News
Orchid Plans To Find Out What’s Wrong With You Before You’re Born
According to CEO Noor Siddiqui, the company isn’t on a mission to make designer babies, but aims to beat genetic odds and relieve suffering.
Each day, around 400,000 babies are welcomed into the world. However, among those, a growing number will experience some kind of birth defect or inherited disease.
Noor Siddiqui, CEO of Orchid, hopes to “mitigate” unpleasant genetic surprises using genome sequencing technology to reveal a wealth of genetic information on which newborns will grow into healthy adults.
Until 2019, IVF specialists had access to under 1% of the human genome. The tests, called PGT-A and PGT-M, scanned a mere 1,000 data points in a genome comprising around 3 billion bases, offering a very limited dataset compared to the technology used by Orchid.
“Our chromosomes are like chapters in a book that make up the table of contents.” Explained Siddiqui. “[PGT-A and PGT-M tests] only examine the table of contents, whereas what Orchid is doing is like a spellcheck on the entire book.” Orchid’s genome sampling technology assesses “100 times the data, covering many more conditions.” In essence, an Orchid report covers three categories of common genetic issues: monogenic disorders, polygenic conditions, and de-novo mutations.
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Orchid’s technology raises many questions. Aside from the obvious ethical concerns, data privacy is the most obvious potential issue with the tests. Noor Siddiqui is keen to alleviate any concerns: “No data at Orchid is ever sold to any third parties. Parents are in complete control of their data. If they want to delete the data, we’re happy to delete it off of our servers. If they want to export the data, they can export the data. And if they want us to re-analyze the data, we can re-analyze the data”.
Compared to a lifetime of medical bills, gene therapy, and suffering, Orchid’s genome screening report has the potential to change the future lives of thousands of newborns worldwide.
News
The New Nissan Patrol Makes Its Worldwide Debut In Abu Dhabi
The seventh-gen off-roader boasts a bold new design, powerful V6 twin-turbo engine, adaptive air suspension, and plenty of cutting-edge technology.
Yesterday, Nissan revealed the all-new seventh-generation Nissan Patrol to an excited audience in Abu Dhabi. The launch marks a significant milestone for the iconic off-roader, whose unveiling drew an audience of royals, VIPs, top Nissan executives, dealers, media, and prospective buyers.
During the event, Nissan president and CEO Makoto Uchida said: “The all-new Patrol is a prime example of the exciting and empowering models we are delivering under our global business plan, The Arc. The seventh generation is a bold leap forward, blending unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and a commanding presence to redefine what an SUV can be”.
A Legendary Off-Roader, Reinvented
The all-new Nissan Patrol has updated styling that exudes strength and durability. The bold exterior, paired with 22-inch alloy wheels, comes in seven distinctive colors, four of which are two-tone combinations, allowing drivers to customize the Patrol to suit their personal style.
Enhanced Power And Performance
This latest Nissan Patrol is the most powerful version of the off-roader yet, thanks to a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. This powerplant delivers 425 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, channeled through a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Patrol’s dynamic suspension utilizes advanced e-damper technology that adapts automatically to varying driving conditions. Meanwhile, adaptive air suspension allows drivers to adjust the vehicle’s ride height, ensuring a seamless transition between highway driving and challenging off-road conditions.
Luxurious Interior And Advanced Technology
Inside, the all-new Patrol offers a spacious, luxurious cabin. A panoramic sunroof lets in natural light, creating an airy and inviting environment. Infotainment includes a 28.6-inch main display, complemented by two 14.3-inch displays for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Rear passengers can enjoy (optional) dual 12.8-inch screens supporting Miracast, HDMI, and USB inputs.
The Patrol’s sound system features 12 Klipsch Premium speakers, delivering exceptional audio quality. Connectivity comes courtesy of NissanConnect 2.0 and Google Built-In, providing seamless smartphone integration for everyone inside.
Also Read: Initial Trials Of Dubai’s Driverless Evocargo Trucks Completed
A final interesting feature of the new Patrol is its Biometric Cooling. The system uses an infrared sensor to monitor the body temperature of front and second-row occupants, automatically adjusting airflow to provide optimal comfort.
The all-new Nissan Patrol will soon be available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the Middle East, with the first orders arriving from November 1, 2024.