Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Slovak scientists make major potential advance in fighting harmful bacterial infection
Stock image. (source: Unsplash/Louis Reed)
Slovak scientists believe they have made a significant breakthrough in combating dangerous bacterial infections. Researchers from the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) and Comenius University (UK) developed a new antimicrobial protein, an endolysin, which could be key to treating various bacterial diseases, reports the StartItUp news website.
Their discovery is especially important for tackling Streptococcus agalactiae, a pathogen that poses severe risks to pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immune systems, potentially causing conditions like meningitis or toxic shock syndrome. Such infections are mainly treated with antibiotics.
The researchers believe their findings are groundbreaking, as previous therapies had significant side effects or were less effective in different sexes. While the research has only been tested in mice, the scientists are hopeful it could eventually benefit humans.
Bratislava's Main Square already has its Christmas tree
On Monday, Bratislava put up its Christmas tree in Hlavné Námestie (Main Square). (source: TASR)
On Monday, November 4, this year's festive tree was erected in the Main Square (Hlavné Námestie) of Bratislava. It's a 12-metre-tall white fir brought from a local utility company.
The Christmas tree will be formally lit on November 22, the same day that the annual Christmas markets of Bratislava are officially opened, the Dobré Noviny portal reported.
"Every year, Bratislava's Christmas is unique. The decoration of the Christmas tree, the diversity of the stalls, the programme – but especially the emotions that we share with each other at the markets," said Katarína Hulíková, director of the Bratislava Cultural and Information Center (BKIS).
Slovak paratroopers break skydiving record
Slovak paratroopers broke the national record. They formed a 46-member formation during their jump. (source: TvNoviny.sk)
A team of paratroopers last month set a national record, with 46 skydivers linking up in a complex formation reports TvNoviny portal. They dedicated their achievement to friends who tragically died nine years ago attempting a similar record.
The previous Slovak record, set in 2012, remained unbroken until now. After eleven years, a group of younger parachutists decided last year that it was time to surpass it. "One of the most critical parts of a jump like this is opening the parachutes," said skydiver Jozef, explaining that each member of the formation must have enough space to open their parachute.
One of the team members, Miroslav, began skydiving at a young age to conquer his fear of heights. “I’ve completed just over 8,800 jumps,” he revealed.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator to read:
A daily train service between Bratislava and Kyiv will begin next month, following an agreement on November 7 between Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec and Ukrainian government representative Taras Kachka.
Why is the sometimes-overlooked Belianske Tatry mountain range worth a visit? One of its valleys is full of amazing attractions.
What to see and where to go in Martin? Our editor-in-chief surveys the iconic Slovak city's cultural and natural highlights.
A casual glance at a rock changed everything for Ladislav Oravec, an amateur archaeologist and mineralogist from Fiľakovo who is known for major discoveries like the country’s largest sapphires
Cosy shelters for hikers are to be built in seven locations ahead of next season. The shelters have bunk beds, a wood stove and other equipment.
Political meme of the week
(source: Zomri.online)
Caption: Results of the presidential election.
This political meme, published by the satirical site Zomri, shows an election map with Slovak ex-judge and two-time (Slovak) presidential candidate Štefan Harabin competing against Donald Trump for the US presidency. The mock-up ironically shows Harabin, some of whose views are even more transgressive than the US president-elect's, leading Trump.
You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
