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Scientists Finally Know What Causes Our Skin To Itch

SCIENTISTS FINALLY KNOW WHAT CAUSES OUR SKIN TO ITCH
Nov 28 2023 Share

Experiencing itchiness is not only bothersome but can lead to prolonged scratching, sleep disturbances, and general frustration. 

The intriguing question of why we itch, even without an apparent cause, has been explored by scientists at Harvard Medical School, and they believe they’ve uncovered the answer. The culprit is a specific type of bacteria known as staphylococcus aureus, which directly affects nerve cells, inducing the sensation of itching.

Conducting experiments on mice, the researchers exposed their skin to this bacteria, observing the development of persistent itching and heightened sensitivity over time. 

This heightened sensitivity, similar to conditions like eczema, extended reactions to stimuli that wouldn’t typically provoke itching. Through meticulous analysis, the scientists identified a key bacterial enzyme, V8, that activates the protein PAR1 on skin cells, responsible for signaling sensations like pain, heat, and itch to the brain.

Further experimentation involved altering versions of the bacteria to pinpoint the specific molecular component triggering the itch. The identified enzyme, V8, proved significant, and the researchers successfully alleviated itching and skin damage in mice by employing an already approved anti-clotting drug targeting the PAR1 protein. 

Dr. Liwen Deng, one of the study’s authors, highlighted the potential for this drug to serve as an anti-itch medication for humans, possibly integrated into future creams. The groundbreaking research sheds light on the microbial origin of itching and opens avenues for novel therapeutic approaches.

#MaltaDaily 

Valletta National NYE Celebrations Are Back!

Valletta National NYE Celebrations Are Back
Nov 28 2023 Share

The Valletta National New Year’s Eve Celebrations will once again be hosted in the heart of the capital. The Celebrations are being organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency, in collaboration with G7 Events and the Ministry for the National Heritage, The Arts and Local Government through the Partnership Agreement for Large-Scale Events and Initiatives and the Ministry for Tourism. 

 

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St. George’s Square will once again host the main stage and will see the very best of Malta’s top local artists. The night will kickstart with Lara and the Jukeboys band. 

Then it’s up to Special Guests for the Night, THE PALACE STRING ORCHESTRA led by Ryan Abela together with an outstanding line up of some of Malta’s top local talent including Aidan, Drakard, Klinsmann, Jasmine, Megan May, Sarah Bonnici as well as special guest EMMA MUSCAT. They will be taking us through a musical journey of the best of 2023 as well as some all-time classics. 

The event will be hosted by Ron, Taryn Mamo Cefai & Keane Cutajar.

Just before countdown, the Valletta NYE hosts and DJs Koroma & DJ Miggy will entertain the crowd in Valletta and live on local TV stations with a special mash-up set of the best dance anthems of 2023 together with stage special effects and fireworks to welcome the New Year. 

#MaltaDaily

67 New Recruits Join Civil Protection Malta

67 New Recruits Join Civil Protection Malta
Nov 28 2023 Share

Civil Protection Malta has welcomed 67 brand new recruits, with the new Trainee Assistance and Rescue Officers undergoing an intensive training programme over the next 23 weeks. 

The new members will be serving and protecting Malta and its citizens, being called onto the scene whenever their assistance is needed to, amongst other things, put out fires, conduct rescues and much, much more.

Congratulations to all!

#MaltaDaily 

New Centre To Help Volunteers Rehabilitate Wildlife

New Centre To Help Volunteers Rehabilitate Wildlife
Nov 28 2023 Share

A new Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre within the grounds of the Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park will provide improved shelter and rehabilitation facilities for injured wildlife as well as a hub for environmental research and education. 

This Centre is already offering care to nine sea turtles and seven hedgehogs. The project was inaugurated by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett, in the presence of the President of Nature Trust Malta Vince Attard and Director General of Ambjent Malta Herman Galea. 

The centre was developed by Nature Trust Malta, in collaboration with Ambjent Malta, with a €2.5 million investment co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. 

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre encompasses rehabilitation facilities for diverse wildlife, including marine, terrestrial and avian fauna, offering a sanctuary for their recovery before potential reintroduction to their habitats. 

The centre will provide improved facilities for Nature Trust’s Wildlife Rescue Team, which receives financial assistance from the Environment and Resources Authority and other contributors, to rescue and care for injured wildlife. 

The project also includes a Marine Research Centre and an educational area for children and visitors, where they will be able to learn about Maltese wildlife and their conservation. The Centre is housed in the former building of the Deutsche Welle radio station, which closed down in 1996. 

The building, which is recognised as a structure of significant industrial heritage value, was restored and repurposed for its new life as a wildlife centre. 

It also includes several sustainable building services, such as renewable energy, water conservation and waste management systems. With the support of Ambjent Malta, more than 20,000 native trees and shrubs were planted around the building and in other areas of the nature park, creating a thriving ecosystem.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained that this project marks a significant step forward for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation in Malta, emphasising the nation’s commitment to preserving its ecological diversity.

#MaltaDaily