Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns Amid Child Abuse Scandal

Nov 13 2024

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation after a report revealed his failure to report widespread abuse by former barrister and preacher John Smuth in the 1970s and 1980s. The review found that in 2013, Welby, 68, “could and should” have alerted the authorities to Smyth’s crimes, which included the abuse of boys at summer camps.

Welby expressed profound regret for the Church’s previous safeguarding failures and accepted responsibility for his actions in his resignation statement. He clarified that he thought the proper resolution was in progress at the time and had been misinformed about the police being notified. He emphasised that the Church’s commitment to fostering a safer environment was demonstrated by his willingness to resign.

Welby’s departure was prolonged according to some survivors and critics, but others praised the advancements achieved under his direction, especially in safeguarding changes. The process of finding a replacement is expected to take up to six months. Smyth, who relocated to Zimbabwe and South Africa, continued his abuse until his death in 2018.

#MaltaDaily

Scientist Successfully Treats Own Breast Cancer With Lab-Grown Viruses

Nov 13 2024

Dr. Beata Halassy, a virologist at the University of Zagreb, treated her own recurrent breast cancer with oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) using lab-grown viruses.

In 2020, after her second recurrence of cancer following a mastectomy, Halassy opted to administer an unproven OVT treatment in place of chemotherapy.

Drawing on her experience with viruses, she injected her tumour with two types: a measles virus and a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), both of which are known to attack cancer cells and stimulate immune responses.

Over two months, Halassy administered the treatment under monitoring by her oncologists. The tumour shrank significantly, detached from surrounding muscle and skin, and was later surgically removed.

Analysis showed it was infiltrated with immune cells, suggesting the treatment had activated her immune system against the cancer. Halassy has remained cancer-free since.

Despite her results, publishing her report faced resistance due to ethical concerns over self-experimentation. Experts caution that such cases could encourage others to attempt unproven treatments outside of clinical oversight.

However, Halassy felt her findings could contribute to OVT research and eventually secured publication in Vaccines. She now plans to research OVT for treating cancer in animals, funded by a recent grant.

#MaltaDaily

Rare Solar Halo Spotted in Malta’s Skies

Nov 13 2024

Today, many people across Malta have caught sight of a stunning optical phenomenon: a halo around the sun. This rare sight, a luminous ring encircling the sun, has left onlookers captivated. But what causes this beautiful display?

Sun halos occur due to tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually from thin, high-altitude cirrus clouds. When sunlight passes through these hexagonal ice crystals, it refracts, or bends, at a precise angle, typically 22 degrees. This bending effect forms the characteristic ring we see in the sky. The halo effect can also happen around the moon, although it is more noticeable during the day around the sun.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

While this phenomenon is safe to observe briefly, it’s essential to avoid staring directly at the sun to protect your eyes from UV damage. If you’re eager to capture the moment, snap a quick photo and enjoy it on your phone. This lets you admire the halo safely and share it with friends and family.

Such atmospheric phenomena remind us of nature’s wonders, inspiring curiosity about the skies. Keep an eye out – but always remember to protect your vision!

#MaltaDaily

Education Shadow Minister Invites MCAST Students To Parliament

Nov 13 2024

This Friday, November 15, at 11:30 AM, a meeting for MCAST engineering students and concerned stakeholders will be held at the Maltese Parliament, hosted by Hon. Justin Schembri, Shadow Minister for Education and Vocational Training.

A statement issued by the students explains that this urgent gathering aims to address the escalating crisis caused by the ongoing conflict between MCAST and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT), which has left students without any assignments as the first semester nears its end.

This situation has raised fears of a compromised academic year, with potential outcomes such as a sudden pile-up of assignments, single-exam grading, or administrative passes—all of which could jeopardise the validity of MCAST degrees and students’ eligibility for professional warrants.

To bring greater attention to the issue, a parliamentary petition (#49) has been initiated, calling for immediate action to resolve the deadlock. This Friday’s meeting provides students an opportunity to express their concerns directly and advocate for fair assessment methods and degree security.

Students, media representatives, and public supporters are encouraged to attend the meeting or sign the petition to ensure the integrity of MCAST engineering degrees and safeguard students’ future prospects in their respective careers.

#MaltaDaily