Scientists may have found a reason (and cure) for greying hair

Apr 20 2023

A group of scientists believe that they have discovered why hair turns grey as one ages, which could help develop new treatments to alter cells and reverse or even halt the process.

The new study suggests that stem cells may ‘get stuck’ as hair ages and lose their ability to mature and maintain hair colour.

The research was led by New York University Grossman school of medicine investigator Qi Sun.

The researched focused on cells in the skin of mice and also found in humans melanocyte stem cells (or McSCs). Certain stem cells have a unique ability to transition between growth compartments in follicles.

These cells lose the ability to move with age and could result in greyness.

Hair colour is controlled by whether continually multiplying pools of McSCs within hair follicles get the signal to become mature cells. These make the protein pigments responsible for colour.

It was discovered that during normal hair growth the cells continually pivot between compartments of said developing hair follicle. It is inside these compartments where where McSCs are exposed to signals which influence the maturity.

The finding suggests that while hair ages, sheds and grows back, McSCs get stuck in the hair follicle bulge, causing the greyness.

#MaltaDaily

Engerer’s law on emissions and stability in pricing officially adopted

Apr 20 2023

MEP Cyrus Engerer’s law on the Market Stability Reserve of the European Emissions Trading System was officially signed in Strasbourg on Wednesday during an ad hoc signing ceremony organised by the Cabinet of President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

The signing ceremony was also attended by the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Jessika Roswall, representing the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union as co-legislator with the European Parliament.

“Following the negotiations firstly within the European Parliament with all political groups and later with the Council of the European Union’s Presidency to reach an agreement, it is rewarding to see this legislation coming to life”, Engerer said. He added that, “Through this legislation we have sought to bring about the necessary changes which will strengthen the European emissions trading system. This is necessary for the EU to meet its climate goals by 2030 and to become energy-sovereign, through the reduction of its dependence on Russia’s fossil fuels.”

The official signatures come after a month from the vote which took place during the March plenary session whereby the law written by MEP Engerer received overwhelming support in the European Parliament. In fact the Report was voted by a majority of 81% of MEPs.

As Rapporteur, MEP Engerer was entrusted to lead negotiations on this law which is part of the EU’s Fit for 55 package of measures seeking to address the climate emergency.

Engerer’s priorities in this area focused on the protection of the most vulnerable sectors of our societies whilst still seeking to be as ambitious as possible in our green targets.

During his presentation of this legislation in last month’s plenary session he mentioned the challenges being faced by European citizens in the face of increased cost of living and energy prices following the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. He said that addressing these realities should work hand in hand with achieving our green targets.

The law negotiated by MEP Engerer will now enter into force in the coming weeks ensuring that the current emissions trading system continues to meet the demands of the increased ambition in the EU’s climate goals.

#MaltaDaily

Tribute to 38 Civil Protection heroes after Turkey earthquake mission

Apr 20 2023

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri posted to social media to pay tribute and give thanks to all 38 members of the Civil Protection Department for their heroic efforts in Turkey after the devastating earthquake.

The officers were also joined by canine Peppi, who was a super good boy and helped out in rescuing and offering aid for all those struggling with the natural disaster which killed thousands.

The earthquake, which also struck parts of Syria, hit in February, with the multiple tremors affecting at least 15.73 million people and 4 million buildings.

There was an estimated 50,000 death toll and 107,204 injured. Infrastructure was massively damaged as other countries stockpiled resources to donate to the victims.

Malta’s Civil Protection Department officers who voyaged to Turkey kept the public updated with their work, sharing images of the debris they found as well as the operations they conducted to rescue people from beneath rubble.

Well done to all for your your heroic effort!

#MaltaDaily

Air Malta delay passengers could be compensated upwards of €600

Apr 20 2023

Nationalist Party MP Rebekah Borg took to social media to explain that, given the various delays by national airline Air Malta, many consumers could be entitled for compensation through EU regulations.

The compensation granted depends on, amongst other things, the duration and distance of the flight.

She gave an example: One of the delays was on a Brussels flight to Malta which saw a 3 hour delay time. For this delay, a consumer could be compensated with €400.

On longer flights, the compensation could reach up to €600, ‘which are not small amounts!’

‘It is good to know your rights as a consumer’ the MP wrote, urging those who might wish to seek compensation to directly contact her so that she could help them out.

#MaltaDaily