UP Research Matters

WORLD OCEANS DAY: UP researchers Dr Bharti Arora and Dr Els Vermulen emphasise the importance of safeguarding the well-being of whales in our increasingly changing oceans.

Read more in the article ‘Sentinels of our changing seas’ in issue 13 of UP’s ReSearch magazine. https://ow.ly/lU4t50Z8a4A

The ecological crisis calls for a fresh Christian response that avoids extremes like absolutism, pantheism or conflict. UP researcher Prof Johan Buitenberg advocates a new approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of God, humanity and the Earth while exploring diverse ecological perspectives across theology and science.
Read more in the article ‘Eco theology integrates heaven and earth’ in issue 8 of UP’s ReSearch magazine. https://ow.ly/HBIU50Z7vke

This , UP researcher Dr Abimbola Olowa emphasises the urgent need for environmental courts in South Africa. Re-establishing such specialised courts could significantly strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws.

Read more in the article ‘Why environmental justice needs a court; in issue 14 of UP’s ReSearch magazine: https://ow.ly/BllP50Z7vgq

Have you ever wondered what kind of potato is best suited to different dishes? Learn more here: https://ow.ly/z18y50Z4Lro

The rise in Africa’s research production is a positive development in tackling the continent’s key challenges. It provides policymakers with stronger insight to design and implement effective responses. UP’s South African SDG Hub plays a crucial role by improving access to high-impact research on the Sustainable Development Goals, supporting more informed and evidence-driven policymaking.

Read more in the article “SDG research aggregator” in issue 1 of UP’s ReSearch magazine: https://indd.adobe.com/view/546b52a9-9c8c-401f-bec7-837445f4614a

WORLD FOOTBALL DAY: UP research draws attention to the issue of abuse in sport. The researchers note that abuse may be perpetrated through different mechanisms, including contact-based interactions involving handling and physical closeness. Highlighting these risks is essential to fostering safe sporting environments, enabling participants to excel without fear of harm.
Read more in the article ‘Blood, sweat and fears’ in issue 10 of UP’s ReSearch magazine: https://ow.ly/z10t50Z3BBn

In a world grappling with climate change and food insecurity, researchers at the University of Pretoria are turning to a familiar staple to help shape the future. By developing iron-rich, drought-resilient beans through global collaboration and AI-driven science, they are proving that even the simplest crops can drive meaningful change.

Read more: https://ow.ly/csPE50Z2E1U

INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY: UP research comparing antioxidant levels in fruit, vegetables and tea against a standard 200mg vitamin C tablet found that tea delivers an equivalent antioxidant contribution. This finding reinforces tea’s value as part of a balanced dietary pattern.
Read more in the article ‘Fancy a cuppa? UP study finds tea to be as antioxidant-rich as fruit and veg’: https://ow.ly/ti9O50Z1BJI

WORLD BEE DAY: A breakthrough study conducted by the Department of Zoology and Entomology at UP sheds new light on the intricate dynamics within honeybee colonies. The research reveals that small hive beetles trapped inside a nest can entice worker bees into feeding them some of the most valuable nutritional resources available in the hive, including food typically allocated to the queen.

Read more in the article ‘Beetles use mimicry to fool bees into feeding them’: https://ow.ly/IS1n50Z1AI4

Growing evidence suggests that the use of artificial ligjts, particularly in rural African regions, can disrupt the biology and behaviour of multiple species. A UP study is examining how artificial light at night influences mosquito feeding frequency and biting times factors that directly affect disease transmission risk.

Read more in the article ‘A lightbulb moment’ in issue 2 of UP’s ReSearch magazine. https://ow.ly/Fe6350Z0s9j