Tag: PR Newswire

BARCELONA, Spain, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei has provided digital connectivity to 170 million people in remote areas across more than 80 countries, surpassing its pledge to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition.

The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, at the company’s TECH Cares Forum in Barcelona. He noted that this achievement exceeds the commitment Huawei made when joining the ITU P2C Digital Coalition in 2022: to connect 120 million people in remote areas by 2025. Yang extended his gratitude to Huawei’s telecom customers and partners for their collaborative efforts.

The forum brought together around 80 guests from governments, industries, partner organizations, and international bodies. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the urgent need to advance digital inclusion in the AI era, exploring practical solutions and building consensus for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

In his opening speech, Yang pointed out that despite rapid AI advancements, the digital divide persists and risks widening further. “High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said. The fulfillment of the ITU P2C pledge, he added, reflects Huawei’s ongoing commitment to innovation — bringing remote communities improved access to healthcare, education, and financial services through digital connectivity.

Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, commended Huawei’s achievements and work to bridge the digital divide. “Connecting the rural and underserved communities requires innovative business models, inclusivity and the effective use of communication resources as well as community engagement, and sustained investment in local capacity. I applaud Huawei’s commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity and I am proud of our strong and successful partnership.”

According to Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, digital inclusion rests on two pillars: inclusive connectivity and digital skills empowerment. To address the digital skills gap, Huawei partners with governments and organizations to support students, youth, the elderly, and women through three initiatives: expanding digital access, offering digital skills training, and developing STEM curricula.

Since its launch in 2019, Huawei’s Skills on Wheels program has brought mobile digital training to over 130,000 people in 21 countries, opening new opportunities for underserved communities.

Marina Madale, Executive of Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, asserts that connectivity is not a privilege, it is foundational infrastructure for Africa’s growth. In alignment with Jeff Wang, she noted that MTN is prioritizing expanding rural connectivity, driving device affordability and building digital and AI-ready skills.

In rural network innovation, Huawei has continuously upgraded its Rural Series solutions since 2017 to improve affordability and deployment efficiency. Launched in November 2025, Huawei RuralCow extends coverage to villages of around 1,500 residents with the support from MTN Nigeria. These solutions have helped achieve the target of connecting 170 million people while boosting local economies and enabling wider access to digital public services.

During the forum, guests shared progress from their collaboration with Huawei and expressed willingness to deepen cooperation. All participants agreed that advancing digital inclusion in the AI era requires joint efforts from governments, operators, international organizations, and enterprises.

Going forward, Huawei will continue to drive innovation in rural network technologies, deepen open collaboration, and accelerate digital skills empowerment. Through concrete actions, the company will keep contributing to a more equitable and sustainable digital world.

 

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SOURCE Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd

A partnership-driven program offering a practical, accessible way to extend device life and reduce e-waste

PARIS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Back Market, a leading marketplace for premium refurbished technology, today announced a partnership with Google to expand access to ChromeOS Flex through a limited USB pilot program designed to help compatible older laptops stay secure, fast, and useful for years.

The idea is simple: many devices still function well; they just need the right software to stay secure and relevant.

Through this initial partnership, Back Market will offer ChromeOS Flex USB keys, giving sellers, buyers, schools, and small businesses a straightforward way to install a secure, cloud-first operating system on compatible laptops. The initial pilot will be limited in scale and focused on learning how to make device extension more accessible for everyday users.

“Extending the life of existing technology is one of the most immediate ways to reduce e-waste,” said Thibaud Hug de Larauze, CEO and co-founder of Back Market. “When companies like Google collaborate on practical solutions, it reflects that innovation doesn’t have to mean constant replacement, it can also mean making what we already have work better and longer.”

ChromeOS Flex is a secure, cloud-first operating system from Google that can be installed on many existing Windows and Mac devices. It’s designed to deliver a modern web-based experience while shifting more intelligence, updates, and security to the cloud, helping compatible hardware remain useful for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, document creation, and web-based work.

“Millions of laptops are approaching the end of their supported operating systems, even though the hardware is still perfectly fine and works,” said Alexander Kuscher, Senior Director at Google. “With ChromeOS Flex and this pilot with Back Market, we’re giving people a sustainable way to take back control and extend the life of their compatible devices, helping them save money while reducing unnecessary waste at the same time.”

Why it matters

The world generated more than 62 million metric tons of electronic waste in 2022, according to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and that volume is growing five times faster than the amount formally collected and recycled. Every device replaced before it truly needs to be adds pressure to landfills, supply chains, and the strategic resources required to build new hardware. Those pressures become especially visible when widely used operating systems reach the end of support for older models, prompting millions of otherwise functional laptops to face upgrade decisions driven more by software timelines than by the condition of the hardware itself.

At the same time, computing itself is evolving. As AI, applications, and security updates increasingly move to the cloud, performance is no longer defined solely by what is built into a device on day one. With the right software, many older machines can continue operating as secure, capable access points to modern, cloud-powered systems.

Mobile World Congress and The Slow Tech Uprising

On March 4, Back Market and Google will speak publicly together for the first time as partners during the Slow Tech Uprising event happening alongside Mobile World Congress.

The conversation will focus on how the implementation of AI is reshaping the value of devices and ask a straightforward question we can no longer ignore: in a cloud-powered era, how long should a device actually last?

By pairing a practical pilot with a bigger industry dialogue, the companies are signaling that extending device life is not a niche idea. It’s part of a broader shift that begins to separate real innovation from automatic hardware replacement.

About Back Market
Founded in 2014, Back Market is a leading marketplace dedicated to verified refurbished technology. Operating in 17 countries, Back Market connects consumers to high-quality, professionally refurbished devices, helping reduce electronic waste and shift the global tech economy toward circularity.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/back-market-and-google-launch-chromeos-flex-usb-pilot-to-keep-existing-laptops-in-use-longer-302703227.html

SOURCE Back Market

SHANGHAI, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Huai’an Salt Cavern Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) demonstration project (the “Project”) in China’s Jiangsu Province, which is the world’s largest CAES station, has recently been fully commissioned. Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) supplied core equipment for the Project, including air turbine units, generators, electric motors, and molten salt storage tanks.

The Unit 2 has successfully achieved grid connection and full-load power generation at the first attempt, providing valuable engineering practice in support of China’s new-type power system development.

The Project consists of two 300 MW non‑supplementary combustion CAES units, totaling 600 MW of installed capacity and 2,400 MWh of storage, with approximately 71% conversion efficiency. Air is compressed and stored in salt caverns during low‑demand periods, then released to drive turbines for power generation at peak times, supporting grid stability through peak shaving and frequency regulation.

Utilizing about 980,000 cubic meters of salt caverns located 1,150 to 1,500 meters underground in Huai’an, the Project employs “molten salt + pressurized thermal water” non‑supplementary combustion high‑temperature adiabatic compression technology. This enables compressed heat to be stored and reused throughout the process without fossil fuel combustion, delivering significant low‑carbon benefits.

The first 300 MW unit reached full-load operation in December 2025, followed by Unit 2’s recent commissioning. With a total investment of $520 million, the fully operational station is expected to generate 792 million kWh of electricity annually, that is enough to power around 600,000 households. It will save approximately 250,000 tons of standard coal and cut CO₂ emissions by 600,000 tons each year, delivering a measurable impact on the region’s energy transition.

Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group supplied core equipment for the Project covering both power generation and thermal storage systems. The broad scope showcases Shanghai Electric’s integrated engineering capabilities in turbine machinery, power equipment, and thermal storage, delivering a reliable and replicable equipment solution for long-duration energy storage projects worldwide.

As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, long-duration energy storage technologies like CAES are key to enhancing grid resilience and enabling high‑penetration renewable integration. Leveraging system integration expertise from the Project, Shanghai Electric is advancing high‑end equipment manufacturing and integrated solutions to support the global energy transition and power system modernization.

For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-electric-provides-core-equipment-for-worlds-largest-compressed-air-energy-storage-station-now-fully-operational-in-jiangsu-china-302703599.html

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

SHANGHAI, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Huai’an Salt Cavern Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) demonstration project (the “Project”) in China’s Jiangsu Province, which is the world’s largest CAES station, has recently been fully commissioned. Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) supplied core equipment for the Project, including air turbine units, generators, electric motors, and molten salt storage tanks.

The Unit 2 has successfully achieved grid connection and full-load power generation at the first attempt, providing valuable engineering practice in support of China’s new-type power system development.

The Project consists of two 300 MW non‑supplementary combustion CAES units, totaling 600 MW of installed capacity and 2,400 MWh of storage, with approximately 71% conversion efficiency. Air is compressed and stored in salt caverns during low‑demand periods, then released to drive turbines for power generation at peak times, supporting grid stability through peak shaving and frequency regulation.

Utilizing about 980,000 cubic meters of salt caverns located 1,150 to 1,500 meters underground in Huai’an, the Project employs “molten salt + pressurized thermal water” non‑supplementary combustion high‑temperature adiabatic compression technology. This enables compressed heat to be stored and reused throughout the process without fossil fuel combustion, delivering significant low‑carbon benefits.

The first 300 MW unit reached full-load operation in December 2025, followed by Unit 2’s recent commissioning. With a total investment of $520 million, the fully operational station is expected to generate 792 million kWh of electricity annually, that is enough to power around 600,000 households. It will save approximately 250,000 tons of standard coal and cut CO₂ emissions by 600,000 tons each year, delivering a measurable impact on the region’s energy transition.

Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group supplied core equipment for the Project covering both power generation and thermal storage systems. The broad scope showcases Shanghai Electric’s integrated engineering capabilities in turbine machinery, power equipment, and thermal storage, delivering a reliable and replicable equipment solution for long-duration energy storage projects worldwide.

As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, long-duration energy storage technologies like CAES are key to enhancing grid resilience and enabling high‑penetration renewable integration. Leveraging system integration expertise from the Project, Shanghai Electric is advancing high‑end equipment manufacturing and integrated solutions to support the global energy transition and power system modernization.

For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-electric-provides-core-equipment-for-worlds-largest-compressed-air-energy-storage-station-now-fully-operational-in-jiangsu-china-302703599.html

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

HEFEI, China, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, has once again been named the global No.1 bankable brand in BloombergNEF’s (BNEF) 2025 Inverter Bankability Survey, with 100% recognition in survey responses. This marks the sixth time Sungrow has earned the prestigious No.1 ranking, reinforcing its industry leadership and the unwavering trust in its products across the global renewable energy market.

The BNEF Bankability Survey is a key benchmark in the renewable energy industry, reflecting the financial stability and trustworthiness of inverter suppliers. The Survey covers multiple dimensions, including manufacturer’s warranty, customer support and services, Lead times, etc. This continued acknowledgment from BNEF underscores the market’s constant trust in Sungrow and positions the company as the top preferred partner for solar projects. It signals that adopting Sungrow inverters in renewable projects increases the likelihood of securing long-term loans from banking institutions, thereby ensuring sustained financial stability and benefits for our clients.

“Our power electronic converters installation in 2025 is over 1000 GW,” said Lee Zhang, President of Sungrow Utility PV BU, “To date, Sungrow has cumulatively installed over 660GW of PV inverters worldwide. With over 7600+ personnel in the R&D team and 4 manufacturing bases worldwide, we continue to strengthen our role as a trusted and reliable partner in the global transition to clean energy.”

Moving forward, Sungrow will continue to deepen its global partnerships and drive technological innovation to support the world’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of Dec 2025, Sungrow has installed over 1000 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experiences. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com/en.

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SOURCE Sungrow

Highlights:

• A preliminary study has found higher levels of air pollution in New Jersey from the 2023 Canadian wildfires were associated with a higher rate of stroke and more severe strokes.
• During heavy wildfire smoke days, researchers found more people had strokes and those strokes tended to be more severe.
• The study does not prove that wildfires cause or worsen stroke. It only shows an association.
• Exposure to higher levels of ozone was associated with a higher incidence of stroke and more bleeding strokes.
• Exposure to higher levels of particulate matter was associated with longer hospital stays and more severe strokes.

MINNEAPOLIS, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Short-term surges in air pollution in New Jersey from the 2023 Canadian wildfires were associated with a higher stroke rate and more serious strokes, according to a preliminary study released March 3, 2026, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 78^th Annual Meeting taking place April 18-22, 2026, in Chicago and online.

“Wildfire smoke contains pollutants like ozone and particulate matter, so it is more than a nuisance, it can be a public health hazard,” said study author Elizabeth Cerceo, MD, of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey. “The 2023 Canadian wildfires resulted in unprecedented declines in air quality across the northeastern United States. Our findings show that short-term exposure to elevated air pollution from these wildfires was associated with a higher incidence and severity of stroke.”

For the study, researchers used a stroke registry to identify all cases of stroke that occurred during June and July 2023 and during the same months a year earlier. Ischemic strokes are the most common kind of stroke. Bleeding strokes are more severe and often more fatal.

Researchers reviewed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data for both periods from air quality monitors located in Camden, New Jersey. They calculated average daily exposures for ozone which, when inhaled, can cause shortness of breath, coughing and aggravation of conditions like asthma. They also calculated daily average exposures for fine particulate matter, also called PM2.5, which is air pollution with particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less.

Ozone levels peaked at 136 parts per billion (ppb) during the wildfires in 2023 compared to median ozone concentration of 36 ppb. Particulate matter reached 211 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) compared to median concentration of 48.5 µg/m³.

Daily air quality data was matched with the timing of each stroke. Because pollution effects may take a few days to impact the body, researchers also took into account the levels from the preceding one to two days before participants had their stroke.

For ozone levels, 72% of the days were 50 ppb or less, with 28% of the days above the recommended level. The World Health Organization guideline for ozone is 50 ppb. Researchers compared 42 strokes that occurred on above average ozone days, with 80 strokes that occurred on below average days. For strokes that occurred on above average ozone days, the incidence of stroke, or the rate at which new stroke cases occurred, was 1.25 strokes per day compared to 0.93 strokes per day that occurred on below average days.

After adjusting for factors like age, sex, race, and cause of stroke, researchers found higher average ozone days were associated with a 0.32 higher incidence of stroke per day.

They also found for strokes on above average ozone days, there was a higher proportion of bleeding strokes and more large artery atherosclerosis, plaque buildup in major arteries.

For particulate matter levels, 38% of the days were above average days and 62% were below average days. Researchers compared 39 strokes that occurred on above average particulate matter days to 83 strokes that occurred on below average days. They found above average particulate matter was associated with longer hospital stays and higher scores on a scale measuring stroke severity.

“While longer-term air pollution has been recognized as a risk factor for stroke, less is known about short exposures to wildfire smoke,” said Cerceo. “Our study addresses a critical gap by providing more information about the neurological impact of wildfire smoke. Our findings can help guide stroke prevention and underscore the need for public health interventions during wildfires.”

Cerceo noted this analysis focused on a short wildfire period, and the findings represent an early signal rather than a complete picture of the association between wildfire smoke and risk of stroke. She said future research will look at longer periods of time.

A limitation of the study was that it looked at daily average pollutants. Cerceo said more nuanced hourly measurements may also impact strokes but may not be reflected in averages. Similarly, other weather variables such as humidity and barometric pressure were not incorporated.

Discover more about stroke at Brain & Life^®, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource also offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world’s leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life^® on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com or find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-pollution-from-wildfires-linked-to-higher-rate-of-stroke-302703169.html

SOURCE American Academy of Neurology

Life Cycle Assessment in Detail

OTTAWA, ON, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – As the electronics industry faces mounting pressure to provide transparent, quantifiable environmental data, Claigan is presenting a new webinar on March 18th designed to be the most technically comprehensive session currently available on LCA, EPD, and PCR for electronics broken down in a way that you can understand.

Creating an LCA or EPD for your product can give you increased market access and provide a mechanism for demonstrating year-over-year improvements. Nobody wants to be shut out of a purchasing tender while their competitors gain the edge.  And by 2028, all products sold to the NHS in the UK require specific carbon foot printing via the LCA process.

Moving past the high-level overviews that dominate the industry, this webinar is designed specifically for environmental engineers, sustainability officers, and product compliance managers who require a granular understanding of the mechanics behind life cycle assessments.  Claigan has found that professionals in the electronics sector are tired of basic sustainability overviews; they need the hard math for complex regulatory frameworks.

Claigan’s webinar will discuss the detailed difference between Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), and how they are tied together by Product Category Rules (PCR).

Key topics will include:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
• Product Category Rules (PCR)
• PCR 2024-06 Electronic and electric equipment, and electronic components
• Required stages
• How to create LCA information for components of your products
• Questions you need to answer to complete an LCA
• Where LCAs add value to tenders or are required

Note – due to the expected demand, there will be two (2) webinars scheduled on March 18.

Webinars – Beyond the Greenwash: A Technical Masterclass on LCA, EPD & PCR for Electronics
Date: 18 March, 2026
Time: 10am and 2pm
Duration: 1 hour including Q&A
To Register: 
10am – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2vf1Br4GRM6sJix6o6rJ3w
2pm – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VNCfKdesQIu_p9kg–C1sA 

or on Claigan’s Website at www.claigan.com/webinars

About Claigan Environmental (www.claigan.com)

Claigan is the leading provider in restricted materials compliance (consulting and testing).  Claigan has tested thousands of products for EU MDR, PFAS, Section 71, REACH, POP, TSCA, Prop 65, and related global compliance. Claigan is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, expert consultancy, and is dedicated to providing practical solutions for supply chain due diligence and social responsibility. 

At Claigan, our philosophy is simple: Less Journey, More Results.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/claigan-webinar—beyond-the-greenwash-a-technical-masterclass-on-lca-epd–pcr-for-electronics-302703028.html

SOURCE Claigan Environmental Inc.

SALT LAKE CITY, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pura, a home-fragrance company committed to creating meaningful experiences through scent, is proud to debut the Pura x Malala Fund Collection—four fragrances inspired by the courage of girls who are pursuing their right to learn and by Malala Fund’s transformative work across Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Pakistan.

Malala Fund, founded by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, champions a world where every girl can access and complete 12 years of education. Their work spans some of the world’s most challenging contexts globally, where girls face steep barriers to completing their education, and where locally led, community-rooted solutions are creating powerful, lasting change.

After four years of partnership, Pura’s philanthropic collaboration with Malala Fund finds new expression through a collection that scents with a purpose. Each fragrance draws inspiration from the dedication of local advocates, the strength and hope of girls fighting for their education, and the beauty and spirit of the communities they call home. Together, these elements shaped a scent collection designed to honor Malala Fund’s mission through the evocative power of scent.

“Malala Fund’s work reminds us that when girls learn, communities grow stronger and the world becomes more equitable,” said Bruno Lima, Pura’s CEO and Founder. “We created this collection as a love letter to the girls and the places that inspired it—each fragrance a tribute to their courage, creativity, and hope.”

From Brazil’s lush rainforest and salty beaches to Nigeria’s red-earth villages, from Pakistan’s soaring mountain ranges to Tanzania’s chai-scented spice markets, each country holds a distinct rhythm and beauty. These landscapes, rich in culture and alive with possibility, inspired the fragrance design of the Pura x Malala Fund Collection.

The collection was designed to reflect both the diversity and unity of Malala Fund’s global movement: girls advocating for their futures, local leaders driving change, and communities evolving to build a brighter and more inclusive world. Every fragrance embodies the belief that education is freedom and that unlocking opportunity for girls unlocks opportunity for everyone.

• Brazil: Breath of Courage
  Bold. Determined. Creative.

Inspired by Brazil’s vibrant heritage of tropical fruits and by the determination and creativity embodied by the girls who call Brazil home.

Passionfruit | Acai | Coconut

• Pakistan: Future in Bloom
  Ambitious. Brave. Purposeful.

Inspired by Pakistan’s national fruit and flower, mango and jasmine, and by the hope and encouragement embodied by the girls who call Pakistan home.

Mango | Jasmine | Cedarwood

• Tanzania: Heart on Fire Optimistic. Fearless. Dynamic.

Our perfumers wanted to capture the rich spices rooted in the region’s long history while celebrating the bright, joyful energy of the girls who call Tanzania home.

Cardamom | Clove | Black pepper

• Nigeria: Hope for Tomorrow
  Resilient. Resourceful. Passionate.

Our perfumers wanted to pay homage to the land, its arid scents, and celebrate the youthful and energetic spirit of the girls who call Nigeria home.

Starfruit | Hyacinth | Patchouli

“Pura has been a thoughtful partner for four years, and this collection reflects a shared belief that girls’ education is one of the most powerful investments we can make,” said Lena Alfi, CEO of Malala Fund. “We hope these fragrances spark curiosity, conversation, and action to support girls and the local leaders defending their right to learn and helping them unlock their potential.”

In addition to Pura’s annual investment in Malala Fund, 8% of net revenue from the Pura x Malala Fund Collection will be donated directly to Malala Fund in support of their mission.

The Pura x Malala Fund Collection is available now at pura.com.

To learn more about Malala Fund’s mission and impact, visit malala.org.

About Pura
Pura is a home fragrance company dedicated to enhancing everyday life through meaningful scent experiences. Guided by a belief in connection, community, and purpose, Pura partners with organizations around the world to help tell stories that matter.

About Malala Fund
Malala Fund works for a world where all girls can learn and choose their own futures. Founded by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, the organization helps ensure every girl can access and complete 12 years of education to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape her own life.

Media contact
Pura@azionepr.com

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SOURCE Pura

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A groundbreaking antibiotic treatment used in many parts of the Caribbean and on Florida’s Coral Reef to combat stony coral tissue loss disease does not exhibit negative side effects, scientists at Nova Southeastern University, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Florida and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), have confirmed.

Beginning in 2019, NSU scientist Karen Neely and her team were among several groups that began applying an in-water topical antibiotic paste on diseased lesions on wild corals in Florida. The treatment resulted in extremely high coral survival and preservation of living coral tissue. As of May 2025, more than 31,000 corals have been treated using the paste in Florida’s Coral Reef, the only barrier reef system in the continental United States.

The use of antibiotics in a wild setting initially raised concerns that such an application could increase antibiotic-resistant genes in corals and possibly disrupt the microorganisms that live within and on corals. However, the latest research results show no disruption to the microbial community and no changes in antibiotic-resistant genes following treatments.

“We now have evidence that this treatment not only saves corals, but does so safely,” Neely said. “That’s critical as scientists look for tools to slow the loss of reefs.”

Stony coral tissue loss disease has greatly affected stony coral species in the Caribbean, including more than 20 of the about 45 species of reef-builders and five of the U.S. endangered species-listed Caribbean coral species. Since emerging in South Florida in 2014 and spreading through most of the Caribbean since 2017, the disease has caused mortality rates of 67 to 100 percent of some species, leading to significant losses in coral cover, biodiversity, and ecosystem function.

Coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” play vital ecological and environmental roles in protecting coastlines, supporting fisheries, and sustaining tourism economies. Beyond their ecological importance, coral reefs also provide significant economic value. According to the USGS, U.S. reefs provide about $1.8 billion annually in flood protection benefits alone.

The findings validate disease intervention strategies used on Florida’s Coral Reef. As scientists and managers continue to work to protect reef systems, NSU researchers say the study offers evidence of science-based solutions that can help preserve coral reefs for future generations, ecosystem services, and economic value.

About Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is the largest private research university in Florida and a top employer in the state, with more than $6.7 billion in projected economic impact. NSU is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation among universities with the highest level of research activity. Visit www.nova.edu. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-confirms-safety-of-antibiotic-treatment-for-stony-coral-tissue-loss-disease-302702934.html

SOURCE Nova Southeastern University

DENVER, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gradient Geothermal (“Gradient” or “the Company”), a Denver, Colorado-based geothermal company, will be supporting a major technical study led by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO).

The project will evaluate the potential to repurpose orphaned oil and gas wells across Colorado for geothermal energy production and assess synergies between geothermal development and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). The study aims to transform state liabilities into clean energy assets while advancing Colorado’s net-zero greenhouse gas goals.

As an expert in geothermal analysis, Gradient Geothermal will conduct engineering evaluations of wells within ECMC’s Orphaned Well Program to determine their suitability for electricity generation or direct-use geothermal applications. The effort will also inform regulatory pathways and policy frameworks to streamline safe, protective permitting for future projects.

“This study represents an important step in turning orphaned wells from environmental liabilities into community assets,” said Benjamin Burke, CEO of Gradient Geothermal. “Repurposing existing infrastructure for geothermal energy can reduce methane emissions, create local jobs, and deliver reliable, low-emission power to Colorado communities.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Gradient Geothermal on this evaluation of repurposing potential across existing orphaned wells in Colorado,” said Julie Murphy, Director of Colorado’s Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “This work will help inform related regulatory process development and help to better understand how existing wells may be safely and effectively repurposed for other beneficial uses.”

The project will culminate in a publicly available dataset of orphaned wells and a final report outlining technical findings, pilot project recommendations, and policy guidance. Through this collaboration, the State of Colorado continues to demonstrate how pragmatic, science-based energy transition strategies can reduce emissions, strengthen energy resilience, and accelerate energy-positive and economic innovation.

About Gradient Geothermal

Gradient Geothermal is a Denver-based energy technology company advancing modular, distributed thermal and geothermal energy solutions across diverse subsurface heat resources — delivering emissions-free power. The company partners with operators and industrial facilities to convert existing wells and produced heat streams into scalable renewable energy, improving asset value while reducing emissions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gradient-geothermal-supporting-first-in-the-nation-colorado-initiative-to-transform-orphan-oil–gas-wells-into-geothermal-and-carbon-storage-assets-302702853.html

SOURCE Gradient Geothermal Inc.