83% of organizations run AI workloads, driving demand for interoperable, cost-efficient data platforms

- The OpenSearch Software Foundation and Linux Foundation Research released The 2026 Open Data Infrastructure Report, examining how organizations scale AI implementation while navigating data governance, vendor independence and infrastructure costs.

- Key findings show that 83% of organizations run or plan to run AI workloads, with 71% prioritizing vendor neutral infrastructure.

- Research found 77% of organizations see OpenSearch as core or significant in their AI processes.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The OpenSearch Software Foundation, the neutral home for the OpenSearch Project, today released The 2026 Open Data Infrastructure Report: AI, Governance, and OpenSearch Adoption Trends, created in partnership with Linux Foundation Research. Key findings show that AI workloads, now ubiquitous across global organizations, require a neutral, interoperable, unified data platform to ensure data control, cost efficiency, and operational security. This shift helped drive a nearly 2x increase in OpenSearch adoption as it evolved into a foundational data layer for AI infrastructure.

"This research confirms what we're hearing directly from the community," said Bianca Lewis, executive director of the OpenSearch Software Foundation. "As organizations expand AI efforts, they are worried about the risk of proprietary lock-in, and they need a neutral, open platform they can control. "That's why enterprises are shifting to an open model – enabling cost predictability, data sovereignty, and long-term stability."

AI Workloads Drive Widespread Infrastructure Demand

The adoption of AI is pervasive, and the underlying data platforms that search, index, retrieve, and monitor information have become just as central to success as the models and algorithms themselves. As organizations rapidly scale these systems, recent benchmark data highlights the operational shift required to support full-scale enterprise deployment.

The report found:

- 83% of organizations run or plan to run AI workloads, reaching more than 90% among large enterprises.

- Generative AI and LLM-powered applications are the leading data infrastructure use case (82%).

- Hybrid search – combining keyword and semantic search – is the preferred retrieval approach for 68% of organizations to enable AI relevance.

Infrastructure Adoption Relies on Cost Overhead and Vendor Independence

Research confirms that data infrastructure – the search, analytics, observability, and related platforms and tools organizations rely on to collect, store, manage, process, and extract value from their data – is a strategic priority for leaders. Selecting a data platform to run AI requires a major investment of time and resources, which can impact business success for years to come. Vendor independence, data ownership, interoperability, and cost are critical factors in IT leaders' decision making.

The report found:

- 78% of organizations say cross-vendor, cross-tool interoperability is critical when evaluating data infrastructure, enabling flexibility as the ecosystem evolves.

- 71% of organizations agree that deploying infrastructure independently of a specific vendor or cloud provider is a strategic priority.

- Total cost of ownership (80%) and security and compliance (79%) top the list of needs for a data infrastructure platform.

- 80% of organizations would consolidate to fewer platforms if it meaningfully reduced costs, and 44% prefer one core platform with specialized tools.

Beyond Search: OpenSearch as Core AI Infrastructure

OpenSearch has evolved, and the community is taking notice. At the five-year anniversary of the project, search and retrieval is the number one use case (91%), but research demonstrated the breadth and depth of platform use, with use cases like log analytics and observability reaching 83% and real-time analytics at 70%. The increasing importance of unified observability and search capabilities is driving expanded adoption and awareness of the platform.

The report found:

- OpenSearch awareness jumped to 89% in 2026, up from 68% in 2024.

- 77% of organizations see OpenSearch as a core or supporting component of their AI infrastructure.

- 62% of respondents already use OpenSearch in AI workloads.

OpenSearch provides the infrastructure layer that grounds AI applications in an organization's own data and the observability layer that keeps AI-powered systems running reliably in production.

Explore all findings in The 2026 Open Data Infrastructure Report: AI, Governance, and OpenSearch Adoption Trends here.

Insights from OpenSearch in Production

"Our use of data infrastructure technology dates back over ten years to early versions of our primary data platform. When licensing changes disrupted that ecosystem, we transitioned first to an intermediate distribution and eventually moved directly to OpenSearch. Today, we use the technology very heavily across multiple major areas, including global anti-money laundering, public security, and anti-fraud solutions." – Terry Quigley, Principal Software Developer, SAS

"Handling highly sensitive data under a consent framework requires extreme customizability to maintain strict privacy promises. While commercial solutions often violate those privacy bounds, OpenSearch provides a customizable framework that allows organizations to maintain aggregate data layers while upholding user trust." – Art Abal, Managing Director, Vana Foundation

About Linux Foundation Research

Founded in 2021, Linux Foundation Research explores the growing scale of open source collaboration, providing insight into emerging technology trends, best practices, and the global impact of open source projects. By leveraging project databases and networks and committing to best practices in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, Linux Foundation Research is creating the go-to library for open source insights for the benefit of organizations worldwide.

About the OpenSearch Software Foundation 

The OpenSearch Software Foundation is a vendor-neutral community for search, analytics, observability, and vector database software. Hosted by the Linux Foundation and supported by premier members such as AWS, IBM, SAP and Uber, the OpenSearch Software Foundation works with community maintainers, developers, and member organizations to drive the continued growth of the OpenSearch project. With more than 2 billion software downloads since its inception and participation from thousands of contributors, the OpenSearch project and its community are transforming how information is managed and discovered. To learn more, please visit https://opensearch.org/foundation.

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Media Contact 

Kristi Piechnik 

The Linux Foundation 

[email protected] 

SOURCE OpenSearch Software Foundation

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Expanded commitments from Intel and more strengthen vendor neutral platform stability as global downloads grow 140% YoY and contributor participation surges

- The OpenSearch Software Foundation announced three new General Members – Adelean, Intel, and Sidecar – along with two new certified Long Term Support (LTS) providers, Seacom and Sidecar.

- In addition to Foundation growth, OpenSearch project contributors increased 31% year-over-year.

- The expanding ecosystem aligns with enterprise demands for vendor neutral, open source infrastructure, backed by new research showing that 71% of organizations consider independent data infrastructure deployment a strategic priority.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenSearchCon North America -- The OpenSearch Software Foundation, the neutral home for the OpenSearch Project, today announced increased member investment, certified vendor support commitments, and continued global adoption. The Foundation welcomed new General Members Adelean, Intel, and Sidecar, alongside new certified Long Term Support (LTS) providers Seacom and Sidecar.

"Proprietary software restricts flexibility and increases costs, especially with today's accelerating data demands," said Bianca Lewis, executive director of the OpenSearch Software Foundation. "Open source is the future of enterprise infrastructure, our members' commitment gives organizations the stability and confidence to run their most critical workloads in the open."

Expanding Enterprise Stability with New Members and Certified LTS Vendors

As new General Members of the OpenSearch Software Foundation, Adelean, Intel, and Sidecar will engage with working groups, contribute to technical initiatives, and help guide the strategic direction of the Foundation. Intel's membership builds on its existing open source technical contributions to OpenSearch, which help optimize performance through hardware-level acceleration.

Additionally, Seacom and Sidecar have formally joined the vendor directory as certified LTS providers. Through the Foundation's established LTS program, certified vendors deliver production-ready software stability, extended maintenance windows and predictable upgrade paths.

Recent research from OpenSearch Software Foundation and Linux Foundation Research underscores this momentum as 71% of organizations agree that deploying data infrastructure independently of a specific vendor is a strategic priority. Membership and certified support from these leading organizations strengthen OpenSearch's vendor neutral platform for enterprise search, observability and analytics via a growing ecosystem that delivers predictable, sustainable open source innovation.

Sustained Global Acceleration

The Foundation and OpenSearch project continue to grow in parallel. Over the past year, global community participation accelerated, including a 31% overall increase in contributors. Regionally, contributors increased 43% in Latin America, 33% in Japan, 16% in India and 10% in Europe. Total project downloads reached more than 2.4 billion – an increase of 140% year-over-year – reflecting growing trust in open platforms that future-proof enterprise search, observability, and analytics, and prevent vendor lock-in.

The OpenSearch Software Foundation community is gathering at OpenSearchCon North America in San Jose, California from Sept. 22-24. Register to attend here.

To learn more about the OpenSearch Software Foundation, including how to get involved, become a member or contribute, please visit our website.

About the Newest General Members

- Adelean is an expert consultancy and software vendor specializing in search engine technologies, data, and AI. As trusted OpenSearch integrators, Adelean empowers businesses with highly scalable, ready-to-use search solutions, blending deep technical expertise with strategic consulting to build robust search infrastructures that drive business value for enterprise and e-commerce applications.

- Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) designs and manufactures advanced semiconductors and new technologies that connect and power the modern world and shape the future of computing.

- Sidecar is a specialist engineering consultancy helping teams design, scale, and operate their search, observability, and data infrastructure. The firm works across the full stack from search relevance and indexing pipelines to log aggregation, metrics, and platform architecture so engineering teams can move faster without getting buried in infrastructure complexity.

Supporting Quotes

"OpenSearch combines openness with a highly extensible architecture, making it a strong foundation for enterprise and e-commerce search. At Adelean, we build search and AI verticals on top of OpenSearch and actively support the community through our expertise, training and the OpenSearch Paris Meetup. Joining the OpenSearch Software Foundation is a natural way for us to contribute further and help shape the future of OpenSearch."

– Lucian Precup, Chief Technology Officer, Adelean

"The OpenSearch LTS program represents an important step forward for vendor neutral open source software, bringing the continuity and predictability traditionally associated with proprietary platforms while preserving freedom of choice. For Seacom, becoming a certified LTS provider is both a significant milestone and recognition of our investment in the OpenSearch project from the outset. We are committed to continuing that investment and to helping organizations adopt and operate open technologies with the confidence required for mission-critical environments."

– Stefano Pampaloni, CEO, Seacom

"I've built, run, and consulted on search infrastructure for most of my career. OpenSearch has a thriving community and real momentum. We're thrilled to join the Foundation and put our experience to work for the people building on it."

– Honza Kral, Chief Technology Officer, Sidecar

About the OpenSearch Software Foundation

The OpenSearch Software Foundation is a vendor-neutral community for search, analytics, observability, and vector database software. Hosted by the Linux Foundation and supported by premier members such as AWS, IBM, SAP and Uber, the OpenSearch Software Foundation works with community maintainers, developers, and member organizations to drive the continued growth of the OpenSearch project. With more than 2 billion software downloads since its inception and participation from thousands of contributors, the OpenSearch project and its community are transforming how information is managed and discovered. To learn more, please visit https://opensearch.org/foundation.

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Media Contact

Kristi Piechnik

The Linux Foundation

[email protected]

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New six-week league gives golfers a fun, social way to compete, connect and play with Toptracer technology

ORLANDO, Fla. and DALLAS, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sport entertainment leader, Topgolf has teamed up with Spark Golf to offer golfers a fun, social way to keep playing this fall.

Powered by Toptracer technology, the brand-new 9-hole league format concept gets underway this October, running every Tuesday from October 6th through November 10th at 5:30 p.m. at Topgolf venues nationwide. The six-week league is designed to bring golfers together for casual competition, new connections and a different way to experience the game.

Spark Golf is built around making golf more accessible and social with 9-hole leagues combing friendly competition with a relaxed atmosphere, giving golfers the opportunity to meet new people, play regularly and enjoy the game without the pressure often associated with traditional golf leagues.

At Topgolf, Spark players will take that experience to the range, using Toptracer technology to play and score their 9-hole rounds. Players can follow their performance in real time while enjoying the social atmosphere that has made Topgolf a destination for golfers of all abilities.

"Partnering with Spark Golf is a natural fit with the Topgolf ethos of making golf fun, accessible and welcoming for players of all ages and skill levels," said Topgolf CEO, David McKillips. "Giving Spark Golf members the opportunity to access Topgolf venues nationwide, and enjoy a social, competitive round while experiencing Toptracer technology in action adds another invaluable layer to each of our offerings."

Each Spark Golf round costs $44 per player which includes a 9-hole round on world renowned Toptracer virtual courses. Players can register and manage their rounds through the Spark Golf app, which allows them to connect with fellow league members, keep score and track handicaps and stats.

"Spark Golf is all about bringing people together through golf and Topgolf provides an ideal setting to do that," said Spark Golf co-founder, Charlie Klaus. "By combining our social league format with Topgolf's scale, it's a natural evolution for our leagues to continue to compete, meet other players and keep playing throughout the fall," he added.

For more information and to find the nearest Spark Golf Topgolf league near you visit https://www.spark.golf/topgolf or to learn more about Topgolf, visit www.topgolf.com.

About Topgolf

Topgolf is the ultimate instigator of play. Thanks to our 100+ venues around the globe, which are powered by industry-leading Toptracer technology, we're leading the charge of modern golf. We offer a variety of tech-driven games, a top-tier food and drink menu, space to host large events, and a vibe focused on more play for all. To learn more, plan an event or make plans to come play around, visit www.topgolf.com.

About Spark Golf

 Spark Golf is a technology company that has created the largest on-course social golf community. Driven by the proprietary Spark mobile app, the company organizes leagues that are fun, social and modified with relaxed rules to contain just the right Spark of friendly competition. Launched in April 2018, the company has grown to be hosted at over 2,000 courses and played by more than 300,000 golfers.

For press information, contact:

Dan Wooters

GMS - North America

E: [email protected]

M: +1 201-919-7425

Instagram: @_gmsagency_

LinkedIN: GMS Agency

GMSagency.com 

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Jets-Themed Tees and Hoodies Bring GOAT USA's Streetwear Aesthetic

 to MetLife Stadium and Beyond

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GOAT USA, the Long Island-born lifestyle brand known for its confidence-first, connection-driven approach to apparel, has launched a new co-branded collection with the New York Jets, extending its reach into professional sports with one of the NFL's most dedicated fan bases.

The line pairs GOAT USA's core tee and hoodie silhouettes with Jets branding, designed to move seamlessly from parking-lot tailgates to seats inside MetLife Stadium.

"Jets fans bring unmatched energy every game day, and this collection is built for them," said Chris Pierce, Vice President, Fan Commerce for the New York Jets. "GOAT USA has become one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands to come out of our region, and we're thrilled to combine their signature style with the passion of Jets fandom. Whether you're tailgating at MetLife Stadium or representing the team year-round, this collection lets fans wear their green with pride."

"Long before we co-founded GOAT USA, my family had an annual tailgate at MetLife Stadium. Rich was a regular guest, as we joined the rest of the Jets faithful passionately rooting on our boys," said TJ Cristina, CEO & Co-Founder of GOAT USA. "Seeing our logo next to theirs is personal for me. This is the team we grew up rooting for. We bleed green."

GOAT USA got its start in 2016, when childhood friends Rich Alfaro, TJ Cristina, and Dylan McLaughlin began selling T-shirts out of the trunk of a car at youth sports tournaments across Long Island. Word of mouth carried the brand from team to team and town to town, and a decade later it has grown into a nationwide operation with more than 1,000 wholesale accounts and nine company-owned stores.

The Jets collection lands during GOAT USA's 10-year anniversary, adding another marquee partner to a roster that has grown alongside the brand's expansion into professional sports.

The collection debuted at the Jets White Out game at MetLife Stadium on September 20 and will be available in early October on Jetsshop.com, GOATUSA.com, GOAT USA retail locations, and select retail partners.

About GOAT USA: GOAT USA is a Long Island-founded lifestyle brand built around confidence, community, and everyday greatness. Started in 2016 by Rich Alfaro, TJ Cristina, and Dylan McLaughlin, the company has grown from a single folding table to a nationwide presence across wholesale and retail. Learn more at www.goatusa.com.

About the New York Jets:

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans and served as a charter member of the American Football League. Following the 1968 season, the team made history by becoming the first AFL franchise to win a world championship, defeating the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III—a victory widely credited with validating the AFL ahead of its 1970 merger with the NFL. Today, as one of the league's flagship franchises in the nation's largest media market, the Jets represent the sport on one of its biggest global stages.

The Jets enhance the fan experience through innovation and storytelling, including 1JD Entertainment, a digital content platform that connects fans across social and digital channels. The organization is also committed to community impact, supporting youth football, girls' and women's flag football, and programs serving disadvantaged communities throughout the tri-state area.

The Jets play at MetLife Stadium – one of the world's most successful multi use venues, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey.

CONTACT:

[email protected]

[email protected]

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- Special Launch: $396 — 56% OFF — limited to just 5 spots, first come, first served

- Super Early Bird: $467 — 48% OFF — available on a first-come, first-served basis

- FREE BougeRV T1 Camping Light, valued at $84.99, for the first 50 backers

"An outdoor day should start with freedom, not struggle," said Kane, a BougeRV spokesperson. "Too often, getting to the beach, campsite, or park means dragging a fully loaded wagon through soft sand, rough ground, and long distances. DuneRover was born from a simple question: What if carrying everything you need could feel as easy as enjoying the destination?"

ENGINEERED AS A COMPLETE SYSTEM

Built with an automotive-grade V-model framework and structured integrated product development process, DuneRover was engineered from concept and system design through validation and production readiness with a focus on performance, reliability, safety, and user experience. Its modular UPP platform integrates the powertrain, drive system, and control architecture into one cohesive system.

POWER MEETS EFFORTLESS CONTROL

An 880W peak battery output powers two brushless geared motors delivering 66 N•m of combined torque, tuned for oversized beach wheels. Its 12 × 4-inch low-density PU foam drive wheels are 100% airless and flat-free, while a force-sensing control system translates every push or pull into smooth, stepless assistance.

For added freedom, users can undock the wireless remote from the handle and control the wagon from up to 328 feet away. Through the BougeRV App, users can monitor real-time status, control key functions, and customize dynamic ambient lighting.

BUILT FOR REAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

DuneRover offers up to 5 miles of range from its 24,000mAh (88.8Wh) battery, supports up to 100W smart solar charging through an MPPT regulator, and features IPX6 water resistance. With a 330-lb maximum load and more than 162 QT of capacity, its foldable frame can carry bulky gear while remaining easy to store. The detachable battery can also serve as a portable power bank for other devices.

AVAILABILITY

BougeRV DuneRover is available now on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2008380622/bougerv-dunerover-all-new-electric-beach-wagon?ref=buqupd

ABOUT BOUGERV

Created by outdoor adventure enthusiasts, BougeRV is dedicated to providing ultimate outdoor living solutions. From portable fridges and air conditioners to flexible solar panels, power stations, and camping wagons, BougeRV empowers campers, RVers, and off-grid explorers to live comfortably anywhere.

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OCEANSIDE, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Kindred Bravely, a leading maternity and nursing intimates brand, launches BareBond™, the first nursing bra collection built with true bonded, no-sew construction in cotton and powered by patent-pending SoftFuse™ technology — a breakthrough that reasserts Kindred Bravely's role as the category's leading innovator for breastfeeding moms.

"Breastfeeding moms have always had to choose between comfort and support. We built BareBond™ to close that gap, and to prove a nursing bra doesn't have to sacrifice style to do its job well," said Carrie Welch, CEO of Kindred Bravely. "Bonded construction in cotton is a first for this category, and it's the biggest leap we've made in a decade of designing for pregnant, nursing, and pumping moms. Once she puts it on, it will become the bra she reaches for every single day."

A First for the Category

Nursing bras have long been engineered for function alone. BareBond™ was built to prove that support and beauty can exist in the same bra. Its bonded, no-sew construction eliminates wires and traditional seams entirely, creating a truly seamless shape that sits naturally against the body — refined, considered, and unmistakably feminine, without sacrificing support. Scalloped edging adds to the collection's elevated feel, proof that a bra built for function doesn't have to look like one. Patent-pending SoftFuse™ technology provides strategically placed ribbing for targeted support and lift, keeping the bra lightweight and shaped, not simply held together.

The result is a bra built from breathable cotton, designed to adapt to a body that's constantly changing — through pregnancy, postpartum, and everyday motherhood — without losing its shape or support. Nursing clips are built into every bra style, offering quick, one-handed access without disrupting the bra's clean silhouette.

Introducing the BareBond™ Collection

BareBond™ launches as a complete system, not a single product. The collection includes three bra silhouettes, each made with bonded construction, plus matching seamless underwear crafted using that same cotton bonding process. Every piece is available in coordinating shades for effortless mixing and matching.

For more than a decade, Kindred Bravely has built its name by listening to what breastfeeding moms actually need and designing for it directly. BareBond™ is the clearest expression yet of that mission, proof that a brand built on solving real problems is also capable of leading the category forward in design.

View the full collection here: https://www.kindredbravely.com/collections/barebond-cotton-collection

About Kindred Bravely

Kindred Bravely is a leading maternity and nursing apparel brand creating thoughtfully designed essentials for pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. The brand combines comfort, function, and style to create products that support women through every stage of their motherhood journeys.

For more information, visit https://www.kindredbravely.com/

Media Contact: Christine Caravana I [email protected]

SOURCE Kindred Bravely

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ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The ALS Association celebrates today's news that ulefnersen, an investigational antisense therapy for people with FUS-ALS, met its primary endpoint in the Phase 3 FUSION trial. Ulefnersen is now the second antisense therapy, after Qalsody (tofersen) for SOD1-ALS, to show it can change the course of a genetic form of ALS, raising hope that this approach can be used to treat more types of the disease. The ALS Association was an early funder of antisense research in ALS, taking a chance on the technology two decades ago, before it had ever been tried in neurodegenerative disease.

The drug's developers, Otsuka and Ionis, reported that ulefnersen significantly improved a combined measure of function and survival compared to placebo, with supporting results on key secondary measures and a favorable safety profile.

This is the first placebo-controlled trial to show that targeting the genetic cause of FUS-ALS can change the course of the disease. FUS-ALS is rare, but it is the most common cause of juvenile ALS, and it often progresses quickly in young people. Until now, these families have had no treatment designed for them.

"Today's results happened because of an amazing young woman named Jaci Hermstad, her family and a community that refused to accept that a rare form of ALS was too rare to treat," said Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of the ALS Association. "We are fighting for families affected by this especially cruel type of ALS and we hope today's news provides encouragement. We are proud that ALS Association donors helped make the early work possible, and we will keep pushing for a fast, thorough regulatory review."

Jaci Hermstad was a young woman living with FUS-ALS whose advocacy helped launch the research, and for whom the drug was first named jacifusen. When the early clinical work at Columbia University ran short of resources, the ALS Association partnered with Project ALS to fund it, and later supported the expanded access program led by Columbia's Dr. Neil Shneider that treated additional people with FUS-ALS. Those early results, including one participant who regained the ability to walk and breathe on her own, helped pave the way for the global Phase 3 trial.

Today, we are thinking of Jaci, who died in 2020, and of her family. Her courage in facing this disease, and her determination to help others who would come after her, made this day possible.

Ulefnersen is not yet approved. The ALS Association urges Otsuka, Ionis, and the FDA to move with the urgency these results demand, including priority review and broad access for people living with FUS-ALS while the therapy is under review. We will continue to advocate for timely access and will share updates with the community as they become available.

About the ALS Association

The ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research in the world. The Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The ALS Association is working to make ALS a livable disease while urgently searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about the ALS Association, visit our website at als.org.

About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over the course of the disease, people lose the ability to move, to speak, and eventually, to breathe. The disease is always fatal, usually within five years of diagnosis. Few treatment options exist, resulting in a high unmet need for new therapies to address functional deficits and disease progression.

SOURCE The ALS Association

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100 consecutive orthopedic cases demonstrate the use of force-modulating tissue bridges across ACL, knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle procedures.

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BRIJ Medical today announced the publication of a new 100-case clinical study evaluating Brijjit® Force-Modulating Tissue Bridges for postoperative incision management in sports medicine. Published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Experience & Innovation, the retrospective study reports zero (0) documented cases of wound dehiscence, delayed healing, surgical site infection, allergic dermatitis, adhesive-related skin injury or wound-related reoperation across 100 consecutive outpatient procedures.

Study Design:

The study was designed to address a practical clinical question: Can postoperative incision management help avoid the allergic skin reactions associated with cyanoacrylate closure while supporting the incision during early healing and patient movement?

Traditional closure brings the skin edges together—but what happens to the incision after the patient leaves the OR?

Conducted by John A. Grotting, MD, and Ege Karadag, the study evaluated 100 consecutive sports medicine procedures performed by a single surgeon between January 2023 and December 2025. Brijjits were used to provide tension reduction and wound support across multiple procedures and anatomical sites, including the knee, shoulder, and elbow.

Orthopedic incisions face a unique challenge: they are healing while patients are already moving. Brijjit is designed to actively offload tension by up to 100%, helping address the mechanical forces placed on the incision during early recovery and range of motion.

"We've traditionally focused on how to close an incision," said Dr. Grotting. "The next question is what happens to that incision once the patient starts moving. Force-modulating tissue bridges give us a non-invasive way to actively offload tension and address the mechanical forces acting on a healing incision while maintaining the surgical and rehabilitation protocols we already use. It's an easy-to-use insurance policy that secures my work and helps my patients heal beautifully."

Study Findings: Zero documented wound or adhesive-related complications

Across the 100 cases, the study reported no documented allergic dermatitis, wound dehiscence, delayed healing, surgical site infection, mechanical skin reaction or wound-related reoperation. The findings provide an early clinical experience supporting the feasibility of force-modulating incision management in outpatient sports medicine and orthopedic surgery.

Patients generally tolerated Brijjit well, with no reported restriction in range of motion or need to modify postoperative bracing or rehabilitation protocols. Two early device detachments occurred during the learning curve, neither resulting in complications nor disruption to rehabilitation.

Growing clinical evidence

The publication adds to BRIJ Medical's growing body of clinical experience with Brijjit and expands its evidence base into sports medicine and orthopedic incision management.

"Research is at the heart of what we're doing," said Dr. Felmont "Monte" Eaves, Founder and Chief Medical Officer at BRIJ Medical. "We're deeply committed to studying these technologies and continuing to build the evidence around them, and the data coming forward is increasingly validating what we're seeing clinically. There's much more to learn—and much more data to come. It's an exciting time for this technology and for the patients and surgeons we're committed to helping."

The full study, "Force-Modulating Tissue Bridges in Sports Medicine Incision Management: A First 100-Case Experience Evaluating Allergic Reactions and Postoperative Complications," is published in Volume 7, Issue 2 of the Journal of Orthopaedic Experience & Innovation.

Publication of the study in JOEI does not imply endorsement of, or recommendation for, any specific product or technology referenced in the study.

Citation: Grotting, John A, and Ege Karadag. 2026. "Force-Modulating Tissue Bridges in Sports Medicine Incision Management: A First 100-Case Experience Evaluating Allergic Reactions and Postoperative Complications." Journal of Orthopaedic Experience & Innovation 7 (2). https://doi.org/10.60118/001c.165283.

ABOUT BRIJ MEDICAL

BRIJ Medical is advancing wound closure with technologies designed to help patients and surgeons achieve better outcomes at every stage of healing.

Our portfolio is designed to seal incisions, protect outcomes, offload tension, and heal with confidence. BRIJ-SEAL™ is a hypoallergenic, advanced wound sealant that provides a 14-day bacterial barrier, helping protect the incision during the critical early healing period. Brijjit® is an active tension offloading device clinically shown to eliminate up to 100% of incision tension, reduce wound breakdown by 90%*, and reduce scar area by 38%.*

Trusted by surgeons across the U.S. and Canada, BRIJ Medical brings greater control to incision closure—and greater confidence to healing.

Learn more at www.BRIJmedical.com.

*Clinical data available on BRIJ Medical's website: Clinical Evidence – BRIJ Medical

SOURCE BRIJ Medical

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PatchBoyz Asbestos Removal : Nearly 60% of Ottawa Homes Were Built by 1990, Keeping Asbestos Risk in Focus for Renovations

Statistics Canada counts 243,080 of Ottawa's 407,250 occupied private dwellings as built in 1990 or earlier, while Health Canada says asbestos was commonly used in buildings before 1990.

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PatchBoyz Asbestos Removal has published a housing-age analysis showing that a substantial majority of Ottawa's occupied private dwellings date to the period when asbestos was commonly used in building materials. Statistics Canada's 2021 Census counts 243,080 of Ottawa's 407,250 occupied private dwellings as built in 1990 or earlier, equal to 59.7%. The overlap between Ottawa's aging housing stock and the historical asbestos-use era makes asbestos screening relevant to a large share of renovation, alteration, and demolition projects involving older properties. According to Health Canada's asbestos-in-the-home guidance (published March 19, 2026), asbestos was mainly used in buildings and homes before 1990 for insulation, fireproofing, and noise reduction, and may remain in materials including cement and plaster, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, and furnaces or heating systems.

Health Canada confirms that asbestos was mainly used in buildings and homes before 1990 for insulation, fireproofing, and noise reduction, and may remain in materials including cement and plaster, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, and furnaces or heating systems.

The release frames asbestos risk not as a certainty but as a screening concern: the construction period indicates which homes might warrant assessment before disturbance work occurs. According to Ontario Regulation 278/05, owners must have an asbestos examination and report prepared before requesting tenders or arranging for demolition, alteration, or repair work that can potentially disturb suspect material. The requirement applies to both friable and non-friable asbestos-containing materials.

Ottawa's Housing Stock and the Asbestos-Use Era

PatchBoyz analyzed Statistics Canada's 2021 Census data to understand how much of Ottawa's housing stock overlaps the historical period when asbestos was commonly used. Based on Statistics Canada's 2021 Census Profile for Ottawa, analyzing occupied private dwellings by construction period, the analysis sums construction-period bands to calculate housing age and the share of dwellings built in 1990 or earlier. Of 407,250 occupied private dwellings in Ottawa, 64,815 were built in 1960 or earlier, 115,070 from 1961 to 1980, and 63,195 from 1981 to 1990. The cumulative figure of 243,080 dwellings (59.7%) was built in 1990 or earlier. According to Statistics Canada's 2021 Census, 179,885 dwellings (44.2% of Ottawa's occupied private housing) were built in 1980 or earlier, capturing the peak decades of asbestos use in North American construction.

Housing age alone does not confirm asbestos presence. The Census measures the construction period, not building materials. However, the statistical overlap between Ottawa's older housing stock and Health Canada's identified asbestos-use era creates a practical screening signal for property owners planning renovation or demolition work.

Health Canada's current guidance identifies possible asbestos-containing materials, including cement and plaster, building insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, siding, and furnaces or heating systems. The City of Ottawa's 2026 emergency-repair guidance advises that properties built before 1990 may contain asbestos and recommends checking with a professional before repair or demolition work, reinforcing this local relevance and tying asbestos screening to real renovation situations.

Regulatory Requirements and Renovation Process

Ontario's regulatory framework makes asbestos assessment a mandatory first step before certain construction work. Ontario Regulation 278/05 (current regulation) requires owners to have an asbestos examination and report prepared before arranging for demolition, alteration, or repair work that may disturb material likely to contain asbestos. The regulation applies to friable and non-friable materials and covers a broad range of circumstances where suspect materials might be handled or removed. The regulation defines a building to include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-handling equipment, including rigid ductwork, making asbestos screening relevant not only to walls and ceilings but also to HVAC-related materials and vents.

The practical consequence is clear: property owners should identify and assess asbestos before renovation begins rather than discovering suspect material mid-project. Assessment costs less than emergency remediation or project delays. The timing also allows property owners to coordinate with specialists experienced in both abatement and subsequent restoration, reducing the need to hire separate contractors for removal and repair phases.

Federal prohibition of new asbestos use provides important context. Canada's Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations (Environment and Climate Change Canada, December 30, 2018) prohibit the import, sale, and use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products. However, the ban applies only to new materials; asbestos already installed in older buildings remains present and poses disturbance risk during renovation, alteration, or demolition work.

Materials and Areas at Risk

The target materials for Ottawa renovation and demolition projects align closely with Health Canada's guidance and the client's service focus. According to Health Canada's asbestos-in-the-home guidance (published March 19, 2026), possible asbestos-containing materials include cement and plaster, building insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, siding, and furnaces or heating systems.

Popcorn or stipple ceilings installed before 1990 may contain asbestos. Drywall joint compound, also called "mud," used in older homes, may contain asbestos. Floor and ceiling tiles installed before the 1990s commonly include asbestos-containing materials in older homes. Plaster in walls and around pipes, insulation materials, including loose-fill insulation and pipe wrap, may contain asbestos. Heating and air-handling systems, including furnaces, ductwork, and floor or ceiling vents, may have asbestos-containing materials or insulation.

The multi-material scope makes pre-project assessment essential. A single renovation may involve multiple material types, each requiring different handling and disposal protocols. Coordination between asbestos assessment, abatement, and restoration simplifies the process and reduces the risk of missed exposures.

Why Assessment Before Disturbance Matters: Project Planning and Safety

Asbestos assessment before renovation is a regulatory requirement and a practical planning tool. According to Ontario Regulation 278/05 (current regulation), before arranging for demolition, alteration, or repair work, owners must have an asbestos examination and report prepared. Early identification prevents mid-project discoveries that halt work, delay timelines, and inflate costs. The assessment clarifies which materials contain asbestos, their condition, and the safe removal scope required under Ontario regulation.

Canada's federal asbestos prohibition took effect in 2018, but legacy materials still remain in older buildings. Once asbestos is identified, contractors plan removal and disposal, protecting workers and occupants. For older Ottawa homes involving drywall, plaster, ceilings, or HVAC work, assessment typically costs far less than emergency remediation or project delays caused by undiscovered suspect material.

The standard workflow is assess before disturbance, remove asbestos safely per regulation, then restore surfaces. Coordinating assessment, abatement, and restoration through one contractor eliminates scheduling gaps and ensures consistency.

The Coordination Advantage

PatchBoyz's positioning combines asbestos abatement with drywall, plaster, and ceiling restoration. According to Health Canada's asbestos guidance (published March 19, 2026), proper coordination between assessment, removal, and restoration is essential for protecting workers and occupants.

The operational model allows property owners to coordinate assessment, abatement, and post-removal finishing through a single contractor relationship, reducing coordination complexity and project duration. After asbestos removal, the same team can restore affected surfaces to finished condition, avoiding gaps between specialist disciplines. This acceleration reduces overall project cost, minimizes occupant disruption, and ensures consistent quality standards throughout assessment, removal, and restoration.

Methodology

PatchBoyz analyzed Statistics Canada's 2021 Census Profile for Ottawa by construction period, summing dwellings built in 1990 or earlier to calculate the 59.7% figure. Health Canada's asbestos guidance and Ontario Regulation 278/05 provide regulatory context. Building age does not confirm asbestos presence; professional assessment is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a home built before 1991 automatically contain asbestos?

PatchBoyz notes that Statistics Canada's housing-age data measures construction period, not building materials. While 59.7% of Ottawa homes were built in 1990 or earlier, overlapping Health Canada's identified asbestos-use era, that statistic does not mean asbestos is present in any specific property. Health Canada states that older materials may contain asbestos, but actual presence requires appropriate professional assessment or testing. Age is a screening signal, not proof.

Which materials in an older Ottawa home may contain asbestos?

PatchBoyz and Health Canada identify multiple possible materials: cement and plaster, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, siding, and furnaces or heating systems.

GOOLOO Launches A9 Ultra, a 4-in-1 Emergency Power System for Road, RV and Off-Road Travel

New A9 Ultra combines powerful jump starting, smart tire inflation, 100W fast charging and emergency lighting in one portable system, ahead of its October trackside appearance at Glen Helen Raceway

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GOOLOO, a global brand in portable vehicle emergency power solutions, today announced the launch of the GOOLOO A9 Ultra Jump Starter with Air Compressor, a new all-in-one emergency power system designed to help drivers handle more roadside situations with a single device.

Built around GOOLOO's TOOLCORE® all-in-one platform, the A9 Ultra combines four essential roadside functions — jump starting, tire inflation, portable fast charging and emergency lighting — in one compact system. Designed for everyday vehicles as well as trucks, RVs and off-road travel, the A9 Ultra expands GOOLOO's A-series into more demanding driving and adventure scenarios.

The A9 Ultra is now available for sale through GOOLOO's official website: https://us.gooloo.com/products/a9-ultra-jump-starter, customers can receive $10 off the regular price of $199.99 by using promo code A9RED10.

The launch also builds on GOOLOO's growing presence in off-road motorsports through its partnership with AMSOIL Championship Off-Road and Ryan Beat Motorsports. The A9 Ultra is scheduled to appear trackside at Glen Helen Raceway on October 2–3, bringing GOOLOO's newest emergency power system into an environment where vehicle preparation, reliability and self-sufficiency matter every race weekend.

"With the A9 Ultra, we wanted to go beyond solving a single roadside problem," said Michael, General Manager at GOOLOO. "Drivers may need to restart a battery, restore tire pressure, power a device or work safely after dark — sometimes on the same trip. The A9 Ultra brings those capabilities together in one system, giving drivers a simpler way to stay prepared whether they're commuting, traveling by RV or heading off-road."

One Tool for More Roadside Situations

The A9 Ultra starts with two problems that can quickly bring a trip to a stop: a dead battery and low tire pressure.

Powered by GOOLOO's JUMPCORE® starting system, the A9 Ultra delivers up to 6000A peak current and is designed to start a wide range of 12V vehicles, including gasoline engines and diesel engines up to 12.0L. A dedicated BOOST mode provides additional starting support for deeply discharged batteries.

Alongside jump starting, the A9 Ultra integrates a 160 PSI tire inflator designed for both everyday tire maintenance and roadside emergencies. Smart preset modes and automatic shutoff allow drivers to set a target pressure and let the system stop automatically once the desired pressure is reached.

For drivers towing, traveling by RV or heading off-road, combining these two functions in one portable tool can reduce the amount of emergency equipment that needs to be carried while providing greater independence when immediate roadside assistance is not available.

Powered by TOOLCORE®

At the heart of the A9 Ultra is TOOLCORE®, GOOLOO's approach to bringing multiple vehicle emergency functions together in one integrated system.

Beyond jump starting and tire inflation, the A9 Ultra incorporates a 27,000mAh / 99.9Wh portable power bank with 100W bidirectional USB-C fast charging. It can provide high-speed charging for compatible phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and other mobile electronics while traveling.

The same 100W charging capability can recharge the A9 Ultra itself in approximately 1.5 hours, helping drivers restore the unit quickly between trips or after emergency use.

A built-in 400-lumen LED light with SOS functionality provides additional visibility for nighttime roadside stops, repairs and emergency signaling.

Together, the A9 Ultra is built around four straightforward needs: Jump. Inflate. Charge. Illuminate.

The system is also backed by GOOLOO's SUPERSAFE® protection technology, designed to help protect the vehicle and user against common electrical risks including reverse polarity, short circuits, overcurrent, overvoltage and overheating.

From Everyday Roads to Off-Road Racing

The A9 Ultra arrives as GOOLOO continues to strengthen its connection with the off-road and motorsports community.

Through its 2026 partnership with Ryan Beat Motorsports and AMSOIL Championship Off-Road, GOOLOO has brought its vehicle emergency products into an environment built around race vehicles, trucks, trailers, support equipment and long-distance travel.

The A9 Ultra takes GOOLOO's all-in-one roadside concept further, with greater starting capability, higher-pressure tire inflation and faster portable charging designed for larger vehicles and more demanding travel.

Its October appearance at Glen Helen will give racers, crews and off-road fans an opportunity to see GOOLOO's newest emergency power system in a real motorsports environment.

"The GOOLOO A9 Ultra is one of those tools I always want with us at the track," said Ryan Beat. "With all the vehicles we have, you never know what you're going to run into, and having something compact and reliable that can jump start, inflate a tire and provide portable power makes a huge difference. It's become something we rely on throughout a race weekend."

A9 Ultra at a Glance:

- 6000A JUMPCORE® starting power for a broad range of 12V vehicles

- 160 PSI smart tire inflation with presets and automatic shutoff

- 27,000mAh portable power with 100W bidirectional USB-C fast charging

- 400-lumen emergency lighting with SOS mode

- TOOLCORE® all-in-one functionality with SUPERSAFE® protection

About GOOLOO

GOOLOO develops portable vehicle emergency power and automotive utility products designed to help drivers stay prepared and keep moving. Its portfolio includes jump starters, jump starter and tire inflator combinations, portable inflators, vehicle diagnostic products and other automotive tools focused on practical performance, portability and ease of use.

In 2026, GOOLOO expanded its motorsports presence through partnerships with AMSOIL Championship Off-Road and Ryan Beat Motorsports, connecting its automotive emergency products with off-road racing, road travel and outdoor adventure.

SOURCE GOOLOO

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