories seeking high-performance, scalable and cost-effective genomics workflows.

“Our mission extends beyond delivering innovative technologies,” said Dr. Christian Zimmerman, VP Sales Europe & Africa at MGI. “We are focused on building a complete ecosystem that enables our customers to transition seamlessly from research to clinical implementation. The partnerships and initiatives we are launching at ESHG 2026 demonstrate our commitment to making genomic technologies more accessible, integrated and impactful.”

Driving the Future of Precision Medicine in Europe

Europe remains a strategic region for MGI, with growing adoption of genomic technologies across research institutions, healthcare systems and national population initiatives.

Through continued investment in sequencing innovation, automation, clinical partnerships and collaborative ecosystem development, MGI is helping accelerate the transition toward more precise, data-driven healthcare.

As genomics increasingly becomes integrated into routine clinical practice, MGI remains committed to providing the technologies and partnerships necessary to support the next generation of precision medicine.

About MGI

MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and a full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other industries.

Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. As one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers, MGI empowers global users with scalable sequencing capabilities ranging from Gb to Tb levels. MGI also stands out as one of the only providers of a full-stack product portfolio that spans three core segments: SEQ ALL (short- and long-read sequencing), GLI (Generative Lab Intelligence), and Multi-Omics. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.

To learn more, please visit MGI TechLinkedInX, Instagram, and YouTube.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mgi-tech-showcases-expanding-genomics-ecosystem-at-eshg-2026-with-new-ivd-partnering-program-and-oem-collaborations-302799622.html

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VEVOR Launches “Beat the Heat at Home” Summer Comfort Lineup for Outdoor Living

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HOUSTON, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As summer temperatures climb, staying cool at home shouldn’t require a sky-high electric bill, a cooler full of gas-station ice, or a contractor booked out until September. A smarter approach is gaining traction among American families: investing in the right tools to make outdoor living genuinely comfortable without the premium price tag. VEVOR — a trusted home improvement brand serving over 30 million home creators worldwide — today launches “Beat the Heat at Home,” a summer comfort lineup featuring shade, ice-making, and airflow solutions that deliver pro-level performance so your backyard truly becomes the place to be this summer.

“Summer comfort is not only about staying cool — it is about making outdoor spaces easier to enjoy,” said Gavin Wu, Brand Director at VEVOR. “With this lineup, VEVOR brings pro-level performance into practical home scenarios, helping Home Creators upgrade their backyards, patios, garages, and hosting spaces at exceptional value.”

Cool Living, Cold Drinks, Total Comfort
For most families, a truly comfortable summer day comes down to three things: a shady spot, a steady supply of ice-cold drinks, and enough airflow to keep the evening from feeling stagnant. Traditional solutions — pergolas, commercial ice machines, wired-in fans — often cost thousands or require contractors.

To bridge this gap, VEVOR’s Annual Big Summer Sale officially introduces the “Beat the Heat” collection. Together, the lineup addresses three common summer comfort needs: shade, ice, and airflow, so every corner of the backyard is covered. By delivering pro-level performance in effortless, budget-friendly setups, VEVOR offers Home Creators the ultimate plug-and-play summer cooling experience, making premium seasonal comfort accessible right out of the box.

Create Shade in Minutes
There’s a specific moment every summer host knows too well: the sun shifts, the one shady corner disappears, and suddenly everyone is squinting, relocating chairs, or retreating indoors altogether. It’s the kind of small frustration that quietly ruins an otherwise perfect afternoon.

VEVOR’s Pop-Up Canopy Gazebo was designed for exactly that moment. Available in 10×10, 11.5×11.5, and 12×12 ft configurations, it turns any open stretch of lawn or driveway into a comfortable, shaded gathering space — and it does so in minutes — designed for tool-free setup from the start. The mesh sidewalls earn their keep once evening arrives: mosquitoes stay out while the breeze still flows through, which means dinner can linger as long as the conversation does.

It’s not a permanent structure, and that’s the point. When the season changes or the party moves, the canopy folds back down just as quickly. For homeowners who want shade on their terms, not on a contractor’s timeline, it offers a flexible alternative to permanent shade structures.

Never Run Out of Ice
Few things signal “this gathering is winding down” faster than reaching into a cooler and finding nothing but lukewarm water and half-melted slush. Bags of store-bought ice solve the problem temporarily, but anyone who has made two mid-party runs to the gas station knows the drill gets old fast.

VEVOR’s Commercial Ice Maker Machine helps home hosts keep up with high-demand summer gatherings. Producing up to 130 lbs of ice every 24 hours and holding 33 lbs in its built-in storage bin, it keeps pace with a full afternoon of refills — lemonade pitchers, cocktail shakers, coolers for the kids’ juice boxes, all of it. The stainless-steel build looks at home in a garage bar or outdoor kitchen, and one-touch self-cleaning means maintenance is measured in button presses, not scrub sessions.

Keep the Air Moving
Anyone who has spent a July evening on a covered porch knows the paradox: the roof blocks the sun, but it also traps every degree of rising heat with nowhere to go. The air sits heavy, the ceiling feels lower than it is, and even a beautiful outdoor space starts to feel like something you’d rather admire from behind a glass door with the AC running inside.

VEVOR’s 18-Inch Wall-Mount Fan was built for exactly these in-between spaces that central air can’t reach and a tabletop fan can’t handle. Three-speed settings push up to 4,150 CFM of airflow across patios, enclosed porches, workshops, and garage gyms. That’s the kind of serious air movement that makes a covered space feel open again. With ETL certification and weather-resistant construction, it is designed for covered or semi-outdoor spaces where moisture and humidity are common.

Mounted on the wall and out of the way, it doesn’t eat into floor space or crowd a table. For households looking to cut back on running central AC in every room all day, a well-placed fan in the spaces where the family actually gathers is often the simplest and most cost-effective first step.

The deals are live — don’t leave them on the table.

Cool your summer now: vevor.com/summer-cooling

Shop VEVOR’s Summer Sale: vevor.com/summer-sale

Visit in person: VEVOR Houston Store: 10951 Farm to Market 1960 Road W, Houston

Summer won’t wait. Neither should your backyard. More deals, more summer-ready upgrades — all waiting for you.

About VEVOR
Pro-Level Performance Without the Pro-Level Price. VEVOR is a home improvement brand built for Home Creators who want to upgrade their spaces with practical, high-performing products at exceptional value. From outdoor living and tools to home improvement equipment and everyday project essentials, VEVOR helps people take on upgrades with confidence, efficiency, and value.

Today, VEVOR operates in over 50 countries, supported by a network of 200+ global warehouses and a catalog of more than 15,000 SKUs spanning tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement solutions. VEVOR has supported over 30 million Home Creators worldwide, bringing performance, inspiration, and value to their home improvement projects. For more information, visit www.vevor.com. VEVOR products are also available on Amazon.

Media Contact
VEVOR Communications Team
media@vevor.com

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SOURCE VEVOR

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YEEDI Delivers Lowest-Ever Pricing on Self-Cleaning Roller Mop Robot Vacuums With Early Prime Day Deals

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Starting June 13, M14 PLUS and S14 PLUS Drop to $399.99, Bringing Advanced Self-Cleaning Roller Mop Technology Into the Sub-$400 Segment

SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YEEDI, a home cleaning technology brand focused on practical innovation and high-performance smart home solutions, is kicking off Prime Day early by offering its M14 PLUS and S14 PLUS at their lowest prices ever. Starting June 13, both self-cleaning roller mop robot vacuums are available for just $399.99, allowing shoppers to secure Prime Day pricing ahead of the broader promotional event.

The promotion marks a significant milestone for the category, bringing advanced self-cleaning roller mop technology into the sub-$400 segment and making one of the industry’s most sought-after cleaning innovations more accessible than ever before. As part of YEEDI’s “Less Time Cleaning. More Time Playing.” campaign, inspired by a summer of sports, family moments, and everyday adventures, the brand aims to help consumers spend less time on household chores and more time enjoying the moments that matter most. Complete offer details are available at YEEDI.com.

Bringing Premium Roller Mop Technology to More Homes

Roller mop technology has emerged as one of the most significant innovations in robotic floor cleaning, offering continuous scrubbing performance while automatically cleaning the mop during operation. However, robot vacuums equipped with self-cleaning roller systems have traditionally remained concentrated in premium price segments.

By bringing the M14 PLUS and S14 PLUS to $399.99, YEEDI is expanding access to one of the industry’s most advanced floor-cleaning technologies and establishing a new affordability benchmark for self-cleaning roller mop robot vacuums.

YEEDI M14 PLUS Reaches Its Lowest Price Ever

Available for $399.99 (regularly $599.99), the YEEDI M14 PLUS combines the brand’s OZMO Roller mopping technology with ZeroTangle anti-tangle technology to deliver powerful wet and dry cleaning while minimizing maintenance.

The robot is paired with an automated OMNI Station that handles dust collection, hot-water mop washing, and hot-air drying, reducing the need for manual upkeep. Designed for busy households seeking a hands-free cleaning experience, the M14 PLUS now offers premium functionality at an unprecedented value.

YEEDI S14 PLUS Delivers Flagship Cleaning at 67% Off

Available for $399.99 (regularly $1,199.99), the YEEDI S14 PLUS reaches its lowest price in history and represents one of the most compelling values in the premium robot vacuum category.

Winner of the CES 2025 Indoor Cleaning Technology Innovation Gold Award, the S14 PLUS combines YEEDI’s advanced OZMO Roller system and TruEdge 2.0 Adaptive Edge Cleaning technology for enhanced stain removal and edge-to-edge coverage.

Equipped with 18,000 Pa suction power and ZeroTangle 2.0 technology, the S14 PLUS delivers a flagship cleaning experience at a price point rarely seen in the premium robot vacuum market.

More Prime Day Deals Arrive June 23–26

Following the early access promotion, YEEDI will extend Prime Day deals across a broader selection of robot vacuums from June 23 through June 26, giving consumers even more opportunities to upgrade their home cleaning experience.

Featured offers include the YEEDI M16 Infinity at $449.99 (44% off), the YEEDI S20 Infinity at $699.99, the YEEDI S20 Infinity Ultra at $849.99, and the YEEDI S16 PLUS at $449.99. YEEDI will also introduce two new models: the M12 PRO Gen2 at an introductory price of $339.99 and the C14 PRO PLUS at $279.99.

Consumers can visit YEEDI.com to explore full Prime Day deals, and discover how YEEDI’s smart cleaning technology helps them spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying everyday life.

About YEEDI

YEEDI is a home cleaning technology brand dedicated to making advanced robotic vacuum technology practical, reliable, and accessible for everyday households. Guided by its philosophy of Accessible Innovation, YEEDI focuses on delivering powerful, user-friendly cleaning solutions that prioritize real-world usability, low maintenance, and long-term value.

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SOURCE YEEDI Technology

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