THE SCIENCE INSIDE: Recent Episodes
Wits Radio Academy
The Science Inside is a weekly show that goes inside the science of major news events. We take a news story each week - from a missing plane to the world cup - and dissect the science angles involved. We indulge every scientific discipline, from biology to psychology, and incorporate the insights of scientists, journalists and researchers in order to tell interesting radio stories.
The Science Inside is presented by Bridget Lepere. Production by Bridget Lepere. Technical production by Kutlwano Gwinch Serame.
The show airs on Voice of Wits every Monday at 7pm.
We end of our final show for the year, by commemorating milestones in the health sector and its fight against HIV. We hear the story of HIV activist and nurse, Angela Motsusi, as she recounts her first diagnosis of HIV, overcoming stigma and living positively. We get into our first story for tonight, with head of HEAids, Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, as he talks about the launch of the new one-pill-a day drug, dolutegravir. We discuss how the drug will reduce the impact of the HIV epidemic in South Africa. Finally, we discuss the possible nasty surprises and lessons that the newly discovered HIV subtype could have on the fight against HIV, with the head of the Centre for HIV and STIS’s, Dr Adrian Puren.
On tonight’s show, we are in conversation with 21 year old, third year Accounting Wits University student, Godiragetse Mogajane. He is the founder of Goodie Tutors, a maths and science tutoring and call centre platform. His company prides itself in its 100% pass rate annually. He talks about their achievement and how he will revolutionise the education sector through his app.
On unscience, we learn about an app, which will help you look amazing, even if you cannot decide for yourself.
We wrap up our chat with Godi as he is fondly known, to hear what growing up as a nerd in Hammanskraal was like and where Goodie Tutors is headed in the future.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is working on a study that will help municipalities manage wastewater through their municipal beneficiation project. The project aims to harness energy through a process called anaerobic digestion. They are also investigating how they can salvage biogases produced by human and bio waste, recover lost water in sludge and better manage wastewater. CSIR researcher Khuthadzo Mudzanani, talks about the practicalities of the research and its impact.
On Unscience, we look at an interesting study, which suggests that sleep deprived people are more likely to opt for foods and diets with a higher calorie count.
In our final story, we speak to the Head of Department of the Centre for Environmental Management, at the University of the Free State, Prof Paul Ober-holster. He chats about how they together with the CSIR have successfully implemented an algae-based wastewater treatment solution at the Motetema wastewater treatment works in the Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpop
South Africa is a water stressed country and to conserve the limited water resources, researchers realise that wastewater rehabilitation is necessary to supplement the already frail water infrastructures. Professor Miklas Sholz speaks to us about his research, which focuses on artificial wetlands reconstruction to rid communities such as the Alexandra Township of stagnant grey water. In the interview, he also speaks about ways in which the Jukskei River can be revitalised.
On Unscience we discover another way in which our brain tricks us into believing we knew what would happen the next moment. The study reveals that we actually do not have the ability to predict events, especially in that particular state.
Tonight, we are in conversation with occupational therapist, Dr Lieketseng Ned from Stellenbosch University. She is the youngest lecturer within the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies. She talks about her current research, which focuses on participatory visual methodologies to enhance community participation.
On Unscience, we look at something very unusual, the case of pet owner’s affection being the possible reason behind the owners losing their limbs, yikes!
Finally, we conclude our conversation with Dr Ned, as she speaks about her personal life and how her interests in indigenous knowledge and people with disabilities led her to research decolonising knowledge on health and well-being.
This week, we chat with Nano technologist Florence Lehutso, from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as she delivers her teams’ findings on nano-pollution and the extent of pollution on our water sources if not evaluated and studied extensively.
In our final story, Wouter Le Roux from the CSIR unloads the results of his study where he discovered that water sourced from hand-dug wells in the community of Stinkwater is contaminated and unsafe to drink.
Lastly, on unscience, we find out how high-level mathematicians are tricked by some aspects of their knowledge about the world and as a result fail to solve primary school-level subtraction problems.
The Department of Health has set up a R500-billion fund for the implementation of the highly contested National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which will give the majority of South Africans access to quality healthcare. However, many ask where will the money come from and how will it work, we find out from the Head of Health at SECTION27, Sasha Stevenson.
On unscience, we find out why a healthy diet is detrimental to one’s vision, as researchers from the University of Bristol examine cases of patients with unexplained vision impairment due to a poor diet.
Lastly, we hear from Professor Andrew Briggs, who is a health economist from the University of Glasgow, as he speaks about a similar financing system in the UK, the National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE) has worked and the lessons SA can take away from their experience.
Climatology professor, Francois Engelbrecht from the Global Change Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, unpacks a scathing report on the dramatic effects that a 2˚C increase in temperature has on climate change.
Unscience gets a little stinky tonight; we discover what role various gastrointestinal gases play and what their interactions with the microbiome in the gut is.
In our final story, we learn key lessons about disaster management, risk reduction and the complex interconnectedness between risk and resilience as the world gears up for climate change adaptation.
On the show tonight, we chat with molecular biologist, Thulile Khanyile who is a lecturer, social entrepreneur and PhD candidate in the HIV Pathogenesis Research Units in the School of Pathology. Her PhD is searching for an HIV vaccine that can mimic the broadly neutralizing antibody response of the Donor CAP256, which will help the body to selfheal and reject the HI Virus.
On Unscience, we look at how memories are stored and why the least important memory pops up at the most inappropriate times.
Later we kick back and relax as we get up close and personal with Thulile and find out about other interesting things she gets up to when she is not in the lab or classroom.
New research confirms that men with breast cancer have lower survival rates than women, as men often delay seeing a doctor even when they notice unusual signs or symptoms in their body. Furthermore, men make up less than 1% of breast cancer cases and often receive treatment based on data collected in women. Professor Michael Herbst from CANSA weighs in on this conversation.
On Unscience, we explore the movies. We learn about how an artificial intelligence tool is able to detect spoilers on your behalf to stop them from ruining surprises in your favourite movies.
Finally, we speak to a paediatric oncologist as we further delve into the topic of cancer in young children. We discover what causes cancer in children and which of those cancers are more prevalent.
Seventy percent of wastage happens within the food supply chain, yet Gauteng‚ the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal have the highest rate of young children who are underdeveloped. North West University Senior lecturer, Chantelle Witten, from the Faculty of Health Sciences unpacks how poor nutrition affects children’s growth and development.
On Unscience we discover that Mona Lisa was not genuinely smiling in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting.
In our final story, the Disco Soup or ‘soup protest’ movement, raises public awareness by salvaging and cooking unsold or damaged vegetables at a their cooking session in Diepkloof Soweto
Tonight we chat with Dimakatso Gumede of the Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Research Group at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). She is one of a few specialising in stem Cell reprogramming in SA. She recently submitted her doctoral thesis on a rare genetic skin, lung and muscle disorder, which resulted in the breakthrough for treatment and medicating of various conditions. On Unscience, we learn about what the women of the Pimbwe tribe of Tanzania do when desperate times call for unconventional methods. Lastly, we wrap up the show in conversation with Dimakatso on growing up in Soweto, losing her mother, overcoming her loss and the importance multilingualism plays in communicating science.
In commemorating women’s month, the Science Inside dedicates the entire month to all South African women contributing to the various fields in science and science communication. We start of today’s show with those who once graced the Science Inside with their skills and talent. We get in conversation with Elna Shütz and Lutfiya Suliman who both presented and produced the show before. They share their highlights, challenges in communicating science, milestones in their careers and what they have they been up to since leaving radio broadcasting. On tonight’s unscience, we find out how cosmetic jewellery could double as a contraceptive while adding to the beauty aesthetic.
In tonight’s show, we hear from software businessman and tech innovator, Luyanda Vappie on how he and his business partner Motsholane Sebola’s innovation is disrupting modern day computing. They have built Prism, the world’s first personal computer that utilises laser for virtual peripheral input and output. On Unscience, we learn about a computer system that sheds some light on how imaging can adversely or positively affect our emotional wellbeing. Lastly, we chat to computer scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Yaseen Moolla about their biometrics systems and how they can be used to identify young children through the combination of technology and biology.
Tonight we unpack the African Centre on Philanthropy & social Investment’s dialogue on the prospects of mitigating risks associated with climate change, particularly as it pertains to disaster management and planning strategies in the likely event of a natural disaster striking. On Unscience, we chat about how eating insects rather than meat could save the Earth from further greenhouse gas emissions and save you money. In our final story, we look at how climate change affects various industries and how various approaches are being executed to address these threats.
Tonight’s show looks into a naturally found mineral used to add glimmer in our cosmetics. The mineral is currently mined by about 22 000 minors in India as a means to feed their families, but sadly some do not make it out alive. This week’s Unscience investigates how Bitcoin is causing more carbon dioxide emissions comparable to Vegas or Hamburg. Our final story uncovers an inherent condition where women of African descent are experiencing balding at a much younger age and University of Kwa-Zulu Natal‘s dermatology professor, Ncoza Dlova explains what the treatment of variant PAD13 in Central Centrifugal Alopecia is and what are the other factors driving it .
Statistics reveal that 90% of South Africa’s food ends up in the landfill and on this show, we find out from the University of Free State’s researcher and diet professor, Louise Van Der Burg about what is driving food insecurity nationally and globally. Later in the show, we hear about a peculiar concept of preserving sperm to make it viable for baby making in space, in this week’s Unscience. Finally, we chat to Co-operative and Policy Alternative’s Centre’s coordinator, Jane Cherry about a vegetable garden set up to feed and supply underprivileged Wits students with fresh produce.
The South African National Blood Services Operations Testing Manager, Charl Coleman talks about how chemical biology researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, will convert blood type A into a universally acceptable type through the use of human gut microbes. On Unscience, we look at a chilling, rare but extremely distressing phenomenon, where patients were found conscious during CPR. Still on the bloody topic, University of the Witwatersrand Pathology and Haematology professor, Johhny Mahlangu unpacks hemochromatosis, a blood condition that is characterised by the oversupply of iron in the blood, which can be caused by ingesting iron supplements or through regular blood transfusions.
With mounting amounts of data production and consumption worldwide, this week we aim to understand the concept of ‘Big Data’ and what it means for us all. For a better and broader understanding, we speak to Terrence van Zyl from the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at Witwatersrand University. In unscience we try to understand poly-dacty-ly, and how people with one or more finger can have more advantages than those considered ‘normal’... in the second story, Phumlani Nhlanganiso Khoza, from the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics who is the brainchild of the newly launched Scilinx Research laboratory and the Scilinx Studio tell us more about it’s Big Data research aims.
Nkululeko Tunzi, born and bred in Soweto, Dube, is our feature scientist this month. The Tshwane University of Technology, school of computer science graduate has been making country-wide headlines recently, after having invented an innovative walking stick that aids blind people to navigate around their spaces with much ease. In the news, UP prepares for the 4th industrial revolution (4IR) as it ‘employs’ a robot to help students in libraries, and Huawei South Africa launches the first and free 5G training for postgraduates at Wits University. In unscience we explore the Jellyfish, and what makes these strange sea creatures so fascinating
In our main story, SBIMB students at the Wits University have developed a genetics app that will educate South Africans on how genetics work; we also featured baby Sinazo and his parents to take us through their story. In the news, new research finds that too much of unnecessary antibiotics are being prescribed in SA and University of Pretoria scientists help capture the first image of the black hole. Finally, the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Professor, Ncoza Dlova discovers a major gene linked to the cause of permanent hair loss among women of African descent.
This week we kick-started the show with a story on how Wits University students have power generating have patented at the PeCo power system, which in future may power up homes with solar power where we may see its effects unburdening the national power grid from the demand. In unscience we find out why the Potassium element can be a liquid and solid all at once. Lastly, we find hear about how Eskom synchronised the Kusile power station and its progress on two other power stations to help alleviate the burden on the national power grid.
This month we feature Tebogo Masebe, a Geomorphologist, who has just completed her masters in geography at Rhodes University. She speaks us about being part of an all female contingent that went on a voyage to the Antarctica for research purposes in 2016. In the news, we speak to a Rhodes university chemistry lecturer who has received a grant for nanotechnology research as well as mounting death counts from the devastating Cyclone Idai. In this week’s unscience, we discuss how a group of flat-earthers are planning a trip to Antarctica to find the tip of the earth, in aims to debunk the belief that the world has a round shape. And in the last segment of the show, we get up-close and personal with Tebogo to find out what keeps her going.
In our main story, we spoke about the regulation of hyperandrogenism, a medical condition characterized by excessive levels of androgens in both female and male athletes. We looked at the ethical implications that come with the regulation of the condition through the inducing of hormone suppressing drugs. On Unscience, we find out how genetics play a vital role in the choice of pet ownership. In our final story, still on the issue of the regulation high-levels of androgen levels, we look at the side effects of taking testosterone-suppressing drugs and the science behind sexuality.
As the world, particularly Africa, battles to keep the lights on, there are quite a few risks to keeping our man-made lights on. Join us in this week’s show as we chat with nature conservationist from the Witwatersrand University, Dr Bernard Coetzee to explore the dark side of light. In Unscence, we look at a rather peculiar discovery on how a specific type of music genre, Dubstep, can be used as mosquito repellant. And lastly we discuss the damaging effects of blue light in our conversation with specialist dermatologist, Dr Dagmar Whitaker.
This month we feature Dr Nosiphiwe Ngqwala is a senior Lecturer at the Pharmacy Department at Rhodes University. She has special interests in pharmaceutical chemistry, water, sanitation and the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater. In the news, we discuss how India managed to evacuate over a million people ahead of the major Cyclone ‘Fani’ as well as how SA’s Independent Electoral Commission plans to use science and technology to ensure a free, fair & accessible 2019 election.In this week’s unscience, we discuss how being stressed or afraid may alter one’s odour, having an impact on trained dogs. In the last segment of the show, we explore the personal side with Nosiphiwe, to find out what keeps her going.
South Africa has put its signature on the international treaty establishing the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) as an intergovernmental organisation tasked with building and operating the world's most powerful radio astronomy telescope. The treaty establishes the SKAO as only the second intergovernmental organisation dedicated to astronomy in the world, after the European Southern Observatory, and will ensure strong governance of the SKA project. We speak to the Department of Science and Technology to understand it better. In unscience this week, we explore the how two separate realities are possible, according to a new study in quantum mechanics. And finally, our second story explores how shoe wear can affect one’s health.
Our featured scientist for this Month is Collins Saguru who is a chemical engineer, a research fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand in the department of chemical engineering. He has developed an economical, environmentally sustainable and novel method of recovering and reusing precious metals found in the autocatalytic converters of petrol and diesel vehicles. On Unscience, we discuss an unusual ‘regular’ occurrence of ‘black snow’ in several towns in the Siberian region of Kuzbass. And in the news, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) pledges R27 million to boost South Africa’s space efforts, while we also look at the development of a pharmacy automation robot for dispensing chronic medicine.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has in the recent weeks held a showcase of the future roadmap of what human settlements could look like. The strategic framework recognises the demand and need for alternative and innovative technologies being in the built environment to help achieve citizens' right to adequate housing and improved quality of life. We speak to project’s lead researcher, Peta De Jager, as well as one of the participants, Sandiswa Qayi to find out more. In unscience, we discuss a new research discovery that some animals actually perform mathematical calculations to find their next meal.
In light of the challenges currently faced by the South African national power utility Eskom, we look at how scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found alternative ways of harvesting electricity from WIFI signals. In unscience, we discuss how new research findings suggest that the brain is able to subconsciously learn new vocabulary from a new language during the upstate of sleep. Lastly we spoke to Dr Kahesh Dhuness from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research about their underwater communication technology that is able to connect deep sea vessels to other networks wirelessly, using wet-end sonar transducers and arrays designed for specialised underwater applications.
Our very first feature scientist for year is Mpho Tshisaphungo, who is the first female to head the space weather centre at the South African National Space Agency. She talks about how her career in space weather found her and how being the best keeps her on her toes. On unscience, we look at unconventional uses of poop and pee! In the news, we look at a new discovery by the Mars rover and its new uses and finally, the story of the controversial Chinese researcher, He Jianku who was fired for carrying out his gene- editing research theory on human babies
It’s our very last show for the year and we close it off with a feature scientist, physicist, Zamaswazi Tshabalala of the CSIR (The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research).She specialises in nanotechnology applications that improve gas-sensing mechanisms. In the news we hear about the world’s first genetically-edited human twins and highly accurate atomic clocks that enable scientists to even measure gravity with intense accuracy. On Unscience we learn about high-tech lingerie that self-detaches by a voice command. Lastly we wrap up the show with Zamaswazi telling us about her ambitions, her winning several CSIR research awards and more…
Tuberculosis remains one of the top 10 causes of death in the world, with South Africa being high on the list not only in terms of incidences but study of the disease. Prof Robin Wood from University of Cape Town explains how they are testing the air someone with TB breathes out, to see how transmissions can be lowered.In Unscience find out about an emotion called Schadenfreude. Later in the show, we explore how TB interacts with HIV by speaking to Lucy Mupfumi, a PhD research fellow with the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership.
Turning salty water into drinkable water is one of the ways to address droughts like the one to hit Cape Town in recent times. Leslie Petrick from University of Cape Town explains the worrying health effects of desalinated water. Our Unscience is about how women on the contraceptive pill blink more. Later, Jemitias Chivavava and Benita Aspeling from UCT explain how dual desalination is used in industry for an interesting purpose.
This week we spend time with Dr Dyllon Randall from UCT who was part of world first research where human urine was used to make building bricks. In Unscience in gets delicious with a mathematical formula for the perfect pizza. Later in the show we visit Cape Town's package free 'nude' stores to understand how it all works.
Our Feature Scientist this month is Natalie Benjamin-Damons, who has worked on improving the lives of children living with HIV through the use of physiotherapy. We speak to her about her work and journey as a scientist. In Unscience we ask ourselves whether lizards also have nightmares. Our science news finds out about jumping genes and who is donating blood in SA.
Elon Musk recently announced that the Hyperloop transport system will be unveiled in Los Angeles soon and able to travel at up to 250km/h. We find out how it works with Dr Geoffrey Beck from the Physics Department at Wits University and explore how South Africa's transport system could evolve with Prof Roger Behrens from the department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. Also on the show we chat human hibernation and gamma ray constellations in our news. Our Unscience finds out why birds help each other for their own benefit. wits.journalism.co.za
Young maths whizz Sbahle Zwane, has become popular on social media with his incredible skills. We speak to him and his mother as well as Professor Kate Cockcroft from Wits University about the origins of intelligence. In Unscience we find out about fainting goats. Later in the show, Dr Shirley Kokot explains how gifted children cope socially and later in life. In our science news we speak about life on Venus and the how the centre of the earth is squishier than previously thought.
With increasing petrol prices and the UN calling for more radical restrictions on fossil fuels, we explore alternative vehicles. In our science news, Senegal struggles with containing trachoma and we discover that bees are affected by the solar eclipse. Winstone Jordaan from GridCars explains if electric vehicles are the way forward. In UnScience, poultry scientists and engineers develop a machine that learns how to talk fowl. Later on, we speak to Dr Mkhulu Mathe at the Integrated Energy Research Centre at the CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research about hydrogen fuel cell powered cars.
Find out about the recent discovery of the first dinosaur graveyard in the Eastern Cape with Dr Jonah Choiniere from Wits University and James Rhalane from the community of Qhemerha . In our science news we discuss an unusual HIV organ transplant and a new kind of glasses that block out digital screens. In UnScience, we learn that bold male birds are better at finding partners. Later on, geomythology in Africa provides a close link between folk tales and science. We hear from Charles Helm and Lebohang Mofokane.
On our monthly Feature Scientist, we talk to Vivey Phasha, a product development technician at CSIR (The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) on the science behind beauty and cosmetic products. In our science news we discover a polymer coating that can make buildings cooler and the benefits of making kind decisions. In Unscience, we discover that smiling doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. Later on, Vivey Pasha takes us through a journey of her personal life.
A recent development in Artificial Intelligence will make use of human language development. In UnScience we discover a new kind of fish species that melts when brought to the surface. Later on, we talk more on Artificial Intelligence.
In the news this week we chat microdosing LSD and naming satellites. A research breakthrough in the treatment haemophilia offers hope to all those with the rare blood disorder. We talk to the lead author and researcher Prof Johnny Mahlangu from Wits University about the work. In UnScience, find out about an unconventional paper batter powered by bacteria!. Later on in the show, Dr Yagalen Naidoo, a clinical haemotologist talks to us about the genetics of haemophilia and whether you should test for it.
Following NASA's new solar probe we speak to Dr. Daniel Cunnama, an outreach astronomer at the South African Astronomical Observatory. In Unscience, we talk about how male birds are less likely to sing to female birds that are ingesting antidepressants. Later in the show we explore how South African monitors space weather to warn of possible threats. Listen to Mpho Tshisaphungo, a space weather practitioner at SANSA.
There have been over 20 000 serious adverse events reported in public hospitals in Gauteng over the last two and a half years. Dr. Elize Archer, head of the Clinical Skills Centre at the University of Stellenbosch, unpacks some of the factors that influence negative hospital experiences.
In Unscience this week we hear of a worm that uses the equivalent of algebra to find its food.
Ever wondered what would happen if arts and medicine interacted? Victoria Hume, a composer, arts manager, and researcher explains how music can influence your health.
Our Feature Scientist this month is Dr. Shakira Choonara. She is the obesity prevention coordinator for South Africa at the Global Advocacy Incubator and a young leader, researcher and activist at the forefront of public health. She holds several accolades including being part of the first class of Obama Foundation Africa Leadership Fellows and a Next Generation Female Researcher by the National Research Foundation.
Imagine a nasal spray that is able to help treat Alzheimer's disease. As hard as it is to believe, this new technology has been developed by Professor Stefan Weiss of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the University of Witwatersrand. Debbie Beech of Alzheimer’s South Africa explains what this will mean to patients.
In Unscience we find out about a medical condition where hiccups continue for months or even years.
Later in the show, another small technological device using sound is able to help diagnose and treat diseases and it’s like something out of Star Wars. Professor Michiel Postema of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand speaks about this discovery.
Recently the world's oldest colour was discovered, so we explore how our eyes and brain work together to help us perceive different shades. We speak to Casha Meintjies, an optometrist, and founder of Eyetek Optometrists.
In Unscience, a research study finds out what ever happened to those 'cool kids' back in high school.
From optical illusions to strange blindspots, Mrs. Ingrid Metsing, a lecturer in the department of optometry at the University of Johannesburg, unpacks some more strange features of our eyes.
Following the launch of the MeerKAT radio telescope, SKA SA Chief Scientist Dr Fernando Camilo explains what it means for South Africa and the world. In Unscience we find out about unusual ways to kill a cockroach. Later, the link between African people and the stars is explored with author and journalist Zulumathabo Zulu and Wits University professor of physics, Vishnu Jejjela.
Tennis star Serena Williams recently opened up about her breastfeeding and eating choices as an elite sportswoman. We explore the interplay between fitness and nutrition with Arista Nienaber, a lecturer at the North-West University Potchefstroom campus. In Unscience, left handed people have been found to process emotions in different brain areas. Later, dietitian Estee van Lingen from the Association for Dietetics in South Africa explains whether you should really be taking all those multivitamins.
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month this July we discuss how mental illnesses function within support systems with clinical psychologist Liane Lurie. In Unscience, find out if brain scans should be used in the law. Later, is it science or fiction that there could be tiny worms in your teeth? Dentist Dr Yashken Lindy sets us straight
A recent spike in cash in transit heists has us speaking to Dr. Hendrik Lochner from UNISA and Zero Foundation Africa's Benedict Weaver about the tech behind this. In Unscience, find out whether men are more likely to take risks when crossing the road. Later, we question the science behind polygraph or 'lie detection' tests with Niel Visser, Clifton Coetzee from the SA Polygraph Academy, and George Maschke from Antipolygraph.org
The iconic African baobab tree can live up to several thousands of years, but recently there’s been an increase in the trees dying. Stephan Woodborne is the senior accelerator mass spectrometry scientist at iThemba Labs in Johannesburg and explains how they found this out. In Unscience this week, is it really possible that you could be brushing your teeth with a little part of the Sterkfontein caves? Later in the show, we find out what scientist have to say about water dowsing, the practice of finding underground water reserves by walking around with an egg or certain sticks.
The recent fossil discovery of two new species of tetrapods in South Africa reveals that the evolution of fish to land animals could have taken place differently than previously thought. We hear from Dr. Robert Gess and Professor Per Ahlberg. In Unscience, hear how sleep paralysis and hallucinations affect student athletes. Later we speak to the scientist behind the science, Aviwe Matiwane, a paleobotanist and Ph.D. candidate at Rhodes University.
Recently TV and radio personality Relebogile Mabotja went into anaphylactic shock after eating a salad that contained nuts. We take a closer look at allergies with pediatrician and allergologist, Dr. Claudia Gray. In Unscience, find out how a boiled egg can now be unboiled. Our scientist behind the science is Dr. Siphephile Ncube, a Ph.D. student from Wits School of Physics. She speaks about her recent work into the potential of carbon nanotubes for faster devices and magnetic memory applications.
Following the opening of a large pharmaceutical facility, we go through the long and expensive process of developing a medicine from idea to shelf. Our guests are Dr. Nicola Lister, Chief Scientific Officer at Novartis Southern Africa, Professor Kelly Chibale, Chair in Drug Development and Department of Chemistry at the University of Cape Town, and Alison Dyer, a consultant for Spoor and Fisher. In Unscience, scientists suggest that walking like a penguin could be beneficial. Our scientist behind the science is Dr. Roelof Burger, a physical geographer, currently at North West University;
A video of Shamba the lion attacking the man who raised him has gone viral. We speak to Dr. Kelly Marnewick from the Endangered Wildlife Trust and others about wild animals in captivity.
In Unscience we ask what will happen when our sun dies.
As cardiovascular diseases continues to be a worldwide problem, we had a chat with heart specialist Dr. Ntobeko Ntusi from the University of Cape Town, who focuses on this in an African context.
In light of Burns Awareness Month we unpack how plastic surgery can treat these scars. Listen to Dr Wayne Kleintjies as he unpacks this treatment. In Unscience, brown widow spiders are ready to die for love and have Ben Ten tendencies. Later on, we speak to Dr Sudhakar Muniyasamy, who helps us imagine a future with no plastic waste through his biodegradable plastic invention.
A tiny beetle is threatening the life of Johannesburg's trees. Hear from the people working on this, Prof Wilhelm de Beer and Neil Hill. In Unscience we find out how a bug might be the answer to the world's plastic problem. Our scientist behind the science, Professor Mandeep Kaur, explains how she identifies biomarkers for diseases like cancer.
A recent rise in cases of rabies makes us look at this disease that can harm both animals and humans. We speak to University of Pretoria’s Professor Andrew Leisewitz. In Unscience, sleeping too little could lead to health problems and a shorter life span. We speak to Dr. Nolwazi Nombona from the University of Pretoria about creating cheaper solar energy cells with nanomaterials.
Facebook's recent data scandal has us rethinking our data security online. We find out about the ethics and policies in data mining from Dr Vukosi Marivate from the CSIR. In Unscience, who thinks they are smarter - men or women? Later we speak to the scientist behind the science with Dr Mark Williams-Wynn, a post-doctoral fellow from UKZN.
A recent study accused Coca-Cola and other brands of having levels of microplastics in their bottled drinking water. We find out how this could happen and what it does to our bodies with Bettina Genthe from the University of Pretoria and Douw Steyn from Plastics SA. In Unscience this week, poison from a worm may be the next way to kill pesky cockroaches. Later we speak to the scientist behind the science with Professor Yasien Sayed from Wits University, who is a protein biochemist and HIV researcher.
It's Family Day on the show. Your family's genes may be why you hate coriander leaves. If you're hoping to start a family, Dr Mohamed Iqbal Cassim from the BioArt fertility centre says trends in fertility have changed. In Unscience, there is a reason why you might have the sensation to nibble a cute baby. Our scientist behind the science is UCT FameLab winner, Nyasha Chimhandamba.
We find out what happens to contaminated meat, such as the products recalled after the recent Listeria outbreak. We hear from food control experts and microbiologists, Dr. Juno Thomas, the head of Enteric Diseases at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Dr. Lucia Anelich. In this week’s Unscience, find out how living abroad changes how much you think you know yourself. Our scientist behind the science this week is Professor Elelwani Ramugondo from the University of Cape Town, who gives us an insight into occupational therapy.
The current outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria is much higher than the yearly norm. We find out what’s happening with Prof Lucille Blumberg, deputy director of NCID. In Unscience, your personality might be the reason you are addicted to social media. Later Dr. Bianca Verlinden, a malaria researcher at the University of Pretoria, explains why she is so passionate about antimalarial compounds
Following the controversy at the Seven Angels Church in Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape, we look at the psychology of belief with religion specialist Dr Karen van der Merwe from the North West University. In Unscience, we look at the big bang theory and a time before time began. Later we find out about the scientist behind the science with Dr Valentine Saasa from the CSIR, who is working on a breathalyser to manage diabetes.
Following Joburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba’s decision for government to take over dilapidated buildings and abandoned properties in the city, we looked at property hijackings and how these spaces are being used for urban living and use. Margot Rubin, senior researcher at the South African Research Chair in Spatial Analysis and City Planning at Wits University explains. On Unscience we discover why scientists are looking at squids and octopuses for clues on how to master the art of camouflage. Finally, we had a chat with biologist professor Colleen Downs from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, who explains how space can be used for all living creatures the negative impacts of misuse.
Tragedy struck Hulene, a town on the outskirts of Mozambique when twenty-one people living on the town’s only landfill, were killed by a 50m high rubbish heap which collapsed on their homes. This week’s show was inspired by this topic and we had a chat with a consulting engineer and landfill designer, Jan Palm. He unpacked the disastrous effects of garbage on our environment and how the mishandling of rubbish at official landfills could cause leakage into groundwater. On Unscience, we had a look at the University of Catania’s study of how luck, rather than talent, hard work or intelligence affects our success! Lastly, we interviewed ‘gold farmer’, geologist Tshiamo Legoale about small-scale mining and how her research in phytomining uses wheat to extract gold residue from gold dumps.
The 23rd Winter Olympics are underway in Pyeongchang, South Korea. We look at how fake snow is made and the effects of climate change on snow sports with professor Marius Mayer of the Ernst Moritz Arndt-University in Greifswald, he tells us more. In Unscience, mining other planets for diamonds could be a thing of the future. Lastly, Professor Robert Millar from the University of Pretoria explains his work in reproductive neuroendocrinology and how it's been successfully used in treating life-threatening diseases.
Inxeba (The wound), a South African film which sparked nationwide conversation around issues of culture, initiation, circumcision, and masculinity, inspires our show this week and we are looking at the medical aspects of male circumcision (MMC). We speak to Dr. Thabani Nkwanyana and he unpacks all you need to know about MMC. In Unscience, we look at Telepresence technology, an innovation which enables one to get the experience of being somewhere without really being there. Lastly, in our new feature we speak to Biophotonics scientist, Charles Maphanga, he talks about his research which investigated the use of laser technology to administer drugs into cells.
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Find us on www.journalism.co.za/science Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thescienceinsidepodcast
South Africa is facing the world’s biggest recorded outbreak of listeriosis and we find out why this food-borne disease is so unique. In Unscience, hear why expensive fake medicine might just work better than cheap placebos.
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The sustainability of our planet's natural resources is important for all people and their wellbeing.
We find out why Africa's food security is at risk with Professor Joachim von Braun, who is the director of the Centre for Development Research (ZEF) at Bonn University in Germany and professor for economic and technological change as well as Professor Endashaw Wordoffa, who is a senior professor and researcher at Addis Ababa University.
Later, have a listen to how water and energy resources are connected with Professor Jauad El Kharraz, who is the Head of Research and General Secretary of the Middle East Desalination Research Center (MEDRC)Water Research and Prof Roseanne Diab, the Executive Officer of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and Emeritus Professor in Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
In Unscience we look at a solution for used chewing gum.
The Science Inside is presented by Elna Schütz and DJ Keyez. Our production team is Gabriel Chemhuru with technical production by Kutlwano Serame. Original concept by Paul McNally.
Find us on www.journalism.co.za/science Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thescienceinsidepodcast