Research News

3-D printing to improve life

Staff and students at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Engineering Faculty are in the process of giving the traditional way of manufacturing products a huge blow. They are now using their wide variety of world class three-dimensional printers.

According to CP Kloppers, a lecturer in mechanical engineering, the purpose of this…

Researcher is first in Africa to lead global hypertension society

Normal heart rates range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Anything above that means blood is racing at an alarming speed through your veins. One person whose blood is pumping with passion in the fight against a deadly health condition, hypertension, is Prof Alta Schutte.

Part of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Hypertension in…

NWU academic impress with judging skills during Undergraduate Awards

Prof Ravinder Rena’s expertise in education and undergraduate research is taking him places – to Dublin in Ireland to be exact.

In recognition of his diligent work and his expertise in education and undergraduate research, this North-West University (NWU) academic will be attending the Global Undergraduate Summit in Ireland as chair…

Celebrating the Groot Marico Biosphere Reserve

Over the years the North West University (NWU) has shown that it is not only dedicated to achieving academic excellence, but also to helping and developing the community and the environment.

The NWU, together with a number of other industry partners recently worked together to have the United Nations Educational, Scientific and…

Using indigenous knowledge for socio-economic growth

It would be a pity if we do not reap the fruit of the indigenous knowledge cultivated in our communities.

Fortunately the Department of Science and Technology (DST) committed itself to engaging government departments to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are incorporated in their policies and programmes.

By doing…

Caring connections enable resilience

“My teacher loves me.” “My social worker is like my mother, she cares.” “My neighbour cares for me; he doesn’t want me to go hungry.”

These quotes illustrate that caring connections matter for the resilience of South African adolescents facing chronic, unthinkable levels of hardship.

Prof Linda Theron’s research among young people has…

Having grit goes a long way

It is the year 2000. The share price of a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 company peaks at $90. Their recruitment strategy reads: Hire the best, fire the rest. At the time it seemed to work, only it didn’t. That company was Enron.

“Grit” is a positive, non-cognitive trait based on an individual’s perseverance - combined with a passion for a…

NWU parasitologist awarded for research excellence

Edward Netherlands is an inspiring researcher who is continuously challenging the boundaries of existing scientific knowledge. His most recent accolade vests him as one of the country’s most productive and innovative young male researchers.

During the annual National Research Foundation (NRF) Excellence Awards, Edward was awarded with the…

Cannabis judgment paves way for research development

The global discourse around cannabis prohibition has gained significant momentum over the course of the last 15 years. This is largely due to a growing realisation of the need for reform.

The historically dominant model of legislated prohibition is gradually being challenged by overwhelming evidence of its inefficacy.

On…

Varsity Netball: Must-win for NWU

The North-West University’s Varsity Netball team is looking to end the group stages of this years’ tournament on the same high as how they started. Coach Elsunet du Plessis’ team beat UJ 77-27 in their opening match and have since won four out of their six fixtures.

They currently occupy the fifth position on the overall log with…