Languages clash, blend and connect users across the North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus Updates Facebook Group, revealing how multilingualism drives communication in a digital student space.

Ontiretse Motingwa, an NWU graduate, led a study that examined how language choice, ethnicity and power relationships influence communication patterns on the NWU Mahikeng Campus Updates Facebook Group. The group, moderated by NWU students, functions as a platform where members post, comment and engage in various languages, including indigenous ones.

Feed costs are exceptionally high in the broiler chicken industry, prompting farmers and researchers alike to find ways to reduce the cost of feed without compromising bird health. Dr Makiwa Simeon Mthana, a North-West University (NWU) animal science graduate, has come up with a potential solution that uses mushroom biotechnology to enhance the nutritional utility of soyabean replacements.

Higher education, that sprawling landscape of lecture halls, research labs and late-night study sessions, is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. The Covid-19 pandemic shattered the status quo, pushing universities to rethink the way they engage with students and each other.

Tissue bioprinting and regenerative medicine are critical new frontiers in advancing human health. In partnership with a top Spanish researcher, the NWU has dramatically expanded its bioprinting research and innovation capabilities in its quest to find alternatives to animal testing and enhance personalised medicine.

Prof Amare Abebe, research director at the Centre for Space Research, was recently appointed as the new president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS). AfAS is the continent's primary professional body promoting astronomy research, education and outreach. It also plays a key role in positioning Africa as a global hub for astronomical excellence, driving innovation and inspiring future generations across the continent.

Musical theatre, a vibrant blend of song, dance and drama, has long been a playground for the audacious and the talented. Star and celebrity have always been a staple for glittering marquees of Broadway to the neon-lit stages of the West End, however this has in recent decades become a contentious issue as celebrity as a concept has undergone tremendous change. When looking to fill seats in theatres the phenomenon of casting TV and film stars has become a defining feature, sparking debates as intense as a show-stopping ballad.

Soil – humble, overlooked and often taken for granted – is one of the most vital resources on Earth. Yet, understanding its complex chemistry remains a scientific challenge, particularly in the vast, varied landscapes of South Africa.

Information Technology Security and music composition are not as far removed from each other as they might seem. Ask Bonolo Phiri, North-West University alumna.

Prof Ankit Katrodia, associate professor in the WorkWell research unit at the School of Management Sciences of the North-West University (NWU), recently undertook an enriching academic tour across Poland and Romania.

His participation in this European engagement was made possible through some of the external funding from the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies – Bucharest in Romania and reflects the growing commitment of the NWU to international collaboration and academic exchange.

Persons with disabilities in Malawi may be tuning in to community radio, but their political voices are not adequately covered.

A recent study led by Dr Muyanga Ziba has raised questions about the role of community radio in promoting the political participation of persons with disabilities in Malawi. Using Mzimba Community Radio Station as a case study, the research found that while general programming for people with disabilities exists, there is no dedicated content focused on political engagement.