Natural and Agricultural Sciences

SPCS in Action: Connecting academia and industry in science

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) will host its highly anticipated SPCS in Action event on 25 and 26 September 2024 at the Mahikeng Campus.

With the theme “Connecting academia and industry through science”, this event seeks to enhance collaboration between the scientific education and industrial sectors, providing a valuable platform for students, academics and professionals to engage with industry leaders.

Submitted on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 12:27

Prof Bismark makes his expert voice heard during Nuclear Energy Summit

The Ministry of Electricity and Energy hosted its Nuclear Energy Summit on 12 September at River Meadow Manor in Irene, Pretoria, and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof Bismark Tyobeka, made his expert voice heard.

The theme of the summit was “Enhancing Nuclear Technology for Sustainable Development in South Africa”.

Submitted on Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:12

Raising awareness for clean water and a sustainable future

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) , together with the Water Research Group, the Safety, Health and Environment Department and the Green Team, celebrated International Water Week from 26 to 30 August in Potchefstroom.

The Zoology subject group of FNAS organised three community engagement activities to raise awareness of the importance of clean water and sustaining water sources for the future. This included a river clean-up at the Trimpark, a Fish Day at Vyfhoek Primary School, and a citizens Science Shop.

Submitted on Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:49

Endless opportunities at the NWU’s Centre for Space Research

The observable part of our universe is 93 billion light years in diameter and growing. It holds secrets accumulated over 13.8 billion years of interstellar expansion, cosmic explosions, and the fusion of matter that has shaped all that is known and all that isn’t. These are numbers that the mind struggles to comprehend. Just think of the research opportunities that await.

Submitted on Mon, 09/09/2024 - 11:53

Tanzanian spray toad extinction highlights the need to protect biodiversity

When a species becomes extinct in the wild, the loss is permanent. For Africa, a serious loss is the extinction of the Tanzanian Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) due to habitat change and infectious disease.

This should serve as a wakeup call for policy makers to prioritise and implement conservation measures for endangered species.

Submitted on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:39

Academic selected as Top Young Scientist

Dr Moleboheng Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education at the North-West University (NWU), has been recognised as one of South Africa’s Top 60 Young Scientists.

This recognition is awarded by the South African Young Academy of Science, in collaboration with the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation, and the National Research Foundation.

Submitted on Mon, 09/02/2024 - 09:28

African herb and nanotechnology combine for “amazing” results

Maize seeds quickly germinate and become thriving seedlings when primed with fertiliser made from nanoparticles extracted from an indigenous African herb, impepho.

This potent herb (helichrysum odoratissimum), also known as kooigoed and African sage, is at the centre of the research of Dr Bongiwe Dhlamini-Zungu, a recent PhD graduate in chemistry from the North-West University (NWU). Her study focused on developing nano-engineered, environmentally friendly fertilisers designed to boost crop yields with reduced inputs.

Submitted on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:39

Pioneering South Africa's circular economy

Gone are the days of the throwaway economy. Environmental scientists and pioneers like Prof Linda Godfrey of the North-West University (NWU) are leading the charge towards a thriving circular economy.

With over 20 years dedicated to studying the waste sector, Prof Godfrey has observed the unsustainability of the traditional linear economy model, characterised by extraction, production, consumption, and disposal. She argues that this model has severe environmental and health impacts and advocates a shift to a circular economy.

Submitted on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:10