european union Archives – Page 2 of 2 – THINK Magazine

Fly power for neurodegeneration

By Rebecca Borg

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes motor neurons to deteriorate. These nerves are required for voluntary muscle activity control. Neuronal loss leads to progressive muscle weakness that makes it difficult for one to move and function normally. These devastating consequences make SMA the leading genetic killer of infants, who succumb to the effects of the condition within a few years.Continue reading

#research 2015 brain drosophila melanogaster ESF european union Faculty of Medicine & Surgery fruit fly health neurodegenerative rebecca borg ruben j. cauchi SMA SMN spinal muscular atrophy spliceosome STEPS Survival of Motor Neuron think Think Magazine Think Website UM University

A Patchwork Mediterranean: Knitting It Together

The Mediterranean is surrounded by over 20 countries each of which claim ownership over its nearby sea. To try and prevent over fishing and other pressures, many countries have set up protected areas. Jessica Edwards talks to Prof. Patrick J. Schembri who leads the Marine Ecology Research Group (Department of Biology) to find out how all of these areas are being linked to protect the Mediterranean Sea from the threats it faces.

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#research #science 100 years of science 2015 alien species atlantic biology black sea climate change coconet current Environment eu european union Faculty of Science Centenary Celebrations jessica edwards marine biology marine ecology marine life Mediterranean newcomer species Patrick J. Schembri research project Science 100 science100 sea strait of gibraltar Suez Canal The Science Issue university of malta UoM