Microplastics Found In Human Penises For 1st Time

Jun 23 2024

Scientists have discovered microplastics in human penile tissue for the first time, raising concerns about their proliferation and potential health impacts.

The study, published in IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal, found seven types of microplastics in four out of five samples from men with erectile dysfunction (ED) undergoing penile implant surgery.

These microplastics, ranging from less than 5 millimeters to as small as 1 micrometer, are fragments of larger plastics that degrade chemically or physically.

Lead author Ranjith Ramasamy, a reproductive urology expert, based his research on previous studies finding microplastics in the human heart. Given the penis’s vascular nature, Ramasamy wasn’t surprised by the findings. The samples, analyzed using chemical imaging, revealed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) as the most prevalent microplastics.

The study underscores the need for further research to determine if microplastics contribute to conditions like ED and to understand their broader health implications.

Toxicologist Matthew J. Campen highlighted the ubiquity of plastics in the body and their potential to disrupt normal bodily functions, including erection and sperm production.

Prior research by Campen found high levels of microplastics in human testicles compared to animal testes.

Experts recommend reducing plastic exposure by using stainless steel and glass containers, avoiding microwaving food or beverages in plastic, and not putting plastic in dishwashers to prevent chemical leaching.

#MaltaDaily

Is This Malta’s Craziest Ice Cream?

Jun 23 2024

A video uploaded to social media by ‘The Little Desert Van’ might have just created Malta’s craziest ice cream.

An employee of the ice cream van was in the mood for a cool treat, so they went ahead and created an absolute massive ice cream.

@thelittledessertvan

this one was for me 😅

♬ original sound – the little dessert van

Fully equipped with two – that’s right, two – ice cream cones, they dipped the snack into Oreos, Coco Pops and sprinkles multiple times and gave it more pumps and dabs of Nutella, vanilla and chocolate.

Commenters were also eager to try it out themselves, with some calling on the van owner to transform it into a secret menu item.

What do you think? Would you try this out?

#MaltaDaily

Fans Interrupt EURO Match For Ronaldo Selfies

Jun 23 2024

During a Euro 2024 match between Portugal and Turkey, four fans, including a child, invaded the pitch at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, Germany, aiming to get selfies with Cristiano Ronaldo. The second half of the game saw multiple interruptions as these fans managed to evade the stewards.

The first invader, a young boy, got onto the field in the 69th minute and took a selfie with Ronaldo, who happily obliged.

The boy was then chased off the pitch by staff, waving to the crowd as he left. Fifteen minutes later, an older fan tried to do the same but was met with a different reaction.

Ronaldo threw his hands in the air and turned away as the fan attempted to put his arm around him. A third pitch invader ran past Ronaldo during injury time.

After the final whistle, two more fans attempted to approach Ronaldo. The first was tackled to the ground, and the second was stopped while trying to confront Ronaldo as the teams exited the field.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez expressed concern over the pitch invasions, acknowledging the potential danger if fans’ intentions were malicious. Despite the interruptions, Portugal won 3-0, securing their spot in the knockout stage of the Euros with one group match remaining against Georgia.

Ronaldo, who now plays for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr after stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid, is rumoured to earn over £160 million annually, making him the highest-paid footballer in history.

#MaltaDaily

No Evidence For Dog/Cat Meat Sausages, Charmaine Gauci Says

Jun 23 2024

Public health superintendent Charmaine Gauci announced that authorities found no evidence supporting claims that a Gozitan butcher used dog and cat meat to produce Maltese sausage.

Gauci’s statement, backed by the Animal Welfare Ministry, confirmed a report by Times of Malta. The rumours, which went viral, caused widespread panic and disgust. There were also unsubstantiated claims that people fell ill after consuming the butcher’s sausages.

Despite media reports and an NGO’s assertion on social media that the claims were true, health authorities found no evidence during their investigations.

Gauci reiterated on an RTK103 radio show that any credible information would prompt an investigation. Although the butcher shop was no longer operating, health authorities conducted multiple inspections at different times.

They also probed allegations that the sausages were being made elsewhere. Gauci explained that they visited several locations connected to the butcher but found no evidence of Maltese sausage production. Additionally, there were no hospital reports of food poisoning related to the case.

The agriculture ministry, in a separate statement, confirmed the lack of evidence but noted that investigations are ongoing. The ministry emphasised that this thorough approach is standard in cases involving food safety or animal abuse. Regular inspections by the veterinary health directorate and health authorities are conducted to ensure food safety.

#MaltaDaily