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GORDON & MACPHAIL REVEALS ‘ARTISTRY IN OAK’ DECANTER DESIGN BY ACCLAIMED ARCHITECT JEANNE GANG FOR THE WORLD’S OLDEST SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

ELGIN, Scotland, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gordon & MacPhail has revealed the ‘Artistry in Oak’ decanter design by internationally acclaimed American architect Jeanne Gang, marking the release of the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled – Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.

 

Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

Gordon & MacPhail sought to commission a creative partner to design a unique decanter to house their most precious whisky to date. A partnership built on common values and a shared commitment to leave a legacy for future generations, Jeanne Gang’s design is shaped through her close observation of growth and form in nature. The four branches which suspend the glass decanter are made from solid bronze, providing an armature that cradles the precious liquid in the same way the oak cask has nurtured the whisky for eight and a half decades.

Only 125 decanters are available worldwide, each with an RSP of £125,000.

Over the last 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched its own specially selected casks with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries. Managing a portfolio of casks requires a complex level of expertise which Gordon & MacPhail has honed to fully understand cask maturation matched to different styles of spirit. Patience is undoubtedly a virtue in this realm and Gordon & MacPhail’s whiskies are often the oldest expression ever to be released from a particular distillery.

The decanter design by Jeanne Gang is a celebration of the profound artistry, craft, care and time alongside nature that went into the liquid it encases. The maturation of whisky over very long periods of time is a very challenging proposition often quoted as more art than science. As the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled, this release is the ultimate expression of this art and testament to the foresight of George Urquhart and his father, John, who selected cask 336 in 1940 to cradle this liquid for decades to come.

“One of the greatest challenges was that this has never been done before. We’re the first to mature a whisky for 85 years. Every year that goes by is a year into the unknown. We have to appreciate we’re always dealing with mother nature so the key traits of this process are patience and trust,” comments Stephen Rankin Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company.

Embracing the creative theme of ‘Artistry in Oak’, the design evokes the idea of a tree slowly entwining a piece of amber. Four separate branches spiral upward, wrapping around a suspended glass vessel that contains the amber liquid originally distilled at Glenlivet Distillery. American oak informed the branches’ design, a nod to the wood used to comprise the Gordon & MacPhail cask which cradled the spirit for 85 years.

“It was of utmost importance that the quality of the whisky itself be manifest in the design of the decanter. Made from handblown glass and cast bronze, I thought about how each material would exhibit its own inherent qualities while fulfilling its purpose to hold and protect the liquid,” explains Jeanne Gang.

The design was conceived as a single object, with the suspended glass vessel relying on the branches for support, evoking the reciprocity between whisky and its cask.  Jeanne chose bronze for the four entwining branches that cradle the vessel because it is an enduring material; one that evolves slowly and beautifully over time, much like whisky. As bronze develops a patina, it mirrors the way whisky deepens in colour and character over the years.

“Standing tall and strong, the patinated bronze entwines the vessel, suspending it while revealing the amber colour of the whisky within. Together, the elements depend on and complement each other, in a reciprocal dance whose form, like the whisky it holds, is a product of both natural growth and the nature of its materiality,” expresses Gang.

As part of this landmark release, Gordon & MacPhail is supporting American Forests, the oldest national non-profit conservation organisation in the United States – a leader in forest restoration – via the online auction of Decanter #1 in partnership with Christie’s.

“Given the importance of oak in our craft, this partnership was a natural fit, aligning with our mission to leave a meaningful legacy for ongoing generations via fundraising for the sustainable future of American oak trees,” adds Stephen Rankin.

The auction conducted online by Christie’s, opening for bids on Friday 7th November and concluding on Friday 21st November 2025, will see proceeds of the lot (minus costs) donated to the American Forests, to support their work dedicated to creating healthy and resilient forests in cities and large landscapes, including the regeneration and long-term sustainability of America’s oak-dominated forests essential for whisky maturation.

As well as Decanter #1, the lot will include a personalised whisky tasting hosted by Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige Stephen Rankin or Richard Urquhart, Sales Director, both fourth generation family members; a framed, signed sketch of an oak tree by Jeanne Gang, which informed the decanter’s design; and the cask end of cask 336 which nurtured the single malt Scotch whisky, presented in a bespoke frame.

Adam Bilbey, Christie’s Global Head of Wine and Spirits says: “Partnering with Gordon & MacPhail for Artistry in Oak is a moment of pride for Christie’s. The unveiling of Decanter No. 1 from Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old is not just a highlight of our season—it’s a celebration of time, tradition, and craftsmanship. Over the last 85yrs this extraordinary spirit has been carefully and patiently nurtured by Gordon & MacPhail, culminating in the extraordinary moment.”

A TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY

At 85 years old, this historical liquid has spent decades maturing in a unique cask that has had a profound impact on its flavour. Cask 336 had previously held mature sherry before being re-filled on 3 February 1940 with spirit at the Glenlivet Distillery. This was a time when production across Scotland was much reduced due to the raw materials required being diverted for other uses or there being a shortage in them created by the war.

This long maturation has imparted deep, complex flavours to the whisky, with vibrant, full-bodied notes that remain remarkably robust at 43.7% ABV. The influence of the cask, combined with the rarity and incredible scarcity of the liquid, creates a whisky that is not only extraordinary in its taste but also a living piece of history.

Aroma: Soft, aged leather aromas lead to apricot compote, cinnamon, and subtle waxy, citrus fruit notes. Vanilla gives way to dried sultana and aniseed with underlying beeswax polish. Subtle smoky undertones develop.

Flavours: Smooth and vibrant with cracked black pepper and sweet dried tobacco flavours, followed by Seville Orange peel. Morello cherry and plum flavours are balanced by subtle oak.

Finish: A full-bodied finish with lingering herbal notes.

This exceptional release represents the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship – an 85-year-old single malt matured over four generations. Not only is it the oldest whisky ever bottled, but its extreme rarity, scarcity and provenance, coupled with the artistry of Jeanne Gang’s design, make it an unparalleled collector’s piece.

Gordon & Macphail 85 Years Old From Glenlivet Distillery
Available worldwide, priced at £125,000
WWW.GORDONANDMACPHAIL.COM

Christie’s Online Auction of Decanter #1
Bidding opens Friday 7 November and closed Friday 21 November 2025
Proceeds of the lot (minus costs) donated to the American Forests
WWW.CHRISTIES.COM

@GORDONANDMACPHAIL

Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

Jeanne Gang and Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery Decanter – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Jeanne Gang and Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery Decanter – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

Cask End 336, Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Cask End 336, Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

 

MedHub-AI Announces National Reimbursement Approval in Japan for AutocathFFR™

TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MedHub-AI today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved national reimbursement for the company’s AutocathFFR™ System, effective October 1, 2025. The decision follows regulatory approval by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) earlier this year and marks a significant milestone in expanding access to advanced coronary physiology assessment in Japan.

The approval provides physicians and hospitals across Japan with broad access to AutocathFFR, the first fully automated, real-time AI-based fractional flow reserve (FFR) solution performed intra-procedurally during coronary angiography. By removing the need for pressure wires or hyperemic agents, AutocathFFR integrates seamlessly into the cath lab workflow, enabling fast and precise assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Addressing a Critical Healthcare Need

Coronary artery disease is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in Japan where the burden of cardiovascular disease continues to rise. The introduction of AI-driven, non-invasive physiology represents an important advancement for both clinicians and patients by supporting evidence-based decision-making, reducing procedural complexity, and potentially lowering overall healthcare costs.

With reimbursement now established, AutocathFFR is positioned to play a central role in improving access to advanced CAD assessment throughout Japan. This milestone further strengthens MedHub-AI’s strategic collaboration with Terumo Corporation to accelerate adoption and integration of AutocathFFR across hundreds of hospitals nationwide.

Differentiation from 3D-Based FFR Solutions

Unlike 3D image reconstruction-based physiology technologies that require complex processing, manual steps, and time-consuming analysis, AutocathFFR is fully automated and does not rely on 3D modeling of coronary anatomy. Instead, it applies advanced AI algorithms directly to routine angiographic images, producing physiology results instantly and reproducibly within the procedure.

This unique approach reduces operator dependency, shortens analysis time, and enhances consistency across patients and centers. These advantages make AutocathFFR ideally suited for broad adoption in daily practice, ensuring that physiology assessment is available for every case, not just selected patients.

Advancing Global Strategy

“Reimbursement approval in Japan represents a major achievement for MedHub-AI and validates the clinical and economic value of AutocathFFR,” said Or Bruch-El, Chief Executive Officer of MedHub-AI. “This milestone underscores our commitment to advancing coronary physiology worldwide and to ensuring that patients and physicians have access to innovative, AI-driven solutions that transform clinical practice.”

About AutocathFFR™

AutocathFFR is the first fully automated AI-based system that enables real-time, intra-procedural physiology assessment during coronary angiography. The system is:

  • Non-invasive: Requires no pressure wires or pharmacologic hyperemia.
  • Fast and efficient: Provides results in seconds in real time without disrupting workflow.
  • Reproducible: Automated AI eliminates variability and ensures consistent results.
  • Clinically validated: Multi-center studies have demonstrated equivalence to invasive FFR methods.

AutocathFFR has received regulatory approvals in Japan and is part of MedHub-AI’s broader global strategy to expand access to AI-driven solutions for cardiovascular care.

Contacts:
MedHub
Or Bruch-El, Founder & CEO
Email: Or@medhub-ai.com

Yarden Bruch-El, COO
Email: Yarden@medhub-ai.com
Website: www.MedHub-AI.com 

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/medhub_logo.jpg

 

Emeren Group Announces Cancellation and Rescheduling of Extraordinary General Meeting

NORWALK, Conn., Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Emeren Group Ltd (“Emeren” or the “Company“) (www.emeren.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading global solar and storage project developer, owner, and operator, today announced that its extraordinary general meeting previously scheduled to be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on October 21, 2025 (the “Previously Scheduled EGM“), to consider and vote on, among other things, the proposal to authorize and approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended), dated as of June 18, 2025, by and among the Company, Shurya Vitra Ltd., and Emeren Holdings Ltd, and the transactions contemplated thereby (the “Merger Proposal“), is cancelled with immediate effect, and the Company plans to announce the date of a new extraordinary general meeting (the “New EGM“) to consider and vote on, among other things, the Merger Proposal, as soon as it has finalized and filed the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A and the definitive transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 related to the Merger Proposal.

As previously announced on September 2, 2025, the date of the Previously Scheduled EGM is subject to postponement depending on the review by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“) of the proxy statement on Schedule 14A and the transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 related to the Merger Proposal filed by the Company on September 2, 2025. In light of the time it would require to make further amendments to these filings, the Company decided to cancel the Previously Scheduled EGM and convene a New EGM on a later date to consider and vote on, among other things, the Merger Proposal. The Company will provide notice of the New EGM, including the record date for the New EGM, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations and the Company’s memorandum and articles of association.

About Emeren Group Ltd

Emeren Group Ltd (NYSE: SOL), a renewable energy leader, showcases a comprehensive portfolio of solar and storage projects and Independent Power Producer (IPP) assets, complemented by a significant global Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity. Specializing in the entire solar project lifecycle — from development through construction to financing — we excel by leveraging local talent in each market, ensuring our sustainable energy solutions are at the forefront of efficiency and impact. Our commitment to enhancing solar power and energy storage underlines our dedication to innovation, excellence, and environmental responsibility. For more information, go to www.emeren.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets, “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Emeren’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Emeren’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. Emeren may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its periodic reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. All forward-looking statements are based upon management’s expectations at the time of the statements and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: execution of Emeren’s strategies and business plans; growth and trends of the industries in which Emeren operates; market acceptance of Emeren’s products and services; competition in the industries in which Emeren operates; Emeren’s ability to control costs and expenses; Emeren’s ability to retain key personnel and attract new talent; relevant government policies and regulations relating to Emeren’s industry, corporate structure and business operations; seasonality in the business; fluctuations in currencies exchange rates; risks related to acquisitions or investments Emeren has made or will make in the future; accounting adjustments that may occur during the quarterly or annual close or auditing process; and fluctuations in general economic, political, geopolitical and business conditions. Further information regarding these and other risks are included in Emeren’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release and based on assumptions that Emeren believes to be reasonable as of this date, and Emeren undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Emeren Group Ltd – Investor Relations
ir@emeren.com 

Bybit Lists DoubleZero (2Z), Bringing Infrastructure-Backed Token to Traders With 5.5M 2Z Launch Promotion

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has listed DoubleZero (2Z), the token supporting a dedicated low-latency networking layer currently used by more than 300 blockchain validators worldwide. The listing introduces 2Z trading against both USDT and USDC, providing Bybit users access to an infrastructure-based asset designed to enhance block propagation, validator fairness and overall network reliability across distributed systems.

Backed by the Solana ecosystem, 2Z is a top-tier project on Solana led by Austin, a former member of the Solana Foundation.

DoubleZero takes a physical approach to blockchain scaling. Instead of relying solely on software-level improvements, it operates a permissionless fiber network in which data is routed directly between nodes via independently managed links. This enables faster packet transmission compared to conventional internet pathways, reducing consensus delays and improving performance for validators across diverse geographies. By combining fiber links run by independent contributors with edge filtering hardware in a permissionless network, DoubleZero maintains crypto-economic security guarantees while improving throughput.

Deposits for 2Z opened on October 2 at 4:00 a.m. UTC. Trading for the 2Z/USDT pair went live at 1:00 p.m. UTC, followed by 2Z/USDC at 1:30 p.m. Withdrawals are scheduled to open on October 3 at 10:00 a.m. UTC.

To coincide with the listing, Bybit has launched a 5.5 million 2Z “Token Splash” promotion. A total of 2,000,000 2Z has been allocated exclusively to new users through a deposit-based campaign running between October 2 and October 10. The first 5,000 participants who meet the qualifying thresholds—either by depositing 2,000 2Z or depositing and trading the equivalent of 100 USDT—will each receive 400 2Z.

An additional 3,500,000 2Z has been reserved for trading rewards, open to all users who meet eligibility criteria.  Between October 2 at 1:00 p.m. UTC and October 10 at 11:00 a.m. UTC, any user who reaches a cumulative total of 500 USDT or more in 2Z spot trading volume will qualify for proportional rewards, with payouts capped at 1,800 2Z per participant.

The listing of 2Z reflects Bybit’s continued focus on onboarding tokens backed by real-world infrastructure usage. As blockchain networks expand, performance improvements at the physical transport layer are becoming increasingly relevant to both institutional and retail participants. DoubleZero’s approach to network acceleration offers a clear example of how hardware-aligned protocols are beginning to play a foundational role in blockchain scalability.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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CCTV4: Heritage and Harmony Beneath the Full Moon, The World Is Invited to the CMG 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala

BEIJING, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This year, for its Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, China Media Group invites you to Deyang in the country’s southwest – a city where ancient tradition merges with a vision of a high-tech future.

Heritage and Harmony Beneath the Full Moon :The World Is Invited to the CMG 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala
Heritage and Harmony Beneath the Full Moon :The World Is Invited to the CMG 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala

Set amid the stunning natural scenery of Sichuan Province, the Gala will feature songs, old and new, focusing on the Festival’s core theme of missing home and family reunion at the time of the full moon. In an acknowledgement of the recent 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, performances of the nostalgic classics “Flowers of May”, “As Time Goes By” and “La Vie en Rose” will reinforce the theme of humanity’s shared sentiments of cherishing peace and aspiring for a bright new dawn. Underscoring the power of music to bring the world together will be an innovative fusion of “The Moon Represents My Heart” and Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me”, performed by Grammy-Award-winning band Time for Three and Chinese singer Jike Junyi.

Deyang, as a modern manufacturing hub and gateway to the ancient Kingdom of Shu and its mysterious Sanxingdui culture, is a place where tradition and innovation not only coexist, but reinforce each other. In a striking episode designed to highlight this harmony, the Gala will tour the Sanxingdui Museum in the company of a robot which, by interacting with the artifacts, will create a dialogue between China’s intelligent manufacturing and ancient civilization.

The 2025 CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala will be broadcast around the world, from 8pm Beijing Time on October 6.

 

 

 

Lisk Launches $15M Venture Fund to Back Founders Powering Web3’s Fastest Growing Markets

The Lisk EMpower Fund targets post-incubation Web3 startups in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, bridging the capital gap and unlocking outsized returns in regions where Web3 adoption is already mainstream.

ZUG, Switzerland, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lisk, the growth platform designed for Web3 founders in high-growth markets, today announced the launch of the Lisk EMpower Fund, a $15 million venture initiative aimed at backing Web3 startups solving real-world problems in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. In addition to the launch of the Lisk EMpower fund, Lisk is excited to announce four early recipients: Lov.cash, a South African digital supply chain platform, Afrikabal, an African Agritech platform, IDRX, an Indonesian stablecoin, and SigraFi, who finances small gold producers and issues gold-backed onchain loan notes.

Lisk Launches the EMpower Fund
Lisk Launches the EMpower Fund

While developed markets often see competitive and dense VC activity and higher valuations, the Lisk EMpower Fund is hyper-focused on emerging markets where adoption is organic, purpose-driven, and transformative. To date, VCs are overlooking a $5.2 trillion opportunity in emerging markets, where small-to-medium-sized businesses remain underfunded.

Global VCs have become obsessed with speculation. In high-growth markets, the opposite is true. Founders are solving real problems with real utility and that is where the next unicorns will come from,” said Gideon Greaves, Head of Investments at Lisk.

High-growth markets offer significant growth opportunities, leveraging emerging technology to develop innovative solutions that solve local challenges that otherwise could not be solved by traditional technology. Many founders bootstrap to Series-A level traction without ever raising institutional seed capital. Yet, a knowledge gap remains in the opportunities to invest in these regions.

Emerging markets have consistently outperformed public benchmarks, delivering 9-11% annualized venture returns over the past 10-15 years, according to Cambridge Associates. Lisk believes this marks the start of a generational bull run in emerging markets, driven by unprecedented innovation and the rapid adoption of transformative technologies. In contrast, U.S. seed-stage venture has become oversaturated, with record-high early-stage valuations and near-zero three-year returns. This creates an opportunity to back high-growth founders in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia at fair valuations, while generating uncorrelated, venture-scale returns.

The disconnect is Lisk’s opportunity. The Lisk EMpower Fund addresses a critical gap that most VCs continue to miss. By backing founders at the earliest stages, the Lisk EMpower Fund delivers more than capital, it offers hands-on advisory, Web3 experience, and resources, becoming long-term partners with the founders at the intersection of local impact and global growth.

Emerging markets are no longer the future of Web3, they are the present,” said Dominic Schwenter, COO at Lisk. “The Lisk EMpower Fund is designed to bridge the capital gap for world-class founders who are building global companies from these ecosystems.”

The Lisk EMpower Fund model integrates incubation, assessment, and growth capital through a scalable, end-to-end pipeline designed to accelerate high-potential ventures.

  • Web3-Native: Dedicated capital for infrastructure and applications solving real-problems in payments, remittances, identity, and supply chain.
  • Emerging Markets: Targeting regions that are ripe for organic adoption and have the potential to scale globally.
  • Hands-on Advisory: Beyond capital, Lisk operates as a boutique investment bank for startups, supporting founders in refining their narratives, structuring for international fundraising, and securing proper Series A and B rounds.
  • Tokenized Fund Structure: The Lisk EMpower Fund utilizes tokenization to streamline LP subscriptions, provide secondary market liquidity, and open access to retail LPs, who are traditionally excluded from venture funds.

By investing in the essential digital infrastructure of emerging economies, Lisk generates venture-scale returns uncorrelated with saturated Western markets. Its structured investment model is designed to de-risk early-stage ventures while providing hands-on advisory support to prepare them for global institutional investment.

Through strategic partnerships with leading local incubators, Lisk gains early access to pre-vetted deal flow across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Selected companies are eligible to receive $250,000 in capital alongside strategic support, ranging from investor-grade financial modeling and legal structuring to access to Lisk’s global VC network.

This past September, Lisk celebrated its growing community of founders at ETHSafari, Africa’s largest Ethereum conference. For more information, visit www.lisk.com/fund and access Lisk’s media kit here.

About Lisk
Lisk is a growth platform designed for Web3 founders in high-growth markets. We provide the tools founders need to build and scale: capital, local programs, key partnerships, and an Ethereum-aligned Layer 2 primed for deployment.

Lisk takes a founder-first approach that’s both committed and hands-on. We collaborate with teams from early concepts through go-to-market, with on-the-ground teams in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, helping transform regional challenges into real opportunities.

As a founding member of the Optimism Superchain, Lisk is helping shape the industry’s first fully interoperable network, expanding access for builders with minimal fees, intuitive user experiences, and solutions designed to address local challenges.

Since its inception in 2016, Lisk has focused on tangible routes to Web3 adoption, supporting founders who are tackling pressing local issues and developing lasting solutions.

 

HKUST Scientists Reveal Critical Impacts of a Chinese Genetic Risk Factor in Alzheimer’s Disease

HONG KONG, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A landmark study conducted by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has demonstrated that a genetic variant, TREM2 H157Y, significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in individuals of ethnic Chinese descent. The research reveals that this variant confers a risk level comparable to that of the strongest known genetic risk factor for AD, APOE-ε4, and is associated with more rapid clinical progression and more severe neurodegeneration.

This is the first in the field to conduct an in-depth family-based clinical case study on a Chinese-enriched genetic risk factor for AD, the TREM2 H157Y variant. The findings, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, have profound implications for disease monitoring and patient management.

Highlights of the findings:

  • The TREM2 H157Y variant is associated with an increased risk of AD.
  • The TREM2 H157Y variant is found in approximately 1 in 200 ethnic Chinese individuals with AD.
  • Patients with the TREM2 H157Y variant experience more rapid clinical progression.
  • AD patients with the TREM2 H157Y variant exhibit more severe disease outcomes.
  • Changes in blood protein biomarkers in TREM2 H157Y variant carriers revealed specific underlying biological processes, highlighting their potential use in monitoring disease progression and developing personalized disease management.

AD currently affects approximately 10 million people in Chinese Mainland, with the number projected to rise to around 50 million by 2050. Genetic factors account for 60-80% of the risk for late-onset AD, with the APOE gene being the most extensively studied, followed by TREM2. Both genetic risk factors exhibit significant differences in prevalence and risk effects across different ethnic populations. In particular, the most studied TREM2 genetic variant, R47H, is enriched in European populations but not found in Chinese populations. As most AD genetic studies have been conducted in European populations, it is crucial to undertake such studies on diverse populations.

To address this gap, the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) launched its Biobank (HKCeND Biobank) for AD research. Led by HKUST and in collaboration with hospitals in Hong Kong, this biobank collects and consolidates comprehensive clinical, neuroimaging, and multi-omics data from individuals of ethnic Chinese origin. This makes it a critical resource for investigating Chinese-enriched genetic factors such as the TREM2 H157Y variant.

This research on the genetic variant was conducted by a team led by Prof. Nancy IP, President and the Morningside Professor of Life Science at HKUST. She is also the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders (SKLNSD) at HKUST and the Center Director of the InnoHK HKCeND.

The study resulted in several novel findings. The clinical case study showed that TREM2 H157Y variant carriers with the APOE-ε4 risk factor exhibit more rapid clinical progression in the early stages of the disease, compared to non-carriers. Cognitive assessments, neuroimaging, and AD blood biomarker analyses indicated that AD patients carrying the TREM2 H157Y variant experience significantly worsened cognitive functions, more severe neurodegeneration, and more severe AD pathology. Additionally, blood protein profile analysis revealed alterations in immune, vascular, and bone-related biological processes in these individuals. This highlights the use of blood biomarkers to investigate how genetic risk factors influence AD pathology, generating new insights into AD biology and novel therapeutic development.

Prof. Ip remarked, “This study is the first to demonstrate that the TREM2 H157Y genetic variant is associated with more severe AD pathology and neurodegeneration. The prevalence of the TREM2 H157Y variant among ethnic Chinese individuals emphasizes the importance of conducting genetic studies in the Chinese population.” She added, “This study also highlights the critical clinical implications of the genetic variant for timely intervention and personalized disease management. Our research benefits from public participation and close collaboration between clinicians and scientists, effectively linking scientific findings to improved patient outcomes.”

The study was supported by multiple funding bodies, including the InnoHK initiative of the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Areas of Excellence Scheme of the University Grants Committee, the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, the ITC Grant, the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/RGC Joint Research Scheme, and the SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The clinical case study was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Timothy Kwok from the Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Download photos here: http://bit.ly/4mLdg95  

Watch the video for research highlights: https://youtu.be/fx1vOM5DAQA

 

OSL Pay and Banxa Deepens Partnership to Build a Global, Compliant Web3 Payment Network

MILAN, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OSL Pay, an international digital asset payment infrastructure provider, announced today at the “PayFi Rewrite” event its strengthened alliance with Banxa Holdings Inc. (TSX-V: BNXA), a leading publicly listed Web3 payment service provider. The partnership aims to build a comprehensive, secure, and reliable one-stop global Web3 payment solution for institutional clients, setting a new industry standard for compliance and efficiency in digital asset payments and transactions.

The partnership will be built upon two core strengths: Firstly, by integrating their global licensing resources, OSL Pay and Banxa will establish a comprehensive and complementary global compliant payment network, providing a solid foundation for the Web3 payment needs of institutional businesses. Secondly, the two parties will merge their robust liquidity pools. This synergy will provide clients with more competitive pricing, increase transaction success rates, and enhance the capital depth required to handle large-scale, institutional-grade transactions.

Jing Wei, CEO of OSL Pay, said:

“Institutional clients have long awaited a truly compliant and efficient digital asset payment solution. By joining forces, OSL Pay and Banxa directly address this market need. By combining our respective strengths, we are clearing the path for institutions to enter the world of digital assets with confidence and security.”

Holger Arians, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Banxa, said:

“We are delighted to forge a stronger partnership with OSL Pay, which marks a new stage of growth and development for Banxa. By combining Banxa’s regulatory expertise, deep relationships with global banks and payment processors, and operational experience with OSL Pay’s exceptional capabilities in compliant digital asset on-and-off-ramps and payments, we will jointly create a more efficient and open global Web3 financial payment system.”

About OSL Pay

OSL Pay is the payment infrastructure arm of OSL Group, building licensed and compliant solutions for seamless conversion between digital assets and fiat currencies.We serve enterprises, protocols, foundations, and individuals around the world with secure, enterprise-grade liquidity — powered by deep expertise across both traditional finance and Web3. Learn more at www.osl-pay.com.

About Banxa

Banxa is powering the future of global payments with trusted technology enabling regulated, efficient and scalable cross-border solutions. For more than a decade, we’ve built robust payments infrastructure, backed by a global licensing network, to bring the benefits of digital assets and stablecoins to 350+ partners and millions of users worldwide. Move money globally with Banxa. One network, local everywhere.

banxa.com