Scientists from Stellenbosch University have isolated a new species of soil bacterium, Dedyshia acidiphilia, from the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. The discovery provides significant advances in understanding rare bacterial species contributing to soil health and nutrient cycles.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University found high concentrations of DMSP in Antarctic sea ice, which produces climate-cooling gases when broken down. This discovery highlights the crucial role of the Southern Ocean marginal ice zone in global sulfur cycling and climate regulation.
The Complex Disorders Alliance (CODA) is funding research on microvascular dysfunction and immune-mediated clotting processes in complex chronic disorders. Professor Resia Pretorius of Stellenbosch University and Dr. Mikki Tal of MIT are collaborating to expand understanding of these conditions.
A new study uses CRISPR technology to edit grapevine DNA, reducing vulnerability to downy mildew while improving water conservation. This breakthrough could lead to climate-resilient crops in Africa, addressing growing challenges in viticulture.
Researchers have discovered evidence of genetic material from high-risk bacterial groups in wastewater treatment plant effluent, highlighting the potential for antibiotic resistance to spread through ecosystems. This finding emphasizes the need for upgrading WWTPs with advanced technologies to protect public health and waterways.
Scientists from southern Africa and the US have discovered a new species of magic mushroom, Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, which shares a common ancestor with Psilocybe cubensis approximately 1.5 million years ago. This finding challenges the prevailing view of Psilocybe cubensis introduction to the Americas and provides new genetic resou...
A new study reveals a significant accumulation of microclots in Long COVID plasma, driven by excessive NETs production. This interaction may become pathogenic when dysregulated, suggesting underlying physiological interactions between microclots and NETs.
A new method uses uranium-lead dating and elemental mapping on dinosaur eggshells to accurately determine the age of fossil sites. This technique overcomes limitations in dating fossils themselves or associated minerals, providing a powerful tool for paleontologists to unravel mysteries about dinosaur evolution.
The Africa Centre for Therapeutic Innovation (ACTI) brings together diverse disciplines to address unique healthcare challenges in Africa. ACTI will focus on delivering mechanistic understanding of drug action and developing new laboratory methods to combat diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.
A recent study published in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research found that fathers' alcohol use may have a negative impact on children's growth and development by age seven. Children of fathers who drank heavily during pregnancy were more likely to be shorter, have smaller heads, and score lower on verbal IQ tests.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University discovered flavoalkaloids in Cannabis leaves, a rare class of phenolics with promising biomedical applications. The study highlights the potential medicinal value of Cannabis plant material, which is often regarded as waste.
A major new textbook on autophagy is now available, encapsulating over 30 years of research in this growing field. The book, titled Autophagy – From Molecular Mechanisms to Flux Control in Health and Disease, aims to make the learning process easier for students and scientists alike.
A review paper suggests microclimates could offset negative impacts of extreme weather on insects. The authors argue that current macroclimate models are not viable for predicting impacts on insect populations.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change found that most people are more likely to support climate policies if they see a connection between extreme weather and climate change. Strong support was observed in African and Asian countries, as well as among individuals who attribute extreme weather events to climate change.
A new velvet worm species, named Peripatopsis barnardi, has been discovered in the arid Karoo region of South Africa. The species represents a prehistorical lineage dating back to over 500 million years ago and is a rare find in this previously forested area.
A new study at Stellenbosch University found that blocking the enzymes involved in glycolysis could cut off the malaria parasite's primary energy source and kill it. This approach has shown promise for developing new malaria drugs, particularly against resistant parasites.
Scientists from South Africa and China successfully established the world's longest intercontinental ultra-secure quantum satellite link spanning 12,900 km. This achievement demonstrates South Africa's potential to develop a thriving quantum ecosystem.
A new species of killifish, Nothobranchius sylvaticus, has been described from an ancient forest in Kenya, which is also the first known endemic killifish to persist in a forest. The species faces a high conservation risk due to its severely restricted habitat.
The book presents a comprehensive overview of the negative impacts of Prosopis invasions, including changes to land structure and groundwater depletion. Experts warn that if left uncontrolled, the invasion could spread to cover three-quarters of Kenya and cost USD 375 million annually.
Research reveals plants have developed strategies similar to sperm manipulation in animals to compete for space on pollinators. A study found that flowers use catapult-like mechanisms to dislodge rival pollen, increasing their chances of reproductive success.
The 19th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology will convene in Cape Town, bringing together over 1,500 scientists from 50 countries. The event aims to understand the relationship between microorganisms and their environment.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University discovered that using work-related content during golf sessions reduces performance, whereas personal activities have little to no effect. The study suggests a clear distinction between leisure and professional use of smartphones in recreational settings.
A new study by Stellenbosch University reveals that indoor fireplaces release harmful particles into the air, posing a risk to occupant health. The research highlights the importance of improving indoor air quality in homes with amenity fireplaces.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University and citizen mycologists describe two new Psilocybe species, Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti, found in southern Africa. The discovery brings the continent's total to six indigenous species, with potential for more undiscovered species.
A new study reveals the underappreciated role of inorganic Zinc particles in ocean cycles, crucial for phytoplankton productivity and carbon sequestration. The Southern Ocean's unique processes regulate the global Zinc cycle, with implications for a changing climate.
Researchers have discovered ancient termite mounds in Namaqualand, South Africa that date back a staggering 34,000 years. The mounds, which are still inhabited by termites, provide valuable insights into prehistoric climate conditions and natural carbon sequestration processes.
A novel antibacterial lipopeptide produced by Serratia marcescens has been shown to be highly effective in killing Staphylococcus aureus. The lipopeptide targets the cell membrane, causing lesions and cell death.
African researchers are urging fair collaboration in microbiome studies to explore unique populations and environments, addressing a significant knowledge gap. The proposed framework emphasizes community involvement, capacity building, and multidisciplinary collaboration for sustainable outcomes.
A group of marine biologists challenge the notion of a stable white shark population shifting eastwards along South Africa's coastline. They argue that data cannot support population stability or redistribution claims, citing issues with dataset presentation and the onset of declines predating orca appearances.
A network of African scientists has secured funding to develop new drugs for malaria and TB, two major diseases affecting the continent. The Grand Challenges Africa Drug Discovery Accelerator Programme will support leading research efforts on these diseases.
Researchers found three oak species have become invasive along riverbanks and urban-wildland interfaces in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, threatening century-old oaks. The polyphagous shot hole borer disease is also affecting widespread species like English oak.
The Paarl Africa Underground Laboratory (PAUL) will be a game-changer for universities in South Africa and its partners, offering benefits through new jobs and research opportunities. The laboratory will enable scientists to study dark matter and neutrinos in a radiation-free environment.
A new evolutionary model suggests that Homo sapiens originated in Africa with at least two divergent branches that continued to mix. This 'weakly structured stem' contributed to the formation of an ancestral African human group, which then branched off into populations living within and outside Africa.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University have discovered a crystalline substance that can readily give up water at temperatures as low as -70 °C. This finding has major implications for the development of materials designed to extract water from the atmosphere.
A decade-long experiment found that high-intensity fires did not reverse bush encroachment in the long term, despite an initial decline in woody plant cover. The study suggests that fire management strategies must be tailored to each local context and that long-term monitoring is crucial for effective conservation.
A new species of iris has been discovered in the Langeberg Mountains of South Africa, known as Geissorhiza seracina. The plant boasts a unique deep cherry-pink color and is one of the first new Iridaceae species to be found in over a decade.
Despite widespread concern, most research on Covid-19 and its impact on mental health found no significant increase in suicide rates globally. In low- and middle-income countries, some studies even reported a decrease in rates of suicide and self-harm following the pandemic.
The polyphagous shot hole borer is estimated to cause $18.45 billion in economic losses over the next ten years if left unchecked. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to stressed trees and non-native species.
A new study at Stellenbosch University identified significant knowledge gaps among medical specialists regarding the emergency management of hyperkalaemia. The researchers recommend starting therapy when potassium levels reach 6 mmol/L or higher, performing an ECG on all patients, and monitoring for hypoglycaemia.
A new study estimates that there are approximately 73,274 tree species on Earth, with 9,186 still to be discovered. This represents a 14% increase from previous estimates of 60,000 and 64,000 species. The majority of these undiscovered species are found in South America, highlighting the importance of forest conservation efforts.
Scientists from Stellenbosch University found that phytoplankton are active during winter in the Southern Ocean, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery improves predictive global climate models and sheds light on adaptation strategies of phytoplankton under adverse growth conditions.
A global study estimates that half of flowering plants are dependent on animal pollinators, with declines in pollinators threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. Without pollinators, many plant species would suffer reduced fertility or produce no seeds, emphasizing the importance of pollination services.
Research at Stellenbosch University found high levels of inflammatory molecules trapped in micro clots in the blood of individuals with Long COVID. This imbalance may be central to pathologies in Long COVID, and could lead to new therapies.
Microbiologists at Stellenbosch University suggest utilizing the rumen microbiome in anaerobic digestion processes to break down organic waste into its building blocks. The aim is to produce high-value products such as industrial important organic acids and bioplastics.
A study by Stellenbosch University and conservationists reveals a high number of Cape Fur seals are entangled in fishing lines and nets annually, with most affected being pups and juveniles. The researchers found that disentanglement efforts have been successful, but the problem remains urgent, emphasizing the need for policy changes t...
The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is on the brink of extinction with fewer than 500 individuals remaining in South African waters. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to address the cumulative effects of human activities, including coastal construction and pollution, which are impacting population numbers.
A group of researchers studied how animals modify their habitats in response to climate change and found that understanding these modifications can improve predictions of climate change's effects on species. The study highlights the importance of understanding how animals adapt to changing environments, which can inform strategies for ...
Researchers found that the island-based Guttural Toads had significantly reduced body size and hindlimb length compared to their South African counterparts. This rapid dwarfism raises questions about the evolutionary mechanisms driving this change in less than a hundred years.
The world's largest informal settlement fire experiment found that fires can spread at an alarming rate, destroying homes in just five minutes. The study, published in Fire Technology, used advanced instrumentation and analysis to simulate the spread of flames through densely-packed settlements.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University and the University of Plymouth have successfully used unique signature whistles of individual bottlenose dolphins off Namibia's coast to estimate population size and track movement. The method, which marks a first for acoustic monitoring, yielded promising results and has potential applications fo...