Around 2,500 BC a whole civilisation disappeared from Malta. Was it religious extremism? Overdevelopment? Ecological devastation? Warfare? Disease? The fact is that we do not know. The latest issue of the University magazine Think reports on a project called Fragsus that is trying to solve this mystery.

Over 80 researchers from five institutions, including the University, are digging up old sites and drilling cores around Malta to collect evidence. They are using the latest scientific techniques to recreate the ancient environment. By having enough information to step into the past, they will be able to see what happened to the people who built Malta’s ancient temples.

Back to the future, Malta has a looming problem: dementia. In 2010, there were 10,000 people with dementia in Malta. By 2030, it will double to 20,000. Malta is launching a national dementia strategy in 2015 to try to tackle the problem.

Another story talks about a pool party that will start with the first rains to fall on Malta. Dr Sandro Lanfranco and his team of students write about rock pools. The species in these pools live on the wild side, playing Russian roulette to survive in this extreme environment.

In other stories, colourful molecules could introduce a new wave of sensors to devices, new forms of concrete are being created that could insulate homes better and Frances Camilleri-Cassar writes on how the University should adopt a social well-being policy to cope with the stressful life on campus.

Think also has a section dedicated to comics, tech reviews and love letters. Students also tell their stories about Maltese olive DNA, better video streaming and cleverer games. Alumni talk about their careers in medical research and software engineering.

The magazine may be picked up for free from newsagents and Agenda bookstores. It is available online at www.um.edu.mt/think or http://bit.ly/ISSUUThink10 .