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.

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Well-being, performance and the challenges of modern life

 Is there really a problem?

The benefits of exercise, a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle are undisputed in modern life, and the positive impact these have on well-being and performance is no secret.

Yet obesity and weight problems have reached epidemic proportions globally. According to the World Health…

Finding meaning in life after several losses experienced as a result of Covid-19

All over the world the coronavirus pandemic has created a new, unknown and challenging reality that is accompanied by various significant losses. Such losses are far more than just the financial impact on individuals – they also include other losses that have an impact on our mental health.

Weddings are cancelled or postponed, we are…

This is why you have been struggling to sleep

If you log on to any social media platform in the early hours of the morning you are likely to find a lot of people online. Since the country went into lockdown due to Covid-19 a few weeks ago, South Africans have been struggling to fall asleep.

Prof Pieter Kruger, a consultant clinical psychologist and director of the NWU’s Centre…

NWU neonatal expert paves the way forward

When it comes to midwifery, neonatal care and nursing research, the name of North-West University’s Prof Welma Lubbe is the first that comes to mind.

As a dedicated researcher and founder of Little Steps – a research-based parenting website – Prof Lubbe was recently appointed for a third term (of five years each) as the South African…