Quantum effects make distant objects move together: new research finds this may happen with ripples in space: An illustration of two black holes orbiting each other. Eventually they will merge, producing gravitational waves. Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library/Getty Images Galaxies, planets, black holes: to most people, everything about our Universe sounds and feels enormous. But while …
Rape is still rape even if you’re married – report finds some South African men don’t believe it is: Sexual violence, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), includes any sexual act or attempt to obtain sex through coercion, regardless of the relationship between the parties. This encompasses rape, unwanted sexual touching, and non-contact …
Why pay tax? African study finds trust in government is key: Taxes are important. They’re a primary way in which governments fund essential services like healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection programmes. They are vital to the economic development of countries. In sub-Saharan African countries, the need for public services is great and fiscal resources …
What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think: We all admire wise people, don’t we? Whether it’s a thoughtful teacher, a compassionate doctor, or an elder in the community, we recognise wisdom when we see it. But have you ever thought about …
Your wig could be poisoning you: study finds pesticides and other toxic chemicals in synthetic hair in Nigeria: Well-groomed hair is a symbol of beauty for many black African women. Natural hair requires special care and attention, though, which can be time consuming. Wigs (human or synthetic hair), weave-ons and other artificial hair extensions offer …
South Africa: Gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto’s water and soil – study finds food gardens are at risk: For 140 years, gold mines in Johannesburg, South Africa have been leaking wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The acid mine drainage from Johannesburg’s estimated 278 abandoned mines and 200 mine dumps includes uranium (a radioactive metal), …
Most expectant mothers miss out on vitamins important for their health and their baby’s, study finds: Certain micronutrients are important for the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy. Dragana Gordic/ Shutterstock Our bodies require many important vitamins and minerals in order to function well. B vitamins, for example, are particularly important for many …
Water crisis in South Africa: damning report finds 46% contamination, 67% of treatment works near to breaking down: A new report by South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation paints a grim picture of the quality of the country’s drinking water, and its water infrastructure. The Blue Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that …
Climate complacency: study finds even the most informed people would rather take the easy option: Energy efficient lightbulbs are useful – but more radical actions are available. New Africa / shutterstock It is often argued that all we need to do is raise awareness of a “global emergency” and rising eco-anxiety means individuals will “do …
Kola nut: from nanofertiliser to protecting metals from corrosion – our research finds new uses for the valuable plant: The kola nut tree is grown for its seed. The tree is indigenous to west Africa, where it is widely cultivated. It’s now also found in Asia, South America and the Caribbean. World production of kola …
Meteorite discovery: unusual finds by South African farmer add to space rock heritage: A digital composite of a meteor shower speeding towards Earth. Adastra Meteorites – fragments of rock that have fallen to Earth from space in spectacularly fiery meteors – have been the subject of public fascination, awe, myths and even religious worship for …
City watchdog finds no evidence for recent political ‘debanking’ – but private banks have been picky for centuries: Ex-politician Nigel Farage accused his bank of refusing his business because of his political views. Frank 2012/Shutterstock After a row over the closure of his bank account earlier this year, former politician Nigel Farage has hit out …
A Haunting in Venice – the Poirot film franchise finds its footing in this spooky murder mystery: Hercule Poirot, the world’s greatest and most particular detective, returns in Kenneth Branagh’s third outing as director and star. A Haunting in Venice is set in 1947, ten years after Poirot solved the case in Death on the …
Vegan diet has just 30% of the environmental impact of a high-meat diet, major study finds: Billion Photos / shutterstock We know that meat has a substantial impact on the planet, and that plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable. But exactly how much impact does the food we eat have on environmental outcomes and what …
AI finds drugs that could fight ageing and age-related diseases: Photoroyalty/Shutterstock Finding new drugs – called “drug discovery” – is an expensive and time-consuming task. But a type of artificial intelligence called machine learning can massively accelerate the process and do the job for a fraction of the price. My colleagues and I recently used …
Disney’s The Little Mermaid review: Ariel finally finds her feminist voice: Warning: the following article contains spoilers. I was brimming with nerves and excitement as I took my seat to watch Disney’s seventh live action princess film. As a Disney fan, their live action remakes help me revisit my childhood. But as a Disney scholar …
Millions of young South Africans are jobless: study finds that giving them ‘soft’ skills like networking helps their prospects: Study finds that soft rather than technical skills are more effective in getting rural youth jobs. GettyImages The fact that more than half of the South African population is under 30 years could be beneficial for …
Fairtrade: study finds premium label does not always benefit workers on South African wine farms: shutterstock Wine was first produced in South Africa as far back as the mid-1600s by Dutch colonisers who sold it to passing ships. The industry developed further during the colonial and apartheid eras and wine became an important part of …