Natural and Agricultural Sciences News

Watch out for contaminated meat sold on the streets

The wide range of bacterial species found in ready-to-eat meat sold on the streets of Johannesburg indicates that consumers of this meat could be at risk of food poisoning.

This is according to the findings of a study conducted by Dr Mpinda Edoaurd Tshipamba, North-West University (NWU) master’s graduate in the subject group Animal…

Perennial grasses are the answer for veld restoration

In a water-scarce country like South Africa with growing demands for grazing, cultivated perennial grasses could be the answer to protecting the veld and providing nutrition for animals.

“Droughts, scarcity of rain and overgrazing have caused a lot of degradation of the veld, and therefore veld restoration is a priority for farmers and…

NWU online colloquium shares the wonder of the Mahikeng Astronomical Observatory

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at the North-West University (NWU) hosted an online colloquium about its Mahikeng Astronomical Observatory (MAO) on 12 July 2021.

The title of the colloquium was “NWU Mahikeng Astronomical Observatory: science cases and usage…

Using plant growth-promoting microorganisms to address food sustainability

Maize production and mining are essential for the economy of the North West Province, and researchers at the North-West University (NWU) are now looking at how microorganisms can protect maize from climate challenges and mining by-products.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola and two PhD graduates, Saheed Adekunle Akinola and Dr Ayansina…

Tree plantations are harming ecosystems

Replacing native forests with tree plantations is harming the soil at a microbial level by having an impact on soil fertility and the health of the planet. This is one of the conclusions of North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola – who along with Dr Adenike Eunice Amoo – recently conducted ground-breaking research…

NWU animal health hospital bolsters service offerings

As of 1 June, animal owners living within a 25-kilometre radius of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus can look forward to more services from the institution’s animal hospital.

The Dale Bieghle Animal Health Hospital, as it is formally known, is…

New discovery lands NWU researcher a spot in top science publication

When magnetic fields and long strokes of hot gas known as jets interact, the jets become bent. This is an important discovery and, for his contribution to it, Prof James O Chibueze has earned a space in the prestigious research publication Nature.

NWU researcher excels in a male-dominated research area

Ntokozo Happy Msiza, a North-West University (NWU) researcher and PhD student in the subject group Animal Sciences, has broken new ground when she completed a MSc degree in pasture science, a scarce skill and male-dominated field of study.

When…

The link between industrial engineering and the agricultural sector

The agricultural industry is facing numerous and significant challenges.  To remain competitive and sustainable, it needs to find ways to constantly improve. 

Industrial engineering can address a number of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector,  but due to…

Government commits to find solutions for unemployed IKS graduates

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has expressed government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to find solutions to unemployment for graduates within the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) sector.

The Minister was speaking at a two-day virtual summit hosted by North-West…