Filming the documentary at Newgrange. (source: Ústav vied o Zemi SAV)
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 joined high-tech survey of prehistoric monument in Ireland
The Slovak research team, with the Newgrange mound in the background. (source: Ústav vied o Zemi SAV)
A team of Slovak researchers has once again taken part in geophysical measurements at an almost 5,000-year-old mound at Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, Ireland. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic Period.
The geophysical-geodetic group was comprised of Pavol Zahorec and Ema Nogová from the Earth Science Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV), Roman Pašteka from Comenius University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Juraj Papčo from the Slovak University of Technology’s Faculty of Civil Engineering.
They carried out mainly gravimetric and GPR measurements.
The Slovak researchers first visited the site in October 2011, and then returned in June 2022, SAV’s Earth Science Institute wrote on its website.
The survey consisted of a detailed measurement of the acceleration of gravity on the surface and inside the mound, a georadar measurement on the surface of the mound, and a detailed positional and height orientation of the entire object, including underground spaces.
The Slovak research team is also featured in a documentary titled Rún na Bóinne, which presents “an epic quest to uncover the location of a long suspected second chamber at Newgrange”.
Historic success for Slovak wines in France
Slovak wines achieved a phenomenal result on the international scene. Three became winners in their respective categories at the 30th edition of the prestigious Vinalies Internationales competition in Cannes, France, the Pravda daily reported.
A Devín wine made by the Vinkor Winery was granted the La Palmes Vin Blanc award, after receiving 98 out of 100 points. The La Palmes Vin Rouge award went to a Cabali wine by the Martin Pomfy – Mavín Winery, which also received 98 out of 100 points. A Blaufränkisch rosé wine by Villa Víno Rača took home the La Palmes Vin Doucer, after receiving 96 out of 100 points.
In total, Slovak wines received 74 medals. The Martin Pomfy – Mavín and Tajna Vineyards wineries received the Prix VINOFED (World Federation of International Competitions of Wine and Spirits).
“They bowed to the Slovak wines in Cannes,” said Edita Ďurčová, oenologist, international taster and vice president of VINOFED, as quoted by Pravda.
Unique robotic surgery centre opens in northern Slovakia
A demonstration of the most modern generation of the Da Vinci Xi system at the new workplace of the Robotic Surgery Centre at Martin University Hospital. (source: TASR)
The brand new Robotic Surgery Centre has opened at Martin University Hospital in northern Slovakia. At the same time, it became the very first hospital to include thoracic surgery in its programme of robotic surgeries.
The centre uses the latest version of the Da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, which enables very precise and detailed surgical procedures in the chest. The system was secured through European Structural and Investment Funds, thanks to a collaborative effort with Comenius University’s Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin.
“It is a minimally invasive approach that requires training,” said Anton Dzian, head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, as quoted by TASR. “A huge advantage is that the robotics provide the operator with an excellent view of the operative field via a 3D HD image with multiple magnification. A large amount of detail is available to the surgeon. Robotic instruments enable precise movements that imitate the movements of the human hand.”
The robot does not replace the surgeon, but instead improves their work and provides them with a detailed microscopic view of the operative field, he added.
The robotic system will also be utilised by the departments of surgery, urology and gynaecology, with plans to expand its use to other areas.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator to read:
While most of the hiking trails in the High Tatras are closed during the winter season, a handful remain open year-round. In February, our colleague Matúš Beňo hiked through the snow to the Zbojnícka chata mountain.
Chernomorka, a Ukrainian restaurant chain serving a wide range of the fruits of the ocean, has become a legend in Ukraine. It now has a branch in Slovakia.
The Vegget microfarm grows non-traditional herbs from all over the world, as well as candy-sweet varieties of tomatoes, carrots and radishes. The best chefs cook with them. Read an interview with the farm's owners.
Gardeon, a Slovak supplier of garages and garden houses, made it into the Financial Times’ list of the 1,000 fastest-growing companies in Europe.
The raft harbour Polík was once a famous and busy place. Learn more about it from a colourful postcard from Ružomberok.
Political meme of the week
(source: SME/Rosie Naive Art)
Caption: I have already designed a logo for the new TV station. It matches my hair, clothes and ideology.
With this meme, artist Rosie Babicová, whose works can be found on the internet and social networks under the name Rosie Naive Art, responds to the plans of the ruling coalition to take control of the public-service broadcaster RTVS. The Culture Ministry led by Martina Šimkovičová (SNS nominee) has already presented a proposal that, among other things, proposes a complete rebranding under which the name of the broadcaster would change from Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) to Slovak Television and Radio (STaR).
You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: radka.minarechova@spectator.sk. Thank you!
