There are plenty of innovators, scientists and inventors in Africa doing remarkable work today. So why does the myth of Africa being devoid of scientific innovators persist?
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Science + Tech – Articles, Analysis, Comment
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Forensic scientists are trained to disprove claims. This sort of thinking is useful when you’re trying to make sense of “miracle cures”, “wonder drugs” and other fantastic claims.
Traditional knowledge that drives indigenous communities’ innovation in agriculture, medicine and conservation is not protected by existing international law.
Successful economies are led by innovation and driven by knowledge. For Africa to advance, it needs to make more substantial investments in its research and development sector.
While cooking food in aluminium pots isn’t a bad thing, doing so in foil is problematic. Over-exposure to aluminium may pose serious threats to human health.
Data journalism and visualisation can help ordinary citizens understand complex issues in their societies more deeply. And that drives democracy.
There has been something of a moral panic around sexting – but research suggests that it can create safe, empowering spaces for young people exploring their sexuality.
When it comes to accessing online learning materials, university students don’t think much about whether their downloads might amount to piracy or copyright infringement.
Modern techniques such as CT scanning and ancient DNA analysis have allowed scientists to discover a great deal about a mummy found in a shallow grave in Botswana.
African mathematicians and scientists have an important role to play in establishing and protecting a democratic continent.
Cyberattacks are on the rise in South Africa. New legislation is important, but it won’t solve the problem if it’s not accompanied by user education.
Women have come a long way in science, but plenty of work remains. After all, gender bias in science doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Scientists being wrong is not a bug or a glitch – it’s a feature of science and mistakes can actually lead to new, deeper discoveries.
Africa has deep-rooted problems: poverty, disease, corruption and war. Could these be solved through mathematical science?
Fruit flies aren’t just a remarkable organism for research. They are also central to a project that aims to provide more at-home research opportunities for African scientists.
The discovery of gravitational waves has ushered in a new era in astronomy and physics. Where will the next big discovery be made? There’s no reason for it not to be Africa.
Educational technology is not science fiction. Lecturers need to ensure that they adapt to a future which has already arrived.
Technological and digital literacy are crucial for university students who hope to truly contribute to the world in the 21st century.
Phishing attempts tend to rise during the festive season when people are more likely to respond to online marketing and to spend more money. How can you protect yourself?
Innovative initiative aims to inspire pupils on the continent to take up careers in science.
The big question being asked is: where does Homo naledi fit in the evolutionary tree? Assessing the similarity or dissimilarity between fossil skulls has provided a possible clue to the answer.
Big data is about processing large amounts of data. It is often associated with multiplicities of data. But the ability to generate data outpaces the ability to store it.
Africa’s soil crisis calls for quick and creative action. This includes deepening farmers’ knowledge about soil microbes.
Africa is blessed with an abundance of sunshine.Given the heavy demand for energy, alternatives, such as solar, could provide solutions and help stimulate economic growth.
Funding for South African higher education is inadequate considering past inequalities. Even more alarming is the fact that plans for research development and innovation in science remain elusive.