October 2025 – Page 2

Miami Beach Honored with Multiple 2025 Magellan Travel Weekly Awards

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Gold and Silver Recognitions Celebrate the City’s Ongoing Excellence in Marketing, Social Media, and Destination Branding

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority is proud to announce its recognition with five prestigious honors at the 2025 Magellan Travel Weekly Awards, earning four Gold Awards and one Silver Award across key categories. These accolades underscore Miami Beach’s ongoing commitment to executing integrated marketing strategies that elevate the destination’s global profile through creative storytelling, strategic partnerships, and impactful communications.

Over the past year, Miami Beach has continued to evolve its destination marketing approach through multi-channel campaigns and collaborations with leading national media outlets, including Vogue, Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair, Saks Fifth Avenue, Today Show,The Knot, and others. These partnerships have amplified Miami Beach’s message to discerning travelers seeking culture, style, and authenticity.

In tandem, the city has partnered with top social content creators to develop dynamic, relatable storytelling that showcases the many sides of Miami Beach — from its iconic art and architecture to its thriving LGBTQ+ community, luxurious accommodations, and world-renowned beaches.

“Our marketing success reflects the power of integration — uniting traditional media, digital storytelling, and influencer collaborations to present Miami Beach as a destination with depth, diversity, and soul,” said Peggy Benua, Chairwoman, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “These recognitions affirm the strength of our creative approach and our commitment to engaging audiences in fresh and meaningful ways.”

The 2025 Magellan Travel Weekly Award Wins Include:

GOLD – Destination Marketing: Social Media Campaign for Destinations

Experience Miami Beach – The Art of Miami Beach and Stylish Stays Campaigns
Two integrated campaigns, The Art of Miami Beach and a Stylish Stays on Miami Beach tapped into new verticals in the realms of art and fashion, expanding the social footprint and opportunity for Miami Beach to connect with prospective visitors. These themes were featured on social channels, in direct emails through marquee partner channels and through static outdoor creative installed in high-traffic areas including Port Miami with QR codes to connect to social and visible social handles to follow.
GOLD – United States: Overall Destinations – Beaches for Destinations

Miami Beach – The World’s Most Iconic Beach Destination
Few destinations evoke the energy, beauty, and cultural richness of Miami Beach. With seven miles of unspoiled shoreline, turquoise Atlantic waters, and a seamless blend of natural beauty and architectural charm, Miami Beach has long been a global magnet for beach lovers, celebrities, and cultural travelers alike.
GOLD – United States: Overall Destinations – LGBTQ+ Destination for Destinations

Miami Beach – A Year-Round Icon of LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Celebration
In Miami Beach, pride isn’t seasonal—it’s woven into the city’s identity. From sun-soaked days to neon-lit nights, and from yoga mats to drag brunches, every visitor is welcomed with open arms. It’s more than a vacation—it’s a celebration of being exactly who you are, no matter who you love. The city is deeply engaged with the LGBTQ+ community year-round. The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority routinely host LGBTQ+ media and influencers to experience the destination firsthand and share authentic stories globally, reinforcing Miami Beach’s reputation as a safe, celebratory destination for all.
GOLD – Destination Marketing: Advertising/Marketing Campaign for Destinations

The Art + Style of Miami Beach Campaign
In the past year, Miami Beach has doubled down on Art + Style to position the destination amongst key audiences. Under the Experience Miami Beach umbrella, integrated campaigns including direct emails, banner ads, social media content, print ads and out of home advertising raised overall awareness of the destination with a concentration on art + style, two segments that resonate across all target segmentations.
SILVER – United States: Overall Destinations – Honeymoon Destination for Destinations

Miami Beach – No. 1 Honeymoon Destination in the U.S.
In 2025, Miami Beach claimed the top spot as the No. 1 Honeymoon Destination in the U.S., according to a nationwide study by Upgraded Points that evaluated 75+ destinations across 15 categories including romantic lodging, activities, and affordability. With a top score of 71.4 out of 100, Miami Beach surpassed classic honeymoon locales like Lake Tahoe and Hawaii by offering a perfect blend of effortless romance, cultural vibrancy, and value.

What sets Miami Beach apart is its inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity of experiences. Whether couples seek boutique sophistication, beachside luxury, or adventure-filled days, Miami Beach delivers.

“We’re honored to be recognized by our peers and fellow travel professionals who comprise the Magellan Awards judging committee,” adds Grisette Roque Marcos, Executive Director, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “This recognition celebrates the creativity and collaboration that continue to position Miami Beach as one of the world’s most desirable and inclusive destinations.”

The Magellan Travel Weekly Awards celebrate the best in travel across hospitality, destinations, airlines, and cruise industries. Judged by top travel experts and editors, the awards recognize excellence and innovation in travel marketing and branding worldwide.

These recognitions are on the heels of the launch of the new www.experiencemiamibeach.com web site developed by the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. The new site experience, now live, includes tailored guides, the latest deals and offerings from destination hotels and restaurants and travel-planning tools to make visiting Miami Beach even easier.

For more information on Miami Beach and upcoming destination initiatives, visit the newly-launched www.experiencemiamibeach.com and follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach Instagram.

For media inquiries, please contact mbvca@privatelabel-marketing.com.

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SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority

LRS CEO Matt Spencer Named One of the Nation’s “Best and Brightest CEOs” by the National Association for Business Resources

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

ROSEMONT, Ill., Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LRS is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Matt Spencer has been recognized as one of the “Best and Brightest CEOs in the Nation” by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). This distinguished honor celebrates exceptional leaders across the country who demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and organizational performance.

Spencer was selected following a rigorous evaluation of his leadership and business achievements across multiple categories, including customer relationships, brand trust, financial growth, strategic planning, and people and process management. The recognition reflects his role in guiding LRS through a period of rapid growth, operational transformation, and industry leadership.

“This recognition is a reflection of the entire LRS team and the work we do every day to serve our customers, support our communities, and build a more sustainable future,” said Matt Spencer, CEO of LRS. “I am incredibly proud of how far we have come together and even more excited for what is ahead as we continue to lead with purpose and integrity.”

Under Spencer’s leadership, LRS has become one of the fastest-growing independent waste and recycling companies in North America. His strategic vision has driven significant investments in sustainability, digital transformation, and operational excellence, earning national recognition for innovation and environmental stewardship, including the Exchange Material Recovery Facility being named the Recycling Facility of the Year in 2025.

“Matt’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping LRS into what it is today,” said Robert Rustman, VP of Human Resources at LRS. “He leads with conviction and humility, always putting people, service, and sustainability at the center of every decision.”

The “Best and Brightest CEOs” program honors executives who exemplify excellence in both business strategy and culture, setting a benchmark for leadership across industries. The full list of honorees will be featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Corp! Magazine.

About LRS

LRS is among the nation’s leading independent waste diversion, recycling and portable services providers. Since 2013, LRS has specialized in delivering an exceptional customer experience for millions of residential and commercial customers across seven states: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Kansas, Arkansas. Diversified and growing, LRS also offers affordable roll-off container services, C&D recycling and portable restroom rentals. LRS owns and operates more than 70 facilities and thrives on the passion of nearly 2,300 full-time employees. LRS has earned numerous accolades for its success, including being named in Crain’s Chicago Business’ Fast 50, NABR’s Best and Brightest lists across the Midwest, and receiving the NWRA Facility of the Year award for its newest MRF, The Exchange. The company provides safe, innovative, sustainability-driven services to clean and beautify the cities, neighborhoods, and communities it serves. To learn more visit www.LRSrecycles.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Sklodowski
msklowdowski@lrsrecycles.com

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SOURCE LRS

Action Against Hunger Warns of Humanitarian Catastrophe in El Fasher

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Published by Action Against Hunger.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

October 31, 2025 /3BL/ – Violence has drastically escalated in El Fasher, North Darfur in recent days. Hundreds of thousands of civilians and local responders who remain trapped in the city face heightened protection risks and increasingly limited access to lifesaving assistance. Those who attempt to flee to neighboring areas such as Tawila face perilous journeys: civilians have reportedly been detained and attacked while attempting to flee and along routes to safe locations. Many displaced persons arriving in Tawila are dehydrated, malnourished, injured, and traumatized. The likelihood of sexual violence against women and girls remains extremely high.

Samy Guessabi, the Country Director of Action Against Hunger Sudan, said: “The scale of displacement, protection risks, and humanitarian needs in El Fasher and neighboring areas is massive. All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations to protect civilians. It is imperative to secure protection and safe passage for civilians, scaled-up funding, and sustained access.”

Action Against Hunger is finalizing preparations to deploy two mobile health and nutrition clinics in Tawila. Action Against Hunger teams are also preparing to launch activities to address the acute gender-based violence (GBV) risks faced by displaced populations, including prevention, case referral, and community engagement and awareness-raising through community-based protection networks (CBPNs).

Action Against Hunger urgently calls upon the international community to urgently increase diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of civilians remaining in El Fasher and safe passage for civilians fleeing, the protection of humanitarian responders, and sustained humanitarian access to El Fasher and surrounding areas. Action Against Hunger also calls upon donors to scale up flexible funding to expand critical humanitarian operations and support local responders.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Aflac Voices — Jamie Lee: Preventing Burnout and a Call to Action for Employers

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

As a senior leader in HR, I’ve spent my career focused on one central truth: Our people are our greatest asset. But today, that asset is under strain. According to the 2025-2026 Aflac WorkForces Report, burnout among American workers has reached a seven-year high, with nearly 3 in 4 employees (72%) reporting moderate to very high stress levels. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a wake-up call.

Burnout isn’t just about long hours or tight deadlines. It’s a complex issue driven by heavy workloads, financial stress, caregiving responsibilities and a growing sense of uncertainty. Gen Z, in particular, is feeling the pressure, with 74% reporting burnout, surpassing millennials (66%).

So, what can we do? Here are five actionable strategies I believe every organization should consider to help create environments where people can thrive, not just survive:

1. Make mental health support visible and intentional.

According to the 2025-2026 Aflac WorkForces Report, only 48% of employees believe their employer genuinely cares about their mental health — a drop from 54% in 2024. That perception gap matters. Employees who feel unsupported are more likely to disengage, burn out or leave. We must build mental health into the fabric of our culture by offering flexible schedules, adequate PTO and access to self-care resources. But it doesn’t stop there — as HR professionals, we should actively remind and encourage employees to take advantage of these programs. And we should empower the people leaders in our organizations with the information they need to point their team members in the right direction.

2. Communicate benefits clearly and often.

We are in the middle of open enrollment season, so it’s a good time to remind ourselves that benefits are only valuable if employees understand and use them. Yet, according to the report, only 42% of employees feel confident in understanding their health insurance policies, and 69% wish their organizations provided more information about their benefits. Let’s rethink how we communicate — using plain language, regular touchpoints and personalized guidance to ensure our teams feel informed and empowered. For example, at my company, we spend the weeks leading up to open enrollment hosting webinars, publishing content and sending internal reminders about the benefits available to employees so that on the first day of open enrollment, they can log in prepared to make any adjustments needed.

3. Address financial fragility head on.

Burnout isn’t just emotional — it’s also financial. More than 44% of employees say they couldn’t afford a $1,000 out-of-pocket medical expense, and 52% report anxiety about health care costs not covered by insurance. This “medanxiety” is especially high among Gen Z and underserved communities. Supplemental insurance can help fill these gaps — only 34% of employers offer it, yet 90% of employees say it’s needed. Employers can also provide financial wellness programs that include budgeting tools, debt management resources and access to financial advisors to help employees feel more in control of their finances, save for medical expenses and, in turn, significantly reduce stress.

4. Foster a culture of belonging.

Here’s one of the most powerful insights from the report: Employees who feel they belong experience significantly less stress (30% vs. 56%) and lower burnout (55% vs. 78%) than those who don’t. Belonging helps boost satisfaction, engagement and retention. It’s not about perks — it’s about purpose, and it starts at the top. When leaders prioritize celebrating and recognizing their workforce, they send the message that they value their employees, not just the work they do for the organization. Hearing from senior leaders about the importance of creating a culture of belonging — and seeing them live that value day to day — is essential in encouraging the broader employee population to do the same. Of course, no organization is perfect, even those that have strong cultures. Instead of striving for perfection, it’s more realistic — and effective — to aim for continuous improvement.

5. Listen, learn and lead with empathy.

Burnout won’t be solved by a single policy or program. It requires ongoing dialogue, data-driven decisions and a willingness to adapt. We must listen to our employees, learn from their experiences and lead with empathy. But that responsibility doesn’t sit solely on HR’s shoulders; we must also equip people leaders with the tools to spot early warning signs — like withdrawal, irritability, decreased productivity — respond with compassion and model vulnerability day to day.

Burnout also more than a personal concern — it’s a business issue. It affects productivity, retention and, ultimately, the bottom line. If we want to build resilient organizations, we must start by caring for the people who make them run.

Let’s commit to creating workplaces where well-being isn’t a buzzword — it’s a priority.

The 15^th annual Aflac WorkForces Report provides insight on the state of the American workplace for both employers and employees. The study captures year-over-year trends, attitudes, needs and experiences in health care and benefits administration in workplaces across our country. It also provides interesting data on health and wellness benefits from the perspectives of both employees and employers. The Aflac WorkForces Report, conducted by Kantar on behalf of Aflac, is the result of a survey of thousands of employers and employees across various industries and business sizes in the U.S. Learn more at Aflac.com/AWR.

Aflac’s family of insurers includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York, and/or Continental American Insurance Company and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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EXP 10/26

The Strange Lives of Nature’s Zombies

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

BETHESDA, Md., October 31, 2025 /3BL/ – What if I told you zombies are real? And no, not the ones you see on movie screens. I’m talking about nature’s zombies, real organisms hijacked and controlled by other living things. This phenomenon, often referred to as parasite manipulation, is found in most ecosystems throughout the world. Parasite manipulation can take shape in many forms, from subtle behavioral changes to dramatic transformations that make the host look and act like something out of a horror film.

In these strange relationships, the “zombie” isn’t dead, at least not yet, but it’s no longer in full control of its own body. Tiny fungi, bacteria, and worms can essentially rewrite the host’s brain, forcing it to behave in ways that benefit the parasite rather than the animal itself. A caterpillar might climb to the tip of a plant, paralyzed by a fungus, only to be consumed from within as the fungus spreads its spores. Crickets can be compelled to jump to their grave, where they are then eaten alive by microscopic puppeteers.

Parasites often produce chemicals that mimic or interfere with their host’s natural hormones and neurotransmitters. The result is a perfectly choreographed takeover. The host becomes a tool, unknowingly carrying out the parasite’s reproductive or survival agenda. Unlike fictional zombies, these manipulations are highly specific. Each parasite knows exactly how to influence its host to maximize its own chance of survival, whether that means altering movement or feeding behavior.

But what does this look like in practice? How does a fungus convince an ant to march to its death, or a parasitic worm drive a cricket to take its own life? Scientists still don’t fully understand how these parasites control their hosts, but their mysteries open the door to the strange world of nature’s real-life zombies.

For instance, the fungus Ophiocordyceps, often dubbed the “zombie-ant fungus”, may appear to be just another harmless organism, but its relationship with ants is nothing short of terrifying. The fungus attaches to the body of an ant, secreting enzymes that dissolve the ant’s tough exoskeleton, allowing the fungus to penetrate and begin the infection. Once an ant is infected, the fungus slowly takes over its central nervous system, manipulating it to leave the safety of its colony and aimlessly climb vegetation. Once high enough, the ant clamps down on a leaf or twig in what scientists call a “death grip,” where it ultimately dies as the fungus eats through its body, releasing spores to infect the next unlucky ant.

Another unsettling example comes from Nematomorph hairworm parasites that live inside grasshoppers and crickets. The worm begins its life in water, hatching as a tiny larva that is ingested by small aquatic organisms like aquatic isopods and amphipods. When a cricket or grasshopper ingests one of these small organisms, the worm enters its body and begins a slow-growing invasion. Over the next few months, the long, thin worm grows inside the insect, preparing for reproduction. When the worm reaches maturity, it releases chemicals that literally rewire the cricket’s brain. The cricket suddenly feels an irresistible urge to jump into water. Once the cricket drowns, the hairworm emerges from the cricket’s body and enters the water to continue its life cycle, leaving the cricket’s body as an empty shell.

The green-banded broodsac flatworm uses an interesting strategy to complete its life cycle. It begins by infecting a snail, its first host, where it eventually moves into the snail’s eye stalks. There, the parasite causes the stalks to swell and pulse with bright green and yellow bands that resemble small caterpillars, an appetizing target for birds. The infection also changes the snail’s behavior. Instead of hiding in the shade, the snail becomes unusually active and crawls into the open during the day, making itself more visible to predators. When a bird eats the infected snail, the flatworm reaches its final host and reproduces inside the bird’s digestive system. In this way, the parasitic flatworm uses the snail as both transportation and bait to attract its intended target.

Unlike the green-banded broodsac, the Glyptapanteles take on a more direct approach. This parasitic wasp is found on every continent except Antarctica and takes manipulation to an entirely new level. It lays its eggs inside the caterpillar of the geometrid moth, where the larvae feed on the host from within. When they are ready to pupate, the larvae consume the host from within and emerge to spin cocoons on surrounding vegetation. Remarkably, the caterpillar doesn’t immediately die. Instead, it undergoes a dramatic behavioral transformation, standing guard over the newly formed pupae. The caterpillar stops moving and feeding, positioning itself close to the pupae, and when threatened, violently swinging its head to deter potential predators. This self-sacrificial behavior significantly reduces predation on the pupae, increasing their survival rates. However, the caterpillar’s fate is sealed; it dies shortly after the wasp larvae emerge as adults, having unwittingly served as a bodyguard.

In observing nature’s zombies, we understand the reality of a world where autonomy is fragile. They’re reminders that in nature, control is an illusion, and every creature, including us, dances to the rhythm of unseen forces.

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly WHC and WEC), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. tandemglobal.org.

Yonsei University Study Finds Air Pollution Sharply Raises Workplace Accident Risk

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Study finds doubling PM_2.5 linked to 2.6-fold higher accident risk and billions in economic losses

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Air pollution doesn’t just damage health – it can also make workplaces more dangerous, according to scientists from Yonsei University. Analyzing 5,873 safety liability accidents in China over 20 years, the researchers found that doubling PM_2.5concentrations led to a 2.6-fold increase in accident probability, 37% more deaths, and 51% more casualties. The findings highlight a critical but overlooked dimension of air pollution’s social and economic burden.

Air pollution is widely recognized as a public health hazard, but its role in workplace safety is often underestimated. A new study reveals that polluted air can make industrial accidents both more likely and more severe, adding a hidden layer to their human and economic costs.

The research—led by Dr. Ning Zhang of Yonsei University in South Korea, in collaboration with Dr. Zaikun Hou of Shandong University and Dr. Huan Chen of the University of Cambridge—was published in Energy Economics on September 18, 2025.

Using two decades of accident records from 2000 to 2020, the team matched each incident with local air pollution and weather data. By exploiting thermal inversions—meteorological events that trap pollutants—as an instrumental variable, they established a causal link between fine particulate pollution (PM_2.5) and safety liability accidents.

Their results show that doubling PM_2.5 concentrations is associated with a 2.6-fold increase in accident risk, 37% more fatalities, and 51% more total casualties, with the strongest effects seen in coal mining and construction. These pollution-related accidents were estimated to cost society between USD 4.9 billion and 10.1 billion.

“Our study shows that air pollution can significantly increase the occurrence and severity of safety liability accidents across industries,” said Dr. Zhang. “This finding extends the social cost estimation of air pollution beyond traditional health and productivity losses, revealing a new dimension of its economic burden.”

He added that the results echo a broader trend in research, noting that, “the growing importance of this topic is reflected in recent work—for example, a 2025 Journal of Public Economics article by Victor Lavy and colleagues also finds that air pollution raises workplace accident risks. Together, these studies show that the safety impacts of air pollution are gaining increasing policy attention.”

The study also points to practical steps that companies and governments can take during pollution spikes, such as providing masks and air purifiers, improving ventilation, issuing early safety warnings, rescheduling high-risk work, or temporarily adjusting shifts. The researchers emphasize that greater defensive measures should be implemented during periods of severe air pollution or haze to minimize workplace risks and protect employee health.

Looking ahead, the researchers believe their findings could guide integrated environmental and occupational safety policies. “Over the next five to ten years, our findings could inform policies linking environmental regulation with workplace safety standards—encouraging industries to include air-quality indicators in their risk management and insurance systems,” Dr. Zhang noted. “For ordinary people, such changes would mean safer workplaces, cleaner air, and more resilient communities.”

While acknowledging potential limitations—such as underreported accidents and the focus on short-term exposure—the authors emphasize that their causal evidence, drawn from two decades of data, underscores an urgent need to address air pollution as a workplace safety issue, not just a health problem.

Media Contact:
Jin Young Choi
82-2-2123-2079
403554@email4pr.com

Reference
Title of original paper: Devil particles: Air pollution and safety liability accidents
Journal: Energy Economics
DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108894

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SOURCE Yonsei University

Yonsei University Develops a New Era of High-Voltage Solid-State Batteries

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Researchers develop a groundbreaking fluoride-based solid electrolyte that surpasses voltage limits, unlocking next-generation battery performance

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers at Yonsei University developed a fluoride-based solid electrolyte (LiCl–4Li₂TiF₆) that enables all-solid-state batteries to operate safely beyond 5 volts, overcoming a major voltage stability barrier. The innovation enhances ionic conductivity, prevents interfacial degradation, and achieves record energy density. Its compatibility with cost-effective materials makes it promising for next-generation electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, marking a paradigm shift in battery technology.

In a major advancement for energy storage technology, Professor Yoon Seok Jung and his team at Yonsei University have revealed a new fluoride-based solid electrolyte that enables all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) to operate beyond 5 volts safely. This paper, made available online on October 3, 2025 and was published in the Nature Energy journal, addressed a long-standing barrier in battery science, achieving high voltage stability without sacrificing ionic conductivity. As Prof. Jung explains, “Our fluoride solid electrolyte, LiCl–4Li₂TiF₆, opens a previously forbidden route for high-voltage operation in solid-state batteries, marking a true paradigm shift in energy storage design.“

For decades, battery engineers have sought to enhance energy density by increasing voltage, but conventional solid electrolytes, such as sulfides and oxides, tend to break down above 4 V. The team overcame this limitation by developing a fluoride solid electrolyte (LiCl–4Li₂TiF₆) that remains stable beyond 5 V and exhibits a Li+ conductivity of 1.7 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm at 30°C, one of the highest in its class. This innovation allows spinel cathodes such as LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ (LNMO) to operate safely and efficiently, even under demanding cycling conditions. When applied as a protective coating on high-voltage cathodes, LiCl–4Li₂TiF₆ effectively suppresses interfacial degradation between the cathode and the electrolyte. The result showed a battery that retains over 75% capacity after 500 cycles and supports an ultrahigh areal capacity of 35.3 mAh/cm², a record-setting figure for solid-state systems. The team also demonstrated practical adaptability in pouch-type batteries. This is the same format used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics, showing exceptional performance consistency.

Beyond material innovation, the work lays the foundation for a transformative battery design model. The fluoride-based shield introduced by the researchers not only enhances electrochemical stability but also allows compatibility with cost-effective halide catholytes such as Zr-based systems. This combination could drastically reduce material costs while improving safety and longevity, which are two of the biggest challenges for commercial ASSB technology.

In conclusion, this research holds immense potential—from enabling electric vehicles with longer driving ranges to advancing large-scale renewable energy storage. By utilizing abundant and low-cost materials, it supports the global shift toward sustainable, carbon-neutral energy systems. As Prof. Jung notes, “This research goes beyond a single material; it defines a new design rule for building safe, durable, and high-energy batteries that can truly power the future.”

This breakthrough represents a significant leap toward cleaner and more resilient energy solutions, bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world applications, and laying the groundwork for the next generation of sustainable technology.

Reference
Title of original paper: Five-volt-class high-capacity all-solid-state lithium batteries
Journal: Nature Energy
DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01865-y

About Yonsei University

https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/index.do

Media Contact:

Jin Young Choi

82-2- 2123-2079

404102@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Yonsei University

Ambetter Health Kicks Off Marketplace Open Enrollment

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

With 5.5 million members across 29 states, Ambetter Health continues its legacy of delivering affordable, accessible coverage through Centene Corporation’s national network.

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the Marketplace open enrollment begins, Ambetter Health, the health insurance product offered by Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) subsidiaries, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives, proudly marks its 13th year on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Operating in 29 states and serving 5.5 million members across over 1,700 counties, Ambetter Health continues to provide affordable, high-quality coverage tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families nationwide.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/ambetter_health/9296751-en-ambetter-health-kicks-off-marketplace-open-enrollment

“Open enrollment is a critical time for millions of Americans to choose the coverage that fits their lives,” said Kevin Counihan, Chief Executive Officer at Ambetter Health. “With more than a decade of experience on the Marketplace, Ambetter Health brings together national reach with local expertise, ensuring our members have access to plans that meet their care needs and deliver the high-quality coverage they deserve.”

To support a smooth renewal and enrollment experience, Ambetter Health has rolled out a comprehensive suite of tools and communications to help members understand their options and renew their coverage with confidence. Updates include improvements to the Online Member Account, expanding renewal guidance, and an educational campaign to help members understand potential cost changes and the importance of updating their income to maintain financial support. Ambetter Health also partnered closely with brokers through virtual and in-person sessions, offering resources and guidance to help consumers navigate Open Enrollment with confidence.

Ambetter Health’s 2026 offerings include:

Affordable and Reliable Coverage

Ambetter Health provides members with coverage for all essential health benefits, including preventive and wellness services, maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, mental health services, hospitalizations and prescription drug coverage. Some plans also include dental and vision coverage.

Condition-Specific Plans:

Diabetes: Starting in 2026, some Ambetter Health Premier plans provide members managing diabetes with additional healthcare options and savings. Members on these plans will have lower out-of-pocket costs for certain medications, supplies, and clinical support. Members of these plans may have access to $0 copays for preferred insulin and select medications used to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and mental health. These plans also include $0 copays on certain diabetic supplies and labs such as lancets, glucose test strips, ketone and urine test strips, insulin syringes, pen needles as well as routine A1c labs.
Asthma/COPD: Starting in 2026, some Ambetter Health Premier plans provide members managing asthma or COPD with additional healthcare options and savings. Members on these plans will have lower out-of-pocket costs for certain medications, supplies and clinical support. Members of these plans may have access to $0 copays for preferred asthma or COPD medications, including controller and rescue inhalers and mental health medications. These plans also include $0 copays for pulmonologist visits, allergy testing and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy.

ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement)

Ambetter Health Solutions, Centene Corporation’s off-exchange marketplace business offerings, delivers individual health insurance plans that are compatible with Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). While not an ICHRA itself, Ambetter Health Solutions supports employers who choose to adopt this reimbursement model by providing employees with access to affordable, customizable and dependable coverage options. Available in select states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, these plans empower individuals to choose the coverage that best fits their needs, helping employers control cost while offering greater choice and flexibility to their workforce.

My Health Pays®

Eligible members across participating states can take advantage of the My Health Pays® program, which rewards healthy behaviors such as eating well, staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle. In 2026, members may earn up to $500 in rewards (amounts vary by state) that can be used toward health-related expenses like premiums, copays and deductibles, or, in some states, everyday essentials such as utilities, rent, transportation and more. The program also offers seasonal guidance to help members set and achieve personal health goals at their own pace. Reward eligibility, usage and maximum amounts vary by state and plan.

Virtual 24/7 Care

Virtual 24/7 Care offers members a licensed provider via telehealth for members to access care for illnesses such as flu, skin conditions, ear infections, fever and respiratory infections – all from the comfort of their home.

The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs from Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 2026. End dates vary by state. For more information about your state’s enrollment window and Ambetter Health coverage options, please visit www.ambetterhealth.com.

About Ambetter Health

Ambetter Health
is a health insurance offering that is available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, or exchange, established by the Affordable Care Act. It is one of the healthcare programs provided by Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Ambetter Health is made available through local health plans and covers a wide variety of healthcare services, including preventive and wellness services, maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, mental health and substance misuse services, prescription drug coverage and more.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ambetter-health-kicks-off-marketplace-open-enrollment-302600642.html

SOURCE Ambetter Health

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MK5K 2025: Canada Laces Up for a Cause

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

In its eighth year, the 2025 MK5K brought together hundreds of participants from coast to coast in a powerful show of unity and support for the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF) in Canada. Taking place both in person and virtually, this year’s event was a resounding success, reflecting the Foundation’s mission to support people living with cancer through Look Good Feel Better® and to help women experiencing domestic violence by providing grants to women’s shelters and community outreach programs.

The main in-person event was held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the scenic Meadowvale Conservation Area in Mississauga, Ontario, where Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants, families, friends, and Walk Champions gathered to walk in solidarity and raise vital funds.

Across the country, communities joined in virtually to participate in their own neighborhoods, making the MK5K 2025 a truly national initiative.

“This year’s MK5K event was a powerful reflection of our shared values and unwavering commitment to making a difference,” said Michelle Haurilak, Chair of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Committee and Marketing Director at Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. in Canada. “From the heartfelt energy at Meadowvale Conservation Area to the incredible participation from communities across the country, it was truly inspiring to witness the unity and purpose behind every step taken. “The support we saw this year reaffirms how deeply our mission resonates – to help people facing cancer feel like themselves again, and to provide safety and hope for those impacted by domestic violence. I am so proud of what we’ve achieved together through the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, and grateful to everyone who walked, donated, fundraised, or cheered us on. Together, we are creating lasting change in the lives of women across Canada.”

MK5K 2025 by the Numbers:

Hundreds of walkers participated across Canada
53 fundraising teams
248 individual donors
3 generous sponsors: Staples Print, Formcor, and Corona Jewellery
Fundraising continued until October 1, 2025, allowing even greater reach and participation.
Total amount raised: $40,235

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, whose unwavering commitment to uplifting women aligns so closely with our mission at Look Good Feel Better®,” said Susan Larkin with Look Good Feel Better®. “Together, we are helping people facing cancer reclaim a sense of control, confidence, and self-esteem during one of the most challenging times in their lives. This partnership strengthens our ability to reach more people across Canada with the support and care they so deeply deserve.”

The MKACF maintains a strong partnership with Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), a national Canadian charity committed to supporting individuals facing cancer. LGFB focuses on helping patients manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer and its treatments – such as skin changes, hair loss, and the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes – with the goal of restoring confidence, emotional well-being, and a renewed sense of self. Through its campaigns, Mary Kay and its Foundation help raise awareness of LGFB’s work, amplify stories, and encourage community support.

About the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF) in Canada:

The MKACF is committed to improving the lives of women across Canada through two key pillars:
- Support people living with cancer through Look Good Feel Better®.
- Provide grants to shelters and outreach programs that serve women and children fleeing domestic violence.
- Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $3.63 million, with 99% of all donations going directly to programs that empower and protect women.
Shelter Grant Program: Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence
- In 2025, the MKACF Shelter Grant Program will provide $120,000 in grants to 12 shelters and outreach programs, each receiving $10,000 to enhance services for women and children in crisis.
- Application period: July 15 – September 30, 2025
- Grant recipients announced: November 25, 2025 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women)
- Rooted in Mary Kay Ash’s legacy, this initiative provides financial support to programs that offer safety, empowerment, and hope to survivors of domestic abuse.
Look Good Feel Better® Program Impact
- As a long-standing national supporter, MKACF has donated over $1.3 million to the Look Good Feel Better® program, helping over 10,000 women annually regain confidence during cancer treatment.
- 1300+ trained volunteers, including many Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants.
- Programs offered at 110 hospitals and cancer centers across Canada.
- 10,000+ Canadians received direct services through LGFB workshops in 2024.
- 1,500 workshops were delivered across Canada in 2024.
- 950 workshops will be held in 2025.
- 97% of participants would recommend the workshop to someone else who is facing cancer.
- Complementary 2-hour workshops provide guidance on skincare, makeup, wigs/scarves, and breast care.

The MKACF extends heartfelt thanks to the thousands who made the MK5K 2025 a success — from Independent Beauty Consultants and Walk Champions, to donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Their generosity and compassion help transform lives and bring light to women facing life’s most difficult challenges.

For more information about the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation or to donate, please visit here.

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About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

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Sinopec and BASF Mutually Recognize Product Carbon Footprint Accounting Methods, Sets New Benchmark for Industry Standardization

Posted on October 31, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

NINGBO, China, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, “Sinopec”) and BASF jointly declared the alignment on the core requirements of carbon footprint accounting methods and reached framework-based mutual recognition of methodologies at the 2025 China International Petroleum and Chemical Conference (CPCIC 2025) hosted from October 22 to 24 in Ningbo.

The consensus, as a corporate example for China’s push to achieve international convergence and mutual recognition of product carbon footprints, marks a key step in low-carbon transformation cooperation between Chinese and German chemical enterprises, taking the lead in establishing mutual trust in product carbon footprint data between Chinese and foreign companies.

Sinopec and BASF jointly commissioned globally leading third-party certification body TÜV Rheinland to conduct a consistency review of both parties’ methodologies. After multiple rounds of evaluations, TÜV Rheinland confirmed that both methodologies comply with international standard ISO14067:2018 and China national standard GB/T 24067–2024, and remain consistent in core elements. A formal consistency statement was issued, leading both parties to a mutual recognition consensus for their product carbon footprint accounting methods.

This move will significantly enhance the comparability and transparency of carbon footprint data across regions and value chains, improve data utilization efficiency, promote coordinated carbon reduction in the industry chain, and contribute to the green, high-quality development of both enterprises and the wider industry.

Sinopec has been at the forefront product carbon footprint management. In 2015, it was China’s first to launch research on product carbon footprint accounting, initially developing a methodological framework for petrochemical products. In 2023, Sinopec achieved China’s first automated carbon footprint accounting for petroleum and chemical products.

In 2024, together with CNPC, CNOOC, PipeChina, and four other enterprises, it initiated and formed China’s first Carbon Footprint Alliance for the energy and chemical industry chain, working collaboratively to reduce emissions across the supply chain.

Since 2021, China has been gradually building a carbon footprint management system and exploring the establishment of standards for products’ full life-cycle carbon footprint, with the goal of preliminarily establishing such a system by 2027 and publishing national product carbon footprint accounting general standards in line with international practice.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sinopec-and-basf-mutually-recognize-product-carbon-footprint-accounting-methods-sets-new-benchmark-for-industry-standardization-302601008.html

SOURCE SINOPEC