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Oncology meets marine biology: When mussels spill the secrets of their environment

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2 years ago

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INRS oncology experts use liquid biopsy to investigate the quality of marine ecosystems.

LAVAL, QC, July 23, 2024 /CNW/ – How can a team of oncology specialists provide insight into the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems? This is the challenge that a team from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) brilliantly tackled under the supervision of Professor Yves St-Pierre and doctoral student Sophia Ferchiou, applying the principles of liquid biopsy—a technique used in early cancer detection—to the mussels of Quebec.

Medicine on call for biodiversity
By their very nature, mussels act as filters within their environment. As such, they are excellent bioindicators for assessing marine ecosystems. The research team therefore applied principles of liquid biopsy to the mollusks in order to investigate their ecosystem.

In humans, liquid biopsy involves analyzing DNA circulating in the bloodstream for evidence of cancer. It provides valuable indications of the type of cancer the patient has, the stage to which it has progressed, and the mutations generated by the disease. Since mussels retain traces of everything that enters their environment, liquid biopsy can provide significant insight into the ecological situation.

“The innovation lies in the use of new technology, i.e., multi-omic analysis, with which we can detect mutations, genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as DNA derived from organisms such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, and even certain species of fish in a given ecosystem,” explained Professor Yves St-Pierre, INRS oncology specialist. The researcher, who is based at the Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre in Laval, observed: “We are at the junction between biomedical science and marine biology.”

The liquid biopsy consisted of analyzing the hemolymph—a fluid analogous to blood in vertebrates—of several thousand mussels, providing a veritable treasure trove of environmental data and information.

“We are following the same course as we would with a cancer patient,” Professor St-Pierre stated. “We diagnose the disease, prescribe treatment, and then follow up on developments. The sooner we can detect signs of cancer or, in this case, environmental problems, the sooner we can intervene. With liquid biopsy, we are applying the same methodology and even the same philosophy to biodiversity.” 

A collaborative approach rooted in fieldwork
This project is currently at the heart of the work led by doctoral student Sophia Ferchiou at INRS. “My research consists of using mussels as a sentinel species, i.e., a species highly sensitive to changes in its environment, to assess the health status of marine and coastal ecosystems,” stated the marine biology student, who studies under the joint direction of Professor Yves St-Pierre and Stéphane Betoulle of the University of Reims.

The team conducts its research in close collaboration with Parks Canada biologists at four Quebec sites: Moulin-à-Baude, Cap-de-Bon-Désir and Pointe-à-John on the coast of Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, and Parc national du Bic, managed by Sépaq. Each site has its own distinctive features, such as proximity to domestic and agricultural wastewater disposal or a discovery and observation centre. Key differences have already been observed between these locations.

“By applying medical techniques to marine ecosystems, not only can we make a diagnosis, but we can also observe warning signs for future issues that are likely to affect an ecosystem. Are there traces of chemicals or signs of a viral outbreak? We can therefore apply early corrective measures, which we will monitor regularly using liquid biopsy,” Sophia Ferchiou highlighted.

Initially led by the doctoral student once a month since 2019, these sample collections now take place on a weekly basis thanks to the participation of Parks Canada biologists across the different sites, providing a unique opportunity to regularly monitor the ecosystems. “This partnership has enabled us to collect an extraordinary number of samples,” Sophia Ferchiou exclaimed. “Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsies sampled from mussels to observe their biological response to environmental stress.”

“One of our conservation team’s mandates is to determine and monitor the health of the ecosystems in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. The approach proposed by INRS is part of a series of scientific monitoring projects carried out by our team and various partners to gain a better understanding of the changes and threats to the marine park’s ecosystems. Not only is the method innovative and promising, but it is also non-invasive and relatively simple to apply in the field. We are very pleased to be able to work with the team and rely on their expertise.”

About the study
The article entitled “Assessing marine ecosystem health using multi-omic analysis of blue mussel liquid biopsies: A case study within a national marine park” published in the journal Chemosphere, was coauthored by Sophia Ferchiou, France Caza, Kumardip Sinha, Janelle Sauvageau, and Yves St-Pierre. DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142714.

This research was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature and Technologies (FRQNT).

About INRS
INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to graduate research and training in strategic sectors in Quebec. Since its creation in 1969, it has actively contributed to Quebec’s economic, social, and cultural development. INRS is first in Canada in research intensity. It is made up of four interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes, which focus their efforts on strategic sectors: water, earth, and environment (Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre); energy, materials, and telecommunications (Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre); urbanization, culture, and society (Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre); and health and biotechnology (Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre). The INRS community includes over 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty and staff members. 

SOURCE Institut National de la recherche scientifique (INRS)

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HelloNation Article Explains Deferred Maintenance, Featuring Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack

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37 minutes ago

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November 2, 2026

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The article explains why addressing repairs early helps commercial property owners reduce long-term costs and protect property value.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What happens when commercial property owners delay needed repairs? HelloNation answers that question in an article featuring insights from Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack of Charleston Green Commercial, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina.

The article explains that postponing repairs may appear to reduce expenses in the short term, but deferred maintenance often results in substantially higher costs over time. According to the HelloNation article, delaying repairs can lead to larger construction projects, operational disruptions, and declining property value that consistent upkeep could have avoided.

Commercial buildings depend on numerous systems that are designed to perform reliably for decades when properly maintained. The article notes that roofs, HVAC systems, parking lots, plumbing infrastructure, elevators, and exterior finishes all require routine inspections and scheduled servicing. Small maintenance issues rarely remain isolated when they are left unresolved. Instead, they often spread to surrounding building components, increasing both the complexity and the cost of future repairs.

The HelloNation article highlights roof leaks as one example of how deferred maintenance can escalate. A small leak may initially appear insignificant, but over time it can damage insulation, ceilings, electrical systems, and tenant improvements. Likewise, aging HVAC components that could have been repaired during routine service may eventually fail completely, requiring costly system replacements instead of relatively inexpensive repairs. The article explains that these situations demonstrate why preventive maintenance consistently provides greater value than emergency response.

Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack’s featured insights also highlight how maintenance affects tenant satisfaction. Businesses rely on safe, comfortable, and dependable spaces to serve customers and operate efficiently. The article explains that recurring equipment failures, poor climate control, water intrusion, or deteriorating common areas can affect tenant confidence and increase the likelihood of lease turnover. Stable occupancy supports reliable income and helps owners avoid the additional costs of vacant space.

Emergency repairs often involve expenses beyond the construction work itself. According to the article, after-hours labor, expedited material delivery, temporary tenant accommodations, and interruptions to business operations all contribute to higher overall costs. The article explains that planning routine maintenance helps commercial property owners avoid many of these unexpected financial burdens while allowing repairs to be completed under more favorable conditions.

The article also discusses the importance of life cycle planning for long-term property performance. Every major building component has an expected service life, and regular condition assessments help owners forecast future replacement needs. Developing reserve funding and budgeting for improvements before systems fail allows owners to spread capital expenses over time instead of responding to emergencies that require immediate funding.

Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack’s featured article further explains that professional property managers support owners by coordinating inspections, documenting building conditions, prioritizing repairs, and recommending maintenance schedules based on observed performance. This proactive approach gives owners better information for decision-making while helping preserve building systems and manage operating costs more effectively.

The article concludes that building condition also influences insurance considerations, financing opportunities, and marketability. Buyers and lenders often review maintenance history before closing, and well-maintained properties generally perform better operationally with fewer unexpected capital expenses. The article explains that consistent maintenance protects investments by supporting tenant satisfaction, preserving property value, and reducing long-term financial uncertainty for commercial property owners.

Why Delaying Commercial Property Repairs Costs More features insights from Courtenay Brack, a commercial property management expert in Charleston, South Carolina, 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.

www.hellonation.com

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Drone Nerds Expands Drone Detection Portfolio Through AirSight Partnership

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37 minutes ago

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November 2, 2026

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AirGuard software and compatible detection systems support airspace awareness for public safety agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprise security teams

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI Aerospace,” “XTI,” or the “Company”), an aerospace and advanced technology platform and parent company of Drone Nerds, LLC (“Drone Nerds”), a drone solutions platform serving commercial, enterprise, and government customers, today announced a partnership with AirSight, a drone detection and airspace security software solutions provider, to expand Drone Nerds’ drone detection offerings within its enterprise solutions portfolio.

The partnership broadens the options available to customers seeking greater visibility into drone activity around their facilities and operations. AirSight’s solutions combine compatible detection systems with its AirGuard software platform. Intended applications include law enforcement, critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, higher education campuses, and sports and entertainment venues.

AirGuard brings data from compatible detection sensors into a unified interface, providing security teams with real-time alerts and information to assess detected drone activity. Solutions can be configured for individual facilities, campuses, or multiple locations based on customer requirements.

“AirSight strengthens our drone detection portfolio and enhances our ability to serve the security needs of enterprise and government organizations,” said Jeremy Schneiderman, Interim CEO of XTI Aerospace. “This partnership supports our growth strategy by opening doors to new customers and broadening our role across drone operations and airspace security.”

Expanding Security Awareness into the Airspace

AirSight’s approach allows organizations to add drone detection capabilities alongside their existing security infrastructure. Its hardware-agnostic AirGuard platform integrates compatible detection technologies and can support connections with existing security and command systems, subject to technical compatibility.

The partnership will focus on helping customers evaluate their airspace monitoring needs and identify appropriate solutions, including:

Drone Detection and Alerts: Detection of drone activity within system coverage, with real-time notifications to designated security personnel.

Centralized Monitoring: A unified software interface that brings together information from compatible detection sensors.

Scalable Configurations: Solutions tailored to individual sites or multiple locations, with the ability to expand as requirements evolve.

Integration Support: Evaluation of compatible connections with existing security systems to incorporate drone detection information into operational workflows.

Available information and detection performance depend on the selected sensors, drone characteristics, site conditions, and system configuration.

“Drone detection gives security teams an additional layer of awareness beyond their ground-based perimeter,” said Robert Tabbara, CEO and Founder of AirSight. “Working with Drone Nerds allows us to introduce these capabilities to more enterprise and public safety organizations and help them evaluate solutions suited to their facilities, existing systems, and operational priorities.”

Availability

Customers can contact Drone Nerds’ enterprise team to discuss AirSight drone detection solutions, available configurations, and pricing. Drone Nerds’ team will work with AirSight specialists to evaluate customer requirements and discuss deployment options.

For more information, visit enterprise.dronenerds.com.

About XTI Aerospace, Inc.

XTI Aerospace, Inc. (“XTI”) (Nasdaq: XTIA) is focused on building a leading platform for commercial and government drone adoption in the growing unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) industry. Through its subsidiary, Drone Nerds, LLC, XTI supports enterprise and government customers in sectors including public safety, agriculture, construction, and energy across the drone program lifecycle, from hardware sourcing and deployment to training, service, repair, and the proprietary Always Flying™ program. Its established U.S. customer base and reputation as a trusted solutions provider position the company as a go-to-market partner for drone manufacturers and software developers seeking to scale in the domestic market.

For more information about XTI, please visit xtiaerospace.com and follow XTI on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Drone Nerds

Drone Nerds, LLC, a subsidiary of XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA), provides comprehensive drone solutions for enterprise, private and recreational needs. Established in 2014, Drone Nerds focuses on helping customers deploy the right UAS solutions for their unique operational requirements. Through its proprietary Always Flying™ program, Drone Nerds focuses on delivering enhanced reliability and assurance for enterprise implementations across industry verticals, including public safety, government, agriculture, construction, insurance, energy, inspection, and more.

For more information, visit enterprise.dronenerds.com.

About AirSight

AirSight provides drone detection and airspace security software solutions. Its AirGuard platform integrates data from compatible detection sensors to provide real-time alerts and visibility into drone activity. Depending on sensor configuration and available data, the platform can provide drone and pilot location information to help security teams assess activity and inform their response.

For more information, visit airsight.com.

Contacts:

General inquiries:
Email: contact@xtiaerospace.com
Web: https://xtiaerospace.com/contact

Investor Relations:
IR@xtiaerospace.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drone-nerds-expands-drone-detection-portfolio-through-airsight-partnership-302926752.html

SOURCE XTI Aerospace, Inc.

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Andrea E. Neal as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

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37 minutes ago

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November 2, 2026

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TITUSVILLE, Fla., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Andrea E. Neal is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Reading Education and Literacy Development.

Andrea E. Neal has dedicated her career to helping students overcome reading challenges and achieve academic success through individualized instruction and evidence based literacy interventions. As an intensive reading teacher at Einstein Academy in Cocoa, Florida, she is recognized for her commitment to supporting students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and other educational needs through targeted reading instruction that builds confidence and long term success.

Since joining Einstein Academy in 2020 and serving as an intensive reading teacher since 2022, Ms. Neal has provided specialized support for students with Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans. Her expertise includes intensive reading instruction, dyslexia support, phonics development, word decoding, and therapeutic literacy interventions designed to meet the unique needs of each student.

Certified in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling and Speech, Ms. Neal utilizes evidence based strategies and manipulative based activities to strengthen phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and reading comprehension. Through small group instruction, she helps students deepen their understanding of language by exploring idioms, vocabulary, and contextual reading strategies.

Ms. Neal earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from Linfield University in 2000. She also completed the New World of Work externship program for teachers and paraprofessionals, further enhancing her ability to support student growth and development.

Among her most rewarding accomplishments is helping students achieve significant literacy gains. One notable success involved guiding a ninth grade student from a fourth grade reading level to grade level proficiency while fostering a genuine love of reading. Her dedication has helped countless students overcome barriers and develop the skills necessary for academic achievement.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Neal remains active in volunteer service through tutoring, soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity International, and church Bible conferences. She is also honored to have been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for her dedication, achievements, and leadership in reading education.

Ms. Neal credits much of her success to the support of her husband, Troy Neal, and the inspiration she draws from her daughter on the autism spectrum. Their experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping students with diverse learning needs reach their full potential.

Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her impact through programs with increased funding and resources that will allow more students to receive the specialized literacy support they need. Guided by a philosophy centered on individualized instruction and student success, Ms. Neal remains dedicated to helping every learner overcome reading obstacles and thrive academically.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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