An international team of scientists, including ones based at the University of Malta, used very stable lasers to detect the microscopic motion of the earth by measuring its effect on the optical fibers owned by Enemalta plc and Melita Ltd, which link Malta to Sicily. The results of the experiment were published last year in the world leading journal Science. Left: A minor earthquake near Malta detected by the new technology (orange) and traditional sensors (blue) in Malta and Sicily. Right: Map showing the optical fibers and the earthquake location. Photo: Science

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