Latest news with #Aardvark
IOL News
13-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Protecting the drylands: The battle against mining in fragile ecosystems
While mining is the largest contributor to the Northern Cape's GDP, it is environmentally destructive despite efforts to rehabilitate the affected land, conservationists warned. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media The scars of mining activities are visible as you make your way through the vast dryland areas straddling the Western Cape and Northern Cape. Here, the land is not lush. Here, a little bit of rain goes a long way. Much of the interior region of the country, spreading to the West Coast, is classified as semi-arid drylands and includes the Karoo region. The areas are prone to desertification, drought and land degradation but support an array of some of the hardiest animals and plants, including many endemic species which occur nowhere else on Earth. Much of the interior region of the country, spreading to the West Coast, is classified as semi-arid drylands and includes the Karoo region. The areas are prone to desertification, drought and land degradation but support an array of some of the hardiest animals and plants. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Succulent Karoo has extraordinarily high plant endemism - there are more than 6350 vascular plant species in this biodiversity hotspot, with nearly 40% endemic. The unique plant life and habitat diversity also support an extraordinary diversity of vertebrates. The Succulent Karoo is home to 75 mammal species, including the Aardvark; 225 bird species and 90 reptile species. The Karoo is also home to one of the most iconic Karoo species, the critically endangered Riverine Rabbit, considered an indicator species for riparian ecosystem health. This means that when they are no longer found in their historic ranges, it is likely due to the degradation of their habitat. Drylands also support extensive rangeland farming, which, if carried out sustainably, is compatible with a landscape unsuitable for many other uses. Despite extreme heat, low rainfall, and water scarcity, dryland ecosystems are home to remarkable and often endangered species, from Riverine Rabbits and golden moles to dwarf tortoises, birds of prey, freshwater fish, and rare succulent plants. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media Head of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's (EWT) Drylands Conservation Programme, Zanne Brink explains that drylands are fragile ecosystems and vulnerable to overgrazing and unsustainable developments that alter their ecology. Human activities including mining have led to degradation across the landscape, and during a media trip to affected areas including Brand se Baai, Kliprand and surrounds, local farmers expressed fear and concern over an onslaught of prospecting applications. While mining is the largest contributor to the Northern Cape's GDP, it is environmentally destructive despite efforts to rehabilitate the affected land, conservationists warned. Covering 110,268 km² across the Succulent Karoo, parts of the Nama Karoo, and South Africa's west coast, the Drylands are one of the country's most expansive and ecologically important landscapes. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media Proposed mining activities such as hydraulic fracturing threaten underground water resources and the environment - Brink explains underground water is the primary water source for all Karoo towns and activities. Once areas are affected by mining activities, they would never be the same again, even after decades, Brink said. 'Mining is a huge threat, especially in the Northern Cape. People see the Northern Cape as already transformed… with drought and overgrazing… but as we've seen (with) the life (supported) there, it's not degraded land,' Brink said. Farmers explained how they had been affected by a barrage of prospecting applications, mining companies were seeking copper, diamonds, various ores, and minerals. They expressed how they battled to make their way through extensive legal documents in English, with little effort to make the documents accessible or understandable to a predominantly Afrikaans community. The sparse locations of affected farms and limited access to cell connection or internet made it challenging to express their objections. 'There is a place for mining but there are certain places that should be seen as a hands off. When it comes to your coastal duneveld, when that's gone, it's gone. It's a natural system there, protecting the inlands, protecting species. Even the Northern Cape, the coasts are pretty much mining areas already and being degraded on a daily basis. Everything is interdependent in these fragile systems,' Brink said. Cape Times
IOL News
18-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Haarwegskloof: a new provincial nature reserve for biodiversity conservation
Haarwegskloof in the Overberg declared a provincial nature reserve Image: CapeNature In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof has been officially designated as a provincial nature reserve, marking the last remaining connected expanse of renosterveld on the planet. This vital ecological haven, managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT) and overseen by WWF South Africa, spans an impressive 547 hectares of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Nestled between the charming towns of Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the picturesque Overberg region, this reserve plays a crucial role in protecting a unique ecosystem.. Located between Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the Overberg region, Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve spans 547 ha of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Image: CapeNature The reserve is home to a staggering array of endemic and rare plant species, which flourish in this unique ecosystem. Moreover, it provides a critical habitat for threatened avian species, including the elusive Black Harrier and the majestic Cape Vulture. Notably, secretive mammals such as the Aardwolf and Aardvark have also been spotted in the reserve, underscoring Haarwegskloof's status as a vital sanctuary for wildlife. This significant declaration was announced in April 2025 by Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Bredell commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders that fostered this successful conservation initiative. 'We have excellent environmental legislation in South Africa, but without passionate and dedicated stakeholders, it would mean very little,' he said. He expressed pride in CapeNature's continuous efforts to enhance the conservation estate in the province. CapeNature provides facilitates the legal administrative process to declare these sites as protected areas in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003). Image: CapeNature 'Healthy biodiversity is key to protect and buffer us against extreme weather and climate change. We owe it to future generations to preserve our unique and precious natural environment,' Bredell said. Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, highlighted the long-standing partnership between CapeNature, ORT, and WWF South Africa in their conservation efforts. 'This declaration is an acknowledgment of the admirable conservation initiatives being implemented by ORT in the Overberg, supporting their work through stewardship facilitation and legal backing,' he said. For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and founder of the ORT, the reserve's formal protection represents a monumental step in safeguarding one of South Africa's most imperilled ecosystems. 'Renosterveld is among the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, with merely 5% of its original extent intact, much of which has been sacrificed for agriculture,' she said. The declaration ensures that Haarwegskloof will remain dedicated to conservation efforts while permitting scientific research, habitat restoration, and sustainable eco-tourism. The area has an abundance of fauna and flora, endemic to the region. Image: CapeNature Part of the globally significant Cape Floristic Region, Haarwegskloof is an ecological treasure nestled within one of the world's six floral kingdoms, though it has historically received less attention than its fynbos counterpart primarily due to its fertile soils which have been largely converted to farmland. The ORT has been actively engaging landowners for over 10 years, securing conservation easements and restoring degraded habitats to counteract the numerous threats facing renosterveld.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aardvark Therapeutics Bolsters Leadership Team with Strategic Hires Across Scientific, Commercial, Regulatory and Legal Functions
Timothy Kieffer, Ph.D., appointed Chief Scientific Officer Danny Villeneuve appointed Chief Commercial Officer Terrie Kellmeyer, Ph.D., appointed Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs Christian Zapf, J.D., appointed General Counsel SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (Aardvark) (Nasdaq: AARD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics to activate innate homeostatic pathways for the treatment of metabolic diseases, today announced the appointments of key members of its leadership team, including Timothy Kieffer, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer; Danny Villeneuve as Chief Commercial Officer; Terrie Kellmeyer, Ph.D., as Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs; and Christian Zapf, J.D., as General Counsel. 'As we make progress with our Phase 3 HERO study of ARD-101 for the treatment of hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome, these important appointments deepen our expertise across key functions and provide additional strategic insight to further propel our programs forward,' said Tien Lee, M.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aardvark. 'Their collective experience is a valuable addition as we continue shaping the path ahead for Aardvark.' Timothy Kieffer, Ph.D., is a globally recognized academic leader in diabetes mechanisms and translational medicine. He previously served as Chief Scientific Officer at ViaCyte Inc. (acquired by Vertex Pharmaceuticals), followed by Fractyl Health. Before his roles in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Kieffer oversaw the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine with a focus on the development of novel gene and cell therapy approaches to treat diabetes at the University of British Columbia. He has contributed to groundbreaking research and the development of novel modalities of treatment in diabetes. Dr. Kieffer holds patents in the field and has co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications that have been cited more than 25,000 times. He received his Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of British Columbia and completed his post-doctoral training in Molecular Endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kieffer received the Diabetes Canada Young Scientist Award and was elected as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Danny Villeneuve brings more than 20 years of commercial leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across U.S. and International markets. Most recently, he served as EVP, Chief Commercial Officer for Ironshore Pharmaceuticals, where he successfully led the commercial strategy and execution for the relaunch of their flagship product in the ADHD market. His leadership contributed significantly to the company's turnaround and subsequent acquisition by Collegium Pharmaceuticals. Prior to this role, Mr. Villeneuve commercialized products in the ADHD, CNS, diabetes and obesity markets with industry leaders including Orexigen Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Villeneuve earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology at Université du Québec in Canada. Terrie Kellmeyer, Ph.D., brings nearly 30 years of deep regulatory strategy and clinical development expertise across multiple therapeutic areas to Aardvark. Dr. Kellmeyer has contributed to the submission of multiple successful New Drug Applications to the FDA and Marketing Authorization Applications to the European Medicines Agency, among them OLPRUVA® (sodium phenylbutyrate), REZDIFFRA® (resmetirom), BYETTA® (exenatide injection), SYMLIN® (pramlintide acetate), and OCALIVA® (obeticholic acid). She previously served as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs at Anavex Life Sciences. Prior to that, she held strategic leadership positions, including Head of Global Regulatory Affairs at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, and positions of increasing responsibility at Acer Therapeutics, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, and Gen-Probe. Dr. Kellmeyer received her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from SUNY Syracuse, and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Rochester. Christian Zapf, J.D., has extensive roots in the biotechnology sector with over 20 years of legal and transactional experience in a variety of settings. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and General Counsel at Abpro Corporation, a company developing next-generation antibody therapies. Previously, he was Vice President and Counsel at NantWorks, a healthcare investment company, and Abraxis BioScience, an oncology-focused company and developer of ABRAXANE® (nab-paclitaxel). Prior to that, he served as Counsel, Corporate Development at American Pharmaceutical Partners, a manufacturer of generic injectables. Mr. Zapf received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Cambridge University, a J.D. from Columbia University, and an M.B.A. from INSEAD. Inducement Grants On May 16, 2025, two new employees of Aardvark were awarded grants of options to purchase an aggregate of 137,500 shares of common stock. Each option was granted pursuant to the Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. 2025 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, as approved by the Compensation Committee of Aardvark's Board of Directors on May 15, 2025, and was granted as an inducement material to each employee's employment with Aardvark in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The exercise price of each option is $9.89 , the closing price of Aardvark's common stock on May 16, 2025, the date of grant. Each option will vest over four years, with 25% of the total number of shares vesting on the one year anniversary of the date of commencement of such employee's employment with Aardvark and 1/48th of the total number of shares subject to each option vesting monthly thereafter, subject in each case to such employee's continued service to Aardvark on each vesting date. Aardvark is providing this information in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). About Aardvark Therapeutics, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics designed to suppress hunger for the treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome and metabolic diseases. Recognizing hunger (the discomfort from not having eaten recently) is a distinct neural signaling pathway separate from appetite (the reward-seeking, desirability of food). Our programs explore therapeutic applications in hunger-associated indications and potential complementary uses with anti-appetite therapies. Our lead compound, oral ARD-101, is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of hyperphagia associated with PWS, a rare disease characterized by insatiable hunger. ARD-101 is also being studied in hypothalamic obesity. Aardvark is also developing ARD-201, a fixed-dose combination of ARD-101 with a DPP-4 inhibitor, with a goal of addressing some of the limitations of currently marketed GLP-1 therapies for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related conditions. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute 'forward-looking statements.' These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: Aardvark's business strategy, product candidates, ongoing clinical trials, planned clinical trials, likelihood of success, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations. The words, without limitation, 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties related to potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; the risk that we may use our capital resources sooner than expected and that they may be insufficient to allow us to achieve our anticipated milestones; risks related to our dependence on third parties for manufacturing, shipping and clinical and preclinical trials; the risk that results from earlier clinical trials and preclinical studies may not necessarily be predictive of future results; and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of Aardvark's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2025. When evaluating Aardvark's business and prospects, careful consideration should be given to these risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of Aardvark's management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Aardvark specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: Carolyn Hawley, Inizio Evoke Comms(619)
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aardvark Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Business Highlights
Phase 3 HERO trial of ARD-101 for the treatment of hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS); data readout expected in early 2026 $151.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments supports projected operations into 2027 SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (Aardvark) (Nasdaq: AARD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics to activate innate homeostatic pathways for the treatment of metabolic diseases, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided business highlights. 'We believe that there is a significant, untapped opportunity to target anti-hunger signaling to treat rare metabolic diseases and obesity. Our lead candidate, ARD-101, is intended to address hunger by lowering the discomfort of fasting without notably decreasing the desirability of food or inducing nausea,' said Tien Lee, M.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aardvark. 'The Phase 3 HERO study of ARD-101 in PWS shows our commitment to addressing unmet needs in this community.' Summary of Business Highlights In February 2025, Aardvark successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO), raising $97.9 million in gross proceeds. After deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering expenses, the Company received approximately $87.5 million in net proceeds. Aardvark's stock began trading under the symbol 'AARD' on February 13, 2025. Select First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights Cash Position: As of March 31, 2025, Aardvark had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $151.3 million, which includes the net proceeds from the IPO in February 2025. Based on current operating plans, Aardvark believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, together with the proceeds from the IPO, will be sufficient to fund projected operations into 2027. R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $7.8 million and $1.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The $6.6 million increase for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, resulted from increased development costs primarily related to ARD-101 and an increase in personnel-related expenses. G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $2.7 million and $0.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively. The $1.9 million increase for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, primarily resulted from increases in professional fees, facilities and other and personnel-related costs, which were partially related to commencing operations as a public company. Net loss: Net loss was $9.3 million and $2.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively. About Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Aardvark is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics designed to suppress hunger for the treatment of PWS and metabolic diseases. Recognizing hunger (the discomfort from not having eaten recently) is a distinct neural signaling pathway separate from appetite (the reward-seeking, desirability of food). Our programs explore therapeutic applications in hunger-associated indications and potential complementary uses with anti-appetite therapies. Our lead compound, oral ARD-101, is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of hyperphagia associated with PWS, a rare disease characterized by insatiable hunger. ARD-101 is also being studied in hypothalamic obesity. Aardvark is also developing ARD-201, a fixed-dose combination of ARD-101 with a DPP-4 inhibitor, with a goal of addressing some of the limitations of currently marketed GLP-1 therapies for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related conditions. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute 'forward-looking statements.' These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: Aardvark's future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, product candidates, ongoing clinical trials, planned clinical trials, expected timing for data readouts and reporting topline results, anticipated cash runway, likelihood of success, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations. The words, without limitation, 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties related to potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; the risk that we may use our capital resources sooner than expected and that they may be insufficient to allow us to achieve our anticipated milestones; risks related to our dependence on third parties for manufacturing, shipping and clinical and preclinical trials; the risk that results from earlier clinical trials and preclinical studies may not necessarily be predictive of future results; and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of Aardvark's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof. When evaluating Aardvark's business and prospects, careful consideration should be given to these risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of Aardvark's management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Aardvark specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: Carolyn Hawley, Inizio Evoke Comms (619) 849-5382 Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 Operating expenses: Research and development $ 7,755 $ 1,207 General and administrative 2,715 861 Credit loss—related party accounts receivable — 103 Total operating expenses 10,470 2,171 Loss from operations (10,470 ) (2,171 ) Total other income (expense), net 1,160 (7 ) Net loss $ (9,310 ) $ (2,178 ) Net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted $ (0.71 ) $ (0.55 ) Weighted-average shares used in net loss per share calculation 13,194,718 3,967,333 Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share amounts) March 31, December 31, 2025 2024 (unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 26,504 $ 61,641 Short-term investments 124,756 12,022 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,294 474 Total current assets 154,554 74,137 Operating lease right-of-use asset 628 735 Other assets 1,843 2,635 Total assets $ 157,025 $ 77,507 Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 2,556 $ 2,298 Accrued liabilities 3,030 2,291 Operating lease liability, current portion 390 338 Total current liabilities 5,976 4,927 Operating lease liability, net of current portion 336 441 Other long-term liabilities 24 26 Total liabilities 6,336 5,394 Commitments and contingencies Convertible preferred stock — 126,756 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Common stock — — Additional paid-in-capital 218,282 3,684 Accumulated other comprehensive income 44 — Accumulated deficit (67,637 ) (58,327 ) Total stockholders' equity (deficit ) 150,689 (54,643 ) Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock, and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 157,025 $ 77,507 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
24-03-2025
- Science
- Axios
AI weather forecasting just took a big step forward
The field of AI-driven weather modeling is advancing at a rapid pace, as illustrated by a new model that has critical advantages over other approaches. Why it matters: Applying artificial intelligence to weather prediction holds the promise of significantly advancing forecast precision, reliability and delivery to the developing world. It could augment the role of human weather forecasters, providing them with another tool for forecasting extreme weather events as well as routine conditions. Driving the news: The new model is the result of an international effort among the University of Cambridge, Alan Turing Institute, Microsoft Research and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Zoom in: The new model, detailed in a study in the journal Nature, is known as Aardvark Weather. It offers what its creators call an "end-to-end AI forecasting system." Previous AI models developed by technology giants like Nvidia and Google take in real-world observations and apply AI methods to predict how weather conditions would unfold over time. These models don't require supercomputers and can be run at a fraction of the time of regular physics-based numerical models like the U.S. Global Forecast System, or GFS. Yes, but: The AI models developed to date are still somewhat dependent on the work of traditional numerical systems at the initial step of incorporating vast amounts of weather data. What sets Aardvark Weather apart — and may usher in a new era in AI-driven models — is that it uses a single machine-learning model that takes in observations from satellites, weather stations, ships and other sensors, and yields high-resolution global and local forecasts. It doesn't involve traditional numerical weather models at any step of the process, setting it apart from other new AI systems. In other words, it's a purely AI-driven weather play. Aardvark also uses far fewer observations as inputs compared to both traditional models in use and other AI-driven ones. For this reason and others, it may not yet be suitable for government forecast agencies. Those agencies are generally responsible for producing forecasts with more variables, using models that assist with issuing extreme weather watches and warnings. The intrigue: The researchers tout Aardvark's ability to result in specially-tailored forecasts while being run on a desktop computer, providing results that are available within minutes. Importantly, they claim that even with just a fraction of the input data from current weather observations, the system outperforms the GFS model on particular variables and competes with National Weather Service forecasts made using a combination of modeling and human forecast expertise. Perhaps the biggest breakthrough of the new model is that its simplicity and the way it's designed to learn from input data can provide a means for tailoring forecasts for specific applications and regions. These could include forecasting wind speeds for renewable energy installations or predicting rainfall for agricultural interests. Currently, such hyper-focused models can take many months to years to develop and require supercomputers to run. Between the lines: The new, experimental model doesn't eliminate the need for real-world weather data gathering, conventional modeling or human forecasters. In fact, the study underlined the importance of real-time weather data gathered from satellites to ensure forecast accuracy, for example. It also couldn't have been developed without abundant training data that came in the form of a dataset ECMWF developed, known as the ERA5 reanalysis. While ECMWF has been at the forefront of developing and implementing AI models, NOAA is only beginning to travel down this road in the U.S., with the American private sector moving faster to capitalize on new technologies. The suitability of the new model to specific forecast circumstances could benefit the Global South, where high-performance computing is lacking. What they're saying: "Aardvark reimagines current weather prediction methods offering the potential to make weather forecasts faster, cheaper, more flexible and more accurate than ever before, helping to transform weather prediction in both developed and developing countries," said Richard Turner, a study coauthor and researcher at the Alan Turing Institute and Cambridge University, in a statement.
