Latest News & Developments
scientific research
UWC's Priscilla Baker honoured with prestigious L’Oréal–UNESCO award
Professor Priscilla Baker from the University of the Western Cape has been awarded the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Award for her groundbreaking work in analytical chemistry and her commitment to mentoring future scientists.
UJ Scientists discover potent anti-cancer compounds in common weed
In a potential game-changer for cancer and infection treatment, University of Johannesburg scientists have found potent medicinal properties in the ripe fruit of the woolly nightshade, an invasive plant.
Antarctic Crisis | 'Violence could erupt at any moment in that station' - Mental health expert
A mental health expert warns of the dire consequences for the scientists if the government fails to act swiftly to ensure their safety during their prolonged isolation.
Top Scientific Breakthroughs of 2024: A Year in Review
As 2024 rolls to a close, this year’s top science stories show inspiring advances while leaving much to ponder.
Unisa and Department of Water and Sanitation join forces to tackle South Africa's water quality crisis
Unisa and the Department of Water and Sanitation unite to tackle South Africa's water quality challenges through innovative research.
Mission to find life under Jupiter moon’s ice
NASA launches its Europa Clipper spacecraft to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa and determine whether the ocean suspected of being beneath its icy crust is habitable.
Indoor fireplaces could prove to be uncool for your health – SU research shows
Using an indoor fireplace can result in the release of harmful particles that can be dispersed in the air and cause health problems when inhaled.
Skeletal remains found in world’s oldest wine
A groundbreaking discovery in a Roman tomb in Carmona reveals the world's oldest wine, along with some rather peculiar ancient burial practices.
WATCH: How far will South Africans travel for KFC?
KFC’s latest “Beyond The Sea” shows just how far South Africans will go to get their KFC.
HeroRATS with hi-tech backpacks trained in search and rescue
Belgian non-profit APOPO is pioneering the use of trained African Giant Pouched Rats, equipped with hi-tech backpacks, to assist in search and rescue operations in Tanzania.
Donald Gordon Foundation's R200 million donation transforms University of Cape Town's Neuroscience Institute
The landmark donation would be used toward research that spans conditions from HIV and alcohol impact before birth to trauma, infection, epilepsy, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease in old age.
WATCH: This is how police and two Cape universities are using technology to crack cold cases
Stellenbosch University and police have turned to technology to help crack cold cases and find families find closure in the Western Cape.
Durban-born scientist awarded prestigious Outstanding Female Scientist Prize in Paris
Dr Naidoo received the award for her seminal scientific contributions to the treatment of patients with tuberculosis and HIV co-infection that has shaped local and international treatment guidelines.
Professor Hoosen Jerry Coovadia was a medical and political genius
OPINION: Professor Jerry Coovadia never sought positions and never refused to share his expertise and knowledge to further the goals of liberation, writes Dr Ela Gandhi.
Sabinet introduces African Industry Reports
Sabinet, in partnership with Who Owns Whom, offers unparalleled insights into South African and African industries.
Editor’s Note: Where one rescue fails, another succeeds
I'm sure I was not alone in following the drama of the Titan submersible, hoping against hope, when all logic dictated otherwise, that the five would be found alive.
Seismic saga: Eastern Cape communities fight for the ocean
The communities demand that the government uphold their right guaranteed by the Constitution to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations.
UKZN DS-I Africa Law Research Group introduces Data Transfer Agreement template
The newly-developed template is tailor-made for South Africans and is intended as a free, but top-quality service to the South African research community.
SA scientists win awards at Taiwan international science fair
A total of 288 learners from 21 countries competed in this year’s Taiwan International Science Fair. South Africa participates in this fair each year through the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
New digital tools will enable UCT scientists to prepare for malaria outbreaks in southern Africa
The climate crisis is a health emergency which is threatening the lives and wellbeing of communities around the world in many ways – including the spread of infectious diseases.
Top young scientists awarded at Eskom Expo International Science Fair
A total of 253 of South Africa’s top researchers and innovators competed alongside 17 international young scientists from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mexico, Mozambique, Türkiye and Zimbabwe last week at the ISF, held physically for the first time in two years.
Africa’s largest social sciences research institute gets new CEO
The HSRC is the largest dedicated research institute in the social sciences and humanities on the African continent, doing cutting-edge public research in areas that are crucial to development.
MUT study reveals gender disparity in science research
A study by Mangosuthu University of Technology academics comparing women’s disparity in science research for five years in eight continental regions of the world identified four significant factors contributing to gender disparity in STEM fields.
DUT - At the forefront of higher education, technological training, research and innovation
Durban University of Technology applications for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2023 academic year are now open.
VIDEO: Learn how to extract DNA with this cool experiment from SciFest 2022
Students from the South African Society for Bio-Informatics share an easy and informative way on how DNA extraction works. This experiment can be done at home using a banana.