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UP Research Matters

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UP Research Matters

Research news, views, and events from the University of Pretoria

03/10/2026

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE… A UP study spanning 29 sub-Saharan African countries has found that one in five children are exposed to to***co smoke at home – an overlooked risk to child growth. “This may be another factor that needs to be considered when we think about protecting children’s growth and development,” Prof Ute Feucht says. Read more: https://ow.ly/urWR50ZTVrQ

01/10/2026

Climate change is not a stand-alone challenge. It’s impact touches economies, communities and industries in complex ways. That’s why the leaders of tomorrow must be equipped with creativity, resilience, and the ability to think beyond conventional solutions. UP researchers Prof Barend Erasmus and Prof Derick de Jongh are committed to fostering the innovative mindset needed for a sustainable future.

For more, read the article ‘Leadership for sustainable futures’ issue 4 of UP’s ‘RESEARCH’ magazine: https://ow.ly/96Pj50ZT78i

29/09/2026

UP researchers in the Department of Economics undertook a study to examine the factors that shape and enhance citizens’ willingness to contribute to public goods, providing insights into civic participation and collective action.

Read more in the article ‘Greater good guides generosity’ in issue 1 of UP’s ‘ReSearch’ magazine: https://ow.ly/4RiF50ZSvKB

25/09/2026

THE GAP IN GLOBAL MEDICINE: UP researchers are looking to understand how genetics interacts with environment, nutrition and infection to make precision medicine work for all South Africans.

The country’s population is one of the most genetically diverse – yet most medical knowledge comes from studies on homogeneous European populations.

“Our genetic diversity allows researchers to observe how the manifestation of diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes and HIV is the result of multiple biological determinants, rather than a single one,” says Prof Michael Pepper of UP.

Read more: https://ow.ly/sX8w50ZRmXN

24/09/2026

In celebration of , UP researchers are celebrating the flavours, traditions and knowledge that make South Africa’s food culture so unique. Every dish carries a story of community, history and resilience. As lifestyles change, there is a growing need to keep these food traditions alive. Preserving our culinary heritage is about more than recording recipes. It is about sharing experiences that inspire pride, connection and a sense of belonging across generations.

Read more on the article ‘The flavours that bind us’ in issue 15 of UPs Research magazine. https://ow.ly/rwS050ZPGPh

22/09/2026

Watch: Dr Yisa Njowe of UPs Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences explains the science behind the colour change that happens when an apple is cut open.

19/09/2026

UP researchers are using hyperspectral sensing to detect root diseases in crops before visible symptoms appear. This technology analyses leaf reflectance across vast light spectrum, enabling early detection and sustainable disease control. By identifying issues early, farmers can reduce losses, protect livelihoods and promote food security.

Read more in issue 9 of UP’s ‘ReSearch’ magazine:
https://ow.ly/xEih50ZP36r

17/09/2026

READ ALL ABOUT IT! At UP, we’re in the business of doing research for real-world impact.

Find out what we’re up to in our labs, libraries and out in the field in ‘ReSearch’, our multimedia-rich magazine that details a cross-section of some of the research that we do. From finding solutions to pollution to exploring the metaverse, we’re on a mission to make a difference.
Visit https://ow.ly/6NNW50ZNM56

15/09/2026

Science by the numbers: the naked mole-rat queen's scent

• 351 naked mole-rats studied
• 771 chemical samples analysed
• 1 queen-enriched compound (IPM) identified
• 0 of 7 IPM-treated pairs became pregnant
• 5 of 6 untreated pairs became pregnant
• 12 weeks of social stability after the queen was removed
• 1 week before aggression emerged following withdrawal of the chemical

These findings, from research involving UP's Dr Daniel Hart and Professor Nigel Bennett, reveal how a scent-based chemical signal helps a naked mole-rat queen maintain reproductive and social control within her colony. Explore the infographic: https://ow.ly/p8yj50ZL9jh

12/09/2026

A naked mole-rat queen doesn't rule with a crown. She rules with a scent.

Researchers, including UP's Dr Daniel Hart and Prof Nigel Bennett, have identified a chemical produced by the queen that suppresses reproduction in other colony members.

When the queen was removed but her scent signal remained, the colony stayed stable. Once the treatment stopped, females began competing for the throne.

The findings offer new insights into how scent can influence reproductive hormones in mammals. Read more: https://ow.ly/88oI50ZL9cv

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