UP part of global research team to present the first image of Sagittarius-A

Astronomers have unveiled the first image of the supermassive black hole at the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy. The announcement was made at simultaneous press conferences around the world. Professor Roger Deane, an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria and Director for the Centre of Astrophysics at the University of Witwatersrand and Wits Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Iniyan Natarajan, were part of this global collaboration with the Event Horizon Telescope team. They are the only two African-based representatives who are part of the global team of more than 300 astronomers.

Technology

Welcome to Research Matters

Research Matters shows how the University of Pretoria creates a world of answers by highlighting some of our most impactful and innovative research, all of which addresses society’s most pressing concerns in order to transform lives and communities.

Education

Welcome to Research Matters

Welcome to Research Matters. This curated site highlights some of the University of Pretoria’s most impactful and innovative research which addresses some of our society’s most pressing concerns so that we can transform lives and communities. We are rated as the number one university in South Africa for research outputs. Our vision is to be a leading research-intensive university in Africa that is recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and impact. We develop people, create knowledge and strive to make a difference locally and internationally.

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Insects à la carte? - Producing environmentally friendly food while reducing our carbon footprint

Cricket à la king? How about a yellow mealworm burger? Foods that may previously have evoked a ‘yuck’ response are now firmly on the menu. Research into edible insects by the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria (UP) is exploring how to rear and harvest this food of the future.
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Seeing is (dis)believing

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is changing how we work, play and relax. Whether you use ChatGPT to write a brief, Midjourney to generate visuals or MuseNet to create unique soundtracks, these technologies have opened up opportunities for richer content.
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Green, deep learning

A single query to ChatGPT uses as much electricity as burning a light bulb for about 20 minutes. Multiply that by the millions of requests that this artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot receives each day, and the environmental impact is ominous.
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Fancy a cuppa? UP study finds tea to be as antioxidant-rich as fruit and veg

University of Pretoria (UP) researchers have found that the antioxidant content of certain types of tea can be likened to that found in recommended portions of fruit and vegetables.
Infographic

To tea or not to tea? Spilling the tea on antioxidants

Half a cup of black tea, oolong tea or green tea contained the same amount of antioxidants with radical scavenging capabilities (RSC) as that of a 200mg vitamin C tablet.
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UP scientists home in on gene that could play pivotal role in diet-induced obesity

Researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) may have identified the gene that is responsible for diet-related obesity. By exploring the role of the novel gene Slc7a8, they have made a potential breakthrough in current knowledge about the cellular mechanisms that drive fat accumulation. This understanding is crucial in developing effective treatments.

UP Research Facts

0 Research chairs in 8 disciplines
0+ NRF rated researchers
0 Research institutes, centres and units
0+ International students
#1 University in SA in Engineering, Economics & Business, Microbiology and Plant & Animal Sciences
Top 1% Globally in 14 of the 22 Essential Science Indicator (ESI) fields

UP part of global research team to present the first image of Sagittarius-A

Welcome to Research Matters

Welcome to Research Matters

Insects à la carte? - Producing environmentally friendly food while reducing our carbon footprint

Seeing is (dis)believing

Green, deep learning

Fancy a cuppa? UP study finds tea to be as antioxidant-rich as fruit and veg

To tea or not to tea? Spilling the tea on antioxidants

UP scientists home in on gene that could play pivotal role in diet-induced obesity

UP Research Facts

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