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AI & Genomics Advances Bring New Hope to Lung Cancer Burden in Asia

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SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Asia is the region most impacted by lung cancer, accounting for 63.1% of newly diagnosed lung cancers and 62.9% of lung cancer deaths worldwide(1).

Many countries have applied low-dose CT scans to screen for this deadly cancer to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. However, only the highest-risk population (heavy smokers) is advised to undergo low-dose CT scans routinely to minimize the risk of radiation-induced cancer during scanning rounds(2). Moreover, CT devices are not easily accessible for many people due to geographical and economic barriers.

Due to these limitations, multiple studies have pointed out surprising data: the current screening guidelines and eligibility criteria may miss over 50% of lung cancer cases in never-smokers(3); women are particularly vulnerable, with 83% of women in South-East Asia with lung cancer being never-smokers(4); non-smokers are diagnosed at a later stage than smokers (5); and about a third of lung cancer deaths occur in non-smokers(6).

New screening method leveraging AI and genomics technology advantages 

SPOT-MAS is a blood test developed by Gene Solutions to detect multiple features of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) released from cancer cells, indicating if someone may have cancer. Previously, SPOT-MAS was validated as a multi-cancer early detection test in a longitudinal study involving 9,024 healthy people. While detecting multiple cancers, including lung cancer, in a single blood test is an aspirational goal, the key challenge lies in making it affordable for a large population.

To address this challenge, Gene Solutions integrates a multiomics tumor ATLAS with AI-driven feature engineering and deep learning models to analyze genetic, epigenetic, and fragmentomic data. This methodology offers a precise, non-invasive, and affordable test specifically designed for lung cancer screening. Through enhanced AI analysis and the incorporation of lung-specific features, the SPOT-MAS Lung test has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, achieving 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity(7).

A new hope for lung cancer burden in Asia

With extensive connections to healthcare providers across Asia, Gene Solutions aims to introduce this smart blood test to clinical practice in early 2025 to support the urgent need for accessible lung screening. In the long run, a convenient and precise test like SPOT-MAS can increase the chances of early detection for at-risk populations and potentially reduce the mortality rate associated with late diagnoses.

Furthermore, ctDNA screening tests can serve as a companion tool to low-dose CT scans. In real-life practice, many CT scans yield ambiguous results, such as small lung nodules classified under LUNG-RADS (8), which might leave clinicians and patients uncertain about the malignancy status and the appropriate follow-up surveillance path. ctDNA screening results can thus support and guide diagnosis and surveillance strategies.

At the January event Personalized cancer care in Asia: Advancing Genomics & AI in Singapore, Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nghia, Founder of Gene Solutions, highlighted: “This technology represents a paradigm shift in lung cancer screening, particularly for underserved populations. By harnessing the power of ctDNA and AI, we aim to make blood-based cancer screening tests more accurate and more affordable, hence support more early detection and effective treatment outcomes.” 

About Gene Solutions
Gene Solutions, a pioneering biotech company in Asia, is leading the way in leveraging advanced AI and ctDNA technologies for innovative cancer detection solutions. The company partners with over 4,500 hospitals and clinics across Southeast Asia and boasts a team of approximately 250 biology experts and technicians out of a total of 700 employees. Gene Solutions has published more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and conducted over 50 multi-center studies across the region. The company, recognized for its proprietary research and CAP-accredited laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam, combines multi-dimensional genomics with AI-driven approaches to transform cancer care. 

For media inquiries, please contact: Gene Solutions Media Contact 
Ms. Emma Ngo 
www.genesolutions.com 
Email: pr@genesolutions.com 

References: 

(1) Chiu, C., & Yang, P. (2024). Challenges of lung cancer control in Asia. EClinicalMedicine, 74, 102706. doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102706 

(2) Pozzessere, C.; von Garnier, C.; Beigelman-Aubry, C. Radiation Exposure to Low-Dose Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening: Should We Be Concerned? Tomography 2023, 9, 166-177. doi.org/10.3390/tomography9010015

(3) Kerpel-Fronius, A., Tammemägi, M., Cavic, M., Henschke, C., Jiang, L., Kazerooni, E., Lee, C., Ventura, L., Yang, D., Lam, S., Huber, R. M., Yang, D., Zulueta, J., Viola, L., Mohan, A., Lee, C., Cavic, M., Schmidt, H., Kazerooni, E., . . . Huber, R. (2021). Screening for lung cancer in Individuals who Never smoked: An International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Early Detection and Screening Committee report. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 17(1), 56–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtho.2021.07.031 

(4) Barta, J. A., Powell, C. A., & Wisnivesky, J. P. (2019). Global Epidemiology of Lung Cancer. Annals of Global Health, 85(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.2419 

(5) Barta JA, et al. Global Epidemiology of Lung Cancer. Annals of Global Health. (2019). 85(1): 8, 1–16. DOI: https://doi. org/10.5334/aogh.2419 

(6) GLOBOCAN (2020).  

(7) Nguyen, Van Thien Chi et al. Cost-Effective Shallow Genome-Wide Sequencing for Profiling Plasma cfDNA Signatures to Enhance Lung Cancer Detection (January 11, 2025). dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5094108

(8) American College of Radiology (2022).

 

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SOURCE Gene Solutions Genomics Pte Ltd

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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October 19, 2026

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

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SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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October 19, 2026

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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October 19, 2026

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

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SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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