FNAS

New southern African frog app is making a splash

It is late at night and above you stretches the vast expanse of the Southern African sky that stretches to eternity. You are alone with your thoughts, or at least you think you are. Suddenly, your senses are jolted awake by an unexpected sound. You look around, but see nothing. Then you hear it again: “Ribbit-ribbit… ribbit-ribbit…” You take out your phone – it’s time to discover who your companion is.

Submitted on Tue, 07/01/2025 - 13:38

Decoding hidden signals of brown fat in obesity

When brown fat cells start sending the wrong signals, the body’s energy balance can shift in unexpected ways, which is bad news for people living with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Dr Khanyisani Ziqubu, a PhD student from the North-West University (NWU), set out to investigate how brown fat behaves in obesity and whether plant-based compounds might help steer it back on track.

Submitted on Wed, 06/11/2025 - 14:59

New species of rain frog, Breviceps batrachophiliorum, discovered

In the damp, grassy slopes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, an unassuming amphibian has leapt into the scientific spotlight. Named Breviceps batrachophiliorum – Latin for ‘frog-loving people’ – this newly described species of rain frog is a triumph of taxonomy and a compelling example of the intersection of citizen science and academic rigour.

Submitted on Mon, 06/09/2025 - 07:53

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

Data is the new gold in the digital age and data-driven decision-making is widely used in sectors from banking and finance to the law and telecommunications.

The North-West University (NWU) Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI), which is highly regarded across data-driven industries, hosted the 2025 Business Mathematics and Informatics (BMI) Prestige Awards to honour students whose academic performance and industry-focused research stood out across its BMI programme.

Submitted on Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:11

New book explores the hidden world of aquatic parasites

On Friday, 16 May, a significant contribution to environmental science was made with the release of a new book, Aquatic Parasitology – Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites. Co-edited by Prof Nico Smit from the North-West University (NWU) and Prof Bernd Sures from the University of Duisburg-Essen, the book takes a deep dive into the overlooked role of parasites in aquatic ecosystems.

Submitted on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 15:21

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

  • Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation

  • People are far more likely to protect what they can name

  • South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science

  • The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic

 

Submitted on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 12:16

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori

Phenyo Mokgothu and Keaoleboga Motshabi

“I built this department from the ground up – and now I return to see the seeds have grown into a forest.” These were the heartfelt words of Prof Jamshid Moori as the North-West University (NWU) celebrated his legacy and his 80th birthday during a special mathematics conference held in his honour at the Mahikeng Campus.

Submitted on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 08:04

NWU and University of Lincoln bring game-based learning to life with Arcademia

In an exciting move that promises to reshape how we think about education, the North-West University (NWU) has joined hands with the University of Lincoln in the UK to bring Arcademia, a dynamic, game-based learning initiative, to South Africa.

This collaboration stems from a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in November 2023. At the heart of this partnership lies a shared belief: that learning can be innovative, hands-on and even ... fun.

Submitted on Mon, 05/26/2025 - 15:27