FNAS

Astronomy is the name of the game in global contest for 'quasi-moon'

Astronomy enthusiasts from nearly 100 countries have submitted thousands of suggestions for the naming of a rare celestial body. The task of narrowing this down to the top 10 possible names has been entrusted to an international panel of experts, one of whom is Prof Thebe Medupe, an astronomer and academic at the North-West University (NWU).

Submitted on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 14:23

Research examines the need for regional policy in the Southern African Development Community

Creating and executing supranational regional policies is a critical first step in preparing regions to become core players on the global stage. Such policies seek to modernise and restructure a region’s foundations, promote sustainable development across borders and address economic and social inequalities.

Submitted on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 08:43

Replacing antibiotics in chicken feed with fulvic acid could satisfy farmers and consumers

Chicken farmers in underprivileged communities are battling to contain feed costs while meeting growing consumer demand. An NWU master’s student has been exploring a potentially win-win solution.

Keamogetswe Constance Mokubung recently earned her master's degree in animal science under the guidance of Prof Upenyu Marume. Her research focused on the effects of incorporating fulvic acid into broiler diets in place of antibiotic growth promotants, specifically examining its potential impact on growth performance, health and meat quality.

Submitted on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 08:28

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