Bee

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)

HKTDC MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse set to return on 13 March

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024

This year?s conferences will feature heavyweight speakers, including AI Futurist Zack Kass, the former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI.

Key Points: 
  • This year?s conferences will feature heavyweight speakers, including AI Futurist Zack Kass, the former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI.
  • He has been demystifying AI and making it accessible and understandable for everyone, helping leaders from different areas navigate the rapidly evolving environment.
  • Creating opportunities for start-ups and a new generation of entrepreneurs is a key area for the HKTDC.
  • For interviews with speakers, please email [email protected] and [email protected] and we will be in touch to follow up.

Burt's Bees® Showcases Clinical Efficacy of Aloe and Prebiotic Containing Products in Addressing Common Skin Concerns

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

DURHAM, N.C., March 8, 2024  /PRNewswire/ -- Burt's Bees, the #1 dermatologist recommended natural skin care brand* and a pioneer in naturally-derived lip and skin care solutions, announced its latest research findings on the benefits of nature-based products to maintain and protect skin health and hydration. The studies will be presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting from March 8-12, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Clinical studies presented at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting demonstrate how nature-based products support the microbiome in compromised skin, while improving barrier function and hydration
    DURHAM, N.C., March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Burt's Bees, the #1 dermatologist recommended natural skin care brand* and a pioneer in naturally-derived lip and skin care solutions, announced its latest research findings on the benefits of nature-based products to maintain and protect skin health and hydration.
  • The studies will be presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting from March 8-12, 2024.
  • "Burt's Bees has a deep understanding of both facial and lip skin, which is at the foundation of our research and development efforts as we continue to pioneer the use of new ingredients and innovations in the natural skin care space."
  • New Burt's Bees data that will be presented at AAD 2024 includes:
    The effectiveness of aloe vera and rice extract-containing moisturizing cream in improving and maintaining barrier function and hydration in xerotic skin; Gunt H., Levy S.; Online Poster

Mānuka Health, Global Leader in Mānuka Honey, Launches Three Product Collections Designed for Holistic Inner and Outer Wellbeing

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

AUCKLAND, N.Z., March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mānuka Health, a global leader in premium mānuka honey products, is excited to announce the launch of three new product collections, inclusive of the brand's first skincare range. As the first prestige beauty and wellness brand to masterfully capture the complete spectrum of benefits from raw mānuka honey, propolis, and royal jelly, these new collections present one harmonious system designed to elevate vitality, reinforce resilience, and inspire complete wellbeing.

Key Points: 
  • Mānuka Health's new collections mirrors the intricate relationship between the European Honeybee pollinating amidst the blooms of the New Zealand mānuka tree.
  • The brand harvests their raw mānuka honey from the rich soils of New Zealand with brand-owned hives that ensure the utmost purity and quality.
  • Their unparalleled potency, individually and together, supports simplicity in a daily wellbeing routine for inner harmony and outer radiance.
  • All Mānuka Health's MGO mānuka honey is certified for authenticity, sustainably sourced, GMO-free, and raw and unpasteurized for exceptional benefits.

Radiant Blooms Await: Star Roses and Plants Unveils New Roses for 2024

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

WEST GROVE, Pa., March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Star® Roses and Plants, a leader in the horticultural industry, is thrilled to unveil two new additions to their renowned Knock Out® Family of Roses - introducing Easy Bee-zy™ Knock Out® and Orange Glow™ Knock Out® Roses. These vibrant blooms promise to elevate gardens with their striking colors and exceptional resilience.

Key Points: 
  • WEST GROVE, Pa., March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Star® Roses and Plants, a leader in the horticultural industry, is thrilled to unveil two new additions to their renowned Knock Out® Family of Roses - introducing Easy Bee-zy™ Knock Out® and Orange Glow™ Knock Out® Roses.
  • Availability and Where to Find:
    Easy Bee-zy Knock Out and Orange Glow Knock Out Roses will be available at select garden centers and nurseries this spring.
  • Star® Roses and Plants has been bringing great plants to the world's gardens since 1897 and continues to introduce breakthrough roses, shrubs and edibles.
  • Their most notable brands include The Knock Out® Family of Roses, Drift® Roses, Bushel and Berry®, and Bloomables®.

Unanimous AI welcomes "Our Next Reality," a new book from Louis Rosenberg about our AI-powered Future

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Arlington, VA, March 6, 2024  /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Unanimous AI, the leading developer of AI technologies that amplify the decision-making power of human groups in pursuit of Collective Superintelligence, is pleased to announce the release of CEO and Chief Scientist, Dr. Louis Rosenberg's new book, Our Next Reality (published by Hachette Book Group). Co-authored with Alvin Wang Graylin and featuring a forward by best-selling novelist, Neal Stephenson, Our Next Reality examines the immediate future of artificial intelligence and spatial computing.

Key Points: 
  • In the book, Dr. Rosenberg focuses on how powerful AI technologies can amplify human abilities while also threatening human agency.
  • In Our Next Reality Dr. Rosenberg talks about Unanimous AI's decade-long effort to enable similar benefits in networked human groups.
  • The book also describes how Swarm AI has been combined with Generative AI to pursue Collective Superintelligence through natural human conversations among large groups.
  • "Our Next Reality provides a clear-eyed view of the potential and perils of our AI-powered future," said David Baltaxe, President of Unanimous AI.

Growing Matters' BeSure! Campaign Promotes Best-Stewardship Practices Ahead of 2024 Planting Season

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To the agriculture industry collaboration, Growing Matters, our planet and people come first. That's why its annual BeSure! campaign is back for another year to promote the implementation of proper stewardship practices during planting season to help protect the biodiversity surrounding America's farmland. This campaign was created in 2019 to educate growers and applicators about responsible stewardship measures for neonicotinoid products to minimize any potential impact on pollinators and other wildlife.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To the agriculture industry collaboration, Growing Matters, our planet and people come first.
  • campaign is back for another year to promote the implementation of proper stewardship practices during planting season to help protect the biodiversity surrounding America's farmland.
  • campaign has helped educate millions of growers, crop protection applicators, urban landscaper applicators and agricultural supply retailers on best-management practices.
  • Two downloadable fact sheets with five quick tips to guide best stewardship practices during planting season – one for growers and one for applicators – are also available.

Honeyland: Integrated Brand Experience Partnership with Cibona

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

SINGAPORE, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeyland, the buzzworthy blockchain-based beekeeping sensation, is excited to announce its latest collaboration with Cibona, the esteemed premier league basketball team from Zagreb, Croatia. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities as they embark on a journey to redefine interactive gaming experiences.

Key Points: 
  • The Honeyland team is dedicated to optimizing player experience and accessibility, solidifying its status as one of the premier blockchain games globally.
  • Players now have the exclusive opportunity to enhance their gaming experience by purchasing Cibona Jersey and Cibona Basketball from the in-game shop to integrate into their Bee avatars.
  • In addition, Honeyland and Cibona will be launching community-wide events and special rewards on game days, promising an exhilarating experience for players.
  • "We are thrilled to partner with Cibona to offer our players a unique and immersive gaming experience," said Corey Wright, CEO of Honeyland.

Annual flower stamp issue showcases environmentally important wildflowers

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 1, 2024

Spotted beebalm and butterfly milkweed provide food and shelter for pollinators, as well as beautiful blooms for gardens and bouquets

Key Points: 
  • Spotted beebalm and butterfly milkweed provide food and shelter for pollinators, as well as beautiful blooms for gardens and bouquets
    OTTAWA, ON, March 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada Post's latest stamp issue features two native wildflowers that are important sources of food for a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
  • The brilliant blossoms of butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) become heavy with nectar and pollen, attracting hungry insects and birds.
  • Those pollinators play a crucial role in fertilizing plants, including fruit trees and other agricultural crops.
  • In Canada, spotted beebalm and butterfly milkweed are native only to certain regions of southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec.

BeeHero Launches Pollination Research Stations to Give Growers and Stakeholders Real-Time Visibility Into Bees & Pollination

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BeeHero, the pioneer of data-driven precision pollination, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Pollination Research Stations (PRS). With three Pollination Research Stations situated in California's Central Valley, BeeHero's innovative data platform now provides unprecedented ability to track and monitor bloom progress and bee activity in the world's most important almond-producing region.

Key Points: 
  • Approximately 75% of crops grown for human consumption rely on pollination, underscoring the process's critical role in global food security.
  • Understanding pollination progress is essential for effective pollination, as it allows growers to optimize their timing and allocate resources efficiently to best sustain their agricultural operations and maximize yield potential.
  • BeeHero's Pollination Research Stations deliver real-time, accurate, and extensive data on bloom progression and bee activity, providing unprecedented visibility for growers who previously operated with minimal data.
  • BeeHero's Research Pollination Stations live updates can be seen here: https://growers.beehero.io/ExternalsentinelStations .