Innovations

The collection and preservation of biological material for further DNA and RNA analysis are critical to many biomedical fields, from medical diagnostics to forensics and biodiversity conservation. The Forensic DNA lab at the University of the Western Cape has developed a novel, proprietary DNA

HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a leading cause of illness and death among children. Paediatric HIV progresses at an alarming rate, with 20–30% of untreated infants succumbing to the disease within their first year. Without timely intervention

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are immune system proteins that are used in targeted drug therapy and prophylaxis and are in high demand around the world to fight diseases. Despite advancements in biomedical technology, current methods for producing mAbs – primarily mammalian cell cultures – can be

Drug regimens have not been optimised for individuals of African descent. This is due to several converging factors, including Africa’s diverse genetics, disproportionate disease burdens (and consequently a high dependency on specific drug regimens), as well as under-representation of local

The invention relates to a membrane technology developed using polymeric material to recover crude oil found in water due to spillages. Although several techniques have been employed for the removal of crude oil from water bodies, these techniques are either focused on dissolving the spilled oil

The High Agility Hybrid Serial-Parallel Kinematic Robotic Arm architecture leverages the benefits of serial and parallel kinematic machines while minimising the disadvantages of each. The design is based on the transmission of mechanical power via embedded drivetrains to each joint in the system

Air quality is a concern worldwide. Consequently, efficient means to monitor air pollutants are critical. Current commercially available carbon-based sorbents used for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air typically require solvent extraction prior to analysis, and they cannot be reused

The compound 1, 3, 6, 8–tetrahydroxy –2, 5-dimethoxyxanthone (formula (I)), having the ability to treat sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfuncion, is claimed. A process for obtaining a plant extract containing this compound, an extract and the use of this compound or extract in manufacturing a

With our society facing challenges related to sustainability i.e. resource depletion and waste accumulation, the future success of the chemical and polymer industries relies on the use of renewable feedstocks. Lignin, one of the main components of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass shows great