Science + Tech – Articles, Analysis, Comment – The Conversation

Food security is threatened when irrigation systems get worn out by biofouling as a result of smart dirt. AAP

How technology is being used in the war on ‘smart’ dirt

Nonjabulo P. Gule, Stellenbosch University

Smart dirt is made up of those germs clinging to the surfaces around us that have become resistant to the chemicals normally used to get rid of them.

Space endeavours require capital. And for most African countries, capital is a limited commodity. EPA/Samantha Cristoforetti

Africa and space: the continent starts to look skyward

Scott Firsing, Monash University

Many do not associate Africa with the high-tech sphere of “space”. However, in recent years, many countries on the continent have woken up to the potential and usefulness of space technology.

Wide-eyes: the Square Kilometre Array in the Karoo in South Africa. SKA

The science behind the Square Kilometre Array

Prina Patel, University of the Western Cape

The Square Kilometre Array is the world’s largest telescope – what will it do and how does it work?

The Southern Africa Large Telescope in South Africa’s Karoo region is the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. EPA

South African science is making its mark – but still has a way to go

John Butler-Adam, University of Pretoria

South African scientists and scholars produce the most significant portion of Africa’s recognised research publications.