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...

PEP talk from plants

Posted on July 09, 2025

Rabies predominantly affects marginalised populations. Although effective human vaccines and immunoglobulins exist, the immunoglobulins are often inaccessible or unaffordable to those in need. An international drive to develop alternative post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) biological alternatives,...

UP researchers discover optimum way to monitor blood oxygen levels in immobilised rhino, boosting efforts to combat poaching

Posted on August 14, 2024

New research by scientists at the University of Pretoria (UP) has shown that pulse oximeters, originally designed for humans, can be used more effectively to monitor the blood oxygen levels of rhinoceroses who are under anaesthesia and immobilised – by attaching them at an unusual site: the...

RE.SEARCH 6: Open

Posted on July 26, 2023

This issue features research from all of the University of Pretoria's nine faculties and our business school, the Gordan Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and shows how our research is opening a new world and a better future.

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.

SA’s alarming outbreak of rabies in dogs: Vaccination and awareness are key to prevention, say UP experts

Posted on March 04, 2022

Rabies is a frightening viral infection and the only infectious disease that carries a 100% mortality in any species (including humans) once clinical signs appear.

University of Pretoria-led study reveals COVID-19 Delta variants transmitted from humans to animals

Posted on January 18, 2022

A team of UP scientists has published the only study from Africa that entailed genomic One Health investigations to reveal that Delta variants of COVID-19 were transmitted from humans to animals.

UP vet team gives macaw new lease of life with 3D-printed beak

Posted on October 27, 2021

Many people get prosthetic titanium limbs as a result of illness or injury. Now, thanks to a University of Pretoria (UP) team led by Professor Gerhard Steenkamp, a veterinary specialist in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, a macaw has been given a new lease...