Features
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Climate change research too limited geographically
The first International Polar Year, held over 1882–1883, was an important event for science. The year was the brainchild of Austrian explorer Karl Weyprecht who, after a few years on different research missions, realised that scientists were...
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Where de Valette met Baby Jesus
Grandmaster Jean de Valette would probably have never thought that his oeuvre majeure could be the setting of a Nativity Scene. Yet not only does Valletta and some of its famous landmarks act as a backdrop to a crib, but the grandmaster himself...
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Are near-death experiences hallucinations? Experts explain the science
In our never-ending quest to understand what happens to us after we die, humans have long seen the rare phenomenon of near-death experiences as providing some hints. People who’ve had a brush with death often report seeing and experiencing...
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150 years of prayer and service in aid of people in need
This year the Sisters of Charity commemorate the 150th anniversary of their presence in Malta. It is an important milestone for the congregation which, in Malta, have come to be associated with people in need and vulnerable people. The Sisters had...
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History, conservation and restoration of the statue of the Immaculate Conception at Cospicua
The team of Atelier del Restauro recently completed the conservation and restoration of the titular statue of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary of Cospicua’s collegiate church, which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception...
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AFM remembrance ceremony
A Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi in the chapel of Luqa Barracks in memory of deceased members of the Armed Forces of Malta, especially those who passed away this year. The chaplain of the Armed Forces, Fr Joe Meli, and...
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Art exhibition in aid of charity
Maria Schaerrer Busuttil hosted her second local art exhibition entitled Earth Elements at her private residence in Għargħur. The exhibition showcased her latest works and included bronzes, ceramic sculptures and paintings. Profits from the sale...
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Who is science for?
Science is a way of understanding ourselves, our surroundings and quenching our thirst for the unknown. A researcher is someone who asks and attempts to answer questions. Isn’t that the same as the rest of society? So, why do we need to...
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Myth debunked: Alcohol kills brain cells
Whether you’re 17 and just had your first ever vodka-red bull shot, or if 15 years later you’ve had a rough week at work and resort to some whisky to forget about your unfinished paperwork, we’ve all heard and ignored the phrase ‘alcohol kills...
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Photo of the week - December 2, 2018
A small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) swimming in the sea for the first time during Shark-Lab Malta’s most recent shark release, during which they released their 300th shark.
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Are you what you drink?
The chic magic of Parisian cafes has long captured our imagination as emblematic of a culturally rich time where creativity is rife and enigmatic conversation is to be had on any corner that can fit a table and two chairs under a street lamp. The...
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Can you handle the noise?
The theatre scene in Malta is thriving and who other to speak to than Edward Mercieca – legendary actor, talented scriptwriter and key dame in many an FM Panto. Kristina Cassar Dowling discovers more. Meeting with Edward Mercieca – a theatre buff...
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Resilient politician, intrepid journalist
Mabel Strickland, who died 30 years ago today, will always be remembered for her courage and resilience in the face of adversity, both as a politician and journalist. Two former editors of Allied Newspapers, Victor Aquilina and Laurence Grech,...
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World's first gene-edited babies? Premature, dangerous and irresponsible
A scientist in China claims to have produced the world’s first genome-edited babies by altering their DNA to increase their resistance to HIV. Aside from the lack of verifiable evidence for this non peer-reviewed claim, this research is premature,...
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Manure management: A holistic solution under way
A research project is presently ongoing aimed at developing a holistic solution for the management of manure and slurry from livestock on the Maltese Islands. Although solutions have already been proposed, these focus solely on the liquid manure...
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Excelsior
My father, Spiru, was a seafaring man, and I was always fascinated by his descriptions of places he had visited in the far reaches of the world in his travels. When I was eight years old, he gave me a small stack of comic books which he brought...
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It happened this month: The foundation of the Jesuit college – November 12, 1592
In 1563, among the provisions enacted by the final sessions of the Council of Trent, there was specific legislation for the education of the clergy. Each diocese was charged with founding a seminary for the spiritual and cultural education of all...
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Why had Mabel Strickland switched support to PN?
On the 30th anniversary of the death of Mabel Strickland on November 29, Victor Aquilina answers a frequently asked question: why had Mabel Strickland broken away from her party and switched support to the PN? She may not have risen to great...
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Car-sharing project launch
A lovely event held to launch the new international car sharing project GOTO took place at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard.
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Akustika in the dark
Project Akustika is designed to fill the knowledge gaps on local bat species in Malta and Gozo. It will set the first steps towards gaining a national overview of what bat species are present, their distribution and status in 2018 and 2019. This...
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Photo of the week - February 17, 2019
