Malta Public Transport Wins Infrastructure Award 2023

Dec 17 2023

Speaking to MaltaDaily, Malta Public Transport General Manager Konrad Pulé, explains why Malta Public Transport won the prestigious Infrastructure Award at the Malta National Transport Awards 2023.

Pule linked the winning of the award to the Floriana state-of-the-art charging stations, which enable the simultaneous charging of up to to 30 buses.

The stations allow the buses to reach full capacity in under 2 hours and cover an impressive 300 kilometres.

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‘This significant upgrade has not only lowered operational costs but also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by a remarkable 70%, contributing to improved air quality and aligning with Malta’s environmental goals.’

This occurred through an investment of around €20 million and the aim is to reduce carbon emissions and move towards more sustainable transport. The stations, Pule explained, allow for carbon emission reduction of up to 1,800 tonnes.

The future is electric buses, he concluded. Despite it being a slow process, the general manager explained that this will inevitably become the norm as more technology allows the change to occur.

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Stormy Weather To Hit Malta Week Before Christmas

Dec 17 2023

As we edge closer towards Christmas Day, the week prior to it is set to bring the Maltese islands stormy weather with rainy showers.

Sunday 17th December kicked off with a yellow strong wind warning, with thundery showers expected throughout the day.

That weather is forecasted to carry on until tomorrow, Monday 18th December, before a brief respite on Tuesday. However, Wednesday is set to bring the thundery showers back.

The overall weather of the week is set to be of a similar sort, with low temperatures that feel as cold as 16 degrees Celsius.

What do you make of this weather?

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Owning A Dog Might Reduce Dementia In Seniors By 40%

Dec 17 2023

A study conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology reveals that elderly individuals who own dogs experience a 40% lower risk of developing dementia, while owning cats has a marginal effect.

The research, involving 11,194 participants aged 65 to 84, analyzed data collected between 2016 and 2020. The odds ratio for dementia risk was calculated at 0.6 for dog owners and 0.98 for cat owners, compared to 1 for those without pets.

Yu Taniguchi, a senior researcher, interprets the findings, noting that dog ownership facilitates daily exercise habits and social participation, leading to a reduced dementia risk. The study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, emphasizes the positive impact of physical activity and social engagement through dog care in preventing dementia among older adults.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology’s research, involving 12,000 residents, underscores that dog ownership encourages leaving the house, increasing human-to-human interaction, and exercising the brain.

Even after adjusting for background factors, owning a dog exhibits a suppressive effect on dementia development over a four-year period. The study suggests that dog care contributes to maintaining physical activity and social participation, essential factors in preventing cognitive decline, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Biodegradable ‘Living Coffins’ Give Bodies New Life After Death

Dec 16 2023

In an innovative move toward sustainable and eco-friendly end-of-life practices, Dutch startup ‘Loop Biotech’ is revolutionising the funeral industry with biodegradable coffins, aptly named ‘living coffins.’ Co-founders Lonneke Westhoff and Bob Hendrikx are pioneers in reshaping the way we approach death, aiming to leave a positive impact on the environment.

Motivated by a desire to give humanity a sustainable legacy, Westhoff and Hendrikx developed coffins made from a unique blend of mushrooms and hemp fibers. The fungal mycelium and hemp create a sturdy yet biodegradable material that not only provides a dignified resting place but also serves as a nutrient-rich soil enhancer.

The ‘living coffins’ concept goes beyond typical biodegradable options. Instead of merely decomposing, these coffins facilitate a transformative process. As the mycelium breaks down the organic material, it contributes to soil enrichment, effectively turning human remains into a valuable source of nourishment for the earth.

This approach aligns with a growing global movement towards more sustainable funeral practices, as people seek alternatives to traditional burial methods that often involve non-biodegradable materials. The ‘living coffins’ offer a profound way to honor both the deceased and the planet, emphasising the cyclical nature of life and the potential for a positive environmental legacy.

Westhoff and Hendrikx’s visionary endeavour showcases the capacity for innovation even in traditionally conservative sectors, illustrating how thoughtful design and ecological consciousness can transform the way we say our final goodbyes while contributing to the vitality of the earth.

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