Planetary Resources, Inc., the asteroid mining company, announced today that it has secured US$21.1 million in Series A funding. The capital will be used to deploy and operate Ceres, an advanced Earth observation business that features the first commercial infrared and hyperspectral sensor platform to better understand and manage humanity’s natural resources. The funding was led by Bryan Johnson and the OS FUND; and joined by Idea Bulb Ventures; Tencant; Vast Ventures; Grishin Robotics; Conversion Capital; The Seraph Group; Space Angels Network, a syndication of investors from Angel.co; and Larry Page. Earth observation will be another aspect of Planetary Resources’ operations in addition to prospecting and mining asteroids.
Conceived from the company’s vision for the exploration and utilization of asteroid resources, Ceres will leverage Planetary Resources’ Arkyd spacecraft to deliver affordable, on-demand Earth intelligence of our natural resources on any spot on the planet. While typical satellite imagery provides only a picture, Ceres will provide actionable data with higher spectral resolutions – going beyond what the human eye can see – by measuring thermographic properties and detecting the composition of materials on Earth’s surface. The midwave-infrared sensor is the first ever commercial capability from space to offer thermographic mapping and night-imaging, and the hyperspectral sensor includes an unprecedented 40 color bands in the visible to near-infrared spectrum.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7847251-planetary-resources-ceres/
The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has celebrated the XXXV World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress in San Diego. From May 30th until today, more than 1,400 delegates have participated in the only and largest international event dedicated to the nut and dried fruit industry that this year’s edition has broken previous records of attendance.
The INC Congress featured a stimulating three-day program to exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences. Attendees had over 16 sessions, among round tables, seminars and keynote speakers’ presentations ranging in topics from market dynamics, crops and production forecasts, agricultural and water resources, new findings in health and nutrition, and product innovations.
Steve Junqueiro, Co-president and COO of Save Mart Supermarkets, shared his vision on the future of American supermarkets. He outlined a market featured by a more digital consumer driven by food transparency, convenience, connectivity, emotional connection and local and sustainable supply.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7849351-inc-world-nut-dried-fruit-congress/
At the home of the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally and on the Col de Turini, site of some of racing’s most memorable moments, Groupe Renault today announced plans for a new Alpine sports car, and unveiled the Alpine Vision show car.
“Motorsports and sports cars are deeply rooted in the DNA of Groupe Renault,” Groupe Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said. “Earlier this month we announced our return to Formula One with a Renault team, and today we are announcing Alpine. This is an exciting next step in our strategy to leverage talent and technology between road and track, and we look forward to reaching new customers in the sport premium cars segment.”
The show car Alpine Vision combines sensual design with outstanding agility, true to the great Alpine A110 Berlinette loved and admired by enthusiasts around the world. Alpine Vision is powered by a new 4 cylinder turbocharged engine, built by experts at Renault Sport, and its low weight will allow the car to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds - the target for the future production model.
Alpine will be managed by a small team of passionate experts within Groupe Renault, with one sole mission – to meet and exceed the expectations of the demanding sport premium customer. Michael van der Sande will lead as Alpine managing director, and Antony Villain will head Alpine design.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7762651-groupe-renault-unveils-plans-for-alpine/
Not being able to see well is no laughing matter. That’s why nationally renowned standup comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley has teamed up with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses to create the Rickey Smiley Eyewear line and give more people the opportunity to see well and look good, too. Now available in 12 styles, these fashion-forward frames feature hot color combinations and distinguished finishes and textures – and are reasonably priced.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7308451-america-s-best-rickey-smiley-launch-stylish-affordable-fashion-frames-eyewear/
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world leader in luxury hospitality and service, unveils the new Four Seasons Private Jet – marking the establishment of a new standard in luxury hospitality experiences.
The culmination of a vision to deliver a fully immersive Four Seasons Private Jet Experience both in the air and on the ground, every element of the private jet journey has been re–imagined and designed through the Four Seasons lens to capture the company’s signature aesthetic, style and legendary service in the sky. Building on a history of innovation, the Four Seasons Private Jet exemplifies the company’s commitment to evolving the guest experience to anticipate and exceed the changing needs of the modern luxury traveller.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7506351-four-seasons-private-jet/
Approximately half a billion people worldwide have correctable vision issues, but lack access to quality vision care. They are unable to see the words in a book or on a chalkboard and even more so to reach their potential and bring their goals and dreams into focus. As part of an ongoing effort to shine a spotlight on this issue and the importance of healthy, enhanced vision, Transitions Optical and vision care nonprofit OneSight have teamed up with GRAMMY® and CMA Award winning music artist Darius Rucker to launch a public service announcement aimed toward raising awareness and inviting others to join the cause at www.onesight.org.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7194751-transitions-optical-onesight-darius-rucker-make-dreams-come-true/
Portland, Oregon has the best preterm birth rate of the top 100 cities with the most births nationwide, while Shreveport, Louisiana has the worst, according to the 2015 March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, which for the first time graded cities and counties around the nation and revealed persistent racial, ethnic and geographic disparities within states.
The U.S. preterm birth rate ranks among the worst of high-resource countries, the March of Dimes says. Worldwide, 15 million babies are born preterm, and nearly one million die due to early birth or its complications. Babies who survive an early birth often face serious and lifelong health problems, including breathing problems, jaundice, vision loss, cerebral palsy and intellectual delays.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7653351-march-of-dimes-premature-birth-report/
IGATE, the New Jersey-based integrated technology and operations solutions provider, today unveiled a new brand identity as part of its endeavor to recharge the organization. The brand change effected today, with the unveiling of a new logo designed to showcase the company in a recharged form with a refreshed vision, mission and core values.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/71400532-IGATE-recharges-the-brand
Taking center stage at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show are more than 20 vehicles that made their world debut during the Media Preview including the Kia Niro, Ram Power Wagon, Nissan Armada, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Santa Fe and Infiniti Q50 among others. More than a dozen concept cars are also on parade, including the Acura Precision, Buick Avista, Genesis Vision G, Kia Telluride and Nissan Murano Winter Warrior.
This year marks the 108th edition of the Chicago Auto Show. First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. The show runs from Feb. 13-21 and opens at 9 a.m. each day. There are nearly 1,000 different vehicles on display throughout the more than 1 million sq. ft. of McCormick Place.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7660251-chicago-auto-show-2016/
Abbott announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Tecnis Symfony® Intraocular Lenses for the treatment of cataracts. The first in a new category of intraocular lenses (IOLs), the Tecnis Symfony lenses are the only lenses in the United States that provide a full range of continuous high-quality vision following cataract surgery, while also mitigating the effects of presbyopia by helping people focus on near objects. The FDA approval includes a version of the lens for people with astigmatism, the Tecnis Symfony Toric IOL.
Cataracts are a common condition, with almost 4 million cataract surgeries performed each year, and that number is expected to increase.1 By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.2 However, cataracts do not just impact seniors. In 2016 it is estimated that nearly one in four cataract surgeries will be performed on people younger than 65.1 Many people who have cataracts experience other problems with their vision, such as presbyopia and astigmatism, which the Symfony lenses also address. Presbyopia, which affects most people over age 40, means people have lost the ability to focus on objects up close and often require glasses to perform near visual tasks. Astigmatism is when the cornea is misshapen, which causes blurry or distorted vision.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7870151-abbott-intraocular-lenses/
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today launched a global thought leadership platform to help frame and stimulate regional and global debate on vital development issues shaping the Middle East.
The “Middle East Exchange” will commission original articles from international experts including Nobel laureates, heads of state, academics and intellectuals. New articles will be published weekly in newspapers globally on a wide range of topics relevant to the region, from health and education to development and innovation.
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi discussed the project at a meeting with Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in Abu Dhabi on December 6. Speaking after the meeting, H.E. Al Gergawi said:
“The Middle East has spent too long in the global spotlight as a source of conflict and trouble. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision is for innovative and tangible solutions that benefit people’s lives on the ground. There is a huge appetite for practical ideas. The Middle East Exchange will be the number one global platform for positive voices and ideas for the Middle East.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7719851-mohammed-al-maktoum-global-initiatives/
