Bumblebee numbers dropped to record low in 2024, report finds
Last year saw the lowest number of bumblebees in the UK since records began, a new report shows.
Bumblebee numbers declined by nearly a quarter compared to the 2010-2023 average, figures from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BCT) show. Their annual 'BeeWalk' report marked the worst year recorded for the insects in the UK.
There are 24 species of bumblebee in the UK, which play a vital role in pollinating crops and wildflowers. This makes their decline a 'major ecological concern' say the BCT, with greater conservation efforts needed to safeguard the future of the bee.
Their decline is likely down to cold and wet conditions in spring and early summer, researchers say, which is the 'most vulnerable period' for the species. This is the time of year when the colony is established, with queen bumblebees functioning as 'single mothers' that must feed themselves and the growing larvae.
The lower numbers were not spread equally across their two dozen species, however, with those that typically reach their highest numbers in June or July suffering the most. Worst affected were the red-tailed and white-tailed varieties, respectively down 74 and 60 per cent.
Other affected species were the garden bumblebee, tree bumblebee, southern cuckoo bumblebee and buff-tailed bumblebee.
Dr Richard Comont, science manager at the BCT, said: 'The 2024 results from BeeWalk highlight just how vulnerable our bumblebee populations are to shifting climate and environmental conditions. With another challenging year behind us, monitoring in 2025 will be crucial to understanding how – and whether – these species can recover.'
The bumblebee expert also shared how individuals can play their part in supporting the insects: 'The key thing is having big populations because big populations are resilient populations.
'All of the stuff you see about planting flowers in your garden, letting wildflowers grow, not using pesticides; all of that standard advice around increasing pollinator populations, not just bumblebees, that will allow us to have larger populations of pollinators.'
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Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
Bumblebee numbers dropped to record low in 2024, report finds
Last year saw the lowest number of bumblebees in the UK since records began, a new report shows. Bumblebee numbers declined by nearly a quarter compared to the 2010-2023 average, figures from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BCT) show. Their annual 'BeeWalk' report marked the worst year recorded for the insects in the UK. There are 24 species of bumblebee in the UK, which play a vital role in pollinating crops and wildflowers. This makes their decline a 'major ecological concern' say the BCT, with greater conservation efforts needed to safeguard the future of the bee. Their decline is likely down to cold and wet conditions in spring and early summer, researchers say, which is the 'most vulnerable period' for the species. This is the time of year when the colony is established, with queen bumblebees functioning as 'single mothers' that must feed themselves and the growing larvae. The lower numbers were not spread equally across their two dozen species, however, with those that typically reach their highest numbers in June or July suffering the most. Worst affected were the red-tailed and white-tailed varieties, respectively down 74 and 60 per cent. Other affected species were the garden bumblebee, tree bumblebee, southern cuckoo bumblebee and buff-tailed bumblebee. Dr Richard Comont, science manager at the BCT, said: 'The 2024 results from BeeWalk highlight just how vulnerable our bumblebee populations are to shifting climate and environmental conditions. With another challenging year behind us, monitoring in 2025 will be crucial to understanding how – and whether – these species can recover.' The bumblebee expert also shared how individuals can play their part in supporting the insects: 'The key thing is having big populations because big populations are resilient populations. 'All of the stuff you see about planting flowers in your garden, letting wildflowers grow, not using pesticides; all of that standard advice around increasing pollinator populations, not just bumblebees, that will allow us to have larger populations of pollinators.'
Yahoo
14-11-2024
- Yahoo
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
Conference call planned for later in Q4 2024 to provide updates on NurOwn® program NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 and provided a corporate update. "BrainStorm's primary focus continues to be preparing for the upcoming Phase 3b registration trial of NurOwn in ALS," said Chaim Lebovits, President and CEO of Brainstorm. "We have carefully refined the trial design based on the learnings from our previous study, and we believe this will increase the probability of demonstrating a treatment effect. We are partnering with Pluri Inc., an established global leader in the development and manufacturing of cell-based therapeutics, to support the clinical supply needs. We have also selected a leading Clinical Research Organization and continue to work with investigators to establish multiple trial sites. We remain committed to the ALS community as we work to advance NurOwn and deliver a therapeutic option that we believe will make a difference for patients and their families." Third Quarter 2024 and Recent Highlights In October 2024, Brainstorm announced further details of the Phase 3b trial at the Annual Northeastern Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Consortium (NEALS) Meeting . In November 2024, BrainStorm entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pluri Inc. (Pluri) to manufacture NurOwn® for use in the planned Phase 3b ALS trial. This MOU enables Brainstorm to begin the immediate transfer of its manufacturing technology and start producing NurOwn at Pluri's facility while the binding definitive agreement is being finalized. Also at the NEALS meeting, Brainstorm presented a poster "Debamestrocel Long-Term Benefits on Survival and Neurodegeneration in ALS Expanded Access Program" featuring the results from 10 participants (6 NurOwn, 4 placebo) from the company's prior Phase 3 clinical trial (BCT-002-US) who enrolled in an open label Expanded Access Program (EAP). The EAP spanned two 28-week periods, with a break in time between the periods. Participants received a dose of NurOwn every 8 weeks, for a maximum of 6 doses over the 2 periods. Participants in both treatment arms will be able to receive standard of care while on study. The entry criteria are specifically targeting people living with ALS in the early stage of their disease. Key entry criteria will include: age 18 to 75 years old, ALS diagnosis defined by the revised El Escorial criteria as laboratory-supported probable, clinically probable, or definite, symptom onset within 24 months of screening, ≥2 points on each item of the ALSFRS-R, ALSFRS-R total score ≤45, and upright Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) ≥65% of predicted. The primary efficacy endpoint will be a comparison of change in ALSFRS-R from baseline to week-24 (i.e. at the end of Part A) for NurOwn vs. placebo. Other outcome assessments will include CAFS (Clinical Assessment of Function & Survival), SVC, HHD (Hand-Held Dynamometry), survival, ALSAQ-40 questionnaire, the ZBI (Zarit Burden Interview), and disease biomarkers. Up to approximately 200 participants with ALS are expected to enroll in the two-part Phase 3b trial, to receive 3 doses of either NurOwn (debamestrocel) or placebo for 24 weeks (Part-A), followed by an open label period during which all patients will receive 3 doses of NurOwn for another 24 weeks (Part B). Successful completion of Part A is expected to support a Biologic License Application (BLA). Story Continues Promising long term survival benefits were observed in NurOwn treated patients compared to matched controls in the PRO-ACT database. The survival curves revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of NurOwn (LRT, p= 0.0379) with a median survival time of 46.6 months for the treated group compared to 41.1 months for the matched control. Consistent reductions in neurofilament light (NfL) were observed both during the randomized Phase 3 trial and in the subsequent EAP period, indicating that patients treated with NurOwn continued to see benefits from extended treatment. NfL is an important biomarker in ALS, measuring neurodegeneration and neural cell death. These data align with the understanding of NurOwn's mechanism of action. Investor Conference Call and Webcast BrainStorm is planning to host a conference call and webcast for the investment community later in Q4 2024 to provide further updates on the NurOwn Phase 3 program. Details will be provided in the near future. Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2024 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash amounted to approximately $0.35 million, as of September 30, 2024. Research and development expenses, net, in the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 were $1 million, compared to $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $2 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Net loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $2.7 million as compared to a net loss of $1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Net loss per share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was $0.51 and $0.45, respectively. About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a leading developer of innovative autologous adult stem cell therapeutics for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. BrainStorm holds the rights to clinical development and commercialization of the NurOwn® technology platform used to produce autologous MSC-NTF cells through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement. Autologous MSC-NTF cells have received Orphan Drug designation status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). BrainStorm has completed a Phase 3 trial in ALS (NCT03280056); this trial investigated the safety and efficacy of repeat-administration of autologous MSC-NTF cells and was supported by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM CLIN2-0989), and another grant from the ALS Association and I AM ALS. BrainStorm completed under an investigational new drug application a Phase 2 open-label multicenter trial (NCT03799718) of autologous MSC-NTF cells in progressive MS and was supported by a grant from the National MS Society (NMSS). Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding meetings with the probability of NurOwn demonstrating a treatment effect in ALS, the patient enrollment and dosing in the Phase 3b trial for NurOwn®, and the clinical development of NurOwn as a therapy for the treatment of ALS, the future availability of NurOwn to patients, and the future success of BrainStorm. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on BrainStorm's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, management's ability to successfully achieve its goals, BrainStorm's ability to raise additional capital, BrainStorm's ability to continue as a going concern, prospects for future regulatory approval of NurOwn, whether BrainStorm's future interactions with the FDA will have productive outcomes, and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available at These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. CONTACTS Media: Lisa Guiterman Phone: +1 202-330-3431 IR: Michael Wood Phone: +1 646-597-6983 mwood@ BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U.S. dollars in thousands (Except share data) September 30, December 31, 2024 2023 Unaudited Audited U.S. $ in thousands ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 168 $ 1,300 Other accounts receivable 40 51 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 4) 156 548 Total current assets $ 364 $ 1,899 Long-Term Assets: Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets $ 22 $ 22 Restricted Cash 181 185 Operating lease right of use asset (Note 5) 959 1,416 Property and Equipment, Net 499 686 Total Long-Term Assets $ 1,661 $ 2,309 Total assets $ 2,025 $ 4,208 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT Current Liabilities: Accounts payables $ 4,603 $ 4,954 Accrued expenses 865 1,240 Operating lease liability (Note 5) 570 603 Employees related liability 1,044 1,003 Total current liabilities $ 7,082 $ 7,800 Long-Term Liabilities: Operating lease liability (Note 5) 271 672 Warrants liability (Note 6) 729 594 Total long-term liabilities $ 1,000 $ 1,266 Total liabilities $ 8,082 $ 9,066 Stockholders' Deficit: Stock capital: (Note 7) 14 13 Common Stock of $0.00005 par value - Authorized: 250,000,000 shares at September 30, 2024 and 100,000,000 shares at December 31, 2023 respectively; Issued and outstanding: 5,309,796 and 4,032,614 shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 respectively (*) Additional paid-in-capital 217,708 210,258 Treasury stocks (116) (116) Accumulated deficit (223,663) (215,013) Total stockholders' deficit $ (6,057) $ (4,858) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 2,025 $ 4,208 * Retroactively adjusted (See Note 7). The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) U.S. dollars in thousands (Except share data) Nine months ended Three months ended September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Unaudited Unaudited Operating expenses: Research and development, net $ 2,928 $ 9,048 $ 1,045 $ 3,330 General and administrative 5,576 7,587 2,003 2,705 Operating loss (8,504) (16,635) (3,048) (6,035) Financial (expense) income, net (11) 91 (54) (121) Gain (loss) on change in fair value of Warrants liability (Note 6) 135 4,930 (394) 4,930 Net loss $ (8,650) $ (11,614) $ (2,708) $ (1,226) Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations $ (1.80) $ (4.35) (*) $ (0.51) $ (*) (0.45) Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share 4,793,026 2,683,700(*) 5,309,796 2,950,121(*) * Retroactively adjusted (See Note 7). The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. Logo - Cision View original content: SOURCE BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.
Yahoo
28-10-2024
- Yahoo
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Presented Positive Survival Data from NurOwn® Expanded Access Program at 2024 Annual NEALS Meeting
Biomarker data suggest ALS patients may benefit from longer-term treatment with NurOwn Poster highlighting design of planned Phase 3b NurOwn trial also presented NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI), a leading developer of cellular therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the presentation of two posters featuring NurOwn® (MSC-NTF0 or debamestrocel) at the 2024 Annual Northeastern Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Consortium (NEALS) Meeting, which took place virtually October 21 – 24. The posters 'Debamestrocel Long-Term Benefits on Survival and Neurodegeneration in ALS Expanded Access Program' and 'An Overview of The Phase 3b Clinical Trial of Debamestrocel in ALS' highlight the results achieved with ALS patients who participated in the Expanded Access Program (EAP) for NurOwn and summarize the details of BrainStorm's upcoming Phase 3b trial in ALS. Debamestrocel Long-Term Benefits on Survival and Neurodegeneration in ALS Expanded Access Program (Bob Dagher et al) Among the six 'early-start' participants (those who had received Debamestrocel during the Phase 3 study), a continual reduction in NfL was observed. In contrast, for those who received placebo in the Phase 3, the group median NfL change was 37% by the end of phase 3, indicating worsening neurodegeneration. However, after these participants received debamestrocel in the EAP, the majority showed a stabilization in NfL levels. At the last available visit in the EAP, 9/10 participants were alive. The survival curves revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of debamestrocel (LRT, p= 0.0379) with a median survival time of 46.6 months for the debamestrocel group compared to 41.1 months for the matched control. Matching covariates for PSM included time since disease onset, pre-baseline ALSFRS-R slope, age, Slow/Forced Vital Capacity (SVC/FVC), and site of onset, with a 10:1 matching ratio. A Kaplan-Meier (KM) plot was generated, and a log rank test (LRT) was performed to compare survival between the two groups. A longitudinal plot of neurofilament light (NfL) was generated to assess long-term effects on neurodegeneration. Baseline characteristics from 10 EAP participants, captured at the time they entered the Phase 3 trial, were matched against a comparable cohort from the PRO-ACT historical database using propensity score matching (PSM). Ten participants (6 debamestrocel, 4 placebo) from Brainstorm's prior Phase 3 clinical trial (BCT-002-US) were enrolled in an open label Expanded Access Program (EAP). The EAP spanned two 28-week periods, with a break in time between the periods. Participants received an intrathecal dose of Debamestrocel every 8 weeks, for a maximum of 6 doses over the 2 periods. Story Continues "We were pleased to provide this important update from the NurOwn EAP with the ALS community at this year's NEALS meeting," said Bob Dagher, M.D., Executive VP and Chief Medical Officer at Brainstorm. "The encouraging findings suggest that among the 10 ALS participants who received NurOwn during the EAP, there was a long-term survival benefit when compared with the matched control group. As previously reported, we also observed reductions in neurofilament light (NfL) which is an important biomarker marker in ALS, measuring neurodegeneration and neural cell death. The consistent reductions in NfL observed both during the randomized Phase 3 trial and in the subsequent EAP periods, indicate that patients treated with NurOwn continued to see benefits from the extended treatment. These data align with our understanding of NurOwn's mechanism of action." An Overview of The Phase 3b Clinical Trial of Debamestrocel in ALS (Bob Dagher et al) Up to approximately 200 participants with ALS are expected to enroll in the two-part trial, to receive 3 doses of either debamestrocel or placebo for 24 weeks (Part-A), followed by an open label period of receiving 3 doses debamestrocel for another 24 weeks (Part B). Participants in both treatment arms will be able to receive standard of care while on study. The key entry criteria will include: age 18 to 75 years old, ALS diagnosis defined by the revised El Escorial criteria as laboratory-supported probable, clinically probable, or definite, symptom onset within 24 months of screening, ≥2 points on each item of the ALSFRS-R, ALSFRS-R total score ≤45, and upright Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) ≥65% of predicted. The primary efficacy endpoint will be a comparison of change in ALSFRS-R from baseline to week-24 (i.e. at the end of Part A) for debamestrocel vs. placebo. Other outcome assessments will include CAFS (Clinical Assessment of Function & Survival), SVC, HHD (Hand-Held Dynamometry) ALSAQ-40 questionnaire, the ZBI (Zarit Burden Interview), and survival. CSF and blood samples will be collected for analysis of biomarkers of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neuroprotection. A sample using an oral swab can be collected for DNA evaluation of ALS-related genes (optional). Dr. Dagher added, "A key priority for BrainStorm is to confirm NurOwn's efficacy in the upcoming Phase 3b trial. Our goal is to conclusively demonstrate the treatment's benefits in early-stage ALS patients, hence, we have set the entry criteria to specifically target people living with ALS in the early stage of their disease. We have secured an agreement with the US FDA on a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), thereby significantly derisking the regulatory aspects of this program. We have also aligned with the FDA on the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) aspects of the trial. We look forward to providing further updates as we advance our trial preparations." Copies of the posters can be viewed online by registered attendees of the NEALS Meeting and will be available on the BrainStorm corporate website. About NurOwn® The NurOwn® technology platform (autologous MSC-NTF cells) represents a promising investigational therapeutic approach to targeting disease pathways important in neurodegenerative disorders. MSC-NTF cells are harvested from each person with ALS and are manufactured using an innovative and proprietary process, to secrete neurotrophic factors to target specific neurodegenerative diseases. The lead program for NurOwn is for the treatment of ALS. BrainStorm's long-term commitment to ALS is demonstrated in preclinical research and a series of clinical studies, all of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals. The NurOwn clinical program has generated valuable insights into the pathology of ALS, as well as disease progression and treatment. Since the initial Phase 3 readout, BrainStorm has shared the full dataset through rigorous peer-reviewed analysis, including: quantification of Floor Effect, which had been noted, but never before explored in depth; evaluation of multiple pre-specified biomarkers, collected at seven different points across 20 weeks during the trial, allowing a longitudinal view; and analysis of genetic data, which represents one of the first ALS trials to prospectively invoke pharmacogenomic analysis of clinical outcome, offering great promise for the development of future treatments for ALS. About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a leading developer of innovative autologous adult stem cell therapeutics for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. BrainStorm holds the rights to clinical development and commercialization of the NurOwn® technology platform used to produce autologous MSC-NTF cells through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement. Autologous MSC-NTF cells have received Orphan Drug designation status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). BrainStorm has completed a Phase 3 trial in ALS (NCT03280056); this trial investigated the safety and efficacy of repeat-administration of autologous MSC-NTF cells and was supported by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM CLIN2-0989), and another grant from the ALS Association and I AM ALS. BrainStorm completed under an investigational new drug application a Phase 2 open-label multicenter trial (NCT03799718) of autologous MSC-NTF cells in progressive MS and was supported by a grant from the National MS Society (NMSS). Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), ADCOM meeting related to NurOwn, the timing of a PDUFA action date for the BLA for NurOwn, the clinical development of NurOwn as a therapy for the treatment of ALS, the future availability of NurOwn to patients, and the future success of BrainStorm. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on BrainStorm's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, management's ability to successfully achieve its goals, BrainStorm's ability to raise additional capital, BrainStorm's ability to continue as a going concern, prospects for future regulatory approval of NurOwn, whether BrainStorm's future interactions with the FDA will have productive outcomes, and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available at These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. CONTACTS Media: Lisa Guiterman Phone: +1 202-330-3431 IR: Michael Wood Phone: +1 646-597-6983 mwood@ Logo: Cision View original content: SOURCE BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.
