Web Series
Fairy circles
In this episode, we learn about a theory from researchers at the University of Pretoria that could explain 'fairy circles' in Namibia. The answer may be in a theory proposed by Prof Don Cowan. He explains more in this episode.
Galleries
A day in the life of a research scientist in Antarctica
Explore this gallery to experience a day in the life of research scientists in Antarctica. Antarctica's ice mass is enormous, and melting continental ice will have dramatic effects on oceanic flow patterns and global seal levels. Antarctica is also the last “pristine” continent in that it remains largely unaffected by human activity, which is why conservation is imperative.
Web Series
South Africans' willingness to contribute to public good
Research from the University of Pretoria shows that South Africans are more willing to contribute to a cause if they believe that their donation will have a greater impact on society. In this episode we learn how the generosity of South Africans impacts on our lives.
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.
Stories
RE.SEARCH Issue 4: Transdisciplinary
Our latest issue of RE.SEARCH is out and focuses on how the University of Pretoria (UP) is implementing transdisciplinary research to co-create new knowledge to...
Stories
UP-US study maps roaming habits of elephants in Southern Africa to boost conservation efforts
A new series of maps drawn up by Emeritus Professor Rudi van Aarde of the University of Pretoria (UP) and Dr Ryan Huang of Duke University in the US details...
Galleries
Elephant movement maps
This gallery features photography of elephants in their natural habitat by Prof Rudi van Aarde and a map showing where their preferred areas are based on the elephants' movement patterns.
Stories
UP hydrogeologists use isotopes to pinpoint root of Hartbeespoort Dam’s water hyacinth problem
For years now, invasive water hyacinth plants have clogged up the North West’s Hartbeespoort Dam, which lies downstream from Pretoria and Johannesburg. In new...
Stories
Could green spaces be a crime-fighting tool for South African cities?
South Africa is a global crime hotspot. But, as residents put up higher walls to stay safe, a new South African study suggests that greenspaces can be an...
Stories
UP scientist joins call to protect Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean around Antarctica needs urgent protection – for the sake of the rest of the world. This marine wilderness is threatened by climate change and...
Galleries
Save our seas
Climate change and commercial fishing is putting Earth’s most southern waters – and the planet itself – at risk. UP macro-ecologist Dr Luis Pertierra has joined the global call to better protect the Southern Ocean by banning fishing in Antarctic waters, among other measures.
Infographic
Southern Ocean fact sheet
Did you know that 70% of the world's freshwater is held in Antarctica's ice? This is just one of the reasons why the Southern Ocean around Antarctica needs urgent protection. Learn more Southern Ocean facts with this infographic.
Talking Points
A new way to name bacteria: 300-year-old system revised thanks to scientific advances
Nearly 300 years ago the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus secured his place in scientific history when he created what’s known as the binomial system. The year...
Talking Points
South Africa’s small-scale farmers still can’t find a place in the food value chain
Value addition is a central theme in agriculture. The concept involves adding value at every step, from production to delivery of a product. This creates...
Galleries
Termites' sensitivity to temperature affects global wood decay rate
Through this study, researchers learned that termites are pivotal when it comes to breaking down wood, contributing to the earth’s carbon cycle. They also discovered that termites are significantly sensitive to temperature and rainfall; this means that as temperatures rise, the insect’s role in wood decay will likely expand beyond the tropics.
Stories
October 10, 2022
Breast cancer awareness in the genomic landscape
Researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) are making today matter by battling aggressive breast cancer through identifying genes that make African women...