HONG KONG, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)'s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) announced the official launch of the world's first "AI-Powered Multikingdom Microbial Biomarkers Technology" (MSX Metagenie®) today, in collaboration with MicroSigX Biotech Diagnostic Limited, a CUHK spin-off. This innovative technology detects risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, enabling early intervention and support for at-risk families. In July 2024, the technology received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), underscoring its global leadership in the early identification of ASD. A pilot project will offer free testing for 200 eligible children.
Innovative non-invasive technology that bridges unmet clinical needs
The global incidence of ASD has been steadily rising, with the number of new cases each year now quadrupling compared to two decades ago. Currently, children exhibiting suspected autism symptoms are often referred en masse to specialists for diagnosis, leaving many families feeling uncertain and anxious during the waiting period. There is an unmet need of effective risk stratification, i.e., excluding low-risk children to relieve unnecessary parental anxiety while identifying at-risk children for early assessment by specialists.
In 2024, CU Medicine published groundbreaking research in the prestigious journal Nature Microbiology, identifying changes in four kingdoms of microbial species in the gut microbiome of children with ASD. This led to the development of the world's first MSX Metagenie®. Professor Siew Ng, Associate Dean (Research) at CU Medicine and Croucher Professor of Medical Sciences, explained: "We can measure microbial signatures from a small fecal sample, analysing bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, along with their genes and metabolic pathways. This data is processed through a validated AI model to generate an ASD risk score. This patented technology received FDA recognition in 2024 of its innovative nature, marking it as a pioneering diagnostic aid for autism."
Professor Sandra Chan from the Department of Psychiatry at CU Medicine stated: "The test has shown a more than 95% negative predictive value, effectively ruling out autism. This provides reliable information to help exclude low-risk cases, enabling better allocation of medical and social resources to high-risk groups while alleviating parental concerns."
CU Medicine is enhancing its translational efforts by launching MicroSigX, a spin-off company focused on developing innovative non-invasive diagnostic solutions. With strong support from the Hong Kong government's RAISe+ Scheme, MicroSigX is expanding into the global market. The company plans to seek registration in Chinese Mainland and the US, aiming to benefit a broader community beyond Hong Kong.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR, stated: "MicroSigX's technology is in part underpinned by the research conducted at Microbiota I-Center, a research centre established under InnoHK. We are happy to see that our research centres under InnoHK are turning upstream R&D into real application and products in the market. Today's pilot initiative not only marks a milestone in commercialisation of research and development outcomes, but also benefits the underprivileged local families by providing free tests to those in need with the assistance of non-governmental organisations. This is exactly our ultimate goal in promoting I&T: harnessing technological breakthroughs to benefit our society as a whole."
Building a holistic care network and promoting cross-sector collaboration for neurodevelopmental assessment in preschool children
To raise public awareness and promote its patented technology, CU Medicine and MicroSigX will launch a pilot initiative in January 2026 in collaboration with non-profit organisations, offering free MSX Metagenie® tests to 200 eligible preschool children aged 18 months to 4 years with suspected ASD symptoms but no formal diagnosis.
The team will adopt a "holistic care" model, partnering with NGOs and neurodevelopmental experts to create a cross-disciplinary team, and will not only provide objective ASD risk assessments but also support families with early planning information.
CU Medicine will establish an "Advancement Centre for Autism" to develop training programmes for community healthcare professionals. The goal is to promote practical knowledge on autism assessment, integrating medical, social, family, and educational support. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable environment for comprehensive support for individuals with ASD.
A vision in action: creating a Centre for Excellence in the Greater Bay Area as an innovative hub for the ASD community
MicroSigX views this initiative as a starting point. By focusing on innovative microbiome technologies, the project will engage multidisciplinary experts across the healthcare, public, and private sectors, as well as the finance and insurance industries, to develop a "Centre of Excellence" for ASD, benefiting Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.
Professor Francis KL Chan, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics from CU Medicine, stated: "Our groundbreaking technology shows how government, industry, academia, and the research community can tackle healthcare challenges through innovation. We look forward to partnering with all sectors to improve children's health."
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
CUHK and MicroSigX partner to launch a breakthrough test aiding early autism diagnosis offering 200 free test quotas
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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce that Bybit On-Chain Earn now supports Monad (MON) staking, effective December 11, 2025. This integration enables users to participate in on-chain MON staking with competitive APR rates all within the Bybit app.
Monad is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain engineered for speed without sacrificing security or decentralization, all while maintaining full compatibility with the existing Ethereum ecosystem. MON serves as the network's native token, facilitating gas fee payments, securing the chain through staking mechanisms, and aligning validators, developers, and users around protocol growth.
To access potential APR opportunities, eligible Bybit users may simply log in to their Bybit account and stake MON on Bybit On-Chain Earn, which currently offers one of the highest dynamic APRs within the product.
MON Staking on Bybit:
- Competitive Returns: Participants can access enhanced APR through on-chain staking infrastructure.
- Streamlined On-Chain Staking: Bybit handles the technical complexities of on-chain staking, providing a simplified user experience.
- Supporting the Network: Staking participants contribute to blockchain security while earning rewards.
- Flexibility: Bybit Earn offers flexible staking and redemption options that support blockchain decentralization.
Once successfully enrolled, staking rewards begin accruing approximately 5.5 hours after on-chain transaction confirmation. MON earnings compound automatically and are distributed upon redemption. Interest accrual ceases once a redemption request is submitted.
Monad has demonstrated strong momentum in recent weeks, with the blockchain's integration of major infrastructure providers strengthening its ecosystem. As MON prices stabilize, Monad has implemented technical upgrades focused on security and performance, including encryption protocols and enhanced RPC methods for instant transaction confirmations.
Terms and conditions apply. For details on qualification rules and eligibility, users may visit: Bybit On-Chain Earn: Monad (MON) Now Supported!
#Bybit / #CryptoArk / #IMakeIt
About Bybit
Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce that Bybit On-Chain Earn now supports Monad (MON) staking, effective December 11, 2025. This integration enables users to participate in on-chain MON staking with competitive APR rates all within the Bybit app.
Monad is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain engineered for speed without sacrificing security or decentralization, all while maintaining full compatibility with the existing Ethereum ecosystem. MON serves as the network's native token, facilitating gas fee payments, securing the chain through staking mechanisms, and aligning validators, developers, and users around protocol growth.
To access potential APR opportunities, eligible Bybit users may simply log in to their Bybit account and stake MON on Bybit On-Chain Earn, which currently offers one of the highest dynamic APRs within the product.
MON Staking on Bybit:
- Competitive Returns: Participants can access enhanced APR through on-chain staking infrastructure.
- Streamlined On-Chain Staking: Bybit handles the technical complexities of on-chain staking, providing a simplified user experience.
- Supporting the Network: Staking participants contribute to blockchain security while earning rewards.
- Flexibility: Bybit Earn offers flexible staking and redemption options that support blockchain decentralization.
Once successfully enrolled, staking rewards begin accruing approximately 5.5 hours after on-chain transaction confirmation. MON earnings compound automatically and are distributed upon redemption. Interest accrual ceases once a redemption request is submitted.
Monad has demonstrated strong momentum in recent weeks, with the blockchain's integration of major infrastructure providers strengthening its ecosystem. As MON prices stabilize, Monad has implemented technical upgrades focused on security and performance, including encryption protocols and enhanced RPC methods for instant transaction confirmations.
Terms and conditions apply. For details on qualification rules and eligibility, users may visit: Bybit On-Chain Earn: Monad (MON) Now Supported!
#Bybit / #CryptoArk / #IMakeIt
About Bybit
Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Monad (MON) Staking Now Live on Bybit On-Chain Earn
