Enterprises University of Pretoria and UP sign first contract research chair for UP Biodiscovery Centre with M2Bio Sciences

Posted on June 20, 2023

An integral part of the research of the UP Biodiscovery Centre and the M2Bio Sciences Research Chair will be to use AI for the discovery of natural product lead compounds that can be developed as pharmaceutical and food ingredients.

May 2023 edition of the NAS Faculty newsletter (SquaredUP) now available

Posted on June 13, 2023

The first edition for 2023 (May 2023) of the NAS Faculty newsletter (SquaredUP) is now available.

‘Climate change will hurt the most vulnerable members of society if we fail to act’ – UP student activist

Posted on May 30, 2023

Climate change student activist Natalie Kapsosideris recently delivered a rousing presentation about the effects of climate change. “You can see how climate change is going to destroy people’s lives, specifically the most vulnerable,” she said.

UP researchers decode genome of king protea

Posted on May 24, 2023

University of Pretoria (UP) researchers are at the forefront of a very special first for South African plant sciences. They have unravelled the precise genetic make-up of the country’s national flower, the king protea (Protea cynaroides). It is the first plant that’s unique to South...

Africa’s understudied human gut microbiomes could be a rich source of therapeutics

Posted on May 10, 2023

“By screening African populations, we’ve got a higher potential of finding novel prebiotics, probiotics and other antibiotics just by harnessing the power of our gut microbiomes,” said UP’s Prof Thulani Makhalanyane.

#UPGraduation2023: UP biochemistry master’s graduate scores academic hat-trick with third cum laude degree in a row

Posted on May 10, 2023

Having received numerous awards while completing both his BSc and honours degree cum laude at UP, it was no surprise when Vusi Chiloane recently graduated, with honours once again, with a master’s degree in biochemistry.

Professor Thulani Makhalanyane on his upcoming Expert Lecture hosted by UP

Posted on May 02, 2023

UP's Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology Professor Thulani Makhalanyane, unpacks his field of expertise in this Business Talk interview as well as his upcoming public expert lecture on 4 May. He also explains why the microbiome field is important.

Microorganisms could be the cause of ‘fairy circle’ phenomenon – UP microbiologists

Posted on March 29, 2023

University of Pretoria (UP) scientists have posited a theory that could explain the tens of thousands of “fairy circles” that can be seen dotted across the arid landscape of Namibia.