Should Malta Send Astronauts To Space?

Jun 27 2024

Malta should aim to send its first astronaut to space, according to Ryan Callus, the PN’s research and innovation spokesperson.

Callus highlighted Malta’s capable scientists and their strides in space research during a parliamentary debate on Malta’s role in the European Space Agency (ESA).

MPs ratified a new five-year agreement, upgrading Malta’s status to ‘European Cooperating State’. This agreement requires an annual €1.5 million investment in space research, mainly through competitive grants to local companies.

Parliamentary secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti noted that this agreement would boost the space sector and attract foreign investment.

Callus expressed support but urged for full ESA membership to bring more research opportunities, particularly in biomedical fields. He cited University of Malta scientist Joseph Borg’s research on human blood in space, which could benefit thalassaemia patients.

Callus stressed the need for greater research funding, pointing out the University of Malta’s insufficient €1.3 million research budget and the challenges faced by applicants for Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) grants. He emphasized that increased investment in research is essential for Malta to advance in space exploration and innovation.

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Varjinġa Primary School Closes Its Doors After 170 Years

Jun 27 2024

The Gozo College Rabat Primary School, known as Varjinġa, closes its doors today, with headmaster Lelio Spiteri posting a touching message in tribute of the school.

With the school relocating premises for the new scholastic year, Lelio, known as the ‘Happy School’ headmaster, wrote how for the last time he will meet his students for the last year like a family in a courtyard that saw thousands of pupils and teachers.

‘I’m afraid of being unable to finish this morning’s assembly’, he wrote. ‘I salute all the educators of the school’s history who gave their heart to our school.’

‘After today, the courtyard falls silent. But the walls will remain evidence of a family which found shelter, hope, love and opportunities to grow.’

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Original Harry Potter Art Work Sells For Record Breaking $1.9 Million

Jun 27 2024

The first ever watercolor book cover of the first installment of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, has been sold at an auction for a surprising record breaking $1.9 million.

Sotheby’s a fine artwork company confirmed in a statement that the item became ‘the most valuable Harry Potter item ever sold at auction,’ and that the acquisition of the artwork was between four bidders.

The work created by Thomas Taylor in 1997, when he was only 23-years old, was expected to be sold in the region of $400,000 – $600,000. Those expectations were however shattered with the piece ultimately being sold for a staggering $1.9 million.

This is not the first time that Taylor’s artwork was sold at an auction as in 2001, when only 4 books of the series were published, the work was sold for $108,500 a far cry from the insane $1.9 million it garnered in 2024.

#MaltaDaily

Joe Roscoe, Kevin Paul & Midnight Tease New Song

Jun 27 2024

A collaborative song has been teased by local music artists Joe Roscoe of Red Electric and Kevin Paul, working with new producer artist Edward Abela a.k.a Midnight.

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The song is set to be titled ‘Same Old Story’, and the artists teased it with a new video of themselves behind a moving lamp light.

The release date is set for Friday 5th July, and we can’t wait to hear! Will you be tuning in?

#MaltaDaily