A team of researchers from Wits and Bordeaux demonstrated a new way to send information through the atmosphere without correcting for atmospheric distortion. The findings, published in Science Advances, could help pave the way for more reliable long-distance optical communication, including links to satellites and spacecraft.
Researchers at University of Witwatersrand have discovered that quantum information can be kept intact even when transmitted through turbulent environments. This breakthrough enables the use of twisted light to create high-capacity communication networks and ultra-resilient quantum computers.
A team of researchers extracted and analyzed protein fragments from fossil teeth of Homo naledi, finding zero male markers. This discovery suggests a sex-bias in mortuary practice among non-human species, unlike observed in contemporary human cultures.
A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Witwatersrand has successfully simulated human-like language development in children. The model, which uses deep linear neural networks, demonstrates how language structures and becomes more complex over time, mirroring how humans learn and transmit knowledge.
Scientists identified distinctive microbial patterns associated with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a mysterious subtype common in South Africa. The study, published in Communications Medicine, suggests a potential low-cost warning signal for early detection using saliva bacteria analysis.
Scientists are calling for a fundamental rethink of climate and biodiversity models to address the scale and complexity of crises ahead. The current models focus on incremental change rather than transformative transformations needed for a safe and just future.
A groundbreaking study found that infections cause 44% of neonatal deaths across multiple sites in Africa and South Asia, with over 80% preventable under current or improved facility-based conditions. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen infection prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
Researchers at University of Witwatersrand and University of East Anglia have discovered a way to control light by exploiting its natural geometry. Light can develop chiral behavior, meaning it acts like left or right hand, while traveling freely through space, without mirrors or special materials.
Researchers identified previously undescribed triggers of rare broadly neutralizing antibodies in people living with HIV. The study found that interactions between the immune system and other infections may be linked to how the body responds to HIV.
The discovery of an ancient egg containing the embryo of Lystrosaurus reveals that its ancestors laid eggs, and offers insights into their reproductive strategy. The large eggs suggest that Lystrosaurus did not produce milk for its young, and its precocial hatchlings were capable of feeding themselves.
A digital reconstruction of Little Foot's face reveals surprising similarities with Ethiopian fossils, challenging previous assumptions about early human evolution. The study sheds light on the diversity of fossil hominin faces across Africa and highlights the importance of the face in understanding primate adaptation and interaction.
A new review highlights the potential of viral mimic systems and virus-like particle technologies to accelerate vaccine development and improve global health equity. These innovative approaches enable local testing of vaccine candidates and antiviral therapies, strengthening regional preparedness for future outbreaks.
PhD candidate Michael Gomes is developing advanced nanoscale drug carriers to deliver chemotherapy more effectively to brain tumours. His research focuses on polydopamine nanoparticles and the glymphatic system to reach tumours directly, potentially increasing drug concentrations and reducing toxic effects.
The Assessing Genetic Diversity in Africa (AGENDA) project has generated whole-genome sequence data from over 1000 individuals from underrepresented communities, aiming to correct the imbalance in global genomic datasets. This effort will help predict disease risk and tailor treatments more effectively for African populations.
Biostatisticians applied statistical method to existing routine data to understand how TB prevention protocols are functioning in real-world conditions. The results show clear progress and serious gaps in TB preventive treatment uptake among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy.
A team from the University of the Witwatersrand and Huzhou University discovered a vast alphabet of high-dimensional topological signatures, enabling robust quantum information encoding. This breakthrough utilizes orbital angular momentum to reveal hidden topologies in entangled photons.
Researchers have demonstrated how controlling the structure of photons in space and time enables tailored quantum states for next-generation communication, sensing, and imaging. This breakthrough offers new pathways for high-capacity quantum communication and advanced technologies.
Malaria messaging has been shown to increase the use of insecticide-treated nets, particularly among women in Uganda. The study used propensity score matching to isolate the effect of messaging, finding a 5.1% increase in net use among exposed women and a 4.3% increase among caregivers of children.
The University of the Witwatersrand has launched the Earth Observatory and CORES, aiming to drive innovation in the minerals sector. The observatory provides cutting-edge geoanalytical techniques, while CORES integrates economic geology, extractive processes, and data-driven innovation to promote sustainable mining practices.
A new study finds that people living with HIV experience higher rates of sleep issues even when virally suppressed, associated with a higher risk for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the importance of treating healthy sleep as a fundamental health right, not a luxury.
African nations are well-equipped to tackle dementia and brain health with the Africa Task Force on Brain Health. The six-year framework will accelerate preparedness and protect aging citizens.
The African Data Drive is an interactive tool that provides accessible, quality-assured spatial data to empower decision-makers to balance development needs with conservation priorities. The platform enables users to assess potential risks to biodiversity and access the most appropriate information on sustainable development.
The world has reached its first climate tipping point, with warm-water coral reefs passing their threshold and facing widespread dieback. This catastrophic event is part of a series of Earth system tipping points that could have devastating consequences unless humanity takes urgent action.
The AfriCAT project, led by Dr. Bianca Moffett, is a first-of-its-kind adaptive testing tool for depression and anxiety among adolescents in Africa. It uses Computerised Adaptive Testing to provide an efficient way to assess mental health conditions simultaneously.
Research in African populations aims to understand the link between depression and hypertension, two conditions affecting millions worldwide. The study will focus on identifying shared genetic mechanisms, which could lead to more effective treatment strategies for complex diseases.
The article advocates for increased African representation on the Global Fund's governing board to promote self-reliance, contextualisation, and sustainability in global health. Adding at least one governmental seat would align with global norms and declarations, strengthening African health policy and accountability.
The Wits MIND Institute has received a $1 million boost from Google.org, enabling it to drive next-generation breakthroughs in natural and artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to advance the scientific understanding of both natural and artificial intelligence, foster breakthrough research and technological innovation.
Researchers have developed 'molecular scissors' that can precisely and permanently disable the hepatitis B virus's hidden genetic material. The treatment has shown promising results in laboratory tests and HBV-infected mice, with a 99% reduction in circulating viral DNA. This innovation represents a significant step towards a functiona...
Researchers have found that Black Mambas accumulate heavy metals such as lead and mercury in their scales. This allows them to serve as a natural indicator of environmental pollution levels. By analyzing scale clippings from these snakes, scientists can accurately measure spatial patterns of pollution without harming the snakes.
A new study provides a framework for researchers to make their work more equitable and representative of local communities. The guidance highlights the importance of community-based research, where community members are actively involved in identifying research priorities and designing studies.
The Rhisotope Project uses low-level radioactive isotopes in rhino horns to track and intercept trafficked horns, aiming to disrupt the illegal trade. Researchers have confirmed the process is safe for animals and effective in making horns detectable through international customs systems.
A new study attributes the extreme nature of the floods to climate change, linking it to intensified rainfall and warning that storms will become even more intense as the planet warms. The research calls for building resilience in a warming world through advanced early warning systems and community-based flood warnings.
A new study published in Global Mental Health explores the impact of integrating community psychiatric services into primary health care clinics in South Africa. The research reveals persistent challenges related to limited resources, weak management systems, and fragmented collaboration between healthcare providers.
The Nature Relationship Index (NRI) aims to measure a country's sustainable path by assessing its relationships with nature, tracking progress and development. The NRI adds an environmental dimension to the Human Development Index, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the natural world.
The new resource provides a detailed map of blood regulatory variation in South Africans, enabling researchers to interpret genetic variations using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This innovation has the potential to uncover why people from specific genetic backgrounds may be more susceptible to certain diseases.
New research from the University of the Witwatersrand finds that puff adders can increase their food consumption by up to 12 times during rodent outbreaks, outperforming traditional mammalian predators. This natural solution could significantly reduce crop damage and support sustainable farming practices in Africa.
Researchers have developed a cheap and sustainable way to produce ionisable lipids from cashew nutshell liquid, a by-product of the cashew industry. This breakthrough could transform the future of vaccine production and support Africa's target of producing 60% of its vaccines locally by 2040.
A study published in Nature Communications has discovered two genetic variants linked to breast cancer in black South African women, shedding light on the genetic basis of this disease in African populations. The findings have implications for developing targeted treatments and improving cancer risk prediction tools.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that older adults in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of HIV infection, particularly those who have experienced social stigma and lack access to education. Interventions such as repeated testing, PrEP, and awareness campaigns can help reduce infections among the elderly.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.
Researchers at Wits University have discovered a way to protect quantum information from environmental disruptions, offering hope for more reliable future technologies. By engineering specific topological properties in quantum states, they can preserve critical information even when disturbed by noise.
Researchers found a single young adult Paranthropus robustus fossil with evidence of habitual upright walking, weighing only about a meter tall and 27 kg at death. The species' small size made it vulnerable to predators like sabertooth cats and giant hyenas.
Professor Collen Masimirembwa receives Precision Medicine World Conference Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking work in pharmacogenomics, advancing personalised medicine and tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles. His research has improved patient outcomes and saved lives by uncovering critical issues with HIV medications.
A new study by Wits University and NICD shows that conditional cash transfers and TB counselling improve treatment success rates and reduce loss to follow-up in South Africa. The intervention resulted in halving unsuccessful TB outcomes compared to standard care, bringing the country closer to its 90-90-90 TB targets.
The study discovered new microbial species and never-before-reported metagenomes from African sites, shedding light on the importance of geography in shaping microbiome differences. The research highlights the need for site- and region-specific approaches to gut health interventions.
A study published in Science found that nitrogen isotopes in tooth enamel of Australopithecus individuals indicate a primarily plant-based diet. The analysis revealed low nitrogen isotope ratios similar to those of herbivores, suggesting that human ancestors did not regularly hunt large mammals.
A study published in BJSP found that individuals with stage 1 cancers who engaged in low to moderate levels of physical activity had lower rates of disease progression and death compared to those with no recorded physical activity. Physical activity was associated with a 16-47% lower risk of disease progression and death, respectively.
Physicists at the University of the Witwatersrand developed an innovative computing system harnessing laser beams and display technology to process multiple possibilities simultaneously. This approach could speed up complex calculations in fields like logistics and finance, with potential applications in quantum optimisation and machin...
The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome is a state-of-the-art facility featuring 360° immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. The dome will also serve as a modern teaching venue and collaborative research space where scientists and students can visualize their work in various fields.
A recent study found that every 1°C increase in heat exposure increases preterm birth by 4%, while a heatwave can lead to a 26% increased risk. The review also highlights marked increases in gestational diabetes, stillbirths, and congenital anomalies.