Shows
ReThink PodcastSWITCH - Fiction Section - Audio VersionSWITCH is a short story written by Kirk Grech as part of TEXT's Eternal Pyre Writing Competition. The short story was also printed in Issue 36 of THINK Magazine. Narrated by Ian Farrugia
2021-12-0910 min
ReThink PodcastReTHINK Roundup - with David and NikaNotes: Episode contains mild profanity, local politics and frank opinions.
For our final episode, Nika and I decided to sit back and reflect over the last season of ReTHINK. What starts off as an exercise in nostalgia quickly develops into a lively discussion about our sense of self and identity, Stoicism and Buddhism and politics.
99.9% of humans’ DNA is the same.
http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/resources/whats_a_genome/Chp4_1.shtml
Skinner’s pigeon experiment in which subjects are rewarded with food and as a result, keep getti...2020-12-3036 minReThink PodcastHow does Digital Media Affect our Children? with Dr Velislava HillmanThe internet and social media are a hallmark of modern society. A plethora of tools exists to help us consume, create, edit and curate the swathes of data available at our fingertips. But how has this renaissance of information affected younger generations? Are children more adept at navigating cyberspace? Or are we the ones who need to reTHINK cyberculture?
We discuss with Dr Velislava Hillman who, throughout her research, she has reinforced the need to voice children’s and young people’s perspectives and experiences.
Further Reading
Jean Twenge - Generation Me and The...2020-12-2333 minReThink PodcastThe Internet and Democracy - with Gareth MitchellIn this episode, we meet up with Gareth Mitchell from the BBC's Digital Planet Podcast. We discuss the impact the Internet Shutdowns in Kashmir have had on democracy, what the internet actually is and who owns it, we also touch upon the Splinternet and how related it is to the global political theatre.
Gareth Mitchell hosts the BBC’s Digital Planet Podcast. He lectures in broadcast and written journalism at Imperial College London. Before his interest in technology, Gareth used to participate in bellringing. He is also a pilot and is a licensed amateur radio operator.
...2020-12-1649 minReThink PodcastDesigning SuccessIf you want to share your passion with the world, your first step should be understanding your audience. This is where human-centred design comes in - its about understanding the context of your work and figuring out people's needs. Daniela Quacinella joins us for this weeks ReTHINK podcast to tell us more!
2020-12-0932 minReThink PodcastThe Bold World of BeesThe humble bee is responsible for 80% of all pollination worldwide, according to Greenpeace. These industrious, little insects transfer pollen between flowering plants, helping them to grow, breed and produce food. However, the loss of habitat and food sources, exposure to pesticides and climate breakdown have begun to take their toll on bee populations across the globe.
Bees are also susceptible to the gut parasite, Nosema Ceranae, which can kill an entire bee colony in a matter of weeks. Prof David Mifsud and his team are looking to probiotics (live bacteria that can guard digestive systems) to h...2020-12-0328 minReThink PodcastReTHINKing our Mental Health with Dr Paulann GrechDepression and Anxiety are the most common mental disorders in Europe. Just as exercising and eating well help our physical health, we need to find ways to help our mental wellbeing. Dr Paulann Grech will be joining us for this week's episode. We'll be discussing mental health, psychology and her recent book, "Dealing with Coronus" - as well as a variety of ways we can improve our mental wellbeing.
Further Reading
You can buy a copy of Dr Grech's book here - https://www.kitegroup.com.mt/product/dealing-with-coronus-self-help-notes-for-a-pandemic-paulann-grech/
You can read THINK's...2020-11-2725 minReThink Podcast10 Years of Jellyfish SpottingWhen speaking of jellyfishes, we usually think of painful stings. Because of this, jellyfish blooms can affect tourism, but they also have impacts in aquaculture and, in the past, even caused shutdowns of power stations. But not every jellyfish is born the same: different species require different approaches, either in the healing of a sting or the amount of caution needed when encountered. At the same time, observing seasonal trends of jellyfish spotting is a good way to access environmental problems, like climate change and water quality variation. When it comes to jellyfishes, there is more than what meets...2020-11-1827 minReThink PodcastFor the Price of a CoffeeJournalists allow for a democratic society which holds its politicians accountable. In exchange, reporters and editors must maintain a high standard of professional behaviour. But what does the future hold in store for journalism?
David and Nika discuss with Prof. Mary Anne Lauri how the global pandemic, shrinking revenues, and the murder of a journalist has changed Malta's media landscape.
https://www.um.edu.mt/think/for-the-price-of-a-coffee/
2020-11-1135 minReThink PodcastTime to Evolve Traffic ManagementMaltese drivers spend an average of 52 hours in traffic each year. Taming the traffic beast is no mean feat. We ask Dr Odette Lewis about her Master Plan for traffic management and what can be done to help address the situation.
2020-11-0427 minReThink PodcastPublic Health Concern: DiabetesPublic health concerns are plaguing our world’s communities. From COVID-19 to type 2 diabetes, health-related issues are becoming more prevalent in countries worldwide -- in fact, nearly 2 million people around the world have type 2 diabetes. Of those, almost 8 million individuals are not aware that they have T2D. We discuss this deadly disease with Dr Sarah Cuschieri and healthy choices we can make in our lives.
Link to Dr Cuschieri's article - https://www.um.edu.mt/think/public-health-priority-type-2-diabetes-mellitus/
2020-10-2827 minReThink PodcastEat your RainbowFood, food, glorious food! We are what we eat and for this episode, we take a closer look at it. We get in touch with Professor Suzanne Piscopo, a nutritionist, and Associate Professor of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Consumer Studies to discuss plant-based diets and their rise in popularity, why some people dislike veganism, and whether organic food has any nutritional benefits. As well as some handy tips on how to adopt a healthier diet!
Nika and David also find out whether honey is vegan or not.
https://www.um.edu.mt...2020-10-2147 min
ReThink PodcastBig Data, AI and a bag of crisps - Full VersionThis is the full version of the Big Data, AI and a bag of crisps episode. It is a combination of part 1 and part 2.
It is something you use in your daily life, from your mobile phone to your smart fridge, it has the potential to re-imagine the way we work and the way we play and usher in a new technological age for humanity. But are you aware of it? How does AI work?
It is the new Oil, it funds your favourite social media sites and search engines, and advertisers bid aggressively for t...2020-10-1444 min
ReThink PodcastBig Data, AI and a bag of crisps - Part 2This is part 2 of Big Data, AI and a bag of crisps with Prof. Alexiei Dingli
It is something you use in your daily life, from your mobile phone to your smart fridge, it has the potential to re-imagine the way we work and the way we play and usher in a new technological age for humanity. But are you aware of it? How does AI work?
It is the new Oil, it funds your favourite social media sites and search engines, and advertisers bid aggressively for this virtual real estate. It dictates wh...2020-10-1427 min
ReThink PodcastBig Data, AI and a bag of crispsIt is something you use in your daily life, from your mobile phone to your smart fridge, it has the potential to re-imagine the way we work and the way we play and usher in a new technological age for humanity. But are you aware of it? How does AI work?
It is the new Oil, it funds your favourite social media sites and search engines, and advertisers bid aggressively for this virtual real estate. It dictates what we’re meant to see, read and believe in. What is data and how does it tie into AI?
...2020-10-0727 min
ReThink PodcastBonus: THINK Soapbox speakers discuss environment and technologyHow can complex research reach people with short attention spans? THINK asks researchers and their friends to present their idea in three minutes, in a bar. The audience can ask questions. In October 2019, we recorded one of these events to bring the spirit of Soapbox to those who couldn't be there with us. After various restrictions on events to control the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give you a taste of what these events are like.
You can read the September issue of THINK magazine here: https://issuu.com/thinkuni/docs/think_29_issuu
You can a...2020-07-1429 min
ReThink PodcastRecap: 16 conversations about research and innovationAs we close the season, we look back at the conversations we've had on the ReThink podcast. You can listen to them again here:
Environment:
Microplastic pollution
Underwater groundwater
Shipping emissions
Sustainable transport
Communication:
Malta's bilingualism
App for children with communication difficulties
Philosophy of games
Game-based learning
Design:
Sustainable concrete
Green roofs
Dementia-friendly architecture
Managing dietary restrictions
Technology:
Blockchain of things
Smart manufacturing
Brain-controlled bed
Malta's first satellite
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.com/). ReThink's team...2020-05-1927 min
ReThink PodcastGhax come on: exploring the language mix in MaltaMalta has two official languages - Maltese and English. They inevitably mingle, producing a unique variety of English and a one-of-a-kind Semitic language with numerous words borrowed from English and other European languages. Linguists believe that language mixes enrich communication, drawing the most appropriate resources from each language for each situation. Does this impede the development of contemporary Maltese vocabulary? Does the language mix leave anyone behind? Prof. Alexandra Vella and Dr Sarah Grech discuss code-switching with ReThink's co-hosts, Chris and Daiva.
You can read Sarah Grech's original article here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/mistakes-versus-creativity-maltas-linguistic-paradox/2020-05-1227 min
ReThink PodcastSmart manufacturing does not have to eliminate jobsComputer Integrated Manufacturing started in the 1980s. In recent years, affordable internet of things technologies have seen the development of new business models that allow companies to sustainably implement fully automated systems. Yet there are software integration issues, political implications, and security threats that accompany them. Dr Ing. Emmanuel Francalanza speaks to Daiva and Chris about engineering the factory of the future.
You can read Emmanuel Francalanza's original article in THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/designing-the-factory-of-the-future/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM...2020-05-0528 min
ReThink PodcastLearn by playing gamesIntroducing digital or board games into lessons proved to have a huge impact on teachers and students, but even children continue to hold the misconception that games and education are strictly separate planets. Dr Vanessa Camilleri, an expert in game-based learning, talks to Daiva and Chris, ReThink's hosts, discusses the opportunities even simple games like rock-paper-scissors can offer in a classroom.
You can read Vanessa Camilleri's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/level-up-upgrading-game-based-learning/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (h...2020-04-2827 min
ReThink PodcastMonitoring harmful fumes – from a lighthouseProf. Ray Ellul and his team are monitoring pollution from ships. They are based in the historical Giordan Lighthouse on the island of Gozo, which bears the brunt on international shipping. This year new fuel regulations enter into force – but what remains to be done to curb emissions? Prof. Ellul tells all about it to ReThink's co-hosts, Chris and Daiva.
You can read Cassi Camilleri's original article here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/stuck-in-the-middle-with-the-fumes/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.com/), and hoste...2020-04-2128 min
ReThink PodcastSwimming in a soup of microplasticWhen microplastics were discovered in drinking water, the world suddenly realised that plastic pollution is as serious as scientists have been claiming all along. Prof. Alan Deidun and his team have been sampling microplastics on Malta's beaches – he talks to ReThink's hosts Daiva and Shruti about how these particles get to the sea, fish, and our bodies.
You can read Dr Adam Gauci's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/the-p-factor/. The article is read by Chris Styles.
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/thin...2020-04-1427 min
ReThink PodcastCan concrete be sustainable?The construction business is guilty of environmental destruction and lends itself to corruption. Can concrete be reinforced with waste and become sustainable? Prof. Ruben Paul Borg tells Daiva and Chris how to transform concrete.
You can read Hans-Joachim Sonntag's original article in THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/concrete-for-sustainability/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.com/), and hosted by Daiva Repeckaite and Chris Styles
Our theme music is by princess wonderful: https://soundcloud.com/user-677060394
Photo by...2020-04-0727 min
ReThink PodcastSpaces to wander for patients with dementia‘The typical care space in Malta is a corridor with rooms double banked on both sides, and a person will just walk up and down along it. It is a bit like having a hamster in a wheel going round in circles,’ explains architect Alexia Mercieca. Instead, she believes, care homes should be familiar and safe, where people with dementia can feel at home. She discusses dementia-friendly architecture with Chris and this episode's co-host, Claude.
You can read Claude Bajada's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/irrid-immur-id-dar-i-want-to-go-home/
ReThink is pro...2020-03-3127 min
ReThink PodcastFresh water under the sea?Offshore groundwater has recently raised the interest of geoscientists, from New Zealand to Malta. Dr Aaron Micallef and his team are looking into the potential of these water resources. He talks to Daiva and Shruti, ReThink's hosts, about the progress of his research, as well as the risks of potential exploitation of this fossilised water.
You can read Dr Aaron Micallef's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/underwater-groundwater/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.com/), and hos...2020-03-2427 min
ReThink PodcastPollinators welcome: Malta's green roof experimentMalta is rapidly losing green spaces to roads and buildings. But when vegetation is so scarce on the ground, could it move onto the Mediterranean island's flat roofs? Antoine Gatt is a landscape architect who is promoting this idea. He talks to Daiva and Chris, ReThink's hosts, about how the many delights a green roof can offer.
You can read Nigel Borg's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/bloomin-roofs-go-green/ and Antoine Gatt's earlier article about the MedLifeGreenRoof project here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/green-roof-malta/
ReThink is prod...2020-03-1727 min
ReThink PodcastSharing meals despite dietary restrictionsMonique Chambers is a creative entrepreneur who draws inspiration from life to develop new and instantly popular projects. When she grew tired of keeping track of friends' diets, she built an app to manage dietary restrictions, whether originating from religion or belief, or from food intolerances. She talks to Daiva and Chris, ReThink's hosts, about the product's journey.
You can read Jessica Edwards's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/food-indulgence-theres-an-app-for-that/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.co...2020-03-1027 min
ReThink PodcastWe need to remove cars from the roadsInformed individual choices are not enough for Malta to break out of the vicious circle of obsession with cars and unreliable public transport. Dr Marie Briguglio, an economist, a brave cyclist, and award-winning sustainability expert, talks to ReThink's hosts Daiva and Chris about how research shows what needs to be done instead.
You can read Nika Levikov's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/the-case-for-a-sparsely-carred-island/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.com/), and hosted by Daiva Repeckaite an...2020-03-0327 min
ReThink PodcastThe philosophy of gamesStudying the relationship between the player and the game world can teach us a lot about how games impact individuals, how to evaluate games critically, and even our own relationship with reality. After all, to make a good game, you need to know how your audience will interact with it. Dr Daniel Vella tells Daiva and Chris about the way he studies digital games through the prism of philosophy.
You can read Jasper Schellekens's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/transcendence-through-play/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www...2020-02-2528 min
ReThink PodcastBlockchain of thingsBy integrating blockchain with the internet of things, consumers could enjoy more assurances of real-world physical processes. For example, ensuring that vineyard environmental sensor data were not tampered with, and that payment is only released to the water supplier upon delivery. Dr Joshua Ellul tells Daiva and this episode's co-host, Shruti, how he envisaged this potential revolution.
You can read Dr Ellul's original article in the THINK magazine, co-authored with Prof. Gordon Pace, here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/entering-the-age-of-the-blockchain-of-things/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with C...2020-02-1828 min
ReThink PodcastAlternative communication for Maltese speakersSome children are unable to translate their thoughts into audible words, creating the need for an alternative means of communication. Dr. Ing. Owen Casha from the University of Malta and Dr May Agius from the Access to Communication and Technology Unit (ACTU) supervised a student who built a mobile app that would allow children with communication impairments to communicate in Maltese. They talk to Daiva and Chris, ReThink's hosts, about the product's journey since it was created.
You can read Sylvan Abela's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/maltese-for-all/
Re...2020-02-1128 min
ReThink PodcastMalta’s first PocketQube satelliteThe UoMBSat1 satellite is only 5cm long on each side, but it's large enough to contain a communication system, a power system, some on-board data handling, and an attitude control system that would orient the satellite correctly. Dr Ing. Marc Anthony Azzopardi from the University of Malta is working on the launch of the first Maltese satellite into space. Daiva and Chris, ReThink's hosts, talk to him about his dream's progress.
You can read Cassi Camilleri's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/on-qubes-and-the-pockets-that-fit-them/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazi...2020-02-0428 min
ReThink PodcastBrain controlImagine having the power to control devices around you without moving a muscle. The guests of this ReThink podcast, Dr Tracey Camilleri and Ing. Rosanne Zerafa from the University of Malta, have been working on non-intrusive technology for that purpose for years. Daiva and Chris, ReThink's hosts, talk to them about the progress of their BrainApp project.
You can read Becky Catrin Jones's original article in the THINK magazine here: https://www.um.edu.mt/think/brain-control/
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.com...2020-01-2827 minReThink PodcastReThink – teaserA Maltese satellite is about to take off into space. Objects will soon be controlled by brain signals. Huge underground water reserves may solve Malta’s water shortage once and for all. How far along are these and other ambitious local projects a year or two after they made the news? ReThink, a new radio show and podcast of the THINK magazine, meets researchers and innovators to follow up on their ideas.
ReThink is produced by THINK magazine (https://www.um.edu.mt/think/) together with Campus FM (http://maltauniversitybroadcasting.com/), and hosted by Daiva Repeckaite and Chr...2020-01-1700 min