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        Oxford Nanopore Technologies has partnered with biomedical database and research resource UK Biobank for an epigenetic study targeting the causes of diseases such as cancer and dementia.
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        The collaboration aims to analyze the epigenome of 50,000 participant samples. By capturing comprehensive methylation data, the aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of disease causes and progression, potentially allowing the development of personalized treatments for various diseases,, including cancer and dementia. 
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    <a href="https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1732705761393199900/oxford-nanopore-teams-up-with-uk-biobank-on-epigenetic-dataset.aspx">
      Press release
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Precision Medicine

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 
 <p>Oxford Nanopore Technologies has entered a partnership with UK Biobank for an epigenetic study aimed at determining the causes of diseases like cancer and dementia.</p>
 <p>The partnership intends to analyze the epigenome of 50,000 participant samples. The purpose of gathering comprehensive methylation data is to fully understand the causes and progression of diseases, which may permit the creation of individualized treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer and dementia.</p>
 
</div>

Oxford Nanopore Technologies partners with UK Biobank for study targeting causes of major diseases

Additive manufacturing makes objects by systematically adding material via a CAD program

Additive Manufacturing

<div>
 <p>AML3D, a leading Australian additive manufacturing firm, has signed an agreement worth AUD 2.27 million (USD 1.46 million) with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federal power provider. This agreement aims to equip TVA with AML3D's ARCEMY X system to enhance power generation repair capabilities.</p>
 <p>As per the announced deal, AML3D is set to deliver its 6700 Edition ARCEMY X system to TVA's Muscle Shoals establishment located in Alabama. The procured system comes with a service and maintenance contract valid for two years. This contract also includes an option for extension. Final commissioning of the system is projected for the second half of 2025.</p>
 <p>This new partnership signifies AML3D's plan to grow beyond its primary focus on the defense sector within the US market. TVA singled out AML3D's ARCEMY X system via a competitive tender process to address its power generation repair requirements.</p>
 
</div>

AML3D partners with Tennessee Valley Authority to provide advanced additive manufacturing system

AI, robotics, and IoT to streamline the flow of goods and information

Logistics Tech

<div>
 <p>The national stockholder rights law firm, Bragar Eagel &amp; Squire, submitted a class action lawsuit against Symbotic in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The covered parties are investors who bought Symbotic securities between February 8, 2024, and November 26, 2024.</p>
 <p>The lawsuit claims that Symbotic conveyed materially false and misleading statements during the Class Period. These include allegations of incorrect acceleration of revenue recognition in their 2024 financial statements, and deceptive statements about the company's business practices and future prospects.</p>
 <p>Investors affected by these claims have a deadline of February 3, 2025, to petition to the Court for appointment as lead plaintiff. The law firm states that investors suffering losses, or with relevant information, can seek their assistance at no cost or obligation.</p>
 
</div>

Bragar Eagel & Squire files class action lawsuit against Symbotic

Ensuring the right people access the right resources at the right time

Identity & Access Management

<div>
 <p>Silverfort, a company specialized in identity security, has introduced Privileged Access Security (PAS). This new solution protects privileged accounts within identity and access management infrastructures. It can be added to pre-existing PAM solutions or replace them if they are too complicated.</p>
 <p>PAS has the ability to automatically discover and classify privileged accounts based on their attributes and activities. Furthermore, it enforces the policy of least privilege access controls and allows for Just-In-Time access with a single click. The solution is integrated within the IAM infrastructure and can be implemented across on-site and cloud environments. It is designed to protect various resources such as legacy systems, command-line interfaces, and IT/OT infrastructure.</p>
 <p>The new solution reduces the time required for implementation from several months or even years, to just a few days. PAS provides a wider coverage than traditional PAM solutions and helps to close security gaps, ultimately reducing the cost of cyber insurance premiums. Silverfort suggests that PAS can effectively safeguard against contemporary threats, which is particularly important given that 80% of breaches exploit compromised identifications and credentials.</p>
</div>

Silverfort launches Privileged Access Security for identity protection

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>RSA, a security-first identity company, has introduced the FIDO2 Certified RSA Authenticator App 4.5 for iOS and Android, and the RSA iShield Key 2 Series hardware authenticator. Both are available for order through the RSA ID Plus platform.</p>
 <p>The RSA Authenticator App 4.5 facilitates deployment of FIDO2-Certified device-bound passkeys on mobile devices, supports passwordless authentication across different environments, provides secure credential recovery, and includes RSA Mobile Lock for threat scanning on devices. The iShield Key 2 Series hardware authenticator supports FIDO2, PIV, HOTP, and incorporates a FIPS 140-3-certified cryptographic module.</p>
 <p>These latest solutions assist businesses in minimizing their attack surface, replacing traditional passwords, SMS, and OTP authentication methods, and maintaining compliance with strict cybersecurity regulations. According to RSA's recent global survey, 61% of organizations aim to establish passwordless authentication within the next year.</p>
</div>

RSA launches passwordless authentication app and security key

AI-based solutions for evolving digital threats

Next-gen Cybersecurity

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 
 <p>SonicWall, a cybersecurity firm, has joined forces with cloud-native security platform provider CrowdStrike to introduce a new Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. This partnership leverages SonicWall's Managed Security Services and 24/7 Security Operations Center and CrowdStrike's AI-powered endpoint protection from their Falcon platform.</p>
 <p>The collaboration allows managed service providers (MSPs) to offer enterprise-level security solutions specially crafted for SMBs, offering enhanced threat detection and response capabilities.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> CrowdStrike's partnership with SonicWall to serve SMBs aligns with its strategic focus on this market segment, as demonstrated by its earlier <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/33618"> partnership with 1Password </a> to protect 150,000 SMB customers. The SMB-focused partnerships aim to deliver enterprise-grade security through simplified, integrated solutions that address resource and budget limitations. Similar moves are visible across the industry, with companies like <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28649"> Mulberri and Acronis also forming partnerships </a> to serve SMB cybersecurity needs, suggesting a clear shift in the market toward making advanced security solutions more accessible to smaller organizations.</p>

SonicWall partners with CrowdStrike to offer managed detection and response for SMBs

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

<div>
 <p>Axiom Space, a human spaceflight services provider, has announced plans for the Ax-4 mission. The mission intends to transport astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the International Space Station (ISS). Veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson will be in command of the mission.</p>
 <p>The Ax-4 crew consists of Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Sławosz Uznański from the European Space Agency representing Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The launch will mark the first mission to the ISS for all three countries, and their second government-sponsored human spaceflight in more than four decades. </p>
<p>The mission aims to further science developments, foster international collaboration, and boost the national space programs of India, Poland, and Hungary. </p>
<p>Final approval for the crew to travel to the ISS is yet to be received from NASA and its international partners. These bodies are responsible for managing crew assignments and mission operations, and approving astronauts from non-member countries. </p>
</div>

Axiom Space launches Ax-4 mission with international astronauts

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

SpaceX partners with US DoD to provide Starshield satellite access to Ukraine

<div>
 <p>SES Space &amp; Defense, a subsidiary of SES, has won a five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) from Space Systems Command, worth up to USD 117 million. The contract is for providing commercial satellite services to the US European Command (USEUCOM).</p>
 <p>In partnership with industry collaborators, the company will deliver services across a range of frequency bands, including UHF, L, C, X, Ku, and Mil-Ka. These services will be specific to the USEUCOM region. Commercial teleport and terrestrial transport backhaul services to government entry points are also part of the deal.</p>
 <p>Other services under the contract include program management support, bandwidth management, network monitoring, and the procurement of additional equipment such as remote Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs).</p>
</div>

SES Space & Defense secures USD 117 million DoD contract for European satellite services

Exploring the limitless possibilities of AI

Generative AI Applications

<div>
 <p>AI companion startup Friend secured USD 5.4 million in seed funding, taking its total funds to USD 8.5 million. The company's current market cap stands at USD 30 million.</p>
 <p>The fund will fuel the launch of its premier hardware product, the Friend pendant, set for a January release with an initial rollout of 5,000 units.</p>
 <p>With nearly 10,000 users on its platform, Friend's pendant is priced at USD 99. This device operates as a microphone that links to the firm's mobile app via Bluetooth. It's equipped with integrated light and audio sensors and GPS functionality.</p>
 
</div>

Friend raises USD 5.4 million in seed funding to develop AI companion platform

Distributed workforces require new solutions for office operations, HR, payment, and more.

Remote Work Infrastructure

<div>
 <p>Remote has launched Recruit AI, an AI-enabled tool that aids in the recruitment process by finding qualified candidates globally. The inaugural feature, "Matches," is in beta phase and open for early access registrations from employers.</p>
 <p>The tool works by scanning Remote's proprietary database and matches job descriptions with candidate profiles as per various parameters such as employment eligibility, remote work preferences, skillset, and salary expectations. With each subsequent candidate review, the system's learning and efficiency are enhanced.</p>
 <p>According to Remote, the platform aims to foster inclusivity in the global job market by bridging the gap between employers and undiscovered talent pools. The platform also provides features for smooth onboarding, local currency payments, and employee management throughout the employment tenure.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This launch aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating GenAI into product offerings. In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/35730"> November 2024 </a> , Paycor introduced an AI-driven HR assistant designed to streamline employee management, optimizing HR-related interactions and queries. Similarly, Papaya Global <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/36367"> launched </a> an AI-powered payroll and payment platform to enhance its product capabilities.</p>

All Updates

Oxford Nanopore Technologies partners with UK Biobank for study targeting causes of major diseases

AML3D partners with Tennessee Valley Authority to provide advanced additive manufacturing system

Bragar Eagel & Squire files class action lawsuit against Symbotic

Silverfort launches Privileged Access Security for identity protection

RSA launches passwordless authentication app and security key

SonicWall partners with CrowdStrike to offer managed detection and response for SMBs

Axiom Space launches Ax-4 mission with international astronauts

SpaceX partners with US DoD to provide Starshield satellite access to Ukraine

SES Space & Defense secures USD 117 million DoD contract for European satellite services

Friend raises USD 5.4 million in seed funding to develop AI companion platform

Remote launches Recruit AI for global talent matching

Precision Medicine

Oxford Nanopore Technologies partners with UK Biobank for study targeting causes of major diseases

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