Hugs help women relieve stress more than men study finds

May 24 2022

A new study has suggested that a hug can make a massive difference for women… but men? Unfortunately the same is not applicable.

Researchers have analysed how 76 people responded to stress after a hug from a romantic partner in a study published in journal PLOS One.

Women who got to hug their significant other showed a decrease in the production of cortisol, which is a hormone related to stress. The hormone also has an impact on memory recall, which could make stressful tasks more difficult.

Men did not get the same perk however. The study had a small sample size, but has expertly added to a solid body of science, claims communication professor Kory Floyd.

It is not surprise that touch helps with the body’s regulation, and other studies looking at the benefits of longer contact – like a massage – seem to suggest this.

Of course, a hug is a quickly applied fix for stress and can help buffer stressful situations. It’s difficult to say why men did not experience the same level of stress relief via hugs.

Researchers suggest that social pressures might have something to do with it. The study is not the final word on the matter and, despite the surprising find, requires more investigation.

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Mothers can be politicians too – PN MP takes daughter to parliament

May 23 2022

Nationalist MP Julie Zahra was assisted by her adorable daughter today as she convened to the Maltese parliament.

Zahra first took to social media to post a wholesome photo of her daughter and herself about to enter parliament. As the MP continued her work, other PN MP and youngest in Maltese history Eve Borg Bonello helped in looking after her.

And it seemed as though Julie’s daughter was enjoying every bit of it, keeping busy with some colours and paper. Bonello however also had some things to say about all this, saying that women can be involved in politics whilst also being mothers.

‘Let’s ensure that our institutions accommodate all women, even mothers. And let us carry on this message to the daughters of future generations!’

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Applications for Malta’s Got Talent Season 2 are officially open!

May 23 2022

Calling all Maltese residents with bizarre and spectacular talents! The time has come for Malta to once again witness some of the best skills the island has to offer.

This is the chance for anyone possessing any exceptional, crazy or out of this world talent to showcase it on the big stage. The programme will start in the winter schedule on Television Malta and promises to bee one of a kind tv entertainment.

Applicants who make it all the way to the final and win the noble title will be up to win €25,000 min cash.

Very limited applications are now open and all you have to do is add Malta’s Got Talent’s official number +356 79202021 and send your name, surname, act name and short clip on WhatsApp.

Last season, the programme brought us some of the most spectacular spectacles. And if you think that you have what it takes to win the cash prize and showcase your unique talent, this is your time to shine!

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36-year jail sentence for man who murdered mother and sister

May 23 2022

41-year-old Joseph Bonnici has been given a 36 year jail sentence after he was found guilty of killing his mother and sister three years ago.

The son and brother murdered his mother Maria Lourdes and sister Angele on March 26th 2019 and subsequently got into bed.

Prosecutors even described in court how he had planned the double-murder with intricate detail. He built his own makeshift gun, along with a silencer and proceeded to shoot both victims at close range.

He cleaned up the traces of his crime and dumped their bodies in a field. The bodies were unrecognisable due to the injuries and had their bleeding heads wrapped in garbage bags.

Bonnici stuck to a not guilty plea for most of the court case but, after a plea bargaining exercise, the Attorney General and Bonnici’s lawyers filed a joint application suggesting a 36 year prison term. He was also fined €18,909.91.

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