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The DRC opposition failed at the 11th hour to unite behind presidential candidate Martin Fayulu (centre). (Junior Kannah/AFP)

How biobanks can help improve the integrity of scientific research

Most biobanks, whether small or large, have high quality assurance and control measures in place

Countries, particularly on the African continent, need to provide the resources for scientific research aimed at resolving problems such as those brought about by climate change and poverty. (Alaister Russell/Gallo Images/Sowetan)

Scientific research is SA’s future

The number of researchers is growing but R&D needs far more investment

We want to promote Africa as a science-intent continent— Naledi Pandor

Science Forum South Africa continues to be the only science forum of its kind for the country and the continent

Study paves the way for Karoo lamb to join the ranks of tequila, champagne and Kobe

Research from Stellenbosch University has shown that grazing on fragrant Karoo plants gives lamb a regional taste.

What started as a bizarre press release touting a “potential HIV cure” has gone viral leading media houses all over the world to lash out over firm Zion Medical’s latest claims.

Move over, Mr Einstein

One thing was clear at the Next Einstein Forum: Africa’s scientists are finding local solutions to the continent’s problems.

Protons are kryptonite to super material graphene

Graphene is impermeable to gases and liquids, but has no defense against protons, a study finds. This could revolutionise fuel cells.

India’s cricket captain MS Dhoni.

It lives (almost): A fake brain is born

Scientists have built a tissue replica of our cognitive centre in the hope of decoding how this complex organ works.

Scientist-activist James Hansen joins a protest to highlight the dangers of climate change in Coventry

Climate change debate in decline

Global warming denialists once dined out on unscientific climate change studies, but consensus is now rising.

The summit was recommended in the 2010 ministerial review into the science

Sci-tech summit moves towards co-ordinating research in SA

Speakers at the country’s first ever science and technology summit say co-ordinated science research is vital to address poverty in South Africa.

A passion for research

A passion for research

Inspiration from germinating a bean in cotton wool led Ethel Phiri to pursue a career in environmental science.

A worker at the Harare tobacco market in Zimbabwe runs a quality check. Photograph: Nadine Hutton

Don’t smoke it, put it in a pill

A Zimbabwean scientist is developing a cheaper rabies vaccine made from tobacco leaves.

Leaving the lab

Why are women researchers so much more likely than their male colleagues to opt out of an academic career? Jessica Shepherd reports.

Countries unite on health research

Ministers from across the developing world say they want to take control of their own health research agendas.

Where is the research driven by Africans?

Dr Pearl Sithole argues that the stunted rate of transformation in producing academic research needs to be critically addressed.

Science in South Africa

Lecture series to look at the relationship between science and society under colonial and post-colonial times.

Capturing Africa’s tree DNA

Researchers from the University of Johannesburg are at the forefront of a new database.

Funding for science research diverted

A plan to boost SA’s scientific research has taken a knock, after the Science and Technology Department failed to secure R180-million in funding.