MGI Tech Partners with Australian Research Council Training Centre CEAStAR to Lead Innovation in Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions

BRISBANE, Australia, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MGI Australia Pty Ltd, subsidiary of MGI Tech Co., Ltd., a company committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science, proudly announces its strategic partnership with The University of Queensland(UQ) led Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEAStAR) funded by Australian Research Council. This pioneering initiative aims to combat the global crisis of antimicrobial-resistant infections affecting human health, agriculture, and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists AMR among the top 10 threats for global health.

Headquartered at UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), CEAStAR focuses on developing innovative approaches to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Led by Centre Director Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR emphasizes the urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics in agriculture and veterinary medicine, crucially addressing the misuse and overuse of antibiotics globally.

"CEAStAR employs a 'One Health' approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment in combating antimicrobial resistance," said Professor Blaskovich. "Our goal is to deliver new antimicrobials for animal use, alternative treatments, and advanced detection methods to mitigate the spread of resistant microbes across sectors."

MGI's proprietary DNBSEQ^TM technology, renowned for its high accuracy and efficiency in genetic sequencing, plays a pivotal role in CEAStAR's efforts. This technology, integrated with MGI's automated laboratory systems, enables portable, on-site sequencing solutions. These solutions empower rapid detection, surveillance, and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance ("AMR") in diverse environmental settings, including wastewater and agricultural environments.

"We have successfully collaborated with UQ, utilizing our cutting-edge sequencing technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater," said Dr. Bicheng Yang, Director of MGI Australia. "We look forward to expanding this partnership, continuing to develop and apply innovative solutions to combat AMR."

As part of the CEAStAR initiative, on World Food Day 2023 MGI announced support for an industry-driven graduate research project focused on developing sequencing-based surveillance to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the water environment. Through a collaboration between The University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide, and MGI, this project aims to develop innovative methods to reduce the adverse impacts of AMR in engineered or natural aquatic environments, potentially contributing to improved water quality and food safety.

CEAStAR, supported by funding from the Australian Research Council and industry partners, represents a collaborative effort involving leading academic institutions and industry innovators like MGI. Together, MGI and CEAStAR aim to foster a healthier future by safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics and developing alternative treatments for livestock and companion animals.

About MGI

MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and a full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other industries.

Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. MGI stands out as one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers with varying throughput capacities, ranging from Gb to Tb levels. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.

To learn more, please visit MGI website, or connect with us on social media including LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

MGI Tech Partners with Australian Research Council Training Centre CEAStAR to Lead Innovation in Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has revealed that the Riyadh Book Fair 2024 is its largest edition yet, featuring a diverse range of translated international books. With more than 2,000 local, Arab, and international publishers participating, the Fair has strengthened its position as a leading cultural event in the Arab world. This year's edition promotes Saudi Arabia's cultural openness and supports the spread of cross-border knowledge.

The 2024 Fair edition stands out for hosting renowned thinkers, intellectuals, and global figures in literature, art, and knowledge who share their insights and success stories with the public. Among the key speakers are Fareed Zakaria, acclaimed media personality and author; Walter Isaacson, world-renowned biographer; poet and writer Kwame Alexander; and acclaimed novelist Jonathan Franzen. The Fair also features prominent literary and artistic figures from the Middle East.

Dr Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, emphasised the significance of the Fair, stating: "The Riyadh International Book Fair is not only one of the most important book fairs in the Arab region but also a premier platform for publishers and authors to expand their reach in the Arab cultural market. This year's edition is especially notable for its focus on cultural diversity and translation, with an exceptional programme featuring some of the world's leading intellectuals."

During his visit, His Excellency Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, expressed admiration for the Saudi public's enthusiasm for reading. CNN's Fareed Zakaria praised the Kingdom's remarkable transformation and its growing global influence.

This year also marks the return of the popular "Riyadh Reads French" initiative, featuring several French publishers. Al-Saeed Ezz, Communication Officer at the French Embassy, noted that this year's programme has expanded to include children's activities and free French language courses in collaboration with the French Cultural Institute, bringing French culture closer to Saudi visitors.

The Riyadh International Book Fair plays a key role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030's cultural goals, contributing to the Kingdom's cultural economy, projected to reach $9.3 billion. Attracting over one million visitors annually, it ranks among the highest-selling book fairs in the Arab world.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Riyadh International Book Fair 2024: Expanding Global Dialogue through the Largest Collection of Translated Works