August 22, 2023

Conagen innovates novel natural-source retinol for cosmetic formulations

Bedford, Mass., Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Conagen, the bioplatform innovator and biomanufacturer, has developed a first-of-its-kind, natural-sourced class of sustainable retinol derivative ingredients through precision fermentation. This achievement in new retinol active ingredients reshapes beauty and personal care applications.

“Conagen is ready to commercialize these retinoid ingredients in 2024,” said VP of Flavors and Fragrances, Yisheng Wu, Ph.D. at Conagen. “Beauty and personal care brands seeking the newest technology in retinol formulation flexibility are encouraged to explore Conagen’s retinoid ingredients.”

Conagen’s retinoids derivatives are created by covalently binding retinoids with another cosmetic active ingredient into a single molecule. The retinol is produced with a 100% renewable carbon source through the precision fermentation process. Through the fusion of retinol and a second complementary ingredient, the technology offers consumers functionalities that extend beyond wrinkle reduction and anti-aging benefits.

“This new development empowers cosmetic formulators to create products that excel in both performance and innovation, aligning with the ever-evolving demands of today’s discerning consumers,” said Wu. “By providing enhanced stability, controlled release, and multifunctional capabilities, Conagen’s retinoid derivatives redefine the possibilities within the cosmetic industry.”

A notable feature of Conagen’s innovative retinoid variants is their adaptability. Depending on the selected partner for pipeline integration, these compounds introduce flexibility, enabling cosmetic formulators to incorporate a secondary function. This presents opportunities for inventive features that uniquely enhance cosmetic formulations.

Pushing the limits in creative beauty, Conagen’s primary achievement lies in the improved stability these retinoid derivatives provide. This enhanced stability enables cosmetic products to ensure a consistent and extended release of retinol, resulting in long-lasting effects on the skin. Traditional retinol is known to cause skin irritation, such as redness, dryness, and peeling. Conagen’s retinol ingredients aid in the formulation of low-irritation retinol products. These ingredients are compatible with other compounds, such as squalene, bakuchiol, and pomegranate extract, maximizing delivery and effectiveness while minimizing potential off-target effects.

According to Innova Market Insights, online consumer searches for retinol in beauty and personal care are rising. With approximately 1 million tags on Instagram and a growing trend, the demand for this anti-aging active ingredient continues to surge. Innova’s global report highlights consumers prioritizing anti-aging and anti-acne properties in skincare, followed by blemish reduction.

The success of this retinol innovation originates from the unique high-yield carotenoid platform led by Wu, who has worked on the project for years. This meticulously studied platform has yielded numerous widely utilized carotenoid compounds, including beta-carotene and astaxanthin. By introducing additional steps in the metabolic pathway, Conagen can make retinol at high efficiency. This same versatile platform holds the potential to generate various flavors, fragrances, and nutritional compounds derived from carotenoids, further underlining its significance.

“Conagen’s achievement underscores its steadfast commitment to pushing the boundaries of biotechnology and driving innovation,” said Wu. “As the cosmetic industry undergoes transformation toward clean and sustainable, Conagen remains at the forefront of transformative advancements, poised to contribute to a new era in cosmetic formulation.”

About Conagen

Conagen is a product-focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large-scale manufacturing capabilities. Our scientists and engineers use the latest synthetic biology tools to develop high-quality, sustainable, nature-based products by precision fermentation and enzymatic bioconversion. We focus on the bioproduction of high-value ingredients for food, nutrition, flavors and fragrances, beauty, personal care, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials industries. www.conagen.com

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Ana Capretz, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Conagen
+1-781-271-1588
ana.capretz@conagen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8898570

August 22, 2023

INVNT.ATOM™ Launches BZAR™ a Patent Pending, Interactive Platform Redefining Virtual Commerce, Immersive Engagement, and Community Building for Brands and Fans

Singapore, Aug. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — INVNT.ATOM, the digital and Web3 innovation division of [INVNT GROUP] THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT introduces BZAR, the GROUP’s patent-pending, self-funded, content-led digital platform, built exclusively for brands and fans. The now available-to-demo platform enables next-gen collaboration, connection, and co-creation with communities in the virtual world. With BZAR, brands can create custom and immersive experiences tailored precisely to their needs utilizing curated photorealistic environments, proactive immersive commerce, and Web3 integrated features to engage with their consumers, build communities, and drive new commercial opportunities.

“Built upon WebGL and WebGPU, our scalable platform features a comprehensive suite of tools that bring brand narratives to life in virtual worlds with features such as multiplayer interaction, real-time communication, and synchronized video streaming. With 29 unique patent claims, BZAR revolutionizes new and existing revenue streams for brands based on their specific strategic needs; while engaging their communities with always-on, custom-curated interactive experiences that amplify storytelling, deepen connections, boost loyalty, drive revenue and capture unparalleled engagement intelligence and data”, said Scott Cullather, President & CEO, [INVNT GROUP] and CEO, INVNT.ATOM. “[INVNT GROUP] has always been at the forefront of creating compelling and impactful brandstories around the world and we see Web3 and our proprietary virtual platform, BZAR, as a critical component of any successful marketing strategy and the next great frontier of brandstory.”

Key features and Web3 integrations of the BZAR platform include:

Expansive Environments: Real-time rendering (generated by AI) of interactive environments to minimize loading time without sacrificing graphics quality.
Multiplayer Interactions: Communicate seamlessly in real-time with thousands of users to create a vibrant and continuous social atmosphere.
NFT Ticketing: Issuers can offer consumers a secure and transparent way of issuing and managing data collection for their events, whilst recipients can take advantage of unique experiences.
Cross-Platform: Accessible across desktop, tablet, mobile, VR, and mixed reality technologies for a seamless shopping experience across devices and platforms.
Synchronized Video Streaming: Real-time, synchronized video streams on any 3D surface for a fully immersive multimedia experience.
Avatar Creation and Customization: Users can personalize avatars to discover, play, and explore, as well as try on and shop digital products.
Social Integration: Integrating social feeds and community invitations to foster community engagement. Text and voice chat, social media feeds, video calls, and private rooms for friends.
Interactive Actions: Action buttons for users to trigger dynamic events within the 3D environment, enhancing exploration and discovery.
Audio Triggers: Incorporating audio triggers, BZAR elevates sensory immersion, creating a dynamic and engaging sonic landscape.
Marketplace: Connect your virtual commerce experience to your IRL footprint with a digital marketplace that also empowers your community to buy-and-sell.
Mini-games and Private Rooms for Friends: Fostering new communities to amplify engagement, brands can integrate mini-games and private rooms for their fans to collaborate amongst each other through custom interactions, leaderboard integration, and emotes.

“BZAR was built for brands to seize on the possibilities enabled by this wave of emerging technologies. BZAR is a canvas for creativity and consumer connection, integrating new technologies such as AI-adapted mechanisms that can generate unimagined virtual worlds and environments,” said Laura Roberts, Managing Director, [INVNT GROUP] APAC.

Brands and organizations interested in discovering the possibilities of virtual commerce can request a demo here.

About BZAR
BZAR is a patent pending, comprehensive virtual experience platform that integrates immersive storytelling into virtual worlds. BZAR provides the tools brands need to create unique, “always on ” immersive experiences that captivate and engage consumers beyond traditional digital channels. A beacon for brands to enter the metaverse through cutting edge technology, BZAR’s extensive suite of strategic partners include Livewire, AWS, BlockTrust, Polygon, Trident3, and more. For more information on BZAR’s always-on immersive virtual world, visit: www.bzar.com.

About INVNT.ATOM
INVNT.ATOM, part of [INVNT GROUP] THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT, is an innovation and brand experience agency devoted to helping global brands chart a course, navigate, activate, and create new opportunities at the digital frontier of Web3. Headquartered in Singapore, the collective of strategists, marketers, creators, programmers, matchmakers, and thought leaders, turn strategies into stories and stories into experiences that engage communities on the global stage. For more information about INVNT.ATOM, visit: www.invntatom.com

About [INVNT GROUP]
[INVNT GROUP] was established as an evolution of the founding global live brand storytelling agency INVNT. Led by President and CEO, Scott Cullather, [INVNT GROUP], THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT represents a portfolio of disciplines designed to help forward-thinking organizations innovate and impact audiences everywhere. The GROUP consists of modern brand strategy firm, Folk Hero; creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; production studio & creative agency, HEVĒ; events for colleges and universities, INVNT Higher Ed; digital innovation division, INVNT.ATOM; creative multimedia experience studio, Hypnogram; and the original live brand storytelling agency, INVNT. For more information visit www.invntgroup.com.

Media Kit (High-Res Imagery and Video)

Attachment

BZAR – The Future of Community is Here.

Paola Cracknell
INVNT.ATOM
+61 452 452 051
pcracknell@invnt.com

Jhonathan Mendez de Leon
[INVNT GROUP]
jmendezdeleon@invnt.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8898426

August 22, 2023

Uganda pushes for release of citizens held in Turkey

Ugandan officials are working to secure the release of 59 Ugandans detained in five detention centres in Turkey’s capital, Ankara.

Fifty-seven of them were arrested for overstaying their visas in a government crackdown on undocumented migrants, which has seen more than 10,000 people reportedly deported in July.

“We are doing our very best to help them because the majority of the Ugandans, especially those on work [visas] had applied for the extension of their stay and were arrested during the process of renewing,” Uganda’s ambassador to Turkey, Nusura Tiperu, told Uganda’s private Daily Monitor newspaper.

The other two Ugandans are facing human trafficking allegations and are expected to go on trial in a Turkish court.

Source: BBC

August 22, 2023

Ethiopia : African Development Bank Group ink $84.3 million grant agreement to enhance wheat production

The African Development Bank Group has awarded grant funding totalling $84.3 million to Ethiopia to advance wheat production and increase farmers’ incomes.

The grant comprises $54 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional lending window for low-income countries, $20 million from the Government of the Netherlands, $10 million from agribusiness firm OCP Africa, and $300,000 from the Global Center on Adaptation.

The Ethiopian government will contribute $10 million in counterpart funding for the project.

Source: Africa News Agency

August 22, 2023

PM recommends Transport Minister to provide all guarantees for good start of school and university year

Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani recommended during a meeting with Minister of Transport Rabii Majidi on Tuesday to provide all guarantees for the start of the school and university year in the best conditions. On this occasion, the Prime Minister was briefed on the ministry's programme to prepare for the upcoming start of the school and university year, according to a statement from the Prime Ministry. The meeting also discussed the future programmes of the transport and logistics sector and the priority projects for the coming period. The Prime Minister stressed the need to complete the implementation of these projects in order to improve the performance of the sector.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

August 22, 2023

Stock market: Tunindex down by 0.2%

The recovery of the previous day did not last long for the Tunindex. The benchmark index of the Tunisian stock exchange once again fell into the red, dropping 0.2% to 8886 points, on a meagre exchange of TND 2.1 million, as reported by broker Tunisie Valeurs. Tuninvest was the best performer of the session. The shares of the SICAR improved by 4.5% to TND 6.790, in a flow of TND 1,000. The investment company reported on the first half of 2023 a remarkable increase in its income: +78% to TND 358,000. After a long period at half-mast, Euro-Cycles showed an awakening on the stock market during the session. The shares of this bicycle manufacturer rose by 2.9% to TND 13.990. Among the most dynamic values of the session, Euro-Cycles accumulated exchanges of TND 201,000. ATL was placed in the red lantern of the Tunindex. The shares of the ATB Group subsidiary specialising in leasing fell by 2.4% to 3,600 TND. The value was exchanged only up to TND 20,000 during the session. However, the annual stock market performance of the leasing company remains positive (up 29%). UIB came as a surprise, being one of the biggest fallers of the session. The shares of this subsidiary of the Societe Generale Group fell by 2.4% to TND 27. The value generated a volume of TND 193,000 or 9% of the flow of the rating. The BNA share topped the volume charts. The value fed the market with capital of TND 280,000. In the continuity of the last sessions, the shares of the bank ended the day on a gloomy note, crumbling by 0.5% to TND 7.700.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

August 22, 2023

7 Seychellois students heading for China for university studies

Seven Seychellois students are set to leave for China next week to pursue their master's and bachelor's degrees at various Chinese institutions.

In a ceremony at the Ministry of Education on Tuesday morning, the students, some accompanied by their parents, received their travel documents.

They will be following courses in business administration, architecture and maritime safety administration, among others.

The Chinese charge d'affaires in Seychelles, Mu Jianfeng, said this latest group of students leaving to further their studies in China is proof of the existing relationship between the two countries.

He urged them "to better learn culture when they are in the country by reading Chinese literature and discovering beautiful China."

Jianfeng also cautioned them that their journey may not be easy due to the language barrier as well as being in a different culture and environment.

Under the Seychelles-China cooperation programme, over 180 Seychellois students have followed their studies in China.

There are currently 12 Seychellois students already studying in China, following courses ranging from design, economics, to auditing and engineering.

Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Sylvius Laporte, who is going to study fine arts at the Central Academy of Fine Arts for five years, said he chose to study in China as this fit well with his chosen field.

"As you know China is a country that is well known for wooden carving and this is an area I would like to specialise in," he told reporters.

Another student, Xiang Luo, is going to study business management for five years at Shanghai University.

She had previously studied for a Wellness and Spa advanced certificate at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, but has now chosen her course "as business management is something that she has wanted to do for some time now."

She told reporters that "China is already a country that I have visited in the past and since I have family living there I felt it would be easier for me if anything should happen."

Meanwhile, the principal secretary for education sector development, John Lesperance, urged the students to approach their studies "with dedication, strive for excellence, and, above all, return to our homeland equipped to contribute and share the wisdom you have gained."

Seychelles - an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean – has had long-standing relations with China since the first arrival of Chinese immigrants to the island nation in 1863 aboard a merchant ship.

The two countries developed a strong cultural bond and established diplomatic ties in 1976.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

August 22, 2023

Malawian and Omani diplomats present credentials to Seychelles’ President

Seychelles and Malawi expect to sign general services agreement in various areas of cooperation, said Malawian High Commissioner to Seychelles, Andrew P.E.Z Kumwenda, after he was accredited on Tuesday.

Kumwenda, who presented his credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House, told reporters that "We have discussed ways that we can enhance the relationship between the two countries, where despite being far from each other, we are both part of Africa and of organisations, such SADC and the Commonwealth, so these are some areas where we can collaborate."

He added that the two countries will look to elevate their relationship, by signing a general services agreement, which will state different areas of cooperation.

Kumwenda said that Malawi is very successful in farming and that is an area where they can help Seychelles, whereas, the island nation on the other hand can lend their expertise to Malawi in the tourism sector.

Kumwenda is the fourth high commissioner from Malawi to be accredited to Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

He succeeds Olga Ndilowe, who was accredited to Seychelles in September 2016.

Malawi and Seychelles established diplomatic relations on May 22 in 2001.

Saud Bin Hilal Al Shidhani presented his credentials to President Ramkalawan. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY

Also accredited on Tuesday was the Ambassador of Oman to Seychelles.

Saud Bin Hilal Al Shidhani, who presented his credentials to President Ramkalawan on Tuesday, told reporters that "We have excellent relations between our two countries and today we discussed how we can further strengthen this relationship."

He added that the main areas of cooperation that the two nations are looking to pursue are in regards to commerce and the economy, as well as the Blue Economy.

He will be replacing Ali bin Abdullah bin Salim Al-Mahrooqi.

Oman and Seychelles established diplomatic relations in April 1983.

The two accredited diplomats will both be based in Dar es Salaam,

Source: Seychelles News Agency

August 22, 2023

Burkina: The hedge on the banks of the Tourny/Sindou hydroelectric dam reinforced

The Local Water Committee (CLE) Noula accompanied by all community actors, as well as local authorities reinforced on Friday August 18, 2023 the living hedge of the banks of the hydroelectric dam of Tourny, department of the urban municipality of Sindou. The high commissioner of the province of Léraba, Mahamadi Congo, chaired the activity.

Protecting upstream the banks of the hydroelectric dam of Tourny in the department of Sindou, from the phenomenon of silting up is the objective sought by CLE Noula headed by the high commissioner of the province of Léraba.

Indeed, following a series of activities, the committee was able to create a living hedge in 2022 with the support of the Agence de l'eau des Cascades (AEC) and the financial support of the embassy. of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the project: "Water, key to sustainable development (ECDB)".

The reforestation activity to reinforce this living hedge on Friday August 18, 2023 follows the fact that approximately 2000 plants died.

This could hinder its effectiveness to serve as a wall to prevent the silting up of the water reservoir.

For the representative of the Water project, key to sustainable development (ECDD) at CLE Noula, Désiré Traoré, and the head of the sustainable development department at the Cascades water agency, Francis Bado, there is no of doubt for the achievement of the objective targeted by this activity in view of the motivation of the beneficiaries and their involvement in the activities of the project.

Thus, it is planned the complete revegetation of the banks of this dam through the planting of fruit trees, left to the choice of the population.

This last activity will be reserved for the supervision of the provincial management of the environment of Léraba for a period of 6 months in order to support the beneficiaries.

The high commissioner of the province, Mahamadi Congo, thanked the various partners as well as the local population for this their involvement.

For Mr. Congo, this testifies to the adherence of the populations to the community development project.

He urged them to remain mobilized for the next activities.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

August 22, 2023

National launch of the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) in Cameroon: the project extends its activities to Central African countries

The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) officially started its activities this Friday, August 18, 2023 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. It was during an awareness-raising workshop whose work saw the participation of representatives of the ECOWAS Commission, the Ministry in charge of Water and Energy of Cameroon, the World Bank and the parties private and public sector stakeholders including civil society organizations, professional associations, media, NGOs and commercial banks in Cameroon.

During this workshop, participants had the opportunity to follow a presentation on the implementation mechanism of the ROGEAP project at the level of the 19 Member States concerned by this initiative, which are the 15 ECOWAS countries and 4 others from the sub-Saharan Africa: Central African Republic, Cameroon, Chad, Mauritania. This workshop also made it possible to sensitize the actors on solar PV technologies (off-grid) to facilitate the establishment of a regulatory framework favorable to the development of the market for off-grid solar PV products in Cameroon.

In Yaoundé, the work of the workshop was officially launched by Mr. Laurent NGOUIGA, Technical Advisor Number 1, representing the Minister of Water and Energy of Cameroon, in the presence of Mr. Momodou NJIE , Senior Energy Specialist of the World Bank and Mr. Arnaud KOUADIO BA, Monitoring and Evaluation Expert of ROGEAP , representing Commissioner Sédiko Douka in charge of Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization of ECOWAS.

As a reminder, ROGEAP is implemented by the ECOWAS Commission and the West African Development Bank (BOAD). It aims to increase access to sustainable electricity services in the 15 ECOWAS Member States and 4 other African countries (Mauritania, Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroon) for households, commercial enterprises and community infrastructure. public health and education by solar systems. Worth 338.7 million USD, the project is financed by the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Dutch Cooperation (DGIS).

Source: Burkina Information Agency