Medical Research
latest news & developments
How the NWU is rethinking disease research to reduce animal testing
North-West University researchers are pioneering human-based 3D tissue models and organoids to better mimic human biology, accelerate drug discovery, and reduce reliance on…
Cost blocks public access to RSV protection for babies
High costs are preventing newly approved maternal vaccines and antibody treatments for RSV from entering South Africa's public healthcare system, leaving vulnerable infants…
HIV research: Professor screw it, let’s do it
Francois Venter talks about his unorthodox inaugural lecture, his work during the Aids crisis and his shoot-from-the-hip fix of our healthcare system
The US’s NIH funds R6.65 billion of research in South Africa
If all of its National Institutes of Health funding falls away, the country could lose 70% of its medical research capacity
The cancer clock: Early alarms reduce fatalities and novel cures give us time
The race to reduce the burden of cancer for all needs innovative approaches that bring multiple perspectives to bear on the challenge
Why medical research is leaving poor countries behind
Information is collected in wealthy countries and nine out of 10 people in low- and middle-income countries can’t get safe, affordable and timely surgery
Diabetes and cardiovascular risk research in previously disadvantaged communities
Data for Research Award
Brain implant restores paralyzed man’s finger movements for first time
New technology developed in the US allows a paralysed man to move for the first time.
It’s high time we make cannabis available for medical research
Through the ages, many cultures have used cannabis as a medicine, but in the past 60 years prohibition has hampered research.
New Ebola test could diagnose infection sooner
Japanese researchers have developed a new test for Ebola, which they say is quicker and cheaper than the current method used.
Twixt the virtual and substantial
The ‘resurrection’ of a woman executed in 1650 raises puzzles of identity and continuity.
Oldest case of clogged arteries in Egyptian mummy
The first known case of clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis, has been found in the mummy of an Egyptian princess.
Cow valve heart implant hailed as a breakthrough
A new type of heart valve made with cow tissue and inserted by catheter was hailed as a major breakthrough.
Fighting the deadly duo
Dr Thavi Govender and his team of researchers are investigating the synthesis and testing of inhibitors targeting HIV/Aids and XDR-TB.
TB breakthrough a challenge to govt
One of the key anti-TB drugs, rifampicin, increases the speed at which one class of ARVs is broken down by the body.