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maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2016 17 Events ALS Malta funds research programme through RIDT MINING the Maltese amyo- trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gene pool is expected to be effec- tive in pinning down novel gene abnormalities that either cause or provide almost complete pro- tection against the disorder. This was stated by Dr Ruben J. Cauchi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, during the sign- ing of the three-year agreement between ALS Malta Foundation and the University of Malta. ALS Malta Foundation, set up by Mr Bjorn Formosa, will be donating funds for a three-year Ph.D. scholarship to the Univer- sity of Malta, through the Uni- versity's Research Trust (RIDT). Amounting to €90,000, the fund- ing will sponsor a postgraduate study programme in ALS, also known as motor neuron disease (MND). The scholarship will be named as the "Bjorn Formosa Advanced Scholarship for Research into ALS/MND", named after the founder and chairman of ALS Malta Foundation. Mr Formosa has distinguished himself as a trailblazer in ALS advocacy and fundraising. The rector of the University of Malta and chairman of RIDT Prof. Alfred J. Vella and Mr Bjorn Formosa signed the three-year agreement, followed by a dona- tion presentation at the Valletta Campus. "I always believed that empow- ering our researchers with the best resources is the best method to identify new genes and to find the correct pathway halting the disease," said Mr Formosa. "Un- fortunately there is still no cure for ALS and, for this reason, we must concentrate most of our ef- forts on boosting research in the hope of finding a possible solu- tion. I firmly believe that by col- laborating with the global scien- tific community; scientists will find at least a method that will halt the progression of this ter- rible condition." While thanking Mr Formosa for his noble initiative and determi- nation, Prof Alfred J. Vella said: "This donation to the MND Lab at the University will strengthen and expand its mission in fur- thering the understanding of the mechanisms underpinning motor neuron disorders. Such knowledge enables researchers to develop treatments to improve the lives of patients with this in- curable condition." The scholarship has been es- tablished with the aim of at- tracting and funding promising young scientists to develop their careers in ALS/MND research. The research programme will be led by Dr Ruben J. Cauchi. A call for applications will be issued soon to select a candidate with at least an undergraduate degree in biomedical science or a relevant subject. Further details will be launched in the beginning of 2017. Funds raised through the Ice Bucket Challenge, that went vi- ral in 2014, has recently led to the successful identification of the NEK1 gene as key contribu- tor to ALS. The crucial study provides another potential target for therapy development, thereby bringing scientists one step clos- er to treating this neurological disorder. This important break- through would not have been possible if the US-based ALS As- sociation had not invested a sub- stantial amount of funds gath- ered, in the creation of large ALS BioBanks, designed to enhance gene discovery. "Mapping the Malta ALS/MND genome is an ambitious challenge but certainly a step in the right direction. The advancements made in ALS/MND research may not seem major to some, but in reality they are paving the way towards finally understanding, and hopefully treating this dis- order. Bjorn's dedication to the cause and his strong belief that research has the key to eradicate ALS has been a game changer," said Dr Cauchi. ALS Malta Foundation is the only national charity in Malta focused on MND care, research and campaigning. The foun- dation is a powerful network that provides information and support alongside lobbying for improved services. Further in- formation and donations can be made to: www.alsmalta.org/do- nate The Research Trust has been established in 2011 as a joint ini- tiative between the University of Malta and the Government of Malta and has the objective of raising funds to sustain and bol- ster research activity within the various departments of the uni- versity. www.ridt.eu ALS Malta Foundation has donated a fund for a three-year doctoral research programme to the University of Malta through the University Research Trust (RIDT). Bjorn Formosa and Prof Alfred J. Vella signing the agreement in the presence of Dr Ruben J. Cauchi and RIDT CEO Wilfred Kenely Kia introduces new Niro hybrid crossover THE latest headturner is about to hit the town, ticking all the boxes. The all-new Kia Niro is an elegant yet cool crossover, more compact than a classic SUV yet with the same space and feeling of high seating. Its best selling point is its low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, making it the best-in- class car. The Kia Niro, which made its Eu- ropean debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, is a new low-emissions hybrid crossover, marking the development of Kia's first dedicated eco-car platform. The Kia Niro offers the practi- cality and curbside appeal of a spa- cious crossover, together with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, its attractive, mod- ern design will help the car stand out among conservatively-styled hybrid rivals. The Niro's hybrid powertrain – made up of a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine, lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32 kW electric motor and six- speed double-clutch transmission – emits just 88 g/km CO2 (com- bined), and is capable of using just 3.8 litres of gasoline for every 100 km of driving. The new engine marks the first combination of the Atkinson combustion cycle, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), gasoline direct injection and a long-stroke- narrow-bore specification to max- imise efficiency. Efficiency and emissions are further improved via the Niro's exhaust heat recov- ery system, which speeds engine warm-up by routing coolant to a heat exchanger in the exhaust sys- tem. Sporting a compact SUV shape, the Niro boasts smooth, sleek proportions, while its relatively wide stance portrays stability and a low centre of gravity. Its athletic crossover stance represents a shift away from other hybrid cars on the market today. The Kia Niro occupies a new space within the brand's model line-up in terms of its size. Its rela- tively long wheelbase contributes to generous interior proportions for all occupants, with a lot of leg and shoulder room for front and rear passengers respectively. Head- room for all passengers is class- leading – even greater space than most C-SUVs. For all occupants, the Niro's crossover stance also results in a slightly raised seating position. The navigation and cruise con- trol systems anticipate the topo- graphical changes on the road ahead (namely the uphills or downhills) to determine when conditions are optimal to recharge the battery and when it's better to direct stored energy to the wheels and actively manage energy flow accordingly. Niro features the first system to adjust for both uphill and downhill. A series of measures have been adopted in the new Kia Niro to ensure low levels of noise, vibra- tion and harshness (NVH). A par- ticular challenge for the Niro, Kia engineers sought to ensure the car remained as quiet and refined as possible. The new Kia Niro has been engi- neered to ensure no compromise in storage capacity due to the loca- tion of the hybrid powertrain. The Niro offers 427 litres of cargo ca- pacity, with no intrusion into boot space from the battery pack. The battery itself is located beneath the rear passenger bench, allowing the maximum possible boot space within its compact overall dimen- sions. The fuel tank is located alongside the battery pack beneath the rear bench, with a 45-litre capacity. The Niro is additionally the first Kia model to feature Android Au- to™, designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, and Apple CarPlay™, for iP- hone 5 or newer. Meeting a trend for ever-increasing smartphone use, the Kia Niro is available with a new wireless charger for mobile devices, enabling users to charge a mobile device on the move, with- out the need for a wire connection. The Niro builds on Kia's legacy of developing some of the safest vehicles on the road, offering high standards for occupant and pedes- trian crash safety. Engineered to meet the demands of the tough- est and most demanding crash safety tests around the world, the Niro features a strong bodyshell and a wide array of passive safety equipment, as well as the latest ac- tive safety and autonomous hazard avoidance technologies. Motors Inc. Ltd is the official Kia dealer in Malta. To view or test- drive the new Kia Niro, visit the Kia Showroom in Mdina Road, Qormi, visit the website kia.com.mt, Fa- cebook page Kia Malta, send an email to kiasales@motorsinc.com. mt or call 22692120 or 22692123. Drago challenges snooker enthusiasts PROFESSIONAL snooker and pool player Tony Drago has been challenging local snooker en- thusiasts to a game at their local social club on Sunday mornings. Supported by Cisk Lager, each club organized a tournament for its members with the win- ner of each tournament getting a chance to play Tony Drago in an exciting finale. "Having a Cisk with lifelong friends at the local kazin on Sunday morning has been part of traditional Maltese village life for generations, and sharing a Cisk over a game of snooker or billiard has become synonymous with this Sunday morning cus- tom. Having the possibility to play against Tony Drago adds that little bit of interest and fun to this tradition," concluded Karl Bondin, Beer Manager at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc. Commenting about the ini- tiative, Tony Drago said, "It is a great pleasure for me to play against so many snooker enthu- siasts around the island who, like me, have the snooker game at heart. I'm having a lot of fun meeting so many snooker enthu- siasts and sharing this experi- ence with them." The event runs until Sunday 18th December 2016 and tro- phies for each club tournament winner are sponsored by Cisk Lager.