Featured Research: Biology

Story

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.

Gallery

Moo-sic to the ears

Take a look at what happened behind the scenes to help a University of Pretoria researcher figure out that cows love classical moo-sic.

Story

UP-led study finds aloe plant could impede life cycle of malaria-carrying parasite

Experts at the University of Pretoria (UP) are a step closer to finding a drug that could prevent transmission of the malaria-carrying parasite Plasmodium falciparum by thwarting its life cycle.

Infographic

How is malaria transmitted?

Researchers at the University of Pretoria have investigated Aloe marlothii and found that natural active ingredients in the roots of this aloe species have anti-plasmodial properties.

Story

UP microbiologists discover rich diversity of life in Antarctica’s cold, dry soils

The ice-free areas of Antarctica were initially thought to be devoid of life, but with the advent of modern genetic technologies, scientists now know that microorganisms have adapted to living in this extreme environment.

Web Series

What do microorganisms do in Antarctica's soil?

The Dry Valleys of East Antarctica are the most extreme example of polar soils; these valleys are arguably the coldest and driest deserts on Earth. In this episode, Prof Don Cowan explains why these microorganisms are important and what they do in this environment.