An astounding 91% of litter found floating around the Maltese Islands is plastic waste, but it is not the only pollutant scarring our seas. Caroline Curmi speaks to marine biologist and University of Malta guest lecturer Marta Curmi about Malta’s marine pollution crisis and how the nation can tackle it.
Continue readingBreaking the mantle
Maltese seismologist Matthew Agius, alongside an international team of researchers, has just identified a thinner-than-average zone in the Earth’s mantle below the mid-Atlantic Ocean. The finding helps explain how the Atlantic Ocean is opening up. The story left ripples worldwide.
Continue readingExpanding your Horizons
Academia has long given the impression of being stuck in an ivory tower, isolated from the concerns of private enterprise and society. The global pandemic has changed that. It requires collaborative effort.
Continue readingThe Second Rule of Crowdfight: Improvise, Adapt, Overcome
Digitising Health
Medical diagnosis relies on data. A physician observes and analyzes a patient’s vital signals to assess their condition and prescribe adequate treatment. The more accurate and reliable the data, the better the treatment. Through the use of technology, digital health allows both physicians and patients real-time access to medical data.
Continue readingDesigning a Dream
Can we reduce the level of pain perception in the brain? Distraction therapy has been used by health professionals for years to help children and young people cope with painful procedures. The aim is to take the focus of the patient away from the pain and concentrate on something else instead. Books, games, music, and toys are some of the many types of distraction therapy.
Continue readingSend in the Drones
Design is a transformation process. The idea is to transform problems into solutions through creative design thinking. With guidance from Dr Lawrence Farrugia, Daniela Quacinella, and Dr Sarah Pulé, we (Benjamin Farrugia and Andrea Gerada) have researched and designed a conceptual product-service which could revolutionise the marine fire rescue industry using drone technology.
Continue readingChemistry gets a green makeover
Can big pharma be sustainable? Prof. Giovanna Bosica and her team are trying to find out. This is no easy task, but step by step, they are reimagining what the field could look like.
Continue readingSniffing out pollution at sea
The maritime industry is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions. While newly introduced legislation helps control this hazard, it has significantly increased the burden for Port State and environmental authorities. Antónia Ribeiro interviews Nicky Borg, the founder of local start-up Marine Hound, to discover how their original smart buoys can help solve the problem.
Continue readingA View From Above
Satellite observation helps us understand our environment down on the ground. From tracking ocean currents to studying sinkholes, the applications are endless as long as the technology can keep up.
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