Day: April 19, 2023

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Reproductive Geneticists Gathered in Paris Present the First-Ever Whole Genome Sequencing Test in Embryos

  • Dr. Santiago Munné, a pioneer in preimplantation genetic diagnosis, presented the new test at the PGDIS Conference
  • The novel laboratory test will not only detect genes inherited from parents, but will also reveal new mutations that could lead to ‘de novo’ diseases such as autism

PARIS, April 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dr. Santiago Munné, a pioneer in preimplantation genetic diagnosis, presented the first whole genome sequencing test in embryos before delegates at the 20th Conference of the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS), held this week in Paris.

In his plenary address attended by over 300 experts, Dr. Munné, an internationally recognized trailblazer in reproductive genetics, presented validation data for GenomeScreen™, the test developed by the research team he leads at the biotechnology firm GenEmbryomics.

“We have known since we started working with embryo diagnostics back in 1993 that embryo selection would be key to pregnancy, especially in older patients. Over the last 30 years, our work has been focused on improving genetic embryo selection, though the definitive diagnostic approach—the one that provides the most information and the best outcomes—will doubtless be this one: whole genome sequencing of the embryo using just a few cells obtained from a biopsy. This test will open doors that we never knew existed,” says Munné of the work done at GenEmbryomics.

To understand the genome is to know everything about an embryo before transfer
GenomeScreen™ is a revolutionary new whole genome sequencing test for IVF embryos that has been described as “the most complete genetic test in IVF” by authorities at the PGDIS forum.

The test provides highly precise information on the genome sequence of the embryo and the genetic parents, offering families key preimplantation insights on embryo health and reproductive prognosis that can inform their decisions. Furthermore, this information will be invaluable to individuals born from IVF, as it will provide input on nutrigenomics or guidance on which medicines are most genetically suited to the patient.

“When we first started our research on embryo sequencing, our goal was to create a powerful, comprehensive tool that could equip fertility physicians with exhaustive data for precision screening,” recalls Dr. Nick Murphy, founder of GenEmbryomics. “Now that we have this tool and use it with 99% reliability, we are aware that this diagnosis not only provides information, but also substantially enhances the success of reproductive medicine,” adds Murphy.

Embryo sequencing will increase IVF success rates

Professor Munné, whose career as a leader in reproductive genetics spans over 20 years, has made enormous contributions to embryo selection and IVF treatment. With this test, he and his team of researchers solidify the role of genetic testing within reproductive medicine, increasing treatment success.

“The findings presented at the conference are the validation data for a test that will change embryo selection as we know it,” according to Munné. “Preimplantation genetic analysis with whole genome sequencing is a giant step forward: among other things, it will tell us which embryo will implant successfully, because we will know beforehand which one is truly healthy—the one that is free of diseases inherited from the parents or de novo illnesses, such as autism,” he concludes.

About GenEmbryomics
Founded by Dr. Nick Murphy in 2019, GenEmbryomics is a cutting-edge biotech company specializing in the genomic analysis of embryos to determine the most viable candidates for IVF implantation. Their work will lead to higher success rates in IVF cycles, thanks to their proprietary algorithms offering more accurate and efficient embryo selection based on each embryo’s whole genome.

For more information
Dulce Iborra Candela
+34 647942875
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8810850

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Egyptians complain over Netflix depiction of Cleopatra as black

A Netflix docudrama series that depicts Queen Cleopatra VII as a black African has sparked controversy in Egypt.

A lawyer has filed a complaint that accuses African Queens: Queen Cleopatra of violating media laws and aiming to “erase the Egyptian identity”.

A top archaeologist insisted Cleopatra was “light-skinned, not black”.

But the producer said “her heritage is highly debated” and the actress playing her told critics: “If you don’t like the casting, don’t watch the show.”

Adele James made the comment in a Twitter post featuring screengrabs of abusive comments that included racist slurs.

Cleopatra was born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in 69 BC and became the last queen of a Greek-speaking dynasty founded by Alexander the Great’s Macedonian general Ptolemy.

She succeeded her father Ptolemy XII in 51 BC and ruled until her death in 30 BC. Afterwards, Egypt fell under Roman domination.

The identity of Cleopatra’s mother is not known, and historians say it is possible that she, or any other female ancestor, was an indigenous Egyptian or from elsewhere in Africa.

Netflix’s companion website Tudum reported in February that the choice to cast Adele James, a British actress who is of mixed race, as Cleopatra in its new documentary series was “a nod to the centuries-long conversation about the ruler’s race”.

Jada Pinkett Smith, the American actress who was executive producer and narrator, was meanwhile quoted as saying: “We don’t often get to see or hear stories about black queens, and that was really important for me, as well as for my daughter, and just for my community to be able to know those stories because there are tons of them!”

But when the trailer was released last week many Egyptians condemned the depiction of Cleopatra.

Zahi Hawass, a prominent Egyptologist and former antiquities minister, told the al-Masry al-Youm newspaper: “This is completely fake. Cleopatra was Greek, meaning that she was light-skinned, not black.”

Mr Hawass said the only rulers of Egypt known to have been black were the Kushite kings of the 25th Dynasty (747-656 BC).

“Netflix is trying to provoke confusion by spreading false and deceptive facts that the origin of the Egyptian civilisation is black,” he added and called on Egyptians to take a stand against the streaming giant.

On Sunday, lawyer Mahmoud al-Semary filed a complaint with the public prosecutor demanding that he take “the necessary legal measures” and block access to Netflix’s services in Egypt.

He alleged that the series included visual material and content that violated Egypt’s media laws and accused Netflix of trying to “promote the Afrocentric thinking… which includes slogans and writings aimed at distorting and erasing the Egyptian identity”.

Three years ago, plans for a movie about Cleopatra starring the Israeli actress Gal Gadot triggered a heated debate on social media, with some people insisting that the role should instead go to an Arab or African actress.

Gadot subsequently defended the casting decision, saying: “We were looking for a Macedonian actress that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn’t there, and I was very passionate about Cleopatra.”

Source: BBC

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Borouge drives sustainability, circularity with innovative polyolefin solutions at Chinaplas 2023

class=”slides BU DHABI, 18th April 2023 (WAM) Borouge is participating in Chinaplas 2023, showcasing its extensive range of innovative polyolefin solutions. Leveraging its strategic partnerships with recycling companies in China, Borouge has developed several successful closed-loop solutions using post-consumer recycled polyolefins in a joint effort with the value chain. Borouge’s successful presence at Chinaplas 2023 further reinforces its position as a leader in the polyolefin industry. As it continues to grow, Borouge remains dedicated to further diversifying its range of cutting-edge polyolefin solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers and driving sustainable growth for its stakeholders worldwide. “Innovation plays a critical part in the quality, differentiation, and sustainability of our solutions. The company continues to be committed to driving the circular transformation of the polyolefins industry. Through the development of our advanced product portfolio, such as circular economy solutions and producing sustainable, durable infrastructure products, Borouge is confident in our ability to support China to achieve its sustainability targets,” said Eddie Wang, Senior Vice President, Asia South, Borouge Pte Ltd. Borouge’s 2022 full-year revenue reflected a10% increase in production capacity as well as a 15% growth in sales volumes, which is testament to the company’s strategy of long-term disciplined international expansion and product innovation with sustainable applications and outcomes. Borouge’s presence at Chinaplas 2023 emphasises its commitment to sustainability, circular economy efforts, and innovation in the Asian market. As the company builds on the laurels of a remarkable 25 years, it continues to expand its presence in China through strategic partnerships and product development that contributes to sustainable infrastructure projects. Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

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Israel decides to seize tract of Palestinian land from northern West Bank village

Israeli occupation authorities today decided to seize a tract of land belonging to the villagers of Sanniriya, south of Qalqiliya city, according to an anti-settlement activist. Head of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission’s Documentation and Publication Department Amir Daoud said that the occupation authorities decided to take over 52 donums of land belonging to the northern West Bank village ‘for military purposes’. He added that the decision would be implemented by the end of 2027 and would be renewable. Over 700,000 Israelis live in Jewish-only settlements across occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in violation of international law. The number of settlers has almost tripled since the Oslo Accords of 1993, when settlers’ number estimated 252,000. Illegal colonial settlements have leapt from 144 to 515 in that time. Israel’s nation-state law that passed last July stated that building and strengthening settlements as a ‘national interest.’

Source: Palestine News & Information Agency (WAFA)

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Jordanian students in Sudan advised to avoid flashpoints

The Jordan Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Wednesday urged Jordanian students in Sudan to avoid flashpoints and places where protests are held. The ministry advised students to contact the Jordanian embassy in Khartoum to update their contact details to allow embassy officials to reach them if needed.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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55k people benefited from Qatar Charity’s Ramadan activities in Jordan

Qatar Charity (QC)’s office in Jordan organized a series of Ramadan activities for orphans and beneficiaries of its services from the local community and refugees in the Kingdom, which targeted 55,000 individuals. In a statement Wednesday, the office said it organized Ramadan iftar banquets for orphans and their families in the central governorates of Madaba, Zarqa and Amman, as part of its holy month’s activities. Iftar activities also featured distribution of 5, 000 meals for local community during Ramadan, in cooperation with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), the statement said. The statement indicated that Qatar Charity implemented a Ramadan campaign to distribute charity parcels and vouchers, which provided basic foodstuffs and purchasing vouchers, as the number of beneficiaries reached 44,000, as part of its Ramadan campaign projects. In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr occasion, Qatar Charity distributed vouchers for Jordan’s underprivileged people to buy clothing, within the framework of its “Eid Clothing” programme, as the number of beneficiaries reached about 4,100, the statement indicated.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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JCDC discusses antimicrobial resistance plan update

The Jordanian National Center for Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases Control (JCDC) discussed updating the national plan to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) , which is being currently being drafted. During its meeting held with specialists at Ministry of Health, in the presence of a representative from World Health Organization (WHO), the center revisited its plan to review and follow up implementation of its projects and activities over the last five years (2018-2022). According to a JCDC statement issued Wednesday, the center’s head, , Ra’eda Qutob, said the national monitoring systems help to determine the necessary measures for any interventions, pointing to the need to review, update and prioritize activities of the national action programs and their timeframes. Stressing importance of updating the national plan to combat antimicrobial resistance, Qutob highlighted the need to secure additional resources to support its implementation and expand the scope of monitoring data from the health sector to include decision makers in other sectors. This data, she added, should be used in planning activities to address antimicrobial resistance to achieve a comprehensive “One Health” approach, and promote cooperation and coordination between sectors at the national level. The center, within the framework of its work tasks under its governing legislation, is working to prepare a review of all the plan’s axes, verify the current work mechanism to assess activities already held so far to combat antimicrobial resistance, she pointed out. Qutob added that this review also seeks to see impact of these activities on developing evidence-based policies and decisions and evaluate procedures and indicators adopted to achieve strategic objectives within the plan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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Amman stock market ends trading up

Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) closed its Wednesday’s trading session up by 1.63 percent at 2, 474 points. A total of 7.5 million shares were traded through 3,771 transactions at a trading value of JOD8.9 million. The closing prices of 42 companies’ shares traded at the market went up, while 24 others declined. The prices of 31 firms’ shares remained stable.

Source: Jordan News Agency