Animal in danger of extinction due to not sleeping and too much sex

Feb 2 2023

A new study conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast suggests that the endangered male northern quolls, a rare marsupial species, are facing extinction due to excessive mating and a lack of sleep.

The researchers found that male quolls are so desperate to mate that they are willing to forgo sleep, which is causing their health to fail after just one season.

The study’s senior lecturer, Dr. Christofer Clemente, says that this is linked to sleep deprivation and the traits associated with it such as weight loss, aggression, and recklessness, which are not present in females.

To study the behaviour of the quolls, the researchers fitted backpacks with trackers to the animals roaming around Groote Eylandt. The lead author, Joshua Gaschk, found that the males tended to move around more and were less vigilant than females.

The research also found that two males named Moimoi and Cayless traveled around 10 km in one night. However, this prolonged sleep deprivation made them vulnerable to predators and unable to avoid vehicle collisions or death from exhaustion.

Gaschk hopes that this research will help scientists understand the broader effects of sleep deprivation on marsupials. He believes that if male northern quolls forgo sleep to the detriment of their survival, they will become an excellent model species for understanding the effects of sleep deprivation on body function.

The findings could help to prevent the extinction of this unique species and improve our understanding of the importance of sleep for animal health and survival.

#MaltaDaily

Teatru Manoel addresses John Suda involvement controversy amid online outrage

Feb 1 2023

In light of the recent controversy surrounding John Suda’s involvement in the upcoming production “Boeing Boeing – Moħħok Hemm Għax Dieħel… l-Ajruplan”, Teatru Manoel has issued a statement addressing the situation.

“By way of information, the script was originally written by French playwright Marc Camoletti and translated into English by Beverley Cross, and was adapted and translated into Maltese by Mario Micallef and John Suda 30 years ago. John Suda has had no relationship with the script since then.

Teatru Manoel also confirms that John Suda has no involvement whatsoever in the co-production and will receive absolutely no compensation from Teatru Manoel or Talenti.”

This statement follows online outrage and a public statement by actress and sexual assault victim Mandy Random, who published a post condemning the theatre for alleged involvement with Suda after she was sexually assaulted by the aforementioned in 2015.

“7 years later. He still runs free. Still no one understands. Still people make excuses. Still people support him. 7 years later and I still suffer from the scars, my body still freezes yet shakes at the sight of his name.”

Back in 2015, Suda was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years and declared a protection order the favour of Randon after admitting to sexually abusing the victim, asking her to strip naked and perform sexual acts.

#MaltaDaily

Abner Aquilina claimed to have “an influence controlling his thoughts and actions”

Feb 1 2023

Abner Aquilina, the 20-year-old from Żejtun, who is accused of killing Paulina Dembska, reappeared in court today as the case against him continued. The 29-year-old women from Poland, was murdered in Independence Garden in Sliema, at the start of January 2022.

In court, the first witness in today’s hearing, Dr. Andrew Hall said that he had examined the accused’s mental state and referred him to mental health services. He claimed that Abner was repeating the same words, became more agitated over time, avoided questions and raised his voice.

According to the witness Abner said that he had seen “a woman dressed in white and had followed her into a church.” When asked if there was someone or something controlling him, Abner said that he could not talk about this. However, the doctor said that Abner spoke about “an influence controlling his thoughts and actions.” When asked about it, the accused put his finger over his mouth and made a shushing sound.

The prosecution is being led by Superintendent Keith Arnaud, Inspector Jonathan Ransley and Attorney Anthony Vella from the Attorney General’s Office. The accused is being represented by Lawyer Mario Mifsud while Lawyer Stefano Filletti is appearing for the victim’s family.

#MaltaDaily

22 people found living illegally in Malta to be sent back pending investigation

Feb 1 2023

22 people have been found living illegally in Malta after inspections conducted early today, 1st February, in Marsa & Qormi.

Inspections conducted by the Malta Police Force and Detention Services found people of various nationalities including Ghana, Gambia, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, Eritrea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The individuals were taken to the Malta Police Force General Headquarters in Floriana to begin their repatriation process.

Investigations are currently under way.

#MaltaDaily