Using a digital creation known as an “elaffe” – a half-giraffe, half-eland chimera – researchers were able to demonstrate how blood pressure is reduced and how much energy is saved by a giraffe.
Prof Edward (Ned) Snelling and Prof Roger Seymour (Elaffe image credit: Estelle Mayhew).
November 3, 2025
Professor Edward Snelling did his undergraduate studies at the University of Adelaide, Australia and joined the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in February 2019.
His research is at the interface of experimental physiology, biomechanics and biochemistry. He uses models from Africa and Australia to study resting and locomotor energetics, respiratory and cardiovascular performance, muscle and skeletal systems, and thermoregulation in mammals, birds, fish, and insects. More information here -> www.edwardsnelling.com
Story
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.
Story
Paediatric neurosurgeon Professor Llewellyn Padayachy, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Steve Biko Academic Hospital, is redefining how brain-related diseases are diagnosed and treated, especially in low-resource settings. He’s at the forefront of pioneering work in non-invasive techniques to assess and measure raised pressure inside the skull,...
Infographic
Africa faces immense challenges in neurosurgery, such as severe underfunding, a lack of training positions and a high burden of disease. There is one neurosurgeon per four million people, far below the WHO’s recommendation of one per 200 000. This shortage, compounded by the lack of a central brain tumour registry and limited access to diagnostics, severely impacts patient outcomes.
Copyright © University of Pretoria 2025. All rights reserved.
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App