UK Lab Working On 1st Ovarian Cancer Vaccine

Oct 6 2024

A U.K. lab, funded by Cancer Research UK, is developing the world’s first vaccine for ovarian cancer.

The project, called OvarianVax, initially focuses on women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

While women in the general population have a 2% lifetime risk, those with BRCA mutations face a risk as high as 45%. Currently, women with these mutations are advised to undergo preventive surgery to remove their ovaries by their mid-thirties, causing early menopause and loss of fertility.

OvarianVax aims to create a vaccine that triggers the immune system to detect and attack abnormal ovarian cells before they develop into cancer.

Using ovarian cancer samples, researchers will identify common mutations that result in abnormal proteins recognized by the immune system. Unlike existing vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, this vaccine would focus on preventing ovarian cancer by targeting early cell abnormalities.

Though promising, the vaccine will require extensive clinical trials before becoming available, which could take several years. If successful, OvarianVax could first benefit women at high risk, with potential for broader use in the future.

#MaltaDaily

Turtle Caught In Net Rescued By CPD Rescuers

Oct 6 2024

Yesterday, Civil Protection Malta rescuers from Fire Station 5 rescued a young turtle in distress after it was spotted caught in a net.

‘The rescuers lifted the turtle on board the Vessel, and gently worked to cut the net and set it free.’

The turtle was handed over to Nature Trust Malta for further monitoring and treatment before being released back into the wild.

Well done all!

#MaltaDaily

Malta With 3rd Lowest Student-Per-Teacher Ratio In EU 2022

Oct 6 2024

During the year 2022, Malta registered the third lowest pupil/student per teacher ratio in primary to upper secondary education at 8.7 pupils.

The lowest ratio was registered in Greece, with 8.3 pupils per teacher, followed by Luxembourg at 8.5.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Netherlands registered the highest ratio with 16.0 pupils per teacher.

This was followed by France at 15.0 and Slovakia at 14.2.

In the EU in 2022, the ratio was 12.1.

#MaltaDaily

Source: Eurostat

“The Wrong Battle”: Miss Universe Malta Speaks Out Against Racism

Oct 6 2024

On a recent episode of One TV’s new program ‘Nafek’, Miss Universe Malta 2024 Beatrice Njoya gave a powerful and heartfelt interview that shed light on two critical issues in Maltese society: racism and domestic violence. Beatrice, the first dark-skinned woman to win the Miss Universe Malta title, shared her experiences of facing hateful comments simply because of her skin color, and passionately urged the public to focus on her advocacy, not her race.

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During the interview, Beatrice opened up about the backlash she received following her win, with some questioning her right to represent Malta at the international pageant. “People didn’t see beyond my skin,” she remarked. “If they had focused on my message instead, perhaps the domestic violence situation in Malta could be different today.”

Beatrice is a dedicated advocate for domestic violence awareness, and she used her platform on ‘Nafek’ to highlight the tragic case of Nicolette Ghirxi, a Maltese woman who was killed in a domestic violence incident just one month after Beatrice was crowned. Beatrice reflected on this heartbreaking event, pointing out that domestic violence is a pervasive issue that cuts across racial lines. “We may have different skin colors, but we are all fighting the same battles,” she emphasized.

She explained that she lives and works in Malta while raising her children. Beatrice is proud to represent the country she calls home.

Despite the negativity, she remains resolute in her mission to create positive change. Her platform as Miss Universe Malta has provided her with the opportunity to advocate for the rights of survivors and to address the undercurrent of racism that still exists in society.

Beatrice’s unwavering commitment to these causes was clear as she vowed to continue using her voice to raise awareness.

#MaltaDaily X @nafek.tv