A Roman villa is being excavated by University of Malta archaeologists in the village of Zejtun. Uncovered in the 1960s, the Villa has given up some great secrets about Roman and Punic life. The villa was equivalent to an ancient olive oil factory. To survive summer, water was zealously collected and stored underground, while the residents practised intricate religious rituals.
The above story is covered in the University of Malta’s research magazine Think, now available at all newsagents and online. This issue also has some career tips from Malta’s great achievers, and is chock-a-block with ideas coming out of University.
Researchers are using sound waves to clean food. The sound forms bubbles which implode killing the bacteria off food. You might think this is science fiction but local researchers are developing this experimental technique to clean food using fewer chemicals and less waste.
Einstein had a problem: gravity. While undoubtedly a genius, his theory of relativity can only explain gravity, which keeps our feet on the ground, by introducing dark energy and dark matter. They are called dark because they have never been seen. Local researchers are trying to find solutions that do not need these dark properties.
Several EU-funded projects are monitoring Maltese seas. Recently, an interactive centre in Dwejra was built for all the family to enjoy. Malta’s seas are truly beautiful and need protection.
Malta is also a country with one of the highest rates of car densities in the world and local researchers are trying to find a solution to the associated problems. They are using innovative ideas and mathematical models to ease traffic congestion around our islands.
The magazine also covers student research into bat protection, better implants, and new ways to treat Maltese stone. University academics talk about the COST programme for research networking and the possibility of launching Malta’s name into space.
The latest issue of Think can be picked up for free at newsagents around Malta and Gozo and at Agenda bookstores. It can also be viewed at http://bit.ly/18mdfli, followed on Twitter @ThinkUoM or liked on Facebook