Featured Research: Sustainability

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UP researchers decode genome of king protea

University of Pretoria (UP) researchers are at the forefront of a very special first for South African plant sciences. They have unravelled the precise genetic make-up of the country’s national flower, the king protea (Protea cynaroides). It is the first plant that’s unique to South Africa – and the species-rich fynbos biome in particular – to have its entire genome sequenced in-depth.

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What do macadamias, artichokes, proteas and dinosaurs have in common?

University of Pretoria researchers find that the common ancestor of the approximately 100 species of Protea found in South Africa and Australia’s related macadamia nut trees (such as Macadamia integrifolia) and waratah (Telopea speciosissima) dates back to when dinosaurs went extinct.

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‘Rainfall extremes are becoming more probable in parts of SA’ – UP meteorology experts

With climate change said to be affecting the intensity of rainfall, experts at the University of Pretoria (UP) have investigated if there are observable changes in the probability of significant to extreme daily rainfall across South Africa.

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UP study shows 81% of Grade 4 learners in SA have reading difficulties

The South African portion of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2021 conducted by UP has found that 81% of South African Grade 4 learners are struggling to read for comprehension at age 10.

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A century of rainfall in South Africa

A UP-led study has found that certain areas in South Africa are likely to experience more extreme rainfall, which is probably a feature of climate change.

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RE.SEARCH Issue 5: Impact

This issue of RE.SEARCH looks at the impact of the University of Pretoria's research from early childhood interventions and the use of traditional medicines for holistic nursing to the role of women in peacekeeping efforts. The issue also provides insight into the critical question of coal power supply and how it will affect the economic opportunities of communities in the future.