RE.SEARCH 13: One Health

Posted on November 21, 2025

This edition is curated around the concept of One Health, in which the University of Pretoria plays a leading role globally, and is based on our research expertise in the various disciplines across healthcare for people, the environment and animals.

A leg up on hypertension: UP-Adelaide study reveals why giraffes have long legs

Posted on November 03, 2025

A new study by researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of Adelaide in Australia has revealed the real function of the giraffe’s long legs ¬– to reduce blood pressure.

The cat’s out of the bag: Rabies still a silent threat

Posted on October 08, 2025

Many associate human rabies infections with infected domestic dogs. Yet, like most mammals, cats can also pass this deadly viral disease on to people. That is why pet owners should ensure that their feline pets receive regular rabies vaccinations, according to Professor Claude Sabeta of the...

RE.SEARCH 12: Global

Posted on August 25, 2025

The theme of this edition, ‘Global’, illustrates how the University of Pretoria (UP) serves as a globally engaged, continental hub that is driving impactful research through innovation, creativity and sustainability. The research in this issue demonstrates how the research we do today...

Weasel watch: UP PhD candidate calls on public to share sightings of elusive African striped weasel

Posted on August 12, 2025

University of Pretoria (UP) doctoral candidate Kyle Smith is on a mission to find out all about one of Southern Africa’s most elusive small carnivores: the African striped weasel – and he needs your help. Smith is calling on members of the public and citizen scientists to help him by...

RE.SEARCH 10: Make today matter

Posted on November 22, 2024

The articles in this edition showcase work from all nine of our faculties, and underscore our University’s slogan ‘Make today matter’. RE.SEARCH has been named South Africa's top corporate publication as the winner of the 2024 SA Publication's Forum Awards. It is a runner up and...

RE.SEARCH 9: What if? 

Posted on August 26, 2024

RE.SEARCH 9 is our most novel edition yet. In it, we have featured research that encourages us to think afresh, and is doing so, we’ve highlighted new ways of looking at research. You can expect to read about research that has potential and promise for the future but which is still nascent...

UP experts contribute to discovery of new ‘superpowers’ in mole rats, which could inform human health interventions

Posted on June 04, 2024

University of Pretoria (UP) scientists have contributed to discovering how the naked mole rat is able to withstand heart attacks and fend off bowel cancer, two of the most fatal human ailments in the developed world. Their findings were published recently in two Nature Communications papers.

RE.SEARCH 8: Connect

Posted on May 07, 2024

In a world in which there is an ever-encroaching digital footprint and high-tech solutions, it is vital that we reconnect with an outlook of compassion, care and communication. We do this through connection and connectivity. The theme of our latest issue, ‘Connect’, highlights how UP...

UP researchers close in on the secret to aging

Posted on October 23, 2023

The quest for immortality has long fascinated humans, and inspired countless tales – now, in two new studies published in the journals Nature and Science, University of Pretoria (UP) researchers, along with a team of global experts known as the Mammalian Methylation Consortium, are a step...

Moo-nlight Sonata: UP study finds that cows soothed by classical music produce more milk

Posted on March 15, 2023

A University of Pretoria (UP) study has shown that playing soothing classical music to dairy cows lowers their stress levels and increases their milk production.

UP-US study maps roaming habits of elephants in Southern Africa to boost conservation efforts

Posted on November 24, 2022

A new series of maps drawn up by Emeritus Professor Rudi van Aarde of the University of Pretoria (UP) and Dr Ryan Huang of Duke University in the US details where African elephants prefer to roam in Southern Africa.

UP researchers call for the urgent protection of bat-inhabited caves

Posted on April 17, 2022

University of Pretoria researchers Dr Mariëtte Pretorius and Professor Wanda Markotter have published a study which shows that land around important bat-inhabited caves are changing and that natural habitats are being destroyed.

WWF and UP team up to keep watch on southern right whales

Posted on March 01, 2022

UP’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit and WWF South Africa are teaming up to support research on southern right whales in response to warming oceans and changes to ocean processes which are affecting the number of whales visiting SA's shores.

UP study finds that lions hunt particular cattle types

Posted on February 09, 2022

When wild lions sneak up on a herd of cattle to grab an easy meal, the dice seem to be loaded more heavily against certain herd members, which are more likely than the others to be killed and eaten, according to a new study conducted by scientists from the University of Pretoria (UP).

South African bats are losing their trees, UP research shows

Posted on December 18, 2021

Research at UP is looking at how tree harvesting is causing the destruction of natural habitat, bringing wild animals like bats into closer contact with humans than ever before and leading to increased risk of new zoonotic diseases.

Can elephants smell water?

Posted on December 16, 2021

Water is a vital resource for mammals. This is especially true for African elephants that generally drink every day but can go two to three days between drinks. As they have an exceptional sense of smell, it has been suggested that elephants may locate water using olfactory cues. However, there...