Tag: Science & Nanotech

Machine intelligence for designing molecules and reaction pathways

TSUKUBA, Japan, May 24, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Researchers in Japan have developed a machine learning process that simultaneously designs new molecules and suggests the chemical reactions to make them. The team, at the Institute of Statistical Mathematics (ISM) in Tokyo, published their results in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods.
Designing the network of bonds linking atoms into molecules and suggesting chemical routes
to make the molecules can now be done simultaneously.


Many research groups are making significant progress in using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning methods to design feasible molecular structures with desired properties, but progress in putting the design concepts into practice has been slow. The greatest impediment has been the technical difficulties in finding chemical reactions that can make the designed molecules with efficiencies and costs that could be practicable for real-world uses.

"Our novel machine learning algorithm and associated software system can design molecules with any desired properties and suggest synthetic routes for making them from an extensive list of commercially available compounds," says statistical mathematician Ryo Yoshida, leader of the research group.

The process uses a statistical approach called Bayesian inference which works with a vast set of data about different options for starting materials and reaction pathways. The possible starting materials are all combinations of the millions of compounds that can be readily purchased. The computer algorithm assesses the huge range of feasible reactions and reaction networks to discover a synthetic route towards a compound with the properties it has been instructed to aim for. Expert chemists can then review the results to test and refine what the AI proposes. AI makes the suggestions while humans decide which is best.

"In a case study for designing drug-like molecules, the method showed overwhelming performance," says Yoshida. It also designed routes towards industrially useful lubricant molecules.

"We hope that our work will accelerate the process of data-driven discovery of a wide range of new materials," Yoshida concludes. In support of this aim, the ISM team has made the software implementing their machine learning system available to all researchers on the GitHub website.

The current success focused only on the design of small molecules. The team now plan to investigate adapting the procedure to design polymers. Many of the most important industrial and biological compounds are polymers, but it has proved difficult to make new versions proposed by machine learning due to challenges in finding reactions to build the designs. The simultaneous design and reaction discovery options offered by this new technology might break through that barrier.

Further information
Ryo Yoshida
The Institute of Statistical Mathematics
Email: yoshidar@ism.ac.jp

Paper: https://doi.org/10.1080/27660400.2023.2204994

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods (STAM-M)

STAM Methods is an open access sister journal of Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), and focuses on emergent methods and tools for improving and/or accelerating materials developments, such as methodology, apparatus, instrumentation, modeling, high-through put data collection, materials/process informatics, databases, and programming. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM-M

Dr Yasufumi Nakamichi
STAM Publishing Director
Email: NAKAMICHI.Yasufumi@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Face-down: Gravity’s effects on cell movement

TSUKUBA, Japan, May 13, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Researchers at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and colleagues in Japan have developed a specially coated, light-responsive surface that helps test how the direction of gravity impacts cell movements. The findings, published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, could lead to a better understanding of what happens to cells in people who are bedridden for prolonged periods and of the impact of gravity's direction on cancer cell migration.
The human body takes many different positions over its lifespan. Scientists wanted to find a way
to study how cell movement is impacted when the direction of gravity changes as our body positions
change. (Image created using materials from STAM Vol.24, Issue 1, Article 2206525 (2023) and
Canva.)


The special surfaces are made by coating glass slides with a combination of molecules that are responsive to light. Shining light on a central, circular area of the slide breaks up the molecules, clearing away a coating-free zone that cells can stick to. Once stabilized in this area, the scientists then use light to clear away an area surrounding the central circle. This encourages the cells to move in an outward direction to fill the square. The team investigated what happens to cell movement when the slide is placed upright, with the cells lying on top and the direction of gravity impacting the cells from top to bottom. They then conducted a similar test with the slide flipped over while supported on either side so that the cells are inverted and the direction of gravity is from the bottom of the cells to their tops.

"We found that the direction of gravity hindered collective cell migration in the inverted position by reducing the number of outward-moving leader cells at cluster edges and by redistributing shape-forming filaments, composed of actin and myosin, so that they kept the cells bundled together," explains biomaterials researcher, Shimaa Abdellatef, who is a postdoc at NIMS.

The coated, light-responsive surfaces provide an advantage over currently available methods that study the impacts of gravity's direction, as they require physical contact with the surface to which cells are attached. The new approach enables remote induction of cell migration.

"We plan to apply our approach to analyse the responses of cancer cells to the direction of gravity," says NIMS nanoscientist, Jun Nakanishi, who led the study. "We expect to find differences between healthy and diseased cells, which could provide important information about cancer progression in bedridden patients."

Further information
Jun Nakanishi
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Email:NAKANISHI.Jun@nims.go.jp

Shimaa A. Abdellatef
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Email: ABDELALEEM.shimaa@nims.go.jp

Paper: https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2023.2206525

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM)

Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM

Dr Yasufumi Nakamichi
STAM Publishing Director
Email: NAKAMICHI.Yasufumi@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

NASDAQ-Listed JE Cleantech Announces Strong FY2022 Results on the back of Post-Opening Economic Rebound

SINGAPORE, May 1, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Singapore-based precision cleaning and cleantech equipment manufacturer JE Cleantech Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ: JCSE) ("JCSE" or "JE Cleantech" or the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") has released its annual report for the financial year ended December 31, 2022. The Group enjoyed a solid financial showing in financial year ended December 31, 2022, with gross profits surging from USD 1.7 million to USD 3.8 million or an increase of 120% YoY. The Group generated a net income of USD 0.9 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2022.

JE Cleantech's robust performance in the financial year ended December 31, 2022 comes on the back of a strong economic recovery in Asia following the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Its business momentum suggests a bright perspective for the coming years. During the financial year ended December 31, 2022, JCSE completed 30 more orders and increased revenue by 26.2% to USD 13.9 million. The majority of JCSE's orders came from (i) Singapore which accounted for 54.5% of JCSE's revenue, and revenue contributed from this region increased by 57.4%; and (ii) Thailand which accounted for 12.7% of JCSE's revenue, and revenue contributed from this region increased by 51.6%.

"The post-pandemic recovery has affected our business very positively and across our markets, we have seen an increase in demand, especially for our precision cleaning systems and centralized dishwashing systems," said Ms Hong Bee Yin, Founder and CEO of JCSE. "With many hospitality businesses gradually reaching their pre-pandemic peaks, we expect our centralized dishwashing systems to see even more demand."

Looking ahead, JCSE is expanding further into tech hardware and robotics. "Automation and digitization are core priorities for us along with expanding our product range," elaborated Ms Hong. "We are also looking into overseas expansion, but we remain committed to Singapore as a priority market." The Company is planning to use its internal resources to facilitate aggressive growth in 2023.

Earlier this year, JCSE partnered with a Singaporean deep-tech manufacturer to co-develop an industry-revolutionizing cleaning robot. Along with expansion plans, JCSE is looking further to improve its environmental footprint, having already announced the installation of solar panels in its main facility earlier this year.

Other Highlights for the Financial Year Ended December 31, 2022:
– Overall gross profit margin was 27.5%, up from 15.9% YoY
– Revenue from the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services increased by 24.2% to USD 5.4 million YoY
– Revenue from sales of precision cleaning systems and other equipment segment increased by 27.8% to USD 8.5 million YoY
– The sale of precision cleaning systems and other equipment resulted in a gross profit margin of 40.8%, up from 23.3% YoY
– The provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services resulted in a gross profit margin of 11.1%, up from 4.5% YoY
– In 2022, JCSE was awarded the Clean Mark Silver Award by National Environment Agency of Singapore

About JE Cleantech Holdings Limited

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited is based in Singapore and is principally engaged in (i) the sale of precision cleaning systems and other equipment; and (ii) the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services. Through its subsidiary, JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cleaning systems for various industrial end-use applications primarily to customers in Singapore and Malaysia. Its cleaning systems are mainly designed for precision cleaning, with features such as particle filtration, ultrasonic or megasonic rinses with a wide range of frequencies, high pressure drying technology, high flow rate spray, and deionized water rinses, which are designed for effective removal of contaminants and to minimize particle generation and entrapment. The Company also has provided centralized dishwashing services, through its subsidiary, Hygieia Warewashing Pte Ltd, since 2013 and general cleaning services since 2015, both mainly for food and beverage establishments in Singapore. For more information about JE Cleantech, please visit our website: www.jecleantech.sg.

Disclaimer: Forward looking statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such words or phrases as "should," "intends," "is subject to," "expects," "will," "continue," "anticipate," "estimated," "projected," "may," "I or we believe," "future prospects," "our strategy," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements made in this press release that relate to our future contract revenues among other things involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those expected and stated in this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update "forward-looking" statements.

For Media Enquiries and Investor Relations, please contact:
jcse@preciouscomms.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Moolec Science Secures Up to $50 Million in Committed Equity Financing With Nomura

Luxembourg, Apr 18, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Moolec Science SA (NASDAQ:MLEC) ("Company"; "Moolec"), a science-based food ingredient company focused on producing animal proteins in plants through Molecular Farming, announced today it has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") with Nomura Securities International, Inc. ("Nomura").

The Agreement provides for a committed equity financing facility under which the Company has the option, but not the obligation, to sell up to the equivalent of $50 million in aggregate gross purchase price of its ordinary shares to Nomura over a 36-month period, subject to the terms of the Agreement. The Company intends to use the proceeds from any future sales of securities under the financing facility, if it is utilized, for general corporate purposes.

"We are pleased to partner with Nomura and secure this financing facility," said Jose Lopez Lecube, Moolec Science's Chief Financial Officer. "This new understanding provides Moolec with enhanced financial flexibility to continue driving forward our Molecular Farming Platform and portfolio of products," he concluded.

Further details are contained in a Current Report on Form 6-K that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

About Moolec Science SA

Moolec is a science-based food ingredient company focused on producing animal proteins in plants through Molecular Farming, a disruptive technology in the alternative protein landscape. Its purpose is to upgrade the taste, nutrition, and affordability of alternative protein products while building a more sustainable and equitable food system. The Company's technological approach aims to have the cost structure of plant-based solutions with the organoleptic properties and functionality of animal-based ones. Moolec's technology has been under development for more than a decade and is known for pioneering the production of a bovine protein in a crop for the food industry. The Company's product portfolio and pipeline leverages the agronomic efficiency of broadly used target crops, like safflower, soybean, and pea. Moolec has a growing international patent portfolio (23, both granted and pending) for its Molecular Farming technology. The Company is run by a diverse team of Ph.Ds and Food Insiders, and operates in the United States, Europe, and South America. For more information, visit www.moolecscience.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "intend," "seek," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward-looking statements with respect to performance, prospects, revenues, and other aspects of the business of Moolec Science S.A. ("Moolec") are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors, about which we cannot be certain. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results, including, among others, changes in applicable laws or regulations, the possibility that Moolec may be adversely affected by economic, business and/or other competitive factors, costs related to the scaling up of Moolec's business and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the header "Risk Factors" in the Form F-1 Registration Statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as Moolec's other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Accordingly, you should not put undue reliance on these statements.

Contact Information
Catalina Jones
Chief of Staff & Sustainability
comms@moolecscience.com

Martin Taraciuk
Investor Relations
ir@moolecscience.com

Michael Bowen
ICR, LLC
moolecir@icrinc.com

Related Files
Moolec Science Secures up to $50 Million Dollars in Committed Equity Financing with Nomura – 2023.04.17.pdf
https://cdn.newswire.com/files/x/a8/e1/bf62a363bcdd61ad9685397e5d2a.pdf

SOURCE: Moolec Science

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Optica Publishing Group Announces Launch of Optica Quantum

Washington, DC, Apr 14, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – On World Quantum Day, Optica Publishing Group announced it will begin publishing a new journal in September 2023 dedicated to highly selective results in quantum information science and technology (QIST). The new journal, Optica Quantum, joins the Society's portfolio of the most-cited journals in optics and photonics and will provide the community with articles of the same exceptional standards for quality, novelty, and significance as its parent journal, Optica.
Dr. Michael G. Raymer, Knight Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Founding Director of the Oregon Center for Optical Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, USA, will serve as the inaugural editor-in-chief of the Optica Quantum


The concept of quantum light serves as a foundation for many quantum technologies and ongoing research areas involving security, communications, computing, machine learning, sensing, and more. To support this rapidly growing field, Optica Quantum will be dedicated to QIST as enabled by optics and photonics, publishing theoretical and experimental research as well as technological advances and applications of quantum optics.

Dr. Michael G. Raymer, Knight Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Founding Director of the Oregon Center for Optical Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, USA, will serve as the inaugural editor-in-chief of the Journal. Raymer has been on the forefront of the quantum information revolution and has been instrumental in a number of key initiatives that have advanced the field. He successfully lobbied the US Government to approve the US National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018, which greatly boosted research and development in this area. A few years later, in 2020, Raymer launched Optica's Quantum 2.0 topical meeting to help scientists and engineers focus on and resolve key challenges facing the QIST community today.

"I am honored to be entrusted with the founding editor-in-chief position for Optica Quantum," said Raymer. "Through my volunteer work with and support from Optica, I've been part of and witnessed the major impact that a professional society can have in advancing quantum science and technology. With the help of a distinguished editorial board, I intend for Optica Quantum to become a one-of-kind journal that provides top-caliber articles and mini-reviews from a Society publisher that's been in the field for more than 100 years."

Optica Quantum will rapidly publish original peer-reviewed, high-impact research results, provide state-of-the art reviews of both emerging and established subareas of optics- and photonics-related QIST, and share opinions from recognized authorities on new directions for this critical field.

"Optica Publishing Group continually seeks ways to better serve the global optics and photonics community. With the acceleration of quantum research across the globe, there's an increasing need to curate, publish and perpetually archive the latest and most significant research from the leaders in the field. Optica Quantum will not only achieve this, but it will also foster increased synergies among academia, industry, and government agencies interested in QIST developments," said Elizabeth Nolan, Optica Deputy Executive Director and Chief Publishing Officer.

Optica Quantum will open for submissions in June 2023. Article Processing Charges for this Gold Open-Access journal will be waived for all articles published this year.

About Optica Publishing Group (formerly OSA)

Optica Publishing Group is a division of the society, Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide. It publishes the largest collection of peer-reviewed and most-cited content in optics and photonics, including 18 prestigious journals, the society's flagship member magazine, and papers and videos from more than 835 conferences. With over 400,000 journal articles, conference papers and videos to search, discover and access, our publications portfolio represents the full range of research in the field from around the globe.

Contact Information:
Leah Poffenberger
Corporate Communications Manager
lpoffenberger@optica.org

SOURCE: Optica Publishing Group

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Moolec Science Acquires Food Ingredient Capabilities to Consolidate Molecular Farming Technology

Luxembourg, Apr 11, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Moolec Science SA (NASDAQ:MLEC; "Company"; "Moolec"), a science-based food ingredient company focused on producing animal proteins in plants through Molecular Farming, announced today the acquisition of plant-based food ingredient capabilities dedicated to the production and commercialization of functional soy proteins. This will help to accelerate Moolec's growth in the food ingredients industry by expanding its commercial network with a top-notch sales team and complementing its Molecular Farming Platform with industrial capacity, downstream operations, and a highly experienced team of professionals.

"This strategic decision accelerates our business plan's execution by combining existing commercial and manufacturing capabilities in different geographies, with the deep-science approach of our Molecular Farming Platform. As a result, Moolec is well-positioned to accelerate its sales ramp ahead of schedule starting in the 2023/2024 period with estimated revenues in the range of $6 million," said Jose Lopez Lecube, Moolec Science's Chief Financial Officer.

These Food Ingredient Capabilities resulting from the integration of ValoraSoy include state-of-the-art industrial facilities with a processing capacity of 10,000 tons strategically located in one of the main Argentine soybean corridors; a team of technicians, engineers, agronomists, and plant-based professionals; and commercial channels in more than 14 countries on three different continents. Soy-based protein ingredients are manufactured using several extrusion technologies and processes which yield ingredients with texture and fibrousness similar to meat. These solutions are utilized in several end products such as hamburgers, sausages, and other plant-based products in the traditional and alternative food industries, industrially and commercially complementary with Moolec's Molecular Farming pipeline.

Henk Hoogenkamp, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Moolec, declared, "We believe plant-based technologies and Molecular Farming taken together have the power to contribute towards global food security. Moolec is developing the plant-proteins of the future by using highly efficient high-protein crops, in this case soybeans, to produce a wide variety of proteins naturally found in animals. Combining these crops with ValoraSoy's capabilities, we can accelerate our technology rollout but also specifically target certain solutions by incorporating real-time feedback from existing customers around the globe. Leveraging this position, we can consolidate our Molecular Farming platform and lower the cost of protein-rich foods as we drive functionality, nutrition, and affordability for the up-and-coming economies of the world," he finished.

The transaction contemplates acquiring 100% of ValoraSoy in exchange for $6 million, of which ~$2.5 million is paid in cash, and the rest is paid with Moolec's shares in three years based on vesting and business metrics. Pursuant to the share purchase agreement, the Company will retain a portion of the purchase price for a period of 12 months after signing of the transaction documents. The payment in shares is subject to vesting and the achievement of business milestones over a period of three years.

Moolec will give a Business Update in Mid-May to review the overall progress of the Company and the most recent events. For more information on ValoraSoy, click here. https://pr.report/vDljhCca

About Moolec Science SA

Moolec is a science-based food ingredient company focused on producing animal proteins in plants through Molecular Farming, a disruptive technology in the alternative protein landscape. Its purpose is to upgrade the taste, nutrition, and affordability of alternative protein products while building a more sustainable and equitable food system. The Company's technological approach aims to have the cost structure of plant-based solutions with the organoleptic properties and functionality of animal-based ones. Moolec's technology has been under development for more than a decade and is known for pioneering the production of a bovine protein in a crop for the food industry. The Company's product portfolio and pipeline leverages the agronomic efficiency of broadly used target crops, like safflower, soybean, and pea. Moolec has a growing international patent portfolio (23, both granted and pending) for its Molecular Farming technology. The Company is run by a diverse team of Ph.Ds and Food Insiders, and operates in the United States, Europe, and South America. For more information, visit www.moolecscience.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "intend," "seek," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward-looking statements with respect to performance, prospects, revenues, and other aspects of the business of Moolec Science S.A. ("Moolec") are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors, about which we cannot be certain. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results, including, among others, changes in applicable laws or regulations, the possibility that Moolec may be adversely affected by economic, business and/or other competitive factors, costs related to the scaling up of Moolec's business and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the header "Risk Factors" in the Form F-1 Registration Statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as Moolec's other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Accordingly, you should not put undue reliance on these statements.

Contact Information
Catalina Jones
Chief of Staff & Sustainability
comms@moolecscience.com

Martin Taraciuk
Investor Relations
ir@moolecscience.com

Michael Bowen
ICR, LLC
moolecir@icrinc.com

Related Files
https://cdn.newswire.com/files/x/2e/4f/a161cc02bf67fbb809ea3bc328f3.pdf

SOURCE: Moolec Science

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

TANAKA Strengthens Electrical Contact Supply System in China by Making Metalor’s Subsidiary in China a Wholly Owned Subsidiary to Enhance Production Capabilities

TOKYO, Mar 2, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), one of the core companies of the Tanaka Precious Metals group based in Japan, announced today that it acquired all shares of Metalor Electrotechnics (Suzhou) Ltd. (hereafter, "Metalor Suzhou") held by its group company Metalor Technologies International SA (hereafter, "Metalor") on April 1, 2023. Metalor Suzhou is Metalor's subsidiary in China, and this acquisition of shares makes Metalor Suzhou a wholly-owned subsidiary of TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo. The subsidiary has been renamed METALOR TANAKA Electrical Materials (Suzhou) Ltd., and its system of directors will be changed.
Metalor Electrotechnics (Suzhou) Ltd. (From April 2023, METALOR TANAKA Electrical Materials (Suzhou) Ltd.)


Reasons for the Acquisition of Metalor Suzhou's Shares

In recent years, there have been increasing needs from major Chinese customers for local production of electrical contacts in China. Therefore, TANAKA aims to continuously expand business in China by integrating TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo's production knowledge with Metalor Suzhou's resources to expand production capabilities and build a system for stable supply. Furthermore, it will be an essential base for business expansion, using TANAKA's network to open new markets and gain new customers in Asia, which has prominent market growth. In 2024, a portion of TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo's electrical contact-related products will be transferred, and mass production will commence. It is expected that the new company's sales will double by 2030.

In addition, the system will be capable of supplying a broader range of products through collaboration with group company TANAKA Kikinzoku (Ningbo) Co., Ltd., which manufactures silver electrical contacts used in automotive components.

About Metalor Suzhou

Metalor Suzhou commenced operations in 2006 as Metalor's base for the manufacture and sales of electrical contacts for Asia and China. The company manufactures and sells electrical contacts and contact assemblies used mainly in circuit breakers and contactors. In 2014, the Metalor Suzhou plant was relocated to its current location in Wuzhong, Suzhou.

Outline of New Company (from April 2023)
– Company Name: English: METALOR TANAKA Electrical Materials (Suzhou) Ltd.
– Chairman (Representative Director): Tomoyuki Tada
– Location: 888 Wusong Road, Wuzhong Economic and Technological Development Zone, Suzhou, China
– Activities: Manufacture and sales of electrical contacts/wires and contact assemblies

About TANAKA Precious Metals

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA Precious Metals has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volumes of precious metals handled. Over the course of many years, TANAKA has not only manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry but also provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and around the world collaborate and cooperate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,225 employees, the Group's consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, were 787.7 billion yen.*
*From the current consolidated fiscal year, the amounts of sales for some transactions are indicated as net values due to the application of the Accounting Standard for Revenue Recognition.

Global industrial business website
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/

Product inquiries
TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/

Press inquiries
TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/

This press release in PDF: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20230228_EN.pdf

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

JE Cleantech (JCSE) Partners with Singapore-based Deep Tech Manufacturer to Develop Autonomous Cleaning Robots, Expands into Robotics Market

SINGAPORE, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – JE Cleantech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: JCSE), (the "Company"), a Singapore-based cleantech company, today announced that it has entered an exclusive partnership with a leading Singapore-based deep tech robot developer, through its subsidiary JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd. As part of the joint venture, JE Cleantech will develop a family of commercial cleaning robots, representing its expansion into the robotics market.

JE Cleantech is the leading manufacturer of precision cleaning systems in Singapore, with customers in a wide range of sectors, including cleaning and equipment manufacturing for hard disk drives, semiconductors, biomedical, food and beverage, and industrial electronics companies, and most recently tech hardware. The entry into this new sector continues to demonstrate JE Cleantech's ability to apply its expertise to different sectors to scale and support its growth.

Specifically, under this partnership, JE Cleantech will provide product specifications, cleaning and vacuum technology, manufacturing and production of robots as well as international and local marketing. Its partner will integrate JCS-E's cleaning technology with its autonomous robot platform and cloud-based fleet management system, and will provide specialty electronics as well as robotic engineering to create a new cleaning robot that is set to surpass many of today's existing solutions.

Low-speed commercial robots for the last mile, inter-building (via sidewalks), and intra-building have a global market potential of more than USD 100 billion per year and a potential of SGD 1 billion in Singapore. Factors such as the increasing demand for automatic cleaning, the development of hygienic solutions to disinfect floors, as well as an optimistic economic outlook, and positive demographics in APAC are driving forces for the market's growth.

"We are excited to enter the new robotics market to develop advanced commercial cleaning robots. With years of experience and a stable and mature performance, our cleaning technology will provide our customers with an exceptional autonomous cleaning solution. It demonstrates our continuous efforts and determination in striving for sustainable growth as well as confidence in the positive prospects of the cleaning market. Looking ahead, we will keep proactively widening our product offerings, exploring new markets, and dedicate ourselves to bringing sustainable returns to our shareholders and investors in the long run," said Ms. Bee Yin Hong, CEO and Founder, JE Cleantech.

About JE Cleantech Holdings Limited

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited is based in Singapore and is principally engaged in (i) the sale of cleaning systems and other equipment; and (ii) the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services. Through its subsidiary, JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cleaning systems for various industrial end-use applications primarily to customers in Singapore and Malaysia. Its cleaning systems are mainly designed for precision cleaning, with features such as particle filtration, ultrasonic or megasonic rinses with a wide range of frequencies, high pressure drying technology, high flow rate spray, and deionized water rinses, which are designed for effective removal of contaminants and to minimize particle generation and entrapment. The Company also has provided centralized dishwashing services, through its subsidiary, Hygieia Warewashing Pte Ltd, since 2013 and general cleaning services since 2015, both mainly for food and beverage establishments in Singapore. For more information about JE Cleantech, please visit our website: www.jecleantech.sg.

Disclaimer: Forward looking statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such words or phrases as "should," "intends," "is subject to," "expects," "will," "continue," "anticipate," "estimated," "projected," "may," "I or we believe," "future prospects," "our strategy," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements made in this press release that relate to our future contract revenues among other things involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those expected and stated in this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update "forward-looking" statements.

For Media Enquiries and Investor Relations, please contact:
jcse@preciouscomms.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

JE Cleantech (Nasdaq: JCSE) Takes Major Step towards Carbon Neutrality with the Installation of Solar PV Systems

SINGAPORE, Jan 31, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – JE Cleantech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: JCSE), (the "Company"), a Singapore-based cleantech company, today announced that the Company has completed the commissioning of solar photovoltaic systems installation at its facilities. The installation of the solar systems is one step further in the Company's efforts toward reducing the impact of its carbon footprint as aligned with its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The solar photovoltaic systems were installed in October last year and successfully connected today. The solar photovoltaic systems are expected to generate a total of approximately 205,000 kWhs per year, which will respectively cover 29 percent of the energy consumption for the facility manufacturing precision cleaning system and 10 percent of the total energy necessary for the operation of the facilities. Collectively, the implementation of the solar systems will generate an estimated savings of approximately 205,000 kWhs of electricity per year, or approximately SGD 77,000.00 per year for JE Cleantech. Utilization of electricity produced through solar energy is also critical to reducing the Company's dependence on electricity produced by the burning of fossil fuels.

As a leading manufacturer of precision cleaning systems in Singapore, JE Cleantech attaches great importance to its social responsibilities. The installation of solar systems at the Company's facility continues to demonstrate JE Cleantech's efforts towards reducing the impact of its carbon footprint by utilizing non-polluting solar energy as well as maintaining its sustainable growth. The Company plans to take a further step in expanding the coverage of its solar system to another facility, with an aim to increase the overall savings and to facilitate its sustainable goal.

Last year, Singapore committed to reducing emissions to around 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Along with this, the Government plans to meet 28% of its peak power demand from solar power by 2030. Solar energy is among the fastest-growing sources of new electric generation in Singapore and it is considered the main renewable energy focus by the Government. In line with this, JE Cleantech is sparing no efforts to support the Government and the local community along this journey.

Ms. Bee Yin Hong, CEO and Founder, JE Cleantech, said "We are proud to take one further step in fulfilling our social responsibilities and support the Government's 2050 net zero initiatives. The installation of solar systems is a milestone of JE Cleantech's support of nature conservation, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation. This showcases JE Cleantech's ongoing commitment to prioritizing renewable efforts and ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for the community. Looking ahead, we will keep proactively committing to social responsibilities, striving for sustainable growth, and bringing sustainable returns to our shareholders and investors in the long run."

About JE Cleantech Holdings Limited

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited is based in Singapore and is principally engaged in (i) the sale of cleaning systems and other equipment; and (ii) the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services. Through its subsidiary, JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cleaning systems for various industrial end-use applications primarily to customers in Singapore and Malaysia. Its cleaning systems are mainly designed for precision cleaning, with features such as particle filtration, ultrasonic or megasonic rinses with a wide range of frequencies, high pressure drying technology, high flow rate spray, and deionized water rinses, which are designed for effective removal of contaminants and to minimize particle generation and entrapment. The Company also has provided centralized dishwashing services, through its subsidiary, Hygieia Warewashing Pte Ltd, since 2013 and general cleaning services since 2015, both mainly for food and beverage establishments in Singapore. For more information about JE Cleantech, please visit our website: www.jecleantech.sg.

Disclaimer: Forward looking statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such words or phrases as "should," "intends," "is subject to," "expects," "will," "continue," "anticipate," "estimated," "projected," "may," "I or we believe," "future prospects," "our strategy," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements made in this press release that relate to our future contract revenues among other things involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those expected and stated in this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update "forward-looking" statements.

For Media Enquiries and Investor Relations, please contact:
jcse@preciouscomms.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Polymer protection for vaccines and drugs

TSUKUBA, Japan, Dec 9, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – A biocompatible polymer could help deliver vaccines and drugs with reduced risk of the rare dangerous adverse reaction called anaphylaxis. Researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan have developed the polymer and performed preliminary tests, which they report in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.
A liposome (left) containing a vaccine is commonly coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) but it can trigger an allergic reaction to some recipients. A newly developed lipid (right) could serve as a safer, alternative liposome-coating while retaining the vaccine longer in the body.


Until now, the polymer of choice for encasing and delivering vaccines has been poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). This synthetic, flexible, water-soluble material has been used to surround some COVID-19 vaccines carried within the tiny spherical packages known as liposomes.

Unfortunately, some recipients have suffered an anaphylactic reaction to PEG, in which the immune system mounts an allergic response to the foreign material. Symptoms of anaphylaxis range from minor skin irritations, to breathing difficulty, nausea and, in the worst cases, unconsciousness and sudden death.

The alternative polymer is a form of fatty biomolecule called a lipid, and is conjugated to 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer.

This new substance spontaneously binds to the outside of liposome particles when mixed with them in water. Crucially, the polymer is not recognized by the antibodies that the body can generate in response to PEG, and tests suggest it does not stimulate any other antibodies that could cause an allergic reaction. This should allow coated liposomes containing a vaccine to be retained in the body for a longer time without being cleared by the immune system, in addition to avoiding anaphylaxis.

"We have also found that the polymer avoids other interactions with proteins in the blood that might otherwise interfere with its effects, and it also prevents liposomes from aggregating together," says molecular engineer Yuji Teramura of the AIST team.

Tests confirm the coated liposomes can remain stable in storage for 14 days, sufficient for real clinical applications.

"All the indications suggest that our technology should be suitable for delivering vaccines into patients who develop anaphylaxis in response to PEG," Teramura concludes.

The polymer must now be thoroughly tested in various real vaccine applications. The team is moving into this next crucial phase of the development process, prior to eventual clinical trials in humans.

Provided the animal and subsequent clinical trials go well, the technology should offer opportunities for delivering drugs into the body, in addition to vaccines. Delivery systems such as liposomes are sometimes needed to protect drugs from biochemical processes that might degrade them. This can ensure that they reach the target disease tissues while remaining in their active form.

Further information
Yuji Teramura
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Email: y.teramura@aist.go.jp

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM)

Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM

Dr Yasufumi Nakamichi
STAM Publishing Director
Email: NAKAMICHI.Yasufumi@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com