Featured Research: Sustainability

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Increasing Rainfall Extremes in SA

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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Unlocking the secrets of the invisible universe within and beyond us: A call to discover Africa’s microbiomes

Microbes (bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses) are the most diverse and numerically abundant entities on our planet. However, we know surprisingly little regarding the vast microbial universe within and beyond us. The past two decades of sequencing-enabled research have revealed remarkable insights regarding the diversity and functional attributes of microbial communities, yet we lack...

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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.

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Moo-nlight Sonata: UP study finds that cows soothed by classical music produce more milk

A University of Pretoria (UP) study has shown that playing soothing classical music to dairy cows lowers their stress levels and increases their milk production.