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New study finds that blood biomarker of TB discriminates between people with high risk and those who remained healthy Researchers from the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) at the University of Cape Town, in collaboration with various partners in their field, have published the results from a study into a blood-based RNA biomarker. The study, which tested diagnostic and prognostic performance for TB and the efficacy of TB preventive therapy for biomarker-positive individuals, was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal . 26 Jan 2021
UCT to effect revised policy on employment equity The University of Cape Town will press the reset button on employment equity on 1 February 2021, when the revised Policy on Employment Equity comes into effect following Council’s approval last month. 25 Jan 2021
Expert calls for rapid vaccination to achieve population immunity “Without rapid vaccination of at least two thirds of the population, we are not going to get to population immunity in the country, and without that, we will see another wave.” This is according to Professor Marc Mendelson, who recently presented a virtual Summer School lecture titled “COVID-19 insights and lessons”. 20 Jan 2021
Gigantic galaxies discovered with the MeerKAT telescope Two giant radio galaxies have been discovered with South Africa's powerful MeerKAT telescope. These galaxies are amongst the largest single objects in the universe and are thought to be quite rare. 18 Jan 2021
Supporting the publishing of African-centric research – new platform UCT Libraries has developed a new a continental platform for open access publishing in Africa. The platform allows the African research community to take ownership of creating and sharing its own scholarly content (including open access journals and open access monographs and textbooks), which contributes to the growth and development of local research for African society.  12 Jan 2021
UCT Faculty of Health Sciences calls for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccine access in South Africa The havoc wrought by the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created enormous challenges for public health and health services which have been met with exceptional courage and fortitude by healthcare workers across the world. In addition, this new disease has caused substantial social, economic and psychological devastation in all countries.   08 Jan 2021
Win-win for wind energy and eagles – new tool helps locate areas for safe turbine development The rapid uptake of wind energy globally offers hope of a transition towards sustainable renewable energy but it can also present a real threat to soaring birds of prey. A new tool offers hope of a win-win solution that allows developers to rapidly identify the best locations for their wind turbines while minimising the risk of collision for one special bird of prey, the Verreaux’s Eagle.    05 Jan 2021
UCT notes alleged remarks by social media user The University of Cape Town (UCT) has noted with concern alleged derogatory remarks by a social media user alleged to be a student at the institution. 31 Dec 2020
UCT medical school continues its body donor programme despite COVID-19 Thanks to rigorous COVID-19 health and safety protocols, UCT's Faculty of Health Sciences has maintained its body donor programme without risking staff or students. The programme is essential to teaching anatomy and new surgical techniques. Globally, the pandemic has forced many health sciences faculties to close their programmes. 23 Dec 2020
Protection of refugee rights – why human rights commissions may be the answer With an unprecedented increase in the number of refugees around the world in recent years there is a need to effectively promote and protect refugee rights particularly in Africa, which has historically been the continent with one of the largest displaced populations. This is according to Dr Vivian John-Langba, a recent PhD recipient at UCT whose research identified national human rights institutions as one of the institutions through which effective promotion and protection of refugee rights can occur. 22 Dec 2020
Climate change may lead to increase in health effects associated with exposure to pesticides Climate change may lead to an increase in health effects associated with exposure to endocrine disrupting pesticides, unless measures are put in place to ban the manufacture, trade and use of these pesticides. This is just one finding from research by Dr Cliff Zinyemba who recently received his PhD in Public Health from UCT.  22 Dec 2020
UCT research unpacks COVID-19 in an African context A University of Cape Town (UCT) research has identified five contextual features that need to be considered to limit the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impacts on the continent. 22 Dec 2020
Childcare support for low-income employed mothers found wanting in SA Women have had to simultaneously wear the titles of mother, caregiver and breadwinner for many years in South Africa without any recognition. But how do low-income employed mothers navigate care strategies for their young children?  18 Dec 2020
UCT VC among Times Higher Education’s 10 People of the Year University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng has been named among the Times Higher Education (THE)’s 10 People of the Year. 18 Dec 2020
Three UCT scientists included in Highly Cited Researchers list for 2020 Three University of Cape Town (UCT) scientists, Emeritus Professor William Bond, Professor Dan Stein and Professor Vicki Lambert, have been included in the Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list for 2020. 17 Dec 2020
“Comeback kid” beats the odds to graduate stronger than ever Co-creator of popular web series Coloured Mentality , identity activist, filmmaker, land and housing activist, queer activist: these are just some of the ways to describe Sarah Summers and the many ways in which she has already made her mark on the world. Added to this is her story as the “comeback kid” who dropped out of the University of Cape Town (UCT) only to return years later, stronger than ever. 15 Dec 2020
COVID-19-related lockdown takes toll on young peoples’ mental health A new University of Cape Town (UCT) study into the emotional well-being of young people during the COVID-19-related lockdown in South Africa has revealed that majority are suffering from depression. 14 Dec 2020
New candidate TB vaccine appears safe and immunogenic in treated TB patients The results from a clinical trial investigating the use of a candidate vaccine that prevents the recurrence of TB in people who have recovered from the disease , displayed an acceptable safety profile and encouraging evidence of vaccine-induced immune responses when given to cured patients at the end of treatment. 14 Dec 2020
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