article  // 18 Aug 2020

Women making a difference through technology

Two University of Cape Town (UCT) computer science honours students have carved out opportunities during COVID-19 by developing apps that will help benefit the community of Ocean View in Cape Town.  While the lockdown may have put paid to the
article  // 14 Aug 2020

Parasitic finches mimic their hosts to deceive foster parents

Research recently published in the journal Evolution shows that the nestlings of brood-parasitic finches mimic the appearance, sound and movements of their host’s chicks. Working in the savannas of Zambia, Dr Gabriel Jamie
article  // 22 Jul 2020

Three ways to secure the ocean’s survival

Humanity must change its relationship with the ocean, a shared global commons, to stave off a collapse of the world’s marine environment and resources, says a new paper, “A transition to sustainable ocean governance”, published in&nbs
article  // 20 Jul 2020

New species of plant discovered in Tokai Park

A new species of sedge, the Hidden Veldrush (Schoenus inconspicuus) which is listed as critically endangered, has been discovered in Tokai Park. The plant is currently known from fewer tha
article  // 13 Jul 2020

PhD researcher recreates 111-year-old fishing survey

PhDs are always a mountain to climb, says marine scientist and University of Cape Town (UCT) alumnus Dr Jock Currie. But recreating a demersal fisheries survey, first undertaken along the Agulhas Bank 111 years ago, was ambit
article  // 15 Jun 2020

New study finds more biodiversity in richer neighbourhoods

A unique global study has found that wealthier neighbourhoods in cities have more biodiversity in comparison to poorer ones – a pattern that scientists have called the ‘luxury effect’. However, this study found that this effect is far
article  // 15 Jun 2020

Six UCT researchers are ‘Science Oscars’ finalists

On 30 July 2020, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) will host its 22nd annual awards event in partnership with South32. This year, six researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) are among the finalists.  Emeritus Prof