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Space-Grown Brain Organoids Help Advance New Neurological Treatment

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Startup Leverages ISS National Lab to Test Viral Vector That Delivers Gene Therapy

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Did you know some viruses don’t cause illness and can instead be used to treat disease? Biotechnology startup Axonis Therapeutics reprogrammed a virus to carry a novel gene therapy to neurons to treat neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injury. The company needed a way to test the therapeutic in a mature human brain model, which is difficult to produce on Earth. To address this challenge, Axonis leveraged the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to quickly grow 3D human brain organoids and test the therapeutic.

The team’s groundbreaking research is featured in the latest issue of Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab. In the article, Axonis Therapeutics co-founder and chief scientific officer Shane Hegarty says, “Doing research in space is not something you’d ever think about normally, but the opportunity to leverage microgravity conditions can unlock a lot of untouched potential by pushing the boundaries of science in a unique environment.” 

Viruses infect cells in a host and insert genetic material into them. In viruses that cause disease, the genetic material takes over cells and damages them. However, viruses can be reprogrammed to carry helpful genetic material. Axonis has modified a virus that is not harmful to humans to act as a viral vector. This vector targets neurons and delivers gene therapy designed to prevent neuron degeneration and spur regeneration. Importantly, it must be delivered only to neurons and no other cells in the body.

The viral vector worked in mice but required testing in a mature human brain model. On Earth, gravity forces cells to grow in 2D monolayers, and it is hard to culture multiple neuron subtypes together. The Axonis team learned about researchers who sent mature liver cells to space, and the cells spontaneously assembled into a 3D liver organoid. The team wondered if mature central nervous system (CNS) cells would do the same.

Axonis was awarded a Technology in Space Prize—funded by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, which manages the ISS National Lab, and Boeing in partnership with the MassChallenge startup accelerator program—to conduct research on the space station. The team co-cultured mature neurons and astrocytes on the ISS, and within 72 hours, the cells self-assembled into 3D brain organoids—a feat not possible on Earth. The viral vector was loaded with a fluorescent protein gene instead of the gene therapy, and the team was excited to see glowing green neurons, meaning the viral vector had worked. These successful results significantly de-risked Axonis’ therapeutic and helped move it closer to clinical trials.

Hegarty said the company’s ISS National Lab-sponsored research also helped put Axonis on the map and made it easier for the startup to attract seed investors. Axonis recently announced the completion of a successful $115 million Series A financing campaign that was oversubscribed (the company received investor interest beyond its fundraising target). The company will use the funding to advance another of its therapeutics—this one to treat epilepsy and pain—through clinical proof-of-concept in patients.

To learn more about Axonis’ exciting ISS National Lab-sponsored investigation, read the Upward feature “From Viral Villain to Gene Therapy Hero.”

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Space-Grown Brain Organoid.

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page.

Media Contact:        

Patrick O’Neill 

904-806-0035 

PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org  

 

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory
       Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS)
__________________________________________________________________________________ 

1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

 

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Protiviti Congratulates Brand Ambassador Matt Fitzpatrick as Fitzpatrick Brothers Win Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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Alex Fitzpatrick Earns PGA TOUR Card

MENLO PARK, Calif., April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Protiviti Golf Brand Ambassador and professional golfer Matt Fitzpatrick continued his strong 2026 season with a victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick. The Fitzpatrick brothers delivered a composed and cohesive performance throughout the team-format event, completing rounds of 64-65-57-71 (-31). The win secured Alex Fitzpatrick his first PGA TOUR card, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.

This marks Matt Fitzpatrick’s third win of the season, most on the PGA Tour, the 14th professional win of his career, and fifth on the PGA Tour. Fitzpatrick is currently No.1 on the FedEx Cup ranking and No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking, the highest ranking of his career. 

To commemorate Fitzpatrick’s win, Protiviti donated 25,000 meals through its “Birdies for Meals” campaign. Since its launch in 2021, the Birdies for Meals program has already donated more than 825,000 meals to people in need. 

“Congratulations to Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick on an outstanding victory—an inspiring showcase of chemistry and consistency. We also applaud Alex on earning his PGA TOUR card, a significant step in his career,” said Joseph Tarantino, Protiviti’s president and CEO. “In celebration of this win, Protiviti will donate 25,000 meals through our Birdies for Meals campaign, extending the impact well beyond the course.”

As Matt Fitzpatrick’s Official Performance Data Partner, Protiviti collaborates closely with Matt and his coaching team to enhance performance through advanced analytics and technology. By leveraging Microsoft technologies, Protiviti has developed a custom analytics platform, tailored dashboards, and a mobile application that streamline data collection and deliver real-time, shot-level insights. These tools enable more informed, data-driven decision-making across practice and competition, helping identify trends, refine preparation, and improve consistency. Learn more at www.protiviti.com/golf-data.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to work with Matt and see Protiviti’s work play a role in his on-course success. Just as we do with many clients, our team has built a bespoke program leveraging emerging technologies, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to provide Matt, his caddie, and coaches with analysis and insights that aid in his preparation and guide strategy for each event he plays,” said Nick Ciafardini, associate director, Innovation for Protiviti.

“This win is surreal for me, especially doing it alongside my brother. I’m incredibly proud of Alex earning his PGA TOUR card—it’s a huge milestone for him and one we’ll always share. I’m also so grateful for the unwavering support from my family, my team, and my partners at Protiviti, whose data-driven approach to performance has become a key part of my preparation and constant pursuit of improvement,” said Matt Fitzpatrick.

After taking control with a historic 15-under in the fourball third round, the Fitzpatrick brothers briefly dropped the lead in the final round. With the tournament on the line at the 18th, they delivered a clutch closing sequence to seal the victory. Matt’s precision tee-to-green and Alex’s timely putting proved decisive, highlighting their chemistry under pressure.

Other notable Fitzpatrick wins include the 2015 British Masters, 2016 Nordea Masters, the 2016, 2020, and 2025 DP World Tour Championships. On the PGA Tour, Fitzpatrick also won the 2022 U.S. Open, RBC Heritage (2023 & 2026) and the 2026 Valspar Championship. He has been a Protiviti brand ambassador since 2020.

For more information about Protiviti’s golf brand ambassador program, please visit www.protiviti.com/golf.

About Protiviti 
Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that helps clients transform and protect their businesses, and respond to planned and unexpected events. Through a network of more than 90 offices in over 25 countries, Protiviti and its independent and locally owned member firms deliver deep expertise and tailored capabilities across technology, artificial intelligence, data, operations, finance, legal, compliance, HR, marketing, digital, risk, and internal audit – enabling organizations to accelerate innovation, navigate risks and safeguard what matters most.

Named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list since 2015, Protiviti Inc. has served more than 80 percent of Fortune 100 and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with government agencies and smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public. Protiviti Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI).

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Plug and Play partners with the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects to elevate Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem

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SINGAPORE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, the world’s largest open innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) to accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector into a globally competitive innovation hub.

The partnership will connect Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem to global standards, networks, and capital by leveraging Plug and Play’s international corporate partnerships, accelerator expertise, and cross-border innovation infrastructure.

At its core, the collaboration will launch a dedicated maritime & energy innovation platform focused on advancing engineering-led technologies across maritime, energy, supply chain, and logistics sectors. The initiative will involve the development of a startup pipeline between Nigeria and Singapore, widely regarded as one of the world’s most advanced maritime & energy innovation ecosystems serving as a neutral and trusted testbed for technology validation. 

Through this program, selected startups will receive:

Access to cutting-edge technologies and global industry insightsStructured mentorship from international maritime & energy innovation leadersPilot and proof-of-concept opportunities in a globally benchmarked ecosystemCommercialization pathways into the Nigerian marketBusiness development and investor-readiness supportOpportunities for cross-border partnerships and market expansion

By ensuring that solutions being scaled into Nigeria have been validated in overseas markets the program minimizes adoption risks while accelerating technology transfer and investment flows into the Nigerian maritime & energy sector.

“Engineering-driven innovation is critical to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges—from sustainable shipping to the decarbonization of marine operations,” said Jupe Tan, Managing Partner, APAC, Plug and Play. “By partnering with NIMENA, we are creating a trusted bridge between global innovation ecosystems and Nigeria’s maritime & energy sector, unlocking pathways for international collaboration and long-term competitiveness.”

“This partnership marks a transformative step for Nigeria’s energy and maritime innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Eferebo Sylvanus, National Chairman, NIMENA. “By aligning with global standards and connecting our local talent to international platforms, we are creating new opportunities for Nigerian innovators to scale their solutions beyond borders while strengthening our national capabilities.”

Addressing Critical Ecosystem Gaps

1. Strengthening Ecosystem Alignment

To address fragmentation across government, academia, and industry stakeholders, Plug and Play has conducted a comprehensive ecosystem assessment. This data-driven evaluation examines capital access, talent pipelines, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory frameworks—culminating in a Strategic Ambition and Vertical Map for Nigeria’s maritime sector.

2. Creating a Stronger Investment Pipeline

While sector-specific funding opportunities exist, structured validation and vetting mechanisms remain limited. Under this partnership, Plug and Play will curate high-potential stage agnostic startups directing capital toward scalable, innovation-driven ventures with strong technical and commercial viability.

3. Enabling Global Market Access

The partnership will provide stage-agnostic startups with exposure to large corporations, regulators, and investors. Successful technologies will transition into exploring scaling opportunities in Nigeria for commercialization, positioning Nigeria as a high-growth destination for innovation across Africa.

A Bridge Between Global Trust and Local Scale

More than an accelerator program, the Plug and Play–NIMENA partnership is designed as a long-term platform for trust-building, knowledge transfer, and ecosystem anchoring.

Singapore will serve as the gateway for technology validation and international credibility, while Nigeria will serve as the destination for scaling, commercialization, and impact. This dual-ecosystem model ensures that cutting-edge solutions are introduced with global benchmarks while enabling sustainable, locally anchored growth.

As international startups expand into Nigeria, they will establish local operations, drive knowledge transfer, build intellectual property, and create high-value employment opportunities. Over time, this approach will not only attract foreign innovators but also catalyze the rise of homegrown Nigerian startups capable of contributing solutions to the global maritime industry.

By combining NIMENA’s technical leadership with Plug and Play’s global innovation infrastructure, the partnership represents a decisive step toward positioning Nigeria as an innovation hub for Africa, and a leader for maritime, energy, and adjacent industries for the region, ultimately strengthening competitiveness, accelerating entrepreneurship and advancement of technologies in their market, and aligning the national ecosystem with global best practices.

For partnership and participation inquiries:

Industry stakeholders interested in partnering are invited to connect with the team. We are actively seeking corporate and institutional partners to collaborate on pilot projects, proof-of-concept initiatives, and ecosystem development efforts. Global startups developing solutions across maritime, energy, logistics, supply chain, and related sectors are also encouraged to reach out to be considered for participation in the program.

For more information, please contact  nimena-program@pnptc.com

About the partners:

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading global innovation platform connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play operates in more than 60 locations across five continents, helping corporate partners and founders in every stage of the innovation journey — from education to execution. Plug and Play runs startup acceleration programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house venture capital platform that has invested in hundreds of successful companies, including Dropbox, PayPal, Honey, LendingClub, N26, and Rappi. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplayapac.com/

About the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA)

The Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) is a professional body consisting of Naval Architects, Marine Engineers, and allied professions. NIMENA is dedicated to strengthening professional standards, fostering technological innovation, promoting capacity, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector. The institution provides thought leadership, professional development opportunities, technical workshops, and industry events to support maritime engineering excellence and capacity building. For more information, visit https://nimena.org.ng/home.html

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TPIsoftware Wins “Taiwan SMART 50 Award” for Its FHIR-Based Medical AI Application

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TAIPEI, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TPIsoftware (TPEx: 7781) was honored with the first Taiwan SMART 50 Award for creating a FHIR-based Medical AI Application.

Organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the award encourages the development of smart health apps that align with the SMART on FHIR standard to enable secure and real-time data sharing across different hospitals. 50 apps were selected from 115 submissions through an open call. These apps will be listed on the Taiwan Health App Space (THAS) as part of the country’s initiative to foster data interoperability in healthcare.

TPIsoftware’s submission of an AI-powered procedural coding tool, which is a module of its healthcare solution digiCare, has been proven to be practically effective and compliant with SMART on FHIR.

The procedural coding app uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to identify whether a contrast agent is applied or specify anatomical sites in a radiology report. The tool generates suggested codes once clinical details are recognized, which medical professionals can then review and manually revise. The automated workflow improves coding accuracy, reduces denied claims and ensures compliance with ICD-10-PCS and DICOM. The data entry process is streamlined since the tool is compatible with existing systems such as EHR and HIS, freeing up staff to handle complex patient concerns and care journeys.

“Being named one of the SMART 50 Apps demonstrates our R&D capacity in supporting healthcare transformation. The standardized framework enables hospitals and medical centers to provide informed, high-quality care with greater consistency, security and plug-and-play simplicity,” said Pierre Hsia, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Application Development Division at TPIsoftware.

TPIsoftware General Manager Yilan Yeh attributed the accolade to the company’s domain expertise and years of experience in highly-regulated industries. “Partnerships among industry leaders, academic institutions, healthcare providers and government agencies are nurtured to support patient-centered care, clinical decisions and treatment. Following the model of the US All of Us Research Program, we are committed to building Taiwan’s national database aligned with the TW Core Implementation Guide (IG) and FHIR standard, where data are made accessible within an open, standardized ecosystem.”

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