Featured Research: Technology

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Satellites can create simple maps that distinguish between weeds and maize

Farmers not only save time and money by cutting down the cost and effort required to manage weeds, but also limit the environmental impact of using harmful weed-killing chemicals by using satellite data and imagery.

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Satellite images classifying the different plant growth patterns and varieties

This classification map shows the different types of plants in a crop field in various areas in Gauteng. The legend shows red for weeds, green for maize and yellow for mixed growth areas.

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Artificial Intelligence for Artificial Intelligence: Can Artificial Intelligence Create Itself?

Artificial Intelligence has had a major impact in the fourth industrial revolution and has been instrumental in finding scalable solutions to complex problems posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. However, this has not been without challenges. As the adoption of artificial intelligence has grown, we find ourselves in the situation where artificial intelligence has moved out...

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RE.SEARCH 9: What if? 

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 or represents an educated guess. This edition also features a range of multimedia that you can immerse...

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

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 rhino’s ‘third eyelid’.

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How to attach a pulse oximeter to a rhino's third eyelid

UP researchers have been working on adapting the use of existing technology and testing it in the field to find an appropriate solution to mitigate complications arising from low oxygen levels during procedures like immobilisation. This new research improves our ability to provide care and ensure the well-being of rhinos in the field.