Latest news with #Spezi
Rhyl Journal
15-07-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Bowel cancer survivor backs research into new AI tool
John Keryakoplis, a 69-year-old grandfather from Flintshire, is backing a new Cardiff University study exploring how AI could identify which bowel cancer patients may not need life-altering surgery. Mr Keryakoplis, has two grandchildren, was diagnosed with stage one bowel cancer in January 2020 after taking part in the NHS Wales bowel screening programme. John Keryakoplis with his wife (Image: Supplied) He said: "It didn't feel great to be told I had cancer, but I was very reassured when the doctor said it was in its early stages and very treatable." He underwent a week of radiotherapy in May 2020, followed by surgery in November 2021 to remove the tumour. As part of his treatment, Mr Keryakoplis had a stoma fitted, which he named "George" after his father. He said: "George the stoma even came with me to Menorca. "I wore swimming shorts pulled up so high I looked like Simon Cowell." Despite his diagnosis and treatment, he continued to swim throughout, and has now been cancer-free for five years. He has also raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK through swimming challenges. Mr Keryakoplis said: "I try to live as healthily as I can after my diagnosis. "This new research sounds really promising. "It would be brilliant for bowel cancer patients to have a more accurate and personalised treatment plan, which could prevent people from having surgery if they don't need it." Cardiff University's Professor Spezi has received a grant to develop an AI tool to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer (Image: Matthew Horwood) The research he is supporting is led by Professor Emiliano Spezi at Cardiff University. Professor Spezi has received a £500,000 Stand Up To Cancer grant to develop an AI tool to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer, a type of bowel cancer. Current treatment decisions are often based on invasive biopsies, but Professor Spezi's AI algorithm analyses 3D medical images to extract detailed data that could help doctors decide on the most effective treatment. He said: "This research could lead to significantly improved and personalised treatment plans for patients in the future. "We want to extract quantitative information from images that can't be seen with the naked eye. "It could be transformative in the way rectal tumours are assessed and treatment is allocated. "We should be able to identify a subgroup of patients for whom surgery is essential – and those for whom it may not be necessary – ultimately improving quality of life." The technology can assess tumour volume and shape, distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue, and identify complex patterns using deep learning. Professor Spezi is collaborating with Professors Campbell Roxburgh and Joanne Edwards at the University of Glasgow. The research is supported by Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which aims to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Around 20,200 people in Wales are diagnosed with cancer each year. Visit to support the Stand Up To Cancer charity.
Leader Live
15-07-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Flint bowel cancer survivor backs research into new AI tool
John Keryakoplis, a 69-year-old grandfather from Penyffordd, is backing a new Cardiff University study exploring how AI could identify which bowel cancer patients may not need life-altering surgery. Mr Keryakoplis, has two grandchildren, was diagnosed with stage one bowel cancer in January 2020 after taking part in the NHS Wales bowel screening programme. John Keryakoplis with his wife (Image: Supplied) He said: "It didn't feel great to be told I had cancer, but I was very reassured when the doctor said it was in its early stages and very treatable." He underwent a week of radiotherapy in May 2020, followed by surgery in November 2021 to remove the tumour. As part of his treatment, Mr Keryakoplis had a stoma fitted, which he named "George" after his father. He said: "George the stoma even came with me to Menorca. "I wore swimming shorts pulled up so high I looked like Simon Cowell." Despite his diagnosis and treatment, he continued to swim throughout, and has now been cancer-free for five years. He has also raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK through swimming challenges. Mr Keryakoplis said: "I try to live as healthily as I can after my diagnosis. "This new research sounds really promising. "It would be brilliant for bowel cancer patients to have a more accurate and personalised treatment plan, which could prevent people from having surgery if they don't need it." Cardiff University's Professor Spezi has received a grant to develop an AI tool to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer (Image: Matthew Horwood) The research he is supporting is led by Professor Emiliano Spezi at Cardiff University. Professor Spezi has received a £500,000 Stand Up To Cancer grant to develop an AI tool to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer, a type of bowel cancer. Current treatment decisions are often based on invasive biopsies, but Professor Spezi's AI algorithm analyses 3D medical images to extract detailed data that could help doctors decide on the most effective treatment. He said: "This research could lead to significantly improved and personalised treatment plans for patients in the future. "We want to extract quantitative information from images that can't be seen with the naked eye. "It could be transformative in the way rectal tumours are assessed and treatment is allocated. "We should be able to identify a subgroup of patients for whom surgery is essential – and those for whom it may not be necessary – ultimately improving quality of life." The technology can assess tumour volume and shape, distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue, and identify complex patterns using deep learning. READ MORE: Lesley Griffiths MS for Wrexham explains the School Essentials Grant Professor Spezi is collaborating with Professors Campbell Roxburgh and Joanne Edwards at the University of Glasgow. The research is supported by Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which aims to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Around 20,200 people in Wales are diagnosed with cancer each year. Visit to support the Stand Up To Cancer charity.
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Introducing The Cult German Orange Cola That Pairs Just As Well With Cheese Boards As It Does With Jägermeister
Paulaner Sunset For nearly five decades, Germany's beloved orange cola—known as Spezi—has been a constant presence in restaurants, markets, festivals and households across the country. First developed by Munich's Paulaner Brewery in 1974 as a non-alcoholic alternative for its Oktoberfest tents and beer halls, the soda quickly gained widespread popularity with its distinct blend of cola spices and citrus. But while generations of Germans grew up with it, Spezi remained virtually unknown in the United States—until now. Now, Spezi is making its way across the Atlantic for the first time—rebranded as Paulaner Sunset—thanks to father-son duo Matthias and Anton Memminger. Based in Venice, California, the German-American team is behind the quiet-but-intentional push to introduce Americans to the soda of their childhood. 'The Sunset Project originated from two sides,' says co-founder Matthias. 'One was our own frustration by not getting the drink of our childhood outside of Germany. If you fall in love with it there is no substitute. The other was our conviction that if a product grows to dominate its market without any product innovation or marketing it will succeed in other countries. Paulaner Spezi is a phenomenon—Sunset finally opens it up to the world.' Paulaner Sunset The soda is still produced in Munich using real beet sugar, orange and lemon juice, and a low-fizz, champagne-style carbonation. 'Sunset offers an entirely new flavor combination merging the spice blend of cola with the fruitiness of an orange soda,' Matthias explains. 'Our hefty brown glass bottles with paper printed labels in the original 70s design look as cool as they feel empowering when staying sober at a party.' It's worth noting that Sunset is arriving at a time when alcohol consumption in the U.S.—particularly among younger generations—is declining, while interest in non‑alcoholic beverages is booming. Data from IWSR shows the U.S. no‑alcohol market is expanding at an impressive 18% annual growth rate, expected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, traditional alcohol sales aren't keeping pace: per‑capita consumption in 2024 fell to its lowest level since the 1960s, down about 10% from 2021, and the first seven months of the year saw a 2.8% drop in volume. With 49% of U.S. adults planning to drink less in 2025, and nearly 30% drinking non‑alcoholic or only occasionally, the timing couldn't be more right. That nostalgic design and flavor are a big part of Sunset's identity—but so is thoughtful adaptation. As more consumers look for health-conscious and eco-friendly options, the team has introduced a zero-calorie version while keeping the brand's integrity intact. 'To this day our original recipe and design haven't changed,' Matthias says. 'Paulaner created something great in 1974 and stuck with it — not industrializing the recipe to increase profit margins like big soda, nor changing it out for something functional with a faux promise of being more than a great tasting drink. This distilled originality makes us unique — globally.' Paulaner Sunset He adds, 'Next to our OG (Paulaner Sunset Classic) we are offering a Zero Calorie variety. It keeps the original branding (slightly sized down in a smaller silver frame) and idea (mixing cola and orange soda) but without the added sugar. It makes our brand more inclusive, although it is its own distinct experience — think Lacroix with a crisp citrus punch and a mellow vanilla finish. We've also adopted cans as a more resourceful option in the US given the lack of a true deposit system.' While Sunset is undoubtedly a drink great on its own, its uses go well beyond the bottle. Matthias recommends pairing it with a cheese board or using it in place of dessert wine. 'My favorite way to pair Sunset is with a cheese board. One of our first accounts was a cheese store in Beverly Hills and people were amazed by the combination. It's a substitute for a cheese, marmelade or a non-alcoholic Sauternes alternative.' Behind the bar, it also doubles as a versatile mixer. 'Sunset's primary ingredients are water, sugar, plus orange and lemon juice finished with some spices. This makes it akin to an old fashioned ready to mix. I always recommend our home bar customers to go in front of their liquor cabinet and experiment around." 'To start out a good rule of thumb is 1 part liquor of your choice, 2 parts Sunset and balance with a couple splashes of bitters. The office favorite is the Sunset Bomb (mixing with Jägermeister). For a more advanced variation try a Sunset Negroni.' The soda's kitchen versatility is equally compelling, especially when it comes to summer staples like BBQ and comfort food. 'Soda and comfort food are a tried and tested recipe,' says Matthias. 'Especially salty and spicy foods get broken apart into their different aromas. It will always go well with spicy pepperoni pizza or a jalapeño topped hotdog. For a kitchen adventure try cooking Sunset into your own BBQ sauce. Our friend Adam Perry Lang once did one that is still having us lick our fingers.' Paulaner Sunset He adds, 'We've also had someone do a Barbacoa with Sunset which turned out amazing. Drink it in the sun to refresh while preparing, use it in your recipes to caramelize or sweeten and pair it to help your tongue handle when there's a lot going on. There is no wrong way to do it.' As for where to find Sunset now? The drink is available on Amazon, at Bristol Farms, Bay Area Total Wines, and through a growing network of independent retailers and beer gardens throughout California. 'You can find a full list using our website store finder,' says Matthias. 'We are excited about expanding into the tri-state area this summer.' While the U.S. chapter of Sunset is just beginning, the team is focused on slow, intentional growth. 'We are still very early in our journey,' Matthias says. 'But the next step after migrating the product and brand to our new home in Venice is expanding it beyond its German confinements and demonstrating the power of a great tasting alternative that we know Americans will love and appreciate.'
Fashion Value Chain
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Heimat Beverages Accelerates Demand for Germany's Krombacher Orange Cola Mix – 'SPEZI' in India
Krombacher, Germany's largest privately owned brewery, launched its premium Cola Variant in Dec 2024, SPEZI, in India in partnership with Heimat Beverages (Nirmaan Group). The Distribution is gaining lot of traction and currently is getting distributed Across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa and Gujarat. While talking to the Founder of Heimat Beverages, Padmanabh Shah, he said 'The Demand from General Trade, Modern Trade, Amazon and HoReCa is highly encouraging and the repeat orders are a testament to the same. We are also getting lot of corporate orders for Gifting purpose.' Mr. Padmanabh Shah Mr Shah added, 'SPEZI is a sparkling, fresh mixed drink made from cola and orange soda. The fizzy cola mix is non-alcoholic. Flavor plays an important role in soft drink selection, and expanding flavor variety is what is creating the add-on demand. SPEZI is a Fun Drink and India is Loving it.' To amplify awareness, Heimat has rolled out an all-India campaign inside PVR INOX cinema lobbies, matching Spezi's bright visual identity with high-footfall movie nights. Parallelly, a digital-push is given to consumers in immersive ways to share the cola-orange experience online. The dual approach-for reach and performance marketing for precision-reinforces Heimat's data-led philosophy while building Spezi's as a playful drink.
