Research

NWU harnesses ozone technology as cost-effective Covid-19 combatant

The North-West University’s (NWU's) researchers and innovators are working towards solutions to effectively destroy viruses, bacteria and fungi, including the Coronavirus, on a large scale. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage, fast-working, low-cost disinfection solutions are essential in tackling the crisis. The NWU has taken up this challenge by revisiting a patent that was filed years ago for producing ozone.

Submitted on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 12:23

Getting the Constitution to work for street traders

While the informal economy is lifting hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty, several municipal by-laws hinder the growth of their businesses, and – to some extent – allow for the violation of their rights. A researcher from the North-West University (NWU) believes a possible solution for the protection and development of this sector lies in the Constitution.

Submitted on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 15:49

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 to investigate the impact of land-use change on soil bacterial communities and characteristics.

Submitted on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 15:28

Optentia is top of the POPS

Positive organisational psychology (POP) is a fast-growing field, and the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research focus area is among the top 10 in the world for publications and citations in this field.

What’s more, the top three POP researchers have had ties with Optentia, which stands for Enabling Optimal Expression of Individual, Social and Institutional Potential since 2002.

Submitted on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 12:52

Using management technology to ensure the constitutional right to water

Intelligent water management technologies could be the answer to some of South Africa’s water challenges. This is the view of Nicolene Steyn, one of the youngest PhD students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, who believes smart technologies could help ensure the right to water.

Her study, a desktop-based investigation of current sources, is the first to explore intelligent water management technologies and their potential to address legally relevant South African city-level water service delivery challenges.

Submitted on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 12:14

There’s more to wind and solar power than electricity

In the past decade, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have made some inroads in supplying “green” energy to the country’s power grid. To be self-sustainable with the use of renewable electricity, methods of energy storage are required, as solar and wind are naturally fluctuating and not constant sources of energy.

Submitted on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 11:43

Study shows 45% of young graduates consider themselves to be underemployed

After years of the proverbial blood, sweat and tears that go into studying, most graduates cannot wait to start their careers. With unemployment in South Africa as high as it is currently, getting your dream job is not always guaranteed. While many qualified graduates are able to find employment, some end up underemployed.

Dr Precious Mncayi, a lecturer from the School of Economic Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), conducted a PhD study titled “An analysis of underemployment among young people in South Africa: The case of university graduates”.

Submitted on Fri, 06/11/2021 - 11:51

University collaboration reaches promising Covid-19 vaccine results

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the North-West University (NWU) jointly announced "very promising first results" from preclinical trials on a new Covid-19 vaccine candidate on Tuesday, 8 June. 

The WSU Medical School has a rich history of producing quality medical doctors and nurses for the South African and international health systems. The NWU, on the other hand, has over the years established a strong reputation in drug development and research, as well as in the training of healthcare professionals.  

Submitted on Tue, 06/08/2021 - 11:16