Children can spend hours on TikTok but struggle to read a book: Why schools must rebuild attention
There is growing frustration in South African classrooms. Around 80% of Grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning, even when they can recognise words. Many children no longer sustain reading in the way previous generations did. Ask them to work through a long passage and focus often fades within minutes. Yet these same children can spend hours […]
Unlock your future with STEM: Sasol 2027 bursary applications open
Sasol has opened applications for its Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. The programme, which funds full-time undergraduate studies in engineering and science, is one of the key ways that Sasol invests in South Africa’s youth and economy. The proudly South African chemicals and energy company is one of the country’s leading STEM employers, […]
Scientists identify main cause of extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
A key gene tied to hyperemesis gravidarum, an extreme form of vomiting in pregnancy, is also linked to a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes, scientists report. An extreme form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is linked to 10 genes, one of which is likely the main culprit behind the condition, according to the […]
South African professor building the fastest Internet in the world using quantum technology
A professor (PhD) at the University of the Witwatersrand’s physics department, Forbes describes a future where lasers transmit data at “thousands or millions of times the speed we have today.” Read more
Does the moon look the same from everywhere on Earth?
The moon’s orientation changes quite dramatically across time and between places, largely due to differences in perspective. Whether you’re watching a spectacular lunar eclipse or studying lunar features through a telescope, there are plenty of reasons to gaze at the moon. But does the moon look the same from everywhere on Earth?The short answer is no, astronomers told […]
Homo habilis is the earliest named human. But is it even human?
Between 2 million and 3 million years ago, humans appeared in Africa — but identifying them in the fossil record is turning out to be surprisingly difficult. For 60 years, the earliest known human species has also been one of the most mysterious. Homo habilis was added to our family tree in 1964. But it’s long been […]
Indigenous Knowledge Innovation Platform launched to support inclusive bioeconomy growth
UVU Bio, in partnership with the Regional Innovation Support Programme (RISP), hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has established a new Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Product Development Regional Innovation Platform spanning the Western and Eastern Cape. The platform, based on an innovation enablement model, is aimed at supporting indigenous knowledge holders and […]
Falling Walls Lab coming to Gauteng, South Africa
Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that positively impacts science and society. Details coming soon. Read more
South Africa’s open science policy at a glance
South Africa’s long-awaited open science policy was published this week, months after cabinet approved it in December. The policy makes open access compulsory for all research outputs arising from public funding. Researchers will be required to deposit work in open repositories, and institutions must have data management plans in place for every approved publicly funded project. […]
History of computers: Timeline of key events & technological breakthroughs
The history of computers began with primitive designs in the early 19th century and went on to change the world during the 20th century. Read more