Featured Research: Science

Talking Point

Opinion: The peer review system has flaws. But it's still a barrier to bad science

Democracy and scientific peer review have something in common: it's a "system full of problems but the least worst we have". That's the view of Richard Smith, a medical doctor and former editor of the illustrious British Medical Journal.

Talking Point

Op-Ed: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

A lot has been said over the past several years about the lack of access girls and women have to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). According to one statistic, only 28 percent of researchers worldwide are female and it is often stated that women have less access to funding, networks and senior positions. Perhaps it is time to place the facts in context.

Talking Point

Opinion: South Africa's research output will be the biggest victim of student protests

It will cost around R600 million to repair the damage caused by student protests across South Africa. That's according to the country's Minister of Higher Education and Training. I'd suggest that this figure is merely the tip of the iceberg. The true cost of these protests is far higher. This cost can't be measured in hard currency – yet. The higher education sector is being held to ransom...

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The science behind your favourite alcoholic beverage

Alcoholic beverages such as your favourite wine need to go through a lot of scientific tests before they get to the point where they can be enjoyed. Before alcohol can be sold, it has to go through rigorous tests to make sure what is inside the bottle is indeed what it is being sold as.