Appetite

Pacific Islanders have long drawn wisdom from the Earth, the sky and the waves. Research shows the science is behind them

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea.

Key Points: 
  • One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea.
  • As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
  • We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible.

A proven, robust system

  • People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000  years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival.
  • They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
  • Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond.

Reading the ocean and sky

  • In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
  • Distant storms can drive ocean swells onto coasts long before the winds and rain arrive, changing the usual patterns of waves.
  • Winds that blow from the east (matā ‘upolu) indicate the imminent arrival of heavy rain, possibly a tropical cyclone.
  • Many Pacific Island communities believe a cloudless, dark blue sky signals the arrival of a tropical cyclone.

The wisdom of animals and plants

  • In Tonga, when the frigate bird flies across the land – unusual behaviour for an ocean species – it signals a tropical cyclone is developing.
  • Another study, which included data on frigate birds in the Pacific, found seabirds appeared to circumvent cyclones, probably by sensing wind strength and direction.
  • Traditional knowledge about insect behaviour in the Pacific Islands is also used to predict wet weather.
  • Across the Pacific, common signs of impending wet weather are found in the behaviours of some plants.
  • This can be explained scientifically by a process in which plant leaves close to protect their reproductive organs from extreme weather.

Planning for a warmer future

  • This is true of the Pacific Islands, where in some places, traditional knowledge is all but forgotten.
  • As climate change impacts worsen, optimal planning for island peoples should combine both approaches.


Patrick D. Nunn receives funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) via the Australia Pacific Climate Partnership (APCP), the Australian Research Council, and the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research. Roselyn Kumar receives funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) via the Australia Pacific Climate Partnership (APCP)

The L Gallery, a New Beacon of Luxury and Creativity is Unveiled in the Heart of Tel Aviv

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

A testament to life and art amidst the region's ongoing conflict, The L Gallery symbolized LIFE and stands as a symbol of hope and creativity.

Key Points: 
  • A testament to life and art amidst the region's ongoing conflict, The L Gallery symbolized LIFE and stands as a symbol of hope and creativity.
  • Some artists represented by the gallery find themselves unable to return to their homes, making the gallery's mission even more critical.
  • Elevating the art experience, The L Gallery is dedicated to redefining luxury in the art world.
  • The L Gallery (address: Ahad Ha'Am 13, Tel Aviv) invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and investors to visit, in person and online.

Avance Clinical CEO Talks with SCRIP about US Biotech Sector "Green Shoots" and a New CRO Report

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

(read the full article here)

Key Points: 
  • (read the full article here)
    Avance Clinical CEO, Yvonne Lungershausen was interviewed by SCRIP Intelligence about the current biotech financial and drug development climate in the US and signs of growth.
  • Investors are really being super cautious about where they're investing and relatively, there's not a high-risk appetite," Lungershausen said to SCRIP in the interview.
  • SCRIP Intelligence noted that Avance Clinical presented at JPM and Biotech Showcase a new analysis by market research leader, Frost & Sullivan on the biotech sector and the challenges they have finding the right fit or size CRO (See report here).
  • For more information about the benefits of running your next study with Avance Clinical contact us: [email protected]

Akero Therapeutics Announces Publication of Phase 2b SYMMETRY Cohort D Study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akero Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKRO), a clinical-stage company developing transformational treatments for patients with serious metabolic disease, today announced publication of results in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology from an expansion cohort (Cohort D, N=31) of the Phase 2b SYMMETRY study.

Key Points: 
  • SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akero Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKRO), a clinical-stage company developing transformational treatments for patients with serious metabolic disease, today announced publication of results in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology from an expansion cohort (Cohort D, N=31) of the Phase 2b SYMMETRY study.
  • Tolerability of EFX on top of GLP-1RA (N=21 patients) was generally comparable to GLP-1RA alone (placebo, N=10).
  • The most frequent adverse events for EFX-treated patients were grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal events (diarrhea, nausea, and increased appetite).
  • Patients treated with EFX plus GLP-1RA showed a similar mean weight loss from baseline relative to patients treated with GLP-1RA alone.

Consumers Pressing Pause on Major Kitchen Retail Spending in Favor of Do-It-Yourself Improvements, Reports Circana

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024

CHICAGO, Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHICAGO — Feb. 29, 2024 — In 2023, kitchen and bath purchases accounted for 13% of U.S. home improvement retail spending.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHICAGO — Feb. 29, 2024 — In 2023, kitchen and bath purchases accounted for 13% of U.S. home improvement retail spending.
  • “Amid economic challenges and following a bathroom boom during the pandemic, consumers have scaled down their home improvement efforts,” said Joe Derochowski, home industry advisor at Circana .
  • Overall, home improvement retail spending increased 2% in 2023 compared to the prior year but was 6% above 2020.
  • Kitchen and bath consumers in this age group spent a larger percentage of their money on lawn and garden and hardware products.

Consumers Pressing Pause on Major Kitchen and Bath Retail Spending in Favor of Do-It-Yourself Improvements, Reports Circana

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

CHICAGO, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHICAGO — Feb. 27, 2024 — In 2023, kitchen and bath purchases accounted for 10% of U.S. home improvement retail spending.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHICAGO — Feb. 27, 2024 — In 2023, kitchen and bath purchases accounted for 10% of U.S. home improvement retail spending.
  • Year-over-year retail unit sales and revenue from kitchen and bath products declined 4%.
  • Overall, home improvement retail spending increased 1% in 2023 compared to the prior year but was 3% above 2020.
  • Kitchen and bath consumers in this age group spent a larger percentage of their money on lawn and garden and hardware products.

WorldMark Offers ‘90s Movie-Themed Vacation Package to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of “10 Things I Hate About You”

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Vacation club brand WorldMark by Wyndham ® commemorates the 25th anniversary of the popular 1999 rom-com “10 Things I Hate About You” with a special vacation package .

Key Points: 
  • Vacation club brand WorldMark by Wyndham ® commemorates the 25th anniversary of the popular 1999 rom-com “10 Things I Hate About You” with a special vacation package .
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240306291066/en/
    Vacation club brand WorldMark commemorates the 25th anniversary of the popular 1999 rom-com “10 Things I Hate About You” with a special vacation package.
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    March 31 marks the 25th anniversary of the “10 Things I Hate About You” film release.
  • Now through May 22, WorldMark is offering 20% off qualifying stays at vacation resort WorldMark – The Camlin in Seattle, Washington, via rentals website Extra Holidays (travel by May 28).

Five9 Continues Growth, Surpassing Revenue Records with Industry-Leading AI Innovations, International Expansion, and Partner Acceleration

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Five9, (NASDAQ: FIVN), provider of the Intelligent CX Platform, closed 2023 with strong growth and continued business momentum leading into 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Five9, (NASDAQ: FIVN), provider of the Intelligent CX Platform, closed 2023 with strong growth and continued business momentum leading into 2024.
  • “The team's unwavering dedication to expanding our business through customer-centric innovation has been the cornerstone of Five9's remarkable success in the past year,” said Mike Burkland, Five9 CEO and Chairman.
  • With the emergence of Generative AI, Five9 captured the appetite of enterprises hungry to utilize the power of artificial intelligence within the contact center.
  • Five9’s partner ecosystem made great strides in 2023, supporting the company’s march up-market and international expansion.

Flashtalking by Mediaocean Announces New Exclusive International Partnerships Covering 89 Markets

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Each of these companies brings deep experience in the ad serving market, having previously supported brands and agencies using Amazon/Sizmek.

Key Points: 
  • Each of these companies brings deep experience in the ad serving market, having previously supported brands and agencies using Amazon/Sizmek.
  • The Flashtalking platform provides AI and automation to connect the silos between teams for more efficient production, versioning, and distribution of creative.
  • Georgia Brammer, MD JAPAC for Flashtalking, added, “We’re thrilled to be able to build these new relationships in so many important markets.
  • The partnership is well poised to take advantage of the growth of CTV and social media in these fast growing markets.

Morgan Stanley Announces Launch of Private Markets Transaction Desk

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management announced today the launch of its Private Markets Transaction Desk, a concierge service that empowers eligible shareholders and investors to buy and sell eligible private company shares in the secondary market.

Key Points: 
  • Morgan Stanley Wealth Management announced today the launch of its Private Markets Transaction Desk, a concierge service that empowers eligible shareholders and investors to buy and sell eligible private company shares in the secondary market.
  • “Alternative investments like private market shares are only growing in importance as investors seek deeper portfolio diversification,” said Jed Finn, Head of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
  • Morgan Stanley tapped industry veteran Jeff Urban to lead the desk, who previously led a number of leading private and public markets distribution and syndication businesses.
  • With the launch of the Private Markets Transaction Desk, the types of liquidity programs Shareworks can support has expanded to give companies a suite of automated solutions to manage secondary transactions while maintaining control of their cap table.