FNAS

Decoding hidden signals of brown fat in obesity

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:59:04 +0000

Decoding hidden signals of brown fat in obesity

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/11/2025 - 14:59

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.

Dr Ziqubu recently graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry, with seven publications that came from his PhD. He led the study, which focused on brown adipose tissue (BAT), a special kind of fat. BAT is distinct from the obesogenic white adipose tissue (WAT) – known to store excess energy as fat.

BAT burns fat and produces signalling molecules known as batokines, which act like messengers for inter-organ communication and help to keep the body’s metabolic system running smoothly. But in people living with obesity and type 2 diabetes, these signals appear to go off.

“I wanted to understand how batokines change during obesity and if natural compounds and flavanoids found in plants, can help regulate their production,” says Dr Ziqubu.

Brown fat turns white as obesity progresses

Collaborating with scientists from, South African Medical Research Council and the University of KwaZulu Natal, Dr Ziqubu conducted both animal and cell-based experiments. He studied obese and diabetic mice of different ages, tracking body weight, blood sugar and insulin resistance over time. They also looked at the architecture of brown fat in these mice.

The results showed that as obesity progressed, brown fat began to resemble white fat, which is mainly for storing energy. This “whitening” of brown fat was linked to increased inflammation and reduced activity of thermogenic genes, which are usually responsible for burning energy.

In the laboratory, Dr Ziqubu used a brown fat cell line and exposed it to palmitic acid, a fatty acid common in high-fat diets. The cells began to store large fat droplets, mimicking the same kind of changes seen in WAT from the obese mice.

“I observed a progressive loss of the original function of brown fat and becoming more inflammatory with abnormal release of its signalling molecules,” says Dr Ziqubu.

Bringing plant flavonoids into the picture

Dr Ziqubu also measured the expression of several genes linked to glucose regulation, fat metabolism, nerve growth and inflammation. These included Glut-4, AdipoQ, and VegfA, genes known to play key roles in how the body handles sugar, fat and blood vessels.

In a published review by Dr Ziqubu and team, literature suggests that plant-based compounds may help normalise batokine activity and improve metabolism.

“There is growing interest in how natural flavonoids might support the regulation of brown fat function,” says Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje who supervised the study. “Our findings give a possible direction for future research on flavonoid-based therapies.”

As obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to rise in South Africa and globally, understanding how tissues like brown fat contribute to disease progression could help identify new therapeutic strategies. The NWU-led team believes their model may be a useful tool in that search.

“We’re just beginning to uncover the full role of batokines,” says Dr Ziqubu. “But this work adds to the growing body of evidence that they are key players in metabolic health.”

This study was presented in prestigious international conferences, including Biomolecular Horizons 2024 Congress in Australia, 21st International Congress of Endocrinology in the United Arab Emirates, and the Mitochondrial Physiology - from Organelle to Organism Congress in Denmark. For this work, Dr Ziqubu became one of the outstanding PhD candidates globally to be awarded Young Scientific Program 2024 in Australia.

Dr Khanyisani Ziqubu and his PhD promoter Prof Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje.

New species of rain frog, Breviceps batrachophiliorum, discovered

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:53:59 +0000

New species of rain frog, Breviceps batrachophiliorum, discovered

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/09/2025 - 07:53

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.

Professor Louis du Preez of the North-West University (NWU) led the discovery, drawing on his long and distinguished career as a herpetologist. The breakthrough came thanks to three passionate frog enthusiasts: Nick Evans, Dylan Leonard, and Cormack Price. They set out on a mission to spot and document every frog in Prof du Preez’s field guide. One night after some heavy rain, they set out to find the elusive Bilbo’s rain frog (Breviceps bagginsi), named after Bilbo Baggins, from The Lord of the Rings, who also lived in a hole in the ground. When they found what they believed to be a Bilbo’s rain frog, they sent a photograph and an accompanying call recording to Prof du Preez.

“There was something curious,” recalls Prof du Preez. “I thought they had mixed up the images and the sounds. But when I pointed this out, they sent a video, and that’s when I realised that we were looking at a new species.”

What followed was a meticulous analysis process, detailed in the African Journal of Herpetology. The team employed an integrative approach, blending morphology, genetics and, crucially, bioacoustics. The frog’s call, a vital identifier in such a visually cryptic genus, diverged sharply from those of its closest relatives. Genetically, it showed a 7.5% difference in mitochondrial 16S rRNA compared to Breviceps verrucosus. This clear signal indicated that this frog was not only new to science but also worthy of its own species status.

Though short-limbed, round-bodied, and earth-toned, B. batrachophiliorum is far from plain. Its eardrum is unusually visible, a rare feature among its kin, and the position of its mouth sets it apart from B. verrucosus. In acoustic terms, its calls are shorter, faster, and more frequent than those of similar species. Such subtleties are crucial in frog courtship and therefore in species recognition.

Prof du Preez and his co-authors, E.C. Netherlands and L.R. Minter, also stress the importance of this discovery for conservation. With an occupancy area of just 1 108 km², this frog's habitat is largely restricted to three types of mistbelt grassland in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Although some populations occur within protected areas such as the Clairmont Nature Reserve, the species’ limited range raises concerns about its vulnerability to habitat destruction and climate change.

This tale is about more than just taxonomy. It is also a cautionary tale about the fragility of ecological knowledge. The new frog was once misidentified as Bilbo’s rain frog

(Breviceps bagginsi), a mistake with far-reaching consequences. The description of the new species means that Bilbo’s rain frog is now only known to exist in one population in a highly transformed area, and as a result its conservation status jumped to Critically Endangered. With the correction in place, the true distribution range of both species can be assessed more accurately. This is a small but vital victory for conservation science.

Importantly, the discovery highlights a broader trend. Since 2000, over a third of Breviceps species have been described, a surge largely driven by advances in molecular biology and acoustic analysis. South Africa, with its rich and still unfolding biodiversity, is at the heart of this amphibian renaissance.

Ultimately, Breviceps batrachophiliorum is more than just another new name in a long list. It serves as a reminder that discovery still hides in plain sight, and that with enough passion, patience and a bit of rain, even the quietest calls can be heard.

Breviceps batrachophiliorum

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:11:44 +0000

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:11

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.

Held on 9 May at the Kleinbosch venue in Potchefstroom, this year’s awards brought together students, faculty, alumni and industry sponsors to acknowledge achievements in actuarial science, quantitative risk management and business analytics. The event aimed to highlight the programme’s role in preparing students for data-driven decision-making in various sectors.

The awards focused on students’ ability to apply mathematical models and research to real-world industry challenges, and how they bridge theory and practice through industry-directed projects, research components and professional development.

The event was made possible through the continued sponsorship from and collaboration with leading companies such as Investec, Absa and data solutions provider SAS. These partnerships play a role in supporting the development of technical skills among students and advancing the impact of data science in financial and business environments.

As part of its ongoing investment in future professionals, the CBMI reaffirmed its commitment to producing graduates equipped for analytical roles across sectors that rely on quantitative insight.

2025 BMI prestige award winners

· Best first-year project: Wian Landman

· Best third-year BMI student – Vanderbijlpark Campus: Venuschka Kloppers

· Best third-year BMI student – Potchefstroom Campus: Magdalena Johanna Gonin

· Best BMI honours BA student: Zandile Gertrude Madondo · Best BMI honours Quantitative Risk Management (QRM) student: Leasha Louwrens

· Best BMI honours actuarial student: Martin Marius Landman

· Best industry-directed research project: Maroché Viljoen

· Best MSc BMI student: Johan Adam Rossouw

Congratulations to the 2025 BMI prestige award winners!

Nuwe boek ondersoek die verskuilde wêreld van waterparasiete

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:05:50 +0000

New book explores the hidden world of aquatic parasites

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/04/2025 - 15:21

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.

Together Prof Smit and Prof Sures have bridged the gap between how we understand aquatic parasites and their role in our ecosystem. The method followed in this book is what sets it apart, as it investigates parasites as essential components of aquatic habitats rather than disregarding them as merely disease-causing nuisances.

The 23 chapters walk readers through the amazing complexity of parasite life cycles, demonstrating how these organisms influence everything from the dynamics of large ecosystems to the health of individual fish. By fusing cutting-edge tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) and stable isotope analysis with traditional ecological information, the book fills a significant gap in the current literature. The most recent findings and developments in aquatic parasitology are presented by 52 internationally recognised writers, including co-editor Prof Sures, five NWU extraordinary professors, four NWU professors and five NWU postdoctoral associates. Their work is presented in three well-organised sections, each focusing on different areas of the field.

According to Prof Smit, the book is more than just an academic work. “The book is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex interactions between aquatic parasites and their environments,” he said. “Their implications go far beyond sciences, they touch on medicine, conservation, and how we think about ecosystem health.”

The reaction to the book has been remarkable, as it was downloaded over 28 000 times in its first week of release, demonstrating its popularity and global reach. This highlights the standing of the NWU and the University of Duisburg-Essen as pioneers in the field of aquatic parasitology research.

Whether you are a student or researcher, or are interested in the hidden workings of aquatic ecosystems, this book provides a novel viewpoint on an intriguing topic. Through funding from the NWU the book is available as an open access resource and you can access and download the book at: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-83903-0.

Prof Bernd Sures (left) and Prof Nico Smit (right) celebrate the publication of their collaborative work on aquatic parasitology.

The cover of the book Aquatic Parasitology, which examines the ways in which parasites influence aquatic life.

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

MOIRA MULLER — Thu, 29 May 2025 10:16:52 +0000

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

by Bertie Jacobs

MOIRA MULLER Thu, 05/29/2025 - 12:16

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

Frogs, snakes and lizards rarely take centre stage in the worlds of language policy and biodiversity, but then again, South Africa is no ordinary place. A new study published in the African Journal of Herpetology offers a compelling insight into how indigenous knowledge and scientific taxonomy can coexist to make conservation truly inclusive and effective.

The study, titled Naming South African frogs and reptiles in nine indigenous languages, is a multilingual feat led by Dr Fortunate Phaka of the North-West University (NWU), alongside collaborators from Belgium and across South Africa. It addresses a significant yet overlooked issue in South African science: the near-total absence of frogs and reptiles named in the country's nine official indigenous languages.

The problem is more than linguistic. Scientific names, which are often in Latin or Greek, are intended to be consistent across the globe, but they are largely incomprehensible to the local communities who live among the species and who are often central to their conservation. This disconnect can be more than a minor inconvenience, it can result in miscommunication, poor policy implementation, and a general lack of public engagement with biodiversity efforts.

Phaka's research is groundbreaking in both scope and intent. Using online surveys, social media outreach and field interviews, the team compiled a list of over 4 800 indigenous names for all 543 species of frogs and reptiles officially recognised in South Africa, extending the names originally used to group multiple species together. These names span the country’s linguistic diversity and include languages such as isiZulu, Xitsonga, isiNdebele and Tshivenda. Where no specific name for a species existed, the researchers created new names based on familiar descriptive traits, as scientists do with newly discovered organisms.

Why does this matter? Firstly, it makes conservation more accessible. People are far more likely to protect things they can name, especially if those names are rooted in their own language and cultural understanding. For example, a Xitsonga speaker may not relate to the scientific name Ptychadena anchietae, but the name “Mabhruku”, inspired by the frog’s long legs and springy leap, may inspire a different kind of curiosity and care.

Moreover, the research reveals that indigenous naming systems often reflect an intuitive ecological logic. For instance, the Xhosa and Zulu words Ixoxo and Isele group frogs based on the texture of their skin. While not strictly scientific, this classification still captures a meaningful distinction. This folk taxonomy often aligns with scientific classifications at higher taxonomic levels (family or genus), though rarely at the species level. The mismatch, or “under-differentiation”, as the authors describe it, is not due to a lack of insight, but rather reflects the observational priorities of communities whose engagement with these animals is shaped by cultural, utilitarian or ecological familiarity.

The implications stretch beyond taxonomy into social justice and language policy. South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science, a space still dominated by English and, to a lesser extent, Afrikaans. As Phaka argues, including indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic. It enables speakers of these languages to engage with conservation as informed contributors rather than passive recipients. In short, it is a step towards epistemic equity.

The fact that this project emerged from a collaboration between the North-West University and international institutions such as Hasselt University speaks to the global relevance of local knowledge. While the frogs and reptiles are mostly endemic to South Africa, the model of integrating folk and formal taxonomies and embedding local languages in scientific discourse is exportable. Countries ranging from Brazil to Pakistan have grappled with similar issues, and Phaka’s work could serve as a valuable template.

There is still work to be done. Why do some species have names, while others don’t? What role do cultural taboos, visibility, and perceived usefulness play in shaping folk taxonomy? These are questions for future research. In the meantime, however, the simple act of naming a frog, lizard or snake in a language that has endured generations is a profound act of cultural and scientific synthesis.

Ultimately, it turns out that what you call a frog does matter. Especially when that name could be the key to saving the species.

• Dr Fortunate Phaka can be contacted at 071 463 6065 and mafetap@gmail.com.

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 27 May 2025 06:04:38 +0000

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/27/2025 - 08:04

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.

The event on 24 May brought together mathematicians, students and former colleagues to reflect on the remarkable contributions of Prof Moori, an international expert in finite group theory and the founding head of the Mathematics Department at the then University of Bophuthatswana – now the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

With more than 150 published academic papers and decades of mentorship under his belt, Prof Moori has shaped the field of algebra in South Africa. He has supervised 25 postgraduate students and nine postdoctoral researchers, and played a crucial role in developing the department that continues to thrive today.

According to Prof Thekiso Seretlo, deputy chair of the subject group Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, the timing of the conference was no coincidence. “This was not just about honouring his academic contributions – we also wanted to celebrate his 80th birthday.”

Prof Moori came to South Africa in 1983 to help establish the maths department at the then University of Bophuthatswana. “After he retired from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I spoke to Prof Dan Kgwadi (late vice-chancellor of the NWU) and asked him to bring Prof Moori back to Mahikeng. We held a celebration for his birthday in 2015, and now, even though he resides in England, we felt it was important to recognise his legacy again.”

The return to Mahikeng was deeply emotional for Prof Moori. “It is very important for me, especially as this conference is in Mahikeng. I was the first head of department. I built the maths department when late Bophuthatswana President Lucas Mangope was here. I produced a lot of students here – even the late vice-chancellor Prof Dan Kgwadi. It brings back a lot of good memories and I’m really proud that I contributed to algebra in South Africa.”

Now living in England with his family, Prof Moori’s influence continues to resonate in academic institutions. The conference served not only as a tribute to his mathematical legacy, but also as a celebration of a life dedicated to knowledge, mentorship and building academic excellence from the ground up.

Attendees of the Mathematics conference in honour of Prof Jamshid Moori.

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 26 May 2025 13:27:31 +0000

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

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/26/2025 - 15:27

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.

Born at the University of Lincoln in 2018 as the Research Arcade, Arcademia began as a simple idea to let students create digital games and share them with others. But it quickly became something more. Today, it is a fully fledged platform where students and staff co-design original games, showcased on custom-built arcade machines across the Lincoln campus.

“By 2025, Arcademia has evolved into a vibrant digital ecosystem with multiple arcade cabinets, a desktop launcher and a growing library of student-made games built on platforms ranging from WebGL to native desktop frameworks. It is playful, yes – but it is also powerful. A tool for engagement, creativity, and real-world learning,” says Dr Lance Bunt, senior lecturer in the School of Computer Science and Information Systems at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Now, the NWU is gearing up to bring Arcademia to life on South African soil. Plans are in motion to install arcade cabinets across all three NWU campuses, creating exciting new spaces where students can learn, interact and experiment across disciplines.

Professor Estelle Taylor, director of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems (SCSIS) explains, “Arcademia at the NWU is about more than just games. It is about access, opportunity and using technology to break down barriers. Inspired by the success of a similar initiative in Lincoln, the NWU aims to use these installations to foster local game development, host game jams, and create opportunities for underprivileged young people to engage with digital technologies in a fun and meaningful way.”

At its core, this collaboration is a celebration of what happens when education, creativity, and technology come together. Arcademia is not just a project – it is a shared commitment between the NWU and the University of Lincoln to rethink what learning can be.

“It also aligns perfectly with the NWU’s broader goals of promoting student mobility, academic exchange and innovation in sustainable, tech-driven education,” says Dr William van Blerk, senior lecturer and subject chair at the School of Computer Science and Information Systems on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Through Arcademia, the two institutions are quite literally building a bridge – between campuses, countries, and communities. As the NWU prepares to launch its first Arcademia

cabinets, excitement is building. Students and staff alike are looking forward to a new kind of learning space – one where curiosity, collaboration and creativity take centre stage.

With this partnership, the NWU and the University of Lincoln are not just reimagining education. They are making it more inclusive, more engaging, and a whole lot more interactive.

This initiative would not have been possible without the support of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) funded International Hybrid Teaching Mobility project, which is dedicated to provide a platform for academics as university teachers to create international teaching partnerships for teaching development. Dr Marieta Jansen van Vuuren, Project Leader for the International Hybrid Teaching Mobility collaborations, explains: “The CTL supports and facilitates internationalisation activities through a professional development strategy with a focus on internationalisation that can create global opportunities to develop a future-ready university teacher who can guide and facilitate learning to prepare future-ready graduates. Collaborations such as Arcademia create an atmosphere of intellectual excitement, through the promotion of scholarly work on teaching and learning to capture and foster reflective practice and innovation that shapes global awareness and intercultural collaboration for both university teachers and students alike.”

Uninvited winter guests: why green stinkbugs are taking over your home

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 22 May 2025 08:36:02 +0000

Uninvited winter guests: why green stinkbugs are taking over your home BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/22/2025 - 10:36

By Gofaone Motsamai

The unusual presence of green stinkbugs in offices, homes and public buildings is no cause for concern, according to Professor Johnnie van den Berg from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University (NWU).

“There have been surges in the numbers of many pest and non-pest insects over the last two to three months. This is ascribed to the good rains that were experienced over most of the region,” says Prof van den Berg. He explains that when rainfall is abundant, the host plants of herbivorous insects become more widespread, increasing their chances of survival into adulthood.

Stinkbugs, including the Nezara viridula species, commonly known as the southern green stinkbug, feed on a wide variety of plants. This, together with the lush environments found after good rains, boosts their ability to reproduce and survive. While their sudden appearance indoors may be unsettling, Prof van den Berg says they pose no direct or indirect health risks to humans.

“It is only when you aggravate them or touch them that they may emit a bad odour, which is aimed at scaring off predators. The incidence of humans showing allergic reactions to such emitted chemicals is believed to be extremely low,” he says.

Prof van den Berg adds that although stinkbugs can affect crops such as soybeans and vegetables, their presence in residential or commercial buildings is mostly harmless. As winter temperatures begin to set in, these bugs are expected to disappear naturally.

“It is relatively common for certain insects like Nezara viridula to start aggregating during the colder months of the year. Ladybirds are also known to do this. These bugs move to more favourable environments, such as homes, where it is warmer and there is no frost.”

No insecticide application is necessary, as these aggregations are temporary and unlikely to lead to reinfestation. “The best thing to do is to sweep them up or off the roof, or out of the corners, and throw them outside,” advises Prof van den Berg

Professor Johnnie van den Berg

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 21 May 2025 09:35:48 +0000

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/21/2025 - 11:35

Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are threatening crop production across Southern Africa. A groundbreaking discovery by a North-West University (NWU) researcher could pave the way for stronger, more resilient crops capable of withstanding harsh weather and environmental stress.

Dr Moichwanetse Tsholofelo, who recently earned her PhD in biology, led the study which identified a unique plant protein that boosts stress resistance and helps plants maintain vital internal balance during extreme conditions.

Her research focused on molecules that help plants manage water, nutrients and stress signals. "We are looking at how plants communicate internally to survive under stress. Understanding these signals means we can potentially enhance their natural defences," Dr Tsholofelo says.

The research zeroed in on a protein called AtHNOX, found in Arabidopsis thaliana (mouse-eared cress), a widely studied plant species known for its genetic simplicity. Dr Tsholofelo demonstrated that this protein could produce two critical molecules, cAMP and cGMP, that are essential for helping plants cope with environmental challenges. These molecules function as messengers that regulate various processes, including water uptake, nutrient transport and stress response.

"For the first time, we have identified a plant protein that can generate both of these molecules. This dual function opens up new possibilities for crop improvement," she explains.

Specifically, AtHNOX contains two enzymes, adenylate cyclase (AC) and guanylate cyclase (GC), that give it the unique capability to enhance how plants manage stress, particularly under conditions such as drought or soil salinity.

She also tested the protein's ability to protect against salt and oxidative stress in prokaryotic expression system. The results suggest that AtHNOX could provide similar protective benefits in plants, making it a promising target for agricultural innovations aimed at climate resilience. The protective AtHNOX benefits indicated are stress responses such as drought and oxidative stress tolerance

Looking ahead, Dr Tsholofelo believes this discovery could inform new agricultural strategies to protect crops against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. "We now have a molecular blueprint that could help plants survive environmental shocks. This is just the beginning.”

About the researcher

Dr Moichwanetse Tsholofelo was born in Borakalalo village in the North West Province and completed her schooling in Mahikeng. She holds a BSc degree in biology and chemistry and an MSc and PhD in biology from the NWU. Her research focuses on plant biochemistry and molecular biology, with a particular interest in enhancing crop resilience to climate stress.

Recent PhD graduate Dr Tsholofelo Moichwanetse’s discovery could pave the way for stronger, more resilient crops capable of withstanding harsh weather and environmental stress

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:55:21 +0000

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/19/2025 - 08:55

Dr Elvis Moyo has fought his way to victory on the mats – and now he's done the same in the classroom. The South African Jiu-Jitsu champion has earned a PhD in applied radiation sciences from North-West University (NWU).

Dr Moyo received his doctorate during a graduation ceremony at the NWU's Mahikeng Campus on 9 May 2025.

His immersion in martial arts began at the age of five and grew after reading about Moses Radebe, a South African champion and NWU alumnus who competed in World Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Brazil. "After I read an article about Moses Radebe, I wanted to learn more about the sport," says Dr Moyo.

His dedication paid off, earning him a place in the national team after winning a gold medal at the South African National Championships in 2018. The following year he secured two gold medals at the 2019 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in South Africa, where he was named the best fighter.

In 2023, he represented South Africa and the NWU at the Morganti Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Recife, Brazil, where he took home a bronze medal in the stand-up fighting category. He narrowly missed a podium finish in the grappling category, placing fourth.

Dr Moyo’s academic ethos displays the same level of discipline and attention to detail as he shows in sport. His PhD research focused on analysing uranium ore samples from South African mines using advanced techniques such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

This work identified the unique chemical signatures of uranium ores, contributing to nuclear forensics and security.

Reflecting on his life experiences, Dr Moyo says that Jiu-Jitsu not only shaped his competitive spirit but also taught him resilience. "Jiu-Jitsu boosts your self-confidence and teaches you self-defence techniques, something everyone can benefit from."

With his PhD and continued success in Jiu-Jitsu, he is demonstrating that there are no limits to excellence. Sport and science go well together.

South African Jiu-Jitsu champion Dr Elvis Moyo recently earned a PhD in applied radiation sciences from the NWU.

FNAS

Decoding hidden signals of brown fat in obesity

New species of rain frog, Breviceps batrachophiliorum, discovered

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

Nuwe boek ondersoek die verskuilde wêreld van waterparasiete

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

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori

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

Uninvited winter guests: why green stinkbugs are taking over your home

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD