Study reveals interest in superhero movies is officially dropping

Aug 7 2022

Despite both Marvel and DC ramping up the production of their superhero content, namely movies and accompanying TV series, studies have suggested that public interest is officially waning.

A study carried out by Morning Consult revealed that 59% of respondents enjoyed superhero movies, and despite this being quite a large number, it is still a drop from 64%.

The number of self-identified Marvel fans who like superhero movies is also dropping, going from 87% to around 82% last November. This comes after Marvel announced two whole new phases of movies.

We are set to get 10 new projects, with some only being titles at this point in time, and competitors like DC also pumping out their own respective flicks.

It might not be the end of superhero movies just yet however, as four out of the top 10 highest grossing films of all time are all superhero centred, with the likes of ‘Endgame’ and ‘No Way Home’ breaking massive records.

In fact, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness and Thor: Love and Thunder have become some of the highest grossing movies of 2022, despite not being Marvel’s best ranked entries.

A challenge the likes of Marvel are facing now is moving away from more iconic characters like Iron Man and Captain America. The Infinity Saga saw a whole army of fans rushing to theatres, but whether this can be maintained with lesser known characters, and even actors, remains to be seen.

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Transport Minister gives latest update on flyover construction

Aug 7 2022

Taking to social media, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Aaron Farrugia gave an update on the latest developments concerning the KTAIP flyover project.

The construction project, which will connect roads coming from Birzebbuga to Vjal l-Avjazzjoni, is currently being coordinated between Transport Malta and Infrastructure Malta. The two are jointly coordinating the transportation of the steel beams which will be used for the project.

Minister Aaron Farrugia said that work is progressing swiftly and efficiently, highlighting how the majority of the work is being done during the night so as to reduce traffic pressures for drivers passing through the area.

Record number of people seek help from Caritas due cocaine use

Aug 7 2022

Throughout last year, non-profit organisation Caritas registered a record number of people seeking help from its services due to the use of cocaine.

According to TVM, almost half of a total of 700 people who sought help from the organisation were people who were seeking assistance with some form of cocaine usage.

Caritas Director Anthony Gatt was interviewed by newsroom TVM, and revealed that this information shows how things are changing and that prevention work needs to take a more prominent and active place in the local context.

He pointed out how around 20 years ago, the majority of people seeking help from Caritas due to drug use were doing so due to the use of heroin, not cocaine. These dropped from 90% to just around 25%.

Conversely, 45% of people seeking help were using cocaine as a primary drug, with 20% seeking help due to cannabis abuse. Gatt said that both of these drugs are finding a more stable place in the Maltese community.

He said that society needs to ask why people, especially the youth, are turning to such substances for recreational purposes. He urged those who need help to speak up and thereby break the stigma of seeking help.

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Scientists are 3D printing insect protein to address food supply issues

Aug 7 2022

Groups of scientists have officially started 3D printing alternative protein sources to address future supply issues which the globe as a whole might end up facing.

A team of researchers based in Singapore have been looking for ways to deal with the future supply of food, and decided the way to go about it is just straight up print grub.

As many parts of the world have already turned to alternatives such as bugs, algae or even jellyfish, this new movement is in no way less bizarre.

This specific group of researchers decided to combine eating insects with a mix of more commonly eaten vegetables, such as carrots, to change up the flavour.

Professor Chua Chee Kai from Singapore University of Technology and Design is co-authoring the study and said that the appearance and taste of these alternative protein can be rather unappealing for many.

’This is why the versatility of 3D printing rises to the challenge as it can transform the way in which food is presented and overcome the inertia of consumer inhibitions.’

The researchers are hoping that the project can encourage more people to consider alternative sources of protein through different flavours and even aesthetic differences, rather than munching down on, say, a fried grasshopper.

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