The Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) of the University of the Free State, based in Phuthaditjhaba South Africa, is partnering with several institutions of higher learning, relevant forums, foundations, and policy makers in Africa in an attempt to expand its alpine research. The research unit is joining forces with the... Read more
Grey whale sets new distance record for migration
Latest newsResearchStellenbosch University Jun 10, 2021
In May 2013 marine biologists were stunned by the news of the first ever sighting of a grey whale south of the equator, just off the coast of Namibia in Walvis Bay. Could this whale reflect a remnant of an Atlantic population long thought to be extinct – the... Read more
Rare honours and international recognition for UCT research managers
AchieversLatest newsResearchUniversity of Cape Town Jun 9, 2021
UCT staff members Natalie Le Roux (senior research manager in the Research Office) and Sidney Engelbrecht (manager: Research Ethics and Compliance in the Faculty of Health Sciences) both obtained Research Management Professional (RMP) status. The two received this honour during the first opportunity afforded to Africa’s research managers to receive this... Read more
UKZN begins research project with The Ocean Cleanup to tackle Umgeni River plastic pollution
Latest newsResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal Jun 9, 2021
The University of KwaZulu-Natal has teamed with The Ocean Cleanup – a Dutch non-profit developing advanced technologies to rid the oceans of plastic – to investigate the mechanisms of plastic pollution in the Umgeni River and its transportation through all seasons. ‘This is a project about mapping, trapping, collecting,... Read more
Eye tracker in UFS sensory laboratory provides world-class service to food industry
Latest newsResearchUniversity of the Free State Jun 7, 2021
Some role players in the food industry believe the Sensory Laboratory at the University of the Free State (UFS) to be world-class. This is feedback received from companies that have recently visited and have first-hand experience of the services offered by the laboratory, situated in the Department of Sustainable... Read more
“Blesser-Blessee” Relationships Explored in Master’s Research
Latest newsResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal Jun 4, 2021
Understanding ‘blesser-blessee’ relationships through the perspectives and experiences of students was the subject of a study by Ms Nomazulu Singata who graduated with a Master of Arts degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). ‘Blesser-blessee’ relationships is a social phenomenon which sees wealthy men and poorer women linked for material gain. Singata... Read more
African Elephant Management in Research Spotlight
Latest newsResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal Jun 3, 2021
Having done her masters at UKZN – supervised by Professor Rob Slotow – on the costs and consequences of immunocontraception implementation in elephants, it was only natural that Dr Audrey Delsink continued with doctoral research at the same institution and with the same supervisor. Now she has a PhD... Read more
Stellenbosch University establishes online registry for Long COVID study
Latest newsResearchStellenbosch University May 31, 2021
If you are suffering from Long COVID, then Prof Resia Pretorius from the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) would like to document your symptoms in a South African online registry. And if you are living in the Western Cape, she also wants a sample of your... Read more
Dr Maqsooda Mahomed’s postgraduate journey started with water. ‘My honours and master’s research focused on tackling challenges within the water cycle,’ said Mahomed. ‘I researched satellite earth observation data as an alternate way to obtain critical hydrological estimates for the effective management of droughts and for the allocation of... Read more
The Lancet: First data suggest Africa has higher death rate among critically ill COVID-19 patients than any other world region
Latest newsResearch May 25, 2021
Death rates among adults in the 30 days after being admitted to critical care with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection appear considerably higher in Africa (average 48.2%; 1,483/3,077 patients) than globally (average 31.5%; from a meta-analysis of 34,859 patients ), according a prospective observational study from 64 hospitals in... Read more
