Two New National Records Set With Pyrotechnics

Aug 20 2024

The Malta Records announced two new festa related records broken in the past few days.

The first record was for the largest fan structure operated by pyrotechnics with a width of 56 feet and a height of 38 feet.

The record was set by Għaqda tan-Nar 18 t’Awissu in collaboration with Każin Santa Liena, Banda Duke of Connaught’s Own, Birkirkara.

The second record was that of the longest spectacle by musically synchronised pyrotechnics, operated manually with buttons on a switch board.

This consisted of 134 buttons and a time of 8 minutes and 30 seconds.

This record was set by the Għaqda tan-Nar 18 t’Awissu in collaboration with Għaqda Mużikali Sant’ Elena A.D. 1919.

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Ħal Lija Old Parish Church Of The Saviour Restoration Works Nearing Completion

Aug 20 2024

The restoration project on the Old Parish Church of the Saviour in Ħal Lija is nearing completion.

This initiative is part of several projects selected under the Local Councils Scheme and was proposed by the Ħal Lija Local Council.

During a recent site visit, Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici highlighted the significance of restoring this historic building. He emphasised that the primary goal of the restoration is to preserve and protect the important and invaluable cultural heritage of the locality.

“This initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain and promote Malta’s cultural heritage by restoring historically valuable buildings and structures, both religious and secular, so that future generations can enjoy them,” Minister Bonnici remarked.

The Old Parish Church of the Saviour was used as the Parish Church of Ħal Lija for about a century, from the late 16th century to the end of the 17th century. Its dome was constructed elevated above the roof, allowing for windows to be placed under the dome for the first time in Maltese architectural history, thus illuminating the church.

The ongoing work, including site documentation and restoration tasks, is being managed by the Restoration and Preservation Department.

Minister Bonnici was accompanied by Ħal Lija Local Council Mayor Anthony Dalli and members of the Ħal Lija Local Council, along with Architects Mark Azzopardi and Norbert Gatt from the Restoration and Preservation Department.

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15 Year Old Invents Skin Cancer Fighting Soap

Aug 20 2024

At just 15, Heman Bekele, a high school sophomore from Virginia, has achieved a remarkable scientific breakthrough that many seasoned professionals aspire to.

Bekele, named TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year, developed an innovative soap designed to deliver medication for treating skin cancers, including melanoma. This potential breakthrough could transform countless lives.

Bekele expressed his awe at the recognition, saying, “It’s an incredible feeling, it’s surreal.” His interest in science was sparked during his childhood in Ethiopia, where he observed the severe effects of the sun on people’s skin.

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This early experience inspired him to find a solution and led to his groundbreaking invention.

Bekele’s scientific curiosity emerged early; by age five, he was experimenting with household chemicals.

His dedication has already earned him accolades, including being named America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education in 2023, which came with a $25,000 award.

Currently, Bekele is working with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to test his soap’s effectiveness on mice, moving closer to FDA certification. As he begins his sophomore year, Bekele continues to balance his studies with his scientific endeavors, motivated by the hope of making a significant impact on others’ lives.

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Marine Biologist Shows Damage To Comino Seabed Caused By Unregulated Anchoring

Aug 20 2024

Professor Alan Deidun, a leading marine biologist in Malta, has raised concerns about the significant damage being inflicted on the seabed at Crystal Lagoon, Comino, due to unregulated boat anchoring.

In a recent Facebook post, Deidun emphasized the urgent need for authorities to implement regulations on where and when boats can anchor, stressing that ecological mooring measures are crucial to protect the marine environment.

A ship’s anchor, along with its mooring chain, can cause severe abrasion to the seafloor, leading to irreversible damage to delicate marine ecosystems. The constant shifting of these anchors can devastate the seabed, harming habitats that are vital for marine life.

Currently, Maltese law does not specify where or when boats can anchor, with regulations only addressing the need for a permit and ensuring that mooring does not damage other vessels.

Deidun’s appeal underscores the gap in environmental protection in Malta’s maritime regulations, calling for immediate action to prevent further ecological harm.

In the comments several of his followers revealed that this problem is also present in various other Maltese bays such as in Hofriet in Delimara.

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