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Canadian-made video game designed to help maintain abilities and quality of life for children with rare, degenerative neuromuscular disease

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3 years ago

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Free, web-based game, Cloud Bazaar, promotes physical exercise in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and degenerative neuromuscular disease.Game targets need for increased therapeutic exercise adherence in pediatric SMA patients by gamifying physical activities and making them more fun.Uses motion capture technology to track players’ movements and responds with exercises that progressively challenge them according to their level of ability.

CALGARY, AB and TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2022 /CNW/ – Raft Digital Therapeutics (Raft) and Biogen Canada are excited to announce the launch of the demo version of Cloud Bazaar, an interactive therapeutic video game. Developed in Canada, Cloud Bazaar promotes physical activity in young players with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare and degenerative neuromuscular disease. The game aims to help players maintain physical abilities and improve health outcomes, while promoting a higher quality of life by making at-home therapeutic exercise fun and engaging.

Equipped with motion capture technology, the game tracks and responds to movements through the built-in camera on players’ computers as they navigate increasingly difficult levels. It engages young players by placing them on a “mission” in which they fly an airship that protects the fictional city of the Cloud Bazaar. To do so, they are challenged to complete a set of guided movements that were developed in consultation with, and based on, feedback from neuromuscular disease experts and youth in the SMA community.

“The most important aspect of developing the Cloud Bazaar to us was getting active participation and feedback from young people living with SMA,” said Raft CEO and physiatrist, Dr. Geoff Frost. “Our intention is to build a gaming experience that’s not only physically beneficial and enriching for players, but that’s fun and engaging so they’re keen to keep integrating therapeutic exercise into their everyday lives. Their involvement was central to making this happen.”

“Regular therapeutic exercise is crucial for maintaining physical abilities in young SMA patients, and we are proud to introduce Cloud Bazaar as a unique online game that makes physical activity fun while also promoting social inclusivity through its diverse community of users,” said Eric Tse, General Manager of Biogen Canada. “Biogen is devoted to addressing areas of unmet patient need, and our drive to innovate led us to partner with Raft to create a made-in-Canada technology that supports this rare disease community.”

The demo version of Cloud Bazaar was also recently recognized for its interactive content and rich media in the Web-Based Digital Health category at the 2022 Digital Health Awards®. Available in English and French, Cloud Bazaar is free, web-based and doesn’t require a console, making the game highly accessible for patients and families who live with SMA and may face additional financial pressures due to the disease. It also promotes inclusivity by enabling players to invite and challenge others to play and compete, either within or outside the SMA community, regardless of their level of ability.

Raft co-developed Cloud Bazaar with founding partner, Biogen Canada.

The demo is available for download on Windows at https://cloudbazaar.io/.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA is a rare, debilitating neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain stem, resulting in severe and progressive muscular atrophy and weakness.  

Due to a deletion of, or mutation in, the SMN1 gene, people with SMA do not produce enough survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is critical for the maintenance of motor neurons. The severity of SMA correlates with the amount of SMN protein an individual has. Ultimately, individuals with SMA can become paralyzed and have difficulty performing the basic functions of life, like breathing and swallowing.

People with Type I (infantile-onset) SMA, the form that requires the most intensive and supportive care, produce very little SMN protein and do not achieve the ability to sit without support and typically do not live beyond two years without respiratory support. People with Type II and Type III SMA produce greater amounts of SMN protein and have less severe, but still life-altering forms of SMA.

About Raft Digital Therapeutics (Raft)

Raft is developing a platform designed to make at-home therapeutic exercise fun, engaging, and immersive to improve adherence and quality of life for patients. Founded by physiatrist Dr. Geoff Frost and other key members of the rare disease community, Raft is dedicated to bettering the lives of patients living with neuromuscular diseases through informed and intelligent game design, making programs that suit all users, no matter their level of motor function. For more about Raft, visit https://raftdt.com/.

About Biogen

As pioneers in neuroscience, Biogen discovers, develops, and delivers worldwide innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological diseases as well as related therapeutic adjacencies. One of the world’s first global biotechnology companies, Biogen was founded in 1978 by Charles Weissmann, Heinz Schaller, Sir Kenneth Murray, and Nobel Prize winners Walter Gilbert and Phillip Sharp. Today, Biogen has the leading portfolio of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, has introduced the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, and developed the first and only approved treatment to address a defining pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Biogen is also commercializing biosimilars and focusing on advancing one of the industry’s most diversified pipelines in neuroscience that will transform the standard of care for patients in several areas of high unmet need.

Since 1998, Biogen Canada has been delivering life-changing medicines and services that support unmet treatment needs and the lives of Canadians affected by neurological conditions. As a company that founds its culture on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, Biogen Canada is proud to have been named a Best Workplace™ for Inclusion, Giving Back and Hybrid Work. To learn more, please visit www.biogen.ca.

SOURCE Biogen Canada

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In HelloNation, Personal Injury Attorney Brad Altman of Wichita Falls Explains Why Timing Matters and What Attorneys Can Do

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31 minutes ago

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April 27, 2026

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WICHITA FALLS, Texas, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why is timing critical after an injury? An article in HelloNation highlights how quickly evidence can fade, weaken a claim, and impact the outcome of a case. Brad Altman, owner of Altman Legal Group, underscores that immediate action is essential because skid marks fade, property gets repaired, and security footage may be erased, while witnesses’ memories become less reliable over time.

The article explains that insurance companies often move quickly to gather evidence and protect their interests. Without early steps on the injured party’s side, important details may be lost. Attorneys step in to preserve evidence by securing accident reports, medical records, photographs, video footage, and witness statements while they remain accessible. This early action builds a stronger case from the beginning.

Altman also points out that an attorney’s role extends far beyond filing paperwork. They analyze facts, identify gaps, and create a clear timeline that supports the client’s account. They also manage communication with insurance adjusters, ensuring that no statements are misinterpreted or used to reduce compensation. Acting early allows attorneys to control the narrative and prevent evidence from slipping away.

The difference between a strong and weak claim often comes down to timing. By involving an attorney early, injured individuals gain the benefit of preserved evidence and strategic preparation that supports their rights.

Why Timing Matters & What Attorneys Can Do features insights from Brad Altman, Personal Injury Attorney of Wichita Falls, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-personal-injury-attorney-brad-altman-of-wichita-falls-explains-why-timing-matters-and-what-attorneys-can-do-302754463.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Nakheel awards contracts worth over AED 3.5 billion to build 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali

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32 minutes ago

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April 27, 2026

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 27, 2026 /CNW/ — Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded contracts worth over AED 3.5 billion to Ginco General Contracting L.L.C and United Engineering Construction (UNEC) for the construction of 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali, marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of Dubai‘s most significant waterfront developments.

Under the awarded contracts, Ginco will construct 354 villas across Fronds A to D, while UNEC will deliver 190 villas across Fronds E and F. Construction is scheduled to commence this quarter, with completion targeted for Q4 2028.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “The awarding of these contracts signals tangible progress in the delivery of Palm Jebel Ali, with construction now progressing across multiple fronds. As momentum continues to build, Palm Jebel Ali represents one of the most significant expansions of Dubai‘s urban coastline in a generation and will play a key role in supporting the emirate’s long-term growth, further strengthening its global appeal as a great place to live, invest and visit.”

Spanning seven islands across 13.4 kilometres, with 16 fronds and more than 90 kilometres of beachfront, Palm Jebel Ali is being developed as a world-class waterfront destination and a major contributor to Dubai‘s future urban expansion.

The latest contract awards represent continued progress against the Palm Jebel Ali masterplan and support the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the emirate’s long-term vision for sustainable, high-quality communities.

The awards follow the unveiling of Palm Jebel Ali’s Beach and Coral Collection villas, developed in collaboration with leading international architects. The destination will also include Palm Central Private Residences, offering a connected expression of island living that brings together architecture, community and resort-style comfort.

Further enhancing the island’s community infrastructure, Palm Jebel Ali will feature a 9,000 sqm retail centre and a Friday Mosque designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Designed to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, the mosque will serve residents and visitors across the destination.

Click here to watch the video.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2966588/Palm_Jebel_Ali_Aerial_Render.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2966589/Palm_Jebel_Ali_Bluejay_Villa.jpg

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nakheel-awards-contracts-worth-over-aed-3-5-billion-to-build-544-villas-on-palm-jebel-ali-302754465.html

SOURCE Dubai Holding Real Estate

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STULZ USA and President, Brian Hatmaker, Nominated for Maryland Tech Council ICON Awards

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32 minutes ago

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April 27, 2026

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FREDERICK, Md., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STULZ USA, a leading provider of precision cooling and air handling solutions for mission-critical applications, is proud to announce that both the company and its President have been nominated for the Maryland Tech Council (MTC) ICON Awards.

STULZ USA has been nominated for Tech Company of the Year, while President Brian Hatmaker has been recognized as a nominee for CEO of the Year. The Maryland Tech Council seeks to celebrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact across Maryland’s technology and life sciences communities.

STULZ USA plays a critical role in supporting the infrastructure that powers today’s digital economy. The company designs and domestically manufactures advanced climate control solutions that enable the reliable operation of data centers and other tech environments.

With its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations based in Frederick, Maryland, STULZ USA employs nearly 500 people and has been a longstanding contributor to the region’s manufacturing sector and economic development. The company’s solutions support IT closets, data centers, healthcare, telecommunications, and industrial applications.

“These nominations reflect the strength of our team, the trust of our customers, and our commitment to supporting the critical digital infrastructure that keeps businesses and communities connected,” said Brian Hatmaker, President of STULZ USA. “We are honored to be recognized by the Maryland Tech Council alongside so many innovative organizations and leaders.”

The Maryland Tech Council recently launched the Data Center Alliance of Maryland, an initiative focused on advancing public understanding of the data center industry’s economic contributions, workforce opportunities, and role in supporting digital infrastructure. As demand for data continues to grow, STULZ USA remains committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and scalable cooling solutions that help enable this evolving landscape.

The ICON Awards ceremony will take place on May 21, bringing together leaders and organizations from across the region to celebrate excellence and innovation.

About STULZ USA

STULZ USA is a globally recognized leader in precision cooling solutions, specializing in innovative and energy-efficient systems for mission-critical environments, including data centers, telecom facilities, and industrial applications. With a legacy spanning more than 75 years, STULZ combines deep engineering expertise with advanced manufacturing processes to deliver unmatched quality, reliability, and performance.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stulz-usa-and-president-brian-hatmaker-nominated-for-maryland-tech-council-icon-awards-302754468.html

SOURCE STULZ Air Technology Systems, Inc.

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