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Mapping pixels with UCT eResearch When Associate Professor Adam West began using drones to collect data from his fynbos study plots, he was confronted by a big-data problem. The customised drones were efficient and collected data easily, but they collected a lot of it – more than could be processed timeously by his laboratory’s computers. 29 Dec 2017
Finding big data solutions through teaching and learning UCT is home to some powerful computing facilities that are helping us to prepare for the era of big-data science. 27 Dec 2017
A prestigious P rating awarded to Sarah Fawcett Oceanographer Dr Sarah Fawcett has travelled a long way, from Gauteng to UCT via Harvard and Princeton, but hard work, grit and taking advantage of opportunities have just brought her a prestigious P rating. 22 Dec 2017
How shark spotting can help reduce attacks. A Cape Town case study Even though fatal shark bites are rare, their impact is significant and can have repercussions for local communities and economies that rely on tourism. 22 Dec 2017 Republished
Research laboratories go paperless UCT eResearch worked with Professor Stefan Barth to create a paperless lab in which the knowledge shared between himself and his laboratory members would be contained in a secure, persistent digital repository. 21 Dec 2017
Another win for H3D as Kelly Chibale achieves A-rating Inspired by a deep spirituality and a love of chemistry, Kelly Chibale’s groundbreaking work in battling malaria and other diseases has been rewarded with an A rating. 20 Dec 2017
Rare NRF P rating awarded to Alistair Price A prestigious and extremely rare National Research Foundation P rating has been awarded to Dr Alistair Price for his ongoing research on intersections between private law, public law and human rights. 18 Dec 2017
Access to mobile phones won’t magically fix youth unemployment in Africa For some, the mobile phone revolution has produced new work opportunities. Many in the international development community view technology as a possible panacea for Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. 18 Dec 2017
New NRF A rating for Keertan Dheda In recognition of his excellent contributions to the field of pulmonology – with a specific focus on tuberculosis (TB) – Professor Keertan Dheda, head of the Division of Pulmonology at the University of Cape Town, has been awarded an A rating by the NRF. 15 Dec 2017
New study on nitrogen pollution in False Bay Despite the wealth of research, little is known about the chemical make-up of False Bay’s water, how this varies seasonally and how its circulation prevents stagnation. 12 Dec 2017
UCT’s annual eResearch Report released UCT’s eResearch Report 2016–2017 highlights the many challenges presented to eResearch in the past year, and acknowledges the innovative work of researchers. 06 Dec 2017
UCT’s d-school unlocks creativity to drive innovation At the most recent Café Scientifique, Richard Perez explained how UCT’s d-school can equip multidisciplinary research teams to tackle real-world problems. 05 Dec 2017
Bitcoin is a highly speculative investment. Why caution is required With the price of a bitcoin reaching record highs of more than $10,000, more and more ordinary people consider investing in the cryptocurrency. The recent price surge, however, comes with tremendous risks. Investors should be prepared for the possibility that they could lose their entire investment. 05 Dec 2017 Republished
Going with the flow The Agulhas Current is vital in fuelling rainfall over water-scarce South Africa. Wind systems blowing over the current and towards South Africa pick up moisture and carry it onto the land. Globally, the current connects the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and facilitates an exchange of water between them – a crucial link in global ocean circulation. 01 Dec 2017 Republished
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