Featured Stories
UCLA Health: Study Uses Living Human Brain Tissue to Map How Electric Stimulation Affects Neurons, Genetic Activity
LOS ANGELES, California, Aug. 6 (TNSjou) -- The UCLA Health issued the following news release:
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Study uses living human brain tissue to map how electric stimulation affects neurons, genetic activity
Findings could refine deep brain stimulation therapies for conditions like Parkinson's disease and cognitive decline
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Neurons that once encoded a person's memories are now helping researchers identify genetic targets that may one day help preserve memory and slow cognitive decline in others.
In a study published in the journal Nature, UCLA Health and University of Texas Southwestern Medical
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Aug. 6 (TNSjou) -- The UCLA Health issued the following news release:
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Study uses living human brain tissue to map how electric stimulation affects neurons, genetic activity
Findings could refine deep brain stimulation therapies for conditions like Parkinson's disease and cognitive decline
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Neurons that once encoded a person's memories are now helping researchers identify genetic targets that may one day help preserve memory and slow cognitive decline in others.
In a study published in the journal Nature, UCLA Health and University of Texas Southwestern MedicalCenter researchers used real human brain tissue samples, donated by several neurosurgery patients and kept alive in a lab for several days, to test the underlying mechanisms of deep brain stimulation.
Deep brain stimulation, which uses electrical impulses to alter how neurons communicate delivered by implants in the brain, has shown significant promise in treating various neurological or psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Recent studies have tested whether stimulation could address the growing national issue of cognitive decline. But how this stimulation affects different types of human brain cells and the underlying genes involved is not well understood and has only been directly tested on lab-grown or animal tissues. The new study is believed to be the first to mimic electrical patterns similar to deep brain stimulation on living, human-derived brain tissue outside of the body.
After applying electrical stimulation, the researchers found that brain cells became more synchronized in the way they communicated, which is a pattern believed to help the brain form memories. In parallel, the researchers measured how stimulation altered gene expression across different types of brain cells by isolating individual cell nuclei and recording each cell type's genetic activity.
The findings reveal that neurons and even non-neuronal support cells, such as astrocytes, switch on their own distinct genetic programs in response to stimulation, offering a new window into how the human brain responds to these therapies at the molecular level. Similar patterns were also observed in tissues from individuals who had underwent brain stimulation prior to the tissue being removed, showing that these effects were occurring in the body as well.
"Not only was it a privilege and challenge to work with donated living human brain tissue, but to see it reveal the genes and cell types underlying human brain plasticity as new targets for future therapies makes the work feel even more meaningful," said the study's senior author
Genevieve Konopka
, chair of the Department of Neurobiology at UCLA Health. "By understanding exactly which genes turn on in which cells during stimulation, we can start to design more precise approaches to deep brain stimulation and potentially augment this clinical strategy with pharmacological therapies to help slow cognitive decline."
The brain tissues samples were derived from the temporal cortex, which is located on the sides of the outermost layer of the brain, a region critical for memory and related cognitive processes. Researchers acknowledge that further investigation is needed to determine the molecular effects of long-term stimulation, how the stimulated cells affect neighboring cells and how the therapy affects deeper brain regions, which are more difficult to acquire from living donors.
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Original text here: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/study-uses-living-human-brain-tissue-map-how-electric
[Category: Medical]
Ropes & Gray Advised ContextLogic Holdings in $850 Million Acquisition of GChem
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Aug. 6 -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Ropes & Gray Advised ContextLogic Holdings in $850 Million Acquisition of gChem
Ropes & Gray represented ContextLogic Holdings Inc. and its applicable subsidiaries in a definitive agreement to acquire gChem (Gaylord Chemical) from investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital and their co-investors in a transaction valuing gChem at an enterprise value of $850 million. The deal was announced on August 5 and is expected to close by the end of 2026.
gChem is a U.S.-based specialty chemicals company with
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Aug. 6 -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Ropes & Gray Advised ContextLogic Holdings in $850 Million Acquisition of gChem
Ropes & Gray represented ContextLogic Holdings Inc. and its applicable subsidiaries in a definitive agreement to acquire gChem (Gaylord Chemical) from investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital and their co-investors in a transaction valuing gChem at an enterprise value of $850 million. The deal was announced on August 5 and is expected to close by the end of 2026.
gChem is a U.S.-based specialty chemicals company withproducts that serve high-value applications across pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, agricultural chemicals, performance chemicals, and aerospace. gChem will become ContextLogic's second operating business, following the acquisition of US Salt in February 2026, and will continue to be led by its existing management team.
ContextLogic is a publicly traded business ownership platform established to acquire, own and build a collection of niche, competitively advantaged, long-duration businesses.
The team was led by private equity partner Sarah Schaffer Raux, mergers & acquisitions partner Suni Sreepada, capital markets partner Christopher Capuzzi, and private equity associate Christopher Hewitt, and included capital markets partner Craig Marcus, IP transactions partner Erica Han, finance partners Chris Holt and Byung Choi, tax partner Brandon Dunn, employment, exec comp and benefits partners Stephanie Bruce and Renata Ferrari, real estate partner Peter Alpert, life sciences regulatory and compliance partner Greg Levine, litigation and enforcement partners Brendan Hanifin, Jackie Grise, and Lisa Kaltenbrunner, and HSR partners Marta Kelly and Deidre Johnson.
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URL: ContextLogic Holdings
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Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/news/2026/08/ropes-gray-advised-contextlogic-holdings-in-acquisition-of-gchem
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Duke Energy Progress Reaches Agreement With North Carolina Public Staff and Other Stakeholders to Deliver a Lower-Cost Path to Power North Carolina's Future
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Aug. 6 -- Duke Energy issued the following news release:
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Duke Energy Progress reaches agreement with North Carolina Public Staff and other stakeholders to deliver a lower-cost path to power North Carolina's future
* Customer and stakeholder feedback informs more cost-effective way to reliably serve North Carolina's customers
* Duke Energy will contribute another $10 million to help customers most in need
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After listening carefully to customer and stakeholder feedback, Duke Energy Progress and stakeholders have reached an agreement that will allow the company
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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Aug. 6 -- Duke Energy issued the following news release:
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Duke Energy Progress reaches agreement with North Carolina Public Staff and other stakeholders to deliver a lower-cost path to power North Carolina's future
* Customer and stakeholder feedback informs more cost-effective way to reliably serve North Carolina's customers
* Duke Energy will contribute another $10 million to help customers most in need
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After listening carefully to customer and stakeholder feedback, Duke Energy Progress and stakeholders have reached an agreement that will allow the companyto continue building the infrastructure needed to reliably serve North Carolina while reducing the proposed rate increase by more than half.
Similar to the agreement reached on behalf of Duke Energy Carolinas customers in July, the changes are reflected in a new settlement between the company and North Carolina Public Staff, the agency representing utility customers. Other parties to the agreement include Carolina Industrial Group for Fair Utility Rates, Carolina Utility Customers Association, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association and Walmart, with others expected to join in the coming days.
Our view: "We listened to stakeholders and responded to the everyday cost pressures facing our customers," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "We appreciate our stakeholders' engagement in finding a path that allows us to more cost-effectively serve all our customers across the state. Our shareholders will also contribute $10 million to low-income bill assistance and weatherization programs - over and above our $10 million Duke Energy Carolinas contribution - which will make a real difference for customers who need help the most."
Agreement summary:
* If the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) approves this lower-cost path forward, the result is an average annual increase of 3.4% over two years.
* New Multiyear Rate Plan (MYRP) refund rider will return money to customers, with interest, if planned infrastructure upgrades are not completed on time.
* Accelerated customer refund of $120 million in annual federal tax credits for efficient and reliable nuclear, solar and hydro generation.
* Reduced customer costs for Roxboro Steam Plant reliability upgrades due to federal funding.
Why it matters: Since the request was initially filed last November, customers have made clear they're struggling to pay their bills, and Duke Energy has responded.
"We've now agreed to reduce rates for all of our North Carolina customers, while still allowing us to make critical infrastructure investments to meet existing and future customer needs," said Bowman. "We believe this agreement enables us to continue providing reliable service at the lowest possible cost."
What's next: NCUC will consider the agreement and make the final decision - if approved, new rates will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Duke Energy Progress serves about 1.6 million customers in central and eastern North Carolina and in the Asheville region, while Duke Energy Carolinas serves about 2.3 million households and businesses in central and western North Carolina, including Charlotte, Durham and the Triad.
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Duke Energy Progress
Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 13,800 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 28,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.
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Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.
More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.
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Original text here: https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-progress-reaches-agreement-with-north-carolina-public-staff-and-other-stakeholders-to-deliver-a-lower-cost-path-to-power-north-carolinas-future
[Category: BizEnergy]
Circana: U.S. B2B Technology Revenue Grows 10% in First Half of 2026
CHICAGO, Illinois, Aug. 6 (TNSxrep) -- Circana, a provider of big data, predictive analytics and forward-looking insights that help consumer packaged goods, over-the-counter health care organizations, retailers and media companies, issued the following news release:
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U.S. B2B Technology Revenue Grows 10% in First Half of 2026; Growth Expected to Moderate in the Second Half, Reports Circana
Cloud, software and services, and IT hardware continue to support business technology spending as organizations prioritize modernization, security, and productivity.
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The U.S. B2B technology reseller
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Aug. 6 (TNSxrep) -- Circana, a provider of big data, predictive analytics and forward-looking insights that help consumer packaged goods, over-the-counter health care organizations, retailers and media companies, issued the following news release:
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U.S. B2B Technology Revenue Grows 10% in First Half of 2026; Growth Expected to Moderate in the Second Half, Reports Circana
Cloud, software and services, and IT hardware continue to support business technology spending as organizations prioritize modernization, security, and productivity.
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The U.S. B2B technology resellermarket combined revenue across cloud, software and services, and IT hardware reached $35.3 billion in the first half of 2026, increasing 10% year over year. B2B technology revenue is forecast to reach $35.7 billion in the second half of 2026, increasing 6% year over year, according to the latest Future of B2B Technology forecast from Circana(TM).
"Business technology investment remained healthy during the first half of the year despite an uncertain economic environment," said Mike Crosby, senior technology advisor at Circana. "Commercial technology demand remains healthy, and growth through the remainder of the year will be fueled by continued investments in infrastructure modernization and PC refresh initiatives, particularly among enterprise and medium-sized businesses."
Cloud revenue totaled $1.69 billion in the first half of the year, growing 15%, and it is expected to continue at that rate through the second half, leading growth for the industry. IT hardware generated $17.67 billion in revenue in the six months ending June 2026, increasing 11% year over year and representing approximately half of total B2B technology revenue, and software and services reached $15.98 billion, up 8% from the prior year. Growth for both of these segments will moderate slightly in the next six months, with IT hardware expected to reach gains of 8% and 4% for software and services.
IT Hardware Highlights
IT hardware delivered strong growth during the first half, led by storage hardware, computers, and PC memory. The computer market, which remains the largest category by revenue, continued to shift toward higher-performance configurations as organizations refreshed aging device fleets and invested in more capable systems.
Rising memory and storage costs, richer product configurations, and ongoing enterprise and midmarket refresh activity contributed to higher average selling prices despite lower shipment volumes. Storage hardware and PC memory were among the strongest-performing categories, benefiting from tighter supply conditions, higher memory and NAND pricing, and demand for higher-capacity solutions.
Momentum continues in the second half
Cloud spending is expected to remain robust as organizations continue to expand their adoption of cloud-based platforms and services. Software and services growth will be supported by ongoing investments in cybersecurity, managed services, and operational efficiency initiatives. IT hardware will remain a key growth contributor through year-end, supported by continued enterprise and midmarket PC refresh activity, infrastructure investments, and modernization projects.
Across the broader hardware market, normalizing replacement cycles and more targeted purchasing will moderate unit demand. However, higher component costs, supply dynamics, and richer product configurations will support elevated average selling prices, and as a result, revenue growth will continue to outpace unit growth.
2027 Outlook
Looking beyond this year, Circana forecasts combined B2B technology revenue to increase 5% in 2027. Despite the anticipation of cooling economic growth, the expectation is that organizations will continue to prioritize investments that improve productivity, strengthen security, modernize infrastructure, and support workforce enablement.
"Technology remains one of the most resilient areas of business investment," added Crosby. "Yes, organizations are becoming more selective with spending, but these types of investments continue to deliver measurable business value."
Circana's Future of(TM) is a series of industry-specific forecasts and insights that incorporate Circana's data assets, deep industry advisor expertise, macroeconomic inputs, superior technology and advanced analytic modeling techniques.
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About Circana
Circana is a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Through superior technology, advanced analytics, cross-industry data, and deep expertise, we provide clarity that helps almost 7,000 of the world's leading brands and retailers take action and unlock business growth. We understand more about the complete consumer, the complete store, and the complete wallet so our clients can go beyond the data to apply insights, ignite innovation, meet consumer demand, and outpace the competition. Learn more at circana.com.
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Original text here: https://www.circana.com/post/u-s-b2b-technology-revenue-grows-10-in-first-half-of-2026-growth-expected-to-moderate-in-the-seco
[Category: BizConsulting]
CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center Ranked No. 2 in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report
ST. CLOUD, Minnesota, Aug. 6 -- CentraCare Health issued the following news release:
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CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center Ranked No. 2 in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report
CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital has been named the No. 2 program in Minnesota for Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-2027 rankings, second only to Mayo Clinic.
The CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center is one of the largest and most advanced heart and vascular programs in the state, that includes approximately 60 physicians and advanced practice providers, along with a care
... Show Full Article
ST. CLOUD, Minnesota, Aug. 6 -- CentraCare Health issued the following news release:
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CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center Ranked No. 2 in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report
CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital has been named the No. 2 program in Minnesota for Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-2027 rankings, second only to Mayo Clinic.
The CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center is one of the largest and most advanced heart and vascular programs in the state, that includes approximately 60 physicians and advanced practice providers, along with a careteam that has more than 60,000 patient encounters per year.
With a dedicated heart research department, CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center advances cardiovascular care through clinical research focused on improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
"This honor is meaningful, but it's also a reflection of what our team strives for every day," said Stephen Kidd, MD, Interventional Cardiologist. "We participate in cutting-edge clinical research, employ renowned experts across cardiovascular medicine and have some of the best nursing care anywhere. We're proud to bring world-class heart care to the people of Central Minnesota."
These latest rankings also recognized CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital as High Performing in 15 adult procedures and conditions and are based on patient outcomes and patient experience.
Behind this recognition are the people who matter most: our patients who trust us during some of life's most difficult moments, and the physicians, nurses and care teams who show up every day with skill, compassion and dedication.
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Original text here: https://www.centracare.com/about-us/news-publications/media-releases/2026-news/heart-vascular-center-ranked-no-2/
[Category: BizHealth Care]
Carlyle Reports 2nd Quarter 2026 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- Carlyle Group posted the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
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Carlyle Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Washington, D.C. and New York, NY - The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CG) today reported its unaudited results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. The full detailed presentation of Carlyle's second quarter 2026 results can be viewed at ir.carlyle.com.
U.S. GAAP results for Q2 2026 included income before provision for income taxes of $274 million and a margin on income before provision for income taxes of 24.4%.
Carlyle Chief Executive Officer
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- Carlyle Group posted the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
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Carlyle Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Washington, D.C. and New York, NY - The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CG) today reported its unaudited results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. The full detailed presentation of Carlyle's second quarter 2026 results can be viewed at ir.carlyle.com.
U.S. GAAP results for Q2 2026 included income before provision for income taxes of $274 million and a margin on income before provision for income taxes of 24.4%.
Carlyle Chief Executive OfficerHarvey M. Schwartz said, "The second quarter was one of Carlyle's strongest quarters in recent years, underscoring the power of our diversified platform. We delivered record Fee Related Earnings, our highest Distributable Earnings in nearly four years, alongside strong fundraising, and exceptional realization activity. Carlyle continues to distinguish itself as an industry leader and an outlier in returning capital to our clients, distributing nearly $7 billion during the quarter and $37 billion over the past year. This performance reflects the disciplined execution of our strategy and the momentum we continue to build across the firm."
Dividend
The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per common share to holders of record at the close of business on August 17, 2026, payable on August 26, 2026.
Conference Call
Carlyle will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, to announce its second quarter 2026 financial results. The conference call will be available via public webcast from the Events & Presentations section of ir.carlyle.com and a replay will also be available on our website soon after the call's completion.
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About Carlyle
Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Carlyle AlpInvest. With $485 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2026, Carlyle's purpose is to connect people, ideas, and capital to fuel growth for companies and performance for investors. Carlyle employs more than 2,500 people in 28 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.
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Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations, estimates, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions and statements that are not historical facts, including our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, contingencies, and our dividend policy. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements including, but not limited to, those described in this press release and under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 27, 2026, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in our other periodic filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
This press release does not constitute an offer for any Carlyle fund.
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Original text here: https://www.carlyle.com/media-room/news-release-archive/carlyle-reports-second-quarter-2026-financial-results
[Category: BizFinancial Services]
A&O Shearman Advises Charterhouse on the Acquisition of Animalcare Group
LONDON, England, Aug. 6 -- A and O Shearman, a law firm, issued the following news:
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A&O Shearman advises Charterhouse on the acquisition of Animalcare Group
A&O Shearman has advised Charterhouse Capital Partners ("Charterhouse"), one of the longest established private equity firms operating in Europe, on all M&A and financing aspects of its acquisition of Animalcare Group plc ("Animalcare"), following its delisting from the London Stock Exchange (AIM).
The investment aligns closely with Charterhouse's strategy of partnering with high-quality healthcare businesses that have strong market
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Aug. 6 -- A and O Shearman, a law firm, issued the following news:
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A&O Shearman advises Charterhouse on the acquisition of Animalcare Group
A&O Shearman has advised Charterhouse Capital Partners ("Charterhouse"), one of the longest established private equity firms operating in Europe, on all M&A and financing aspects of its acquisition of Animalcare Group plc ("Animalcare"), following its delisting from the London Stock Exchange (AIM).
The investment aligns closely with Charterhouse's strategy of partnering with high-quality healthcare businesses that have strong marketpositions and clear opportunities for value creation.
Animalcare is an animal healthcare company specializing in the development and commercialization of products for companion animals, equine and production animals.
The group holds around 150 animal health pharma brands, with core franchises in dental, equine and pain products with a strong presence throughout Europe and the APAC region.
The core deal team advising Charterhouse across both the M&A and financing side was led by partners Tina Barazandeh-Nejad, Matt Hamilton-Foyn and Nick Hallam alongside senior associate Akshay Naran, associates Charles Ashie, Angela Chan, Matthew Scrocca and Livia Gauntlet with trainee Ben Evans on the M&A aspects, and senior associate Fraser Jackson, and associates Jack Cameron and Sophie Hilton with trainee Maciej Skrzek on the financing.
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URL: Charterhouse Capital Partners
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Original text here: https://www.aoshearman.com/en/news/ao-shearman-advises-charterhouse-on-the-acquisition-of-animalcare-group
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
