In my opinion, management has caught wind of something substantial in the wind.
As an American I would hate to see the Chinese grab this technology right out from under our noses while our own government bumbles away the ownership of a major breakthrough all in the name of politics.
The Chinese were already aggressive enough to roll out the welcome mat to Natcore Management when they first learned of this technology.
An offer of $5 or $10 right now just might get them ownership at an absolute giveaway price.