Breastfeeding during Covid-19 – a risk or a benefit?

The Covid-19 pandemic is disrupting normal life globally, and every area of life is touched. The pandemic demands quick action, and as new information emerges, reliable syntheses and guidelines for care are urgently needed.

It is no secret that breastfeeding protects mother and child. Its health benefits are undisputed and based on…

CHHP – we are cloning expertise!

In the short life of the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) at the North-West University (NWU) it has already become known as one of the most exceptional centres that tertiary-education institutions have to offer. One of the factors that contributes to its success is that it is constantly seeking for new ways to improve its…

Preventing is better than treating substance abuse

Prevention is better than cure, and the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Leepile Sehularo is at the forefront of seeking solutions to adolescent substance abuse through prevention programmes.

Illegal substance use among adolescent learners is a global concern for government policy-makers, researchers and mental health care…

NWU heads SA core team in fight against neuromuscular diseases

The social and economic impact of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) is staggering. These diseases, which include motor neuron disease and muscular dystrophies, can cause premature death or lifelong disability and are believed to affect one in every 400 people – meaning about 20 million children and adults across the globe.

There is hope…

The brain science of creating happiness and well-being

Now, more than ever, it is important to us as human beings to be happy and healthy, but the brain’s primary objective is to keep us safe. The main function of our brain is to help us survive the day and keep us alive and well from today to tomorrow, but scientists have tricks up their sleeves to enable you to be happier and enjoy life to the…

Rose Hayeshi – a rising star at the BioAfrica Convention

A researcher from the North-West University (NWU) and one of the rising stars in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), is taking part in this year’s BioAfrica Convention that is taking place from 24 to 26 August.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, director of and associate professor at the DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development…

NWU takes on pandemic on many fronts

The disruptive Covid-19 pandemic has not sidetracked the North-West University’s (NWU’s) researchers and academics from using their expertise to the benefit of society.

NWU staff and students have been involved in various pandemic-related projects. These range from involvement in communities to finding workable solutions in the fight…

Breastfeeding is best

It has been proven conclusively that exclusively breastfeeding a baby for the first six months has numerous long-term health benefits for a child. However, a large number of South African women are not doing this.

Chantell Witten, who recently completed her PhD at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre of Excellence for Nutrition…

The complex world of autists

Autism is a diverse neuro-developmental condition that is characterised by challenges with communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviour. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents with various subtypes that relate to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers are also investigating phenotypes relating to brain…

How the pandemic is affecting children’s health

South African children will miss two or more months of school this year due to the lockdown, and are therefore missing out on school sport, while other physical activities are also limited to a large extent. This inactivity, coupled with eating patterns linked to life under lockdown, could have unwelcome effects on children’s health.

…