News

Africa faces immense challenges in neurosurgery, such as severe underfunding, a lack of training positions and a high burden of disease. There is one neurosurgeon per four million people, far below the WHO’s recommendation of one per 200 000. This shortage, compounded by the lack of a central brain tumour registry and limited access to diagnostics, severely impacts patient outcomes.

Two University of Pretoria (UP) researchers have been awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, along with colleagues from the European...

What do stillbirths, child stunting and impaired cognitive development have in common? It could be that all these problems start in the womb, with a placenta...

PRETORIA - The world is five years away from the 2030 deadline to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we are no closer to ending...

Many associate human rabies infections with infected domestic dogs. Yet, like most mammals, cats can also pass this deadly viral disease on to people. That is...

Infected cats excrete the rabies virus in their saliva for several days before symptoms kick in. A bite or scratch from a cat can leave deep puncture wounds, through which the virus can enter a person’s bloodstream. Learn more about other possible symptoms of rabies in cats and what to do if you suspect your cat may be infected.

Supply chains are the backbone of global commerce, ensuring that goods flow seamlessly from manufacturers to consumers. Yet the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the...

The theme of this edition, ‘ Global’, illustrates how the University of Pretoria (UP) serves as a globally engaged, continental hub that is driving impactful...

From their distinctive coat patterns to their unique body shapes, this photo gallery showcases the striking differences between the African striped weasel and the African polecat. Explore close-up wildlife photography that makes identifying these elusive African mammals easier.

The African striped weasel (Poecilogale albinucha) and the African polecat (Ictonyx striatus) may look alike at first glance, but these fascinating African mammals differ in their markings, size, and behaviour. This infographic can guide you to identify the wildlife by highlighting the key differences between the two species, so you can recognise each animal.

University of Pretoria (UP) doctoral candidate Kyle Smith is on a mission to find out all about one of Southern Africa’s most elusive small carnivores: the...

In the first sighting by Dave Rowe-Rowe, an African striped weasel appears from the tunnel of a mole in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal. In the second sighting, Wicus van der Linde caught this rare sighting of three African striped weasels together near Nieu Bethesda in the Eastern Cape.

Grey-headed albatrosses can fly extremely fast and are known for their gliding ability. But how do they interact in their environment when they need to land?

Tracking the albatross by data, not myth and from sea to sky. The 'rime' and reason behind why they're such efficient gliders but are at the mercy of the wind to get them to stop safely and take off again.

University of Pretoria (UP) researchers have become the first to document a disturbing new threat to the endangered grey-headed albatross: wind-driven, land...

Rabies predominantly affects marginalised populations. Although effective human vaccines and immunoglobulins exist, the immunoglobulins are often inaccessible...

How valuable is your data? In 2024, a Fortune 50 company paid $75 million to ransomware attackers – the highest confirmed ransom payout in history. Ransomware...

Cricket à la king? How about a yellow mealworm burger? Foods that may previously have evoked a ‘yuck’ response are now firmly on the menu. Research into edible...