1Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
LIFE WITHIN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCE
ISSUE 08SCIENCESTARS
2 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
UPCOMING DST EVENTS Scifest Africa Budget Vote National Science Week
3Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
UPCOMING DST EVENTS Scifest Africa Budget Vote National Science Week
CO
NT
EN
Ts
FEATURES
8 Shireen Mentor
Bold and Steadfast
12 ARC
Dr Shadrack Moephuli
15 Careers
Health & Medical Science
20 dST
Innovation Bridge
22 Ellen Ngarande
M.astering Medical Biomaterials
26 SKA
Shared Sky Exhibition
29 Science Experiment
Balloon Blow-up
31 DST
Advancement of Science
36 UWC
Profile of Life Science Building
44 DST
Mineral Processing
CONTENTSCONTENTS
5Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Nikitia Davids
theFOREWORD
Research Council) studies the crops and their nutritional value.The anxiety about the workload and cost of becoming a doctor vanishes the moment you hold that new-born baby in your arms or see how well the patient is recovering after a major surgery. Whatever you do for that patient, big or small, their thankfulness makes all the stress and anxiety worthwhile, even if just for that moment.On good days and even on bad days, I would not trade my career for the world.
The ability to give life is a gift beyond description, whether you are bringing a new life into the world or restoring a slightly older one. As a fourth-year medical student, I get to be a part of these experiences daily.Medicine is a field in which you never stop learning, even when you are old and grey. Your work is never complete. As soon as you have seen one patient, you are staring into the eyes of the next. After a long day of work (if you are not on 24-hour call), you need to brush up on theoretical knowledge in preparation for the next day.To become a doctor is not easy nor cheap. Tuition fees, textbooks, equipment and medical clothing are a few of the expenses to take into consideration as it is a substantial amount. Fortunately, there are bursaries available in South Africa, allowing this dream to fol-low a realistic path.This Health and Medical Science issue of Science Stars covers the many career options available and also highlights some success stories of students in various fields. The content goes beyond the work done in waiting rooms and hospitals. This issue also explains the work done in the fields, where the ARC (Agriculture
Fourth-year MB,ChB student at the University of Stellenbosch
An insider’s perspective
FEATUREFOREWORD
6 Science Stars Magazine Astronomy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
The most recent (and undeniably the most devastating) health issue that crippled the world was the rapid spread of the Ebola epidem-ic. The disease instantly became a household name worldwide, rais-ing concern about the healthcare efficiency in Africa and anticipat-ing an overnight cure by leading medical scientists. Along with this global scare came the realisation that Health and Medical Science is a field that needs constant attention in the form of theoretical and practical advancements. When the Science Stars team started brainstorming ideas for the Health and Medical Science
issue, we all immediately thought of the most obvious job titles in the field – doctors and dentists. But after further discussion, we came up with an extensive list of interesting careers that can be viewed on the Careers Page (pages 15 & 16).We also give you some advice on choosing your future university and speak to a young neuroscientist from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) whose career path is lit by success despite her challenging circumstances growing up on the Cape Flats.Thought you knew everything there was to know about maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle? Our Nutritional Facts (page 33) might teach you a few interesting things that could improve your aca-demic performance. Turn to the Science News (page 42) to catch up on the latest news and developments on the national Science front.In the process of compiling this issue, I realized that there is so much more to Health and Medical Science than a lab coat and a syringe. This complex field of study includes everything from engineering human cells to a trip to the vet to having braces straighten crooked teeth. A career in Health Science is one that is always open to new learning possibilities and exciting technological advancements. With the con-stant influx of knowledge and medical discoveries, Health and Medical Science will never be subject to stagnation and there will always be room for new employees and developments.
The world is in need of some healing.
Shani Rhoda
Managing Editor • Evans [email protected]
Deputy Editor • Shani Rhoda
Graphic Designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz
Project Manager • Renata Williams
Contributing Writers • Thandile Mban Chairman • Madambi Rambuda
Public Relations • Bongeka Mnotoza
Sales Representative • Tinyiko [email protected]
Ambassador • Azwindinni Muronga
Copyright 2015 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission.
Science Stars is published by Roswika Media - a member of Shanduka Black Umbrellas.
10th Floor, The Pinnacle2 Burg StreetCape Town, 8000
021 839 [email protected]
LetteR FROMTHE DEPUTY EDITOR
teamScience Stars
Deputy Editor
ED’S NOTE
From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young work seekers, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential. Over the last decade, Shanduka Foundation has created opportunities for educational development, career growth and entrepreneurial advancement.
• Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and individuals to adopt disadvantaged schools with the aim of improving the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools.
• Shanduka Black Umbrellas nurtures qualifying 100% black-owned businesses by providing meaningful access to markets, networks and finance through its small enterprise incubators and online enterprise and supplier development portal.
• The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises vacation work in companies in the Shanduka Group.
• The Shanduka internship programme provides experiential training for selected learners and job seekers within Shanduka Group and across its partner network.
Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans.
To find out more about the work of the foundation and its programmes, visit
www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation
FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM
A DECADE OF EMPOWERMENT
8 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
SHIREEN MENTOR
Raised by a single parent, excelling
academically has always been a
challenge for Shireen Mentor from
the Cape Flats. Demolishing any obstacles
standing in her way, this top student from
UWC has made an exceptional success of
her studies by practising self-control and
perseverance in everyday life.
What is Neuroscience?Neuroscience is basically the study of the
central nervous system and the function-
ing of neurons. The study focuses on how
important the blood-brain barrier is to the
normal functioning of those neurons.
Where are you from? I was born in Cape Town and raised by a
single parent. My mother is originally from
Bonteheuwel, which is a disadvantaged
community.
She then moved out of Bonteheuwel and
raised myself and my sister in Montana,
which is based in the Cape Flats area.
How did you decide that this is the career you want to pursue?Part of our school’s career guidance efforts
was to expose students to different fields
of study and that is where I was really
exposed to Science. It sparked an interest
in the different fields of Science.
I also attended the career days at UWC
and that is when I was exposed to Medical
Biosciences. I was also exposed to the
different divisions in the field of Medical
Sciences and Neuroscience was one of the
areas that sparked my interest.
How did you get to MSc level?I matriculated in 2006 and I started my
undergraduate studies in 2007. I decided
to do Medical Bioscience, purely because
I love Biology, the human body and the
way it functions. And then, Prof. Fisher hap-
pened to be one of my first lecturers and
he advised me to always study my work and
study for an hour every day.
I have always had a passion for my work
so I always worked really hard and applied
myself where necessary, despite the chal-
lenges.
The subjects I had were Chemistry,
Mathematics, Statistics – they were difficult
subjects but whatever I didn’t understand, I
would go back to the lecturer and I would
ask for help.
One thing I learnt about university is that
there’s nothing surprising, they teach you
what you need to know – it’s up to you as a
student to put in the effort and hours into
your studies.
BOLD AND STEADFASTA Career as a Neuroscientist
9Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FEATURESHIREEN MENTOR
Being a cum laude student, many other universities, including the University of Stellenbosch, have offered you place-ments, but you chose to remain at UWC. I had initially applied to all three universi-
ties – UCT, SU, and UWC. I was provision-
ally accepted at all three, but my matric
Mathematics mark was a bit low. So, my
acceptance letters were declined and then
I got to UWC and they offered to accept
me for the course in Medical Biosciences.
The type of resources that they had to
offer me was not different to any other
university’s standards and I was able to
excel at this university. Therefore, I don’t
see the need to switch universities to fur-
ther my studies.
What impact do your studies have in South Africa?What made me go down this avenue was
the fact that in disadvantaged, poverty-
stricken communities you’ll find that
there’s a lot of alcohol abuse especially by
young females.
These young females then give birth to
babies that have foetal alcohol syndrome.
As a result, we looked at the blood-brain
barrier, and how important it is to the
normal functioning of neurons and how
alcohol affects that blood-brain barrier.
So, if we can somehow better that or
reverse the damaging effects of alcohol on the blood-brain barrier, we could prevent
increasing cases of foetal alcohol syndrome
within these communities.
Your topic of study addresses a major social issue, but how would you be able to com-municate this to the general public?We would have to target pre-natal clinics
because that’s where the pregnant females
are going so we would have to educate
them in terms of practising better prenatal
care.
We need to find ways of creating aware-
ness, for example, educating children at
schools before they even start engaging in
sexual interactions.
As a scientist, are there any future projects that you are thinking of? Yes, I am thinking of obtaining my PhD, it’s
definitely going to happen.
Ms. Shireen Mentor
Prof. David Fisher
10 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
I will probably build on the current study
that I’m doing now and then do some cel-
lular research.
Are you receiving any financial support from any institutions, government or any structures?At the moment, I am being funded by the
National Research Foundation (NRF).
Coming from a single-parent upbringing, how did you finance your undergraduate and Honours studies?Finance was always an issue for me
because my mother is a single parent so I
thought I was going to get a bursary but
because of the financial bracket she was
in, I was unable to receive funding for my
undergraduate studies so she paid for me.
She made contingency plans before I even
entered tertiary institutions.
I managed to work really hard and keep
my grades up so that by the time I got to
post-grad level I was able to get a bursary.
I also work at campus and the university
remunerates me in return.
Other girls your age are worried about their hair and you chose to wear a lab coat. Why do make-up and pencil skirts not interest you?At the end of the day, presentation is
important, but is make-up and a pencil
skirt going to solve problems in our coun-
try? No, it’s not. I’ve always wanted to be
behind the scenes, so research has always
been a passion.
If following my passion means wearing a
lab coat, then I’ll wear one. I’m proud of
wearing it. That lab coat is making a dif-
ference.
SHIREEN MENTOR
What Professor David Fisher says:Twenty years after democracy, SA is still suffering the nega-tive effects of the past. A lack of resources and opportunities presented to certain racial groups has made it difficult for them to excel in primary and high school. When applying for varsity, these disadvantaged students are declined acceptance into their desired fields of study, not because they lack potential, but because they have been unjustly crippled. He says that universi-ties need to take this into account when receiving applications from students whose marks might not be up to standard.
FEATUREDR RAMBANE
111919 ARC Roswika Media.indd 1 2014/08/29 9:59 AM
12 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
ARC
Dr Shadrack Moephuli developed
the love for Animal Science from
an early age and today he is liv-
ing his dream as the President and CEO
of Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in
Pretoria.
His career choice, Animal Science, was
inspired by observing the cattle at his
high school and his keen interest in the
veterinarians that would occasionally
come in to vaccinate the cattle. His visits
to laboratories where he saw many black
scientists at work made him to fall in love
with science even more and strived to fol-
low in their footsteps.
Dr Moephuli is seated at the helm of ARC
which is a public entity of the government.
The council’s primary objective is to con-
duct research and development in agricul-
ture and to solve problems that exist in
the agricultural sector through Science.
“We develop new scientific solutions.
Some of those solutions are in the form of
technical advice and some are technolo-
gies, like new machines, or diagnostic kits.
These technologies also exist in the form
of new vaccines to eliminate diseases
in animals, and new varieties of plants
that farmers can use in farming,” said Dr
Moephuli.
“Having done that we ensure that these
are relevant to the actual problems, or
are actually solving the problems that the
farmers might have so that production
and productivity can be achieved, ” he
continued.
Careers at ARCThere are many career opportunities
at the ARC. Most opportunities are in
research science in the fields of Geo-
referencing Information Management
Systems, Veterinary Sciences, Genetics,
Analytical Chemistry, Precision Agriculture,
Engineering and Computer Science to name
a few.
ARC participates in national exhibits and
conferences in the agriculture sector. They
also participate in activities run by the
Department of Science and Technology
(DST) such as National Science Week. This
is in order to raise awareness about the
organisation and its work. There is also
a big drive towards engaging students at
From cattle to CEO
PAVING THE WAY FOR AGRICULTURE
13Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FEATUREARC
universities and schools, especially those
in the rural areas, to encourage them to
take up careers in Science, particularly in
Agricultural Science.
Currently the council does not fund under-
graduate degrees; however there are study
opportunities at Master’s and PhD degree
level.
“At that level we not only pay for the
students university fees, we also provide
students with a form of income, and also
an environment where they will do their
research projects and one-on-one supervi-
sion with some of the world’s leading sci-
entists using state of the art technologies,”
he said.
Asked what the council’s contribution
towards the development of female sci-
entists in the agricultural sector was, Dr
Moephuli said that ARC employs 50%
female scientists. He continued to say that
the majority of the postgraduate students
are black females from rural areas.
According to Dr Moephuli, farmers were
interested in the scientific solution that
would make their enterprises successful.
“Both commercial white farmers and the
land reform farmers use ARC research out-
puts,” he said.
In his term as CEO, Dr Moephuli would like
to ensure that people know about the ARC
and how the research that is done by the
council contributes to their livelihoods.
“Our vision is to make sure that ARC is
recognised as an institution of excellence
in agricultural research and development
and is recognised by everyone in the coun-
try as well as everywhere in the world.”
He hopes that ARC will remain a leading
science institution that delivers ground-
breaking technologies, not only for farm-
ers in the rural areas, but also for those
that might want to do urban farming and
peri-urban farming. The future of ARC
should bring new technologies and scien-
tific solutions not only in agriculture, but
also in other sectors.
On whether he misses doing lab work or
not, Dr Moephuli shares that he misses
working in the laboratory. He also informs
us that the Science foundation has helped
him greatly with the managerial task at
hand.
“Studying Science makes you an analyti-
cal thinker in that you focus on a particular
item and you pay attention to detail. You
then follow through in making sure that
things add up properly through construct-
ing them in a particular way.
That is very important training because that
forms the basis of your success in life, this
then enables you to transform things into
actual solutions,” he concluded.
14 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
SCIENCE STARS
Science Stars Updates:• Science Stars Competition
• Science Stars Workshop
• Science Stars Website Revamp
WHAT'S TO COME IN 2015
Science Stars will be at:• SCIFEST AFRICA
• BUDGET VOTE
• NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK
• WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARDS
• ESKOM TECHNO X
• SASOL SOLAR CHALLENGE
• WORLD SPACE WEEK
• INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS EXPO
• SS ANNUAL ROLE MODELING CAMPAIGN
Science Stars Forthcoming Publications:• Scifest (Special Edition) – 1 May 2015
• Nanotechnology - 27 July 2015
• Women In Science (Special Edition) 31 August 2015
• Computer Science 30 September 2015
15Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Choose your path
CAREERS IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCE
CAREERS
Written by : Shani Rhoda
The Health and Medical Science field
of study consists of a broad spec-
trum of career paths. Apart from the
most commonly known professions such
as doctors and dentists, there are many
interlinking and unique ways of joining
the world of Health and Medical Science.
Scientific and Clinical CareersThere is an endless list of career options
within the field, with employment oppor-
tunities in both the public and private
sector. Each part of the body functions
intricately, which has allowed for the
branching out of the broader Health and
Medical Science field of study. Although
there are general studies, it is a good idea
to specialise in a specific area. Here are some examples of careers in the field:
• Veterinarian (The study of animal
health)
A career as a vet will require a compas-
sionate love of animals and a focused
knowledge of the body and its functions.
The Faculty of Veterinary Science at the
Onderstepoort campus of TUKS is the only
veterinary school in South Africa.
Obtaining a BVSc degree (a 6 year pro-
gramme) at the university is recognised by
the South African Veterinary Council, which
is a necessity in practicing in the field.
• Dietician (The study of dietetics and
human nutrition)
To become a dietician, you will need a
Degree in Dietetics. The BSc in Nutrition
and Dietetics is a 4-year programme
available at Maties, UWC, UCT, UKZN and
NMMU.
After successfully completing the degree,
you will be required to complete a 1-year
period of community service, after which
you can be registered as a dietician with
the Health Professions Council of South
Africa.
• Dentist and Orthodontist (The study of
oral cavities)
UWC is home to Africa’s leading Faculty
of Dentistry with departments in Oral
Hygiene, Orthodontics and Paediatric
Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Community
Oral Health, Diagnostic Sciences, as well as
Anaesthesiology & Sedation.
The study can also be done at WITS, CPUT,
UKZN and other smaller institutes.
• Optometrist (The study of the eye)
The Department of Optometry at UJ is a
good choice if you’re planning on pursuing
a career as an optometrist. Dealing with
health-related issues pertaining to the
human eye, the study is recognised with a B
Optom which can be completed on a full-
time basis in 4 years.
16 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
CAREERS
• Dermatologist (The study of the skin)
The study of Dermatology can be entered
at WITS, UCT and UKZN, and hands-on
tutorial throughout the course of study
helps to equip learners with a confident
approach to treating skin conditions.
Other interesting job titles in the field of Health and Medical Science include:
Microbiologist - The study of microscopic
life forms;
Cosmetic surgeon - The study of enhancing
physical appearance through reconstruc-
tive surgery;
Geneticist -The study of genetics in living
organisms;
Sports scientist- The study of the effect of
exercise on the human body;
Gynaecologist- The study of female repro-
ductive systems;
Neuroscientist - The study of the nervous
system;
Oncologist- The study of cancerous
tumours;
Radiologist- The study of treating diseases
using medical imagining techniques such
as x-rays;
Audiologist- The study of auditory impair-
ments.
What subjects are essential?To pursue a career in Health and Medical
Science, there are a few subjects that
you need to excel in. Mathematics, Life
Sciences and Physical Science are the fun-
damental subjects, but a good overall aca-
demic performance needs to be achieved
and maintained to be accepted into these
fields of study.
Generally, the minimum NSC Subject
Requirements for acceptance into tertiary
education studies are a level 4 (50 – 59%)
or a level 5 (60 – 69%), but you should
aim for a higher aggregate to secure your
place in the competitive field of study.
Each specific course has its own require-
ments, so it is best to double check these
figures with the universities before the
application process. The sooner you
enquire about the courses you are inter-
ested in, the sooner you can work towards
your goal and ensure you obtain the nec-
essary results in Matric.
Where to study:• University of South Africa (UNISA)
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)
• University of Stellenbosch (MATIES)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• University of Pretoria (TUKS)
• University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ)
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
(NMMU)
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
(CPUT)
Seokedzi Mothokwa is just one of the 179 learners that SANRAL’s
scholarships from 2012-2013 is helping to realize his dreams
of doing well and going on to study at university.
It’s an investment for us, for him and for our country. Who knows what he may become – but we know
that better education means more opportunities, and that means a better
nation for us all.
At my math and science. And it paid off. SANRAL’s scholarship
programme is helping me to pay for my schooling to
pave the way for my success.
“
”
www.sanral.co.za | 0800 SANRAL (726 725)
3527
3527 BENEFICIARY AD - Science Stars.indd 1 2014/08/12 3:13 PM
18 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
19Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
20 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
Leads to an improved economyINNOVATION BRIDGE
South Africa is stuck between First
World success and Third World prob-
lems – despite many urban advance-
ments made, we still have a crippling
level of poverty. The inaugural Innovation
Bridge is a step in the direction of an
improved economy.
South Africa’s efforts to grow the economy
and create jobs through research and
innovation topped the agenda at the first
Innovation Bridge technology showcase
and matchmaking event, which was held
at CSIR ICC Pretoria Exhibition Hall from
2-3 February 2015.
The inaugural event included policy dia-
logues, plenary discussions, technology
exhibitions and demonstrations with up to
75 technologies from more than 30 pub-
licly funded Research and Development
(R&D) organisations.
What is the aim of the Innovation Bridge?The first-of-its-kind technology match-
making event in South Africa was an
opportunity for local and international
technology-based companies, entrepre-
neurs and financiers to scout for technolo-
gy solutions and investment opportunities.
One of the exhibited innovations at the
event is the mobile health hearing screen-
ing solution. This product transforms
a smart phone into a calibrated device
for early identification of hearing loss,
which – according to the World Health
Organization – affects 360 million people
globally, and more than three million in
South Africa alone.
The event was driven by the Department
of Science and Technology (DST) with
its partners, namely, the Technology
Innovation Agency, the National
Intellectual Property Management
Office (NIPMO) and the Southern African
Research and Innovation Management
Association (SARIMA).
South Africa vs the First WorldDuring the discussion, South Africa’s
Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi
Pandor, said that increasing the number of
researchers and enhancing research, inno-
vation skills and outputs could contribute
positively to improving South Africa’s
economy and job creation efforts.
“Knowledge is the currency of the global
economy. If South Africa wants to continue
to compete in the 21st century, we must
support research and innovation that will
generate growth and jobs, now and in the
future,” she said.
The Minister said that the government
was increasingly investing in research and
development, which showed that South
Africa was improving; but if it wanted to
be globally competitive and in alignment
with the best nations, it had to invest
much more.
According to the 2011 South African
Innovation Survey, South African enterpris-
es had a relatively high and novel innova-
tion rate. The report recommended that
policymakers should take note of these
positive trends and ensure that the policy
and infrastructure environment actively
supported innovation activities in the pro-
ductive sectors of the economy.
Supporting Future Development For its part, DST has supported service
delivery through technology applica-
tions and incentives for businesses to
spend funds on innovation projects. The
Department has also provided support for
the development and commercialisation of
R&D outputs, as well as legislation.
However, there seem to be bottlenecks in
providing infrastructural support to start-up
companies, especially for the commerciali-
sation of innovative products and in remov-
ing complexities in setting up businesses in
the country.
In this context, the Innovation Bridge will
serve as a key platform to close the gap
between R&D and the market, contribute
to economic competitiveness, and stimulate
increased investment in R&D through the
creation of an enabling environment for
technology exploitation and entrepreneur-
ial partnerships.
Ms. Grace Nadeli Mandisa Pandor
21Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
TOP ACHIEVERS
Wall of Fame
Top Matric AchieversCongratulations to the class of 2014! Well done on making
it through a gruelling year of intense learning, emotional
goodbyes and excitement for the next phase of learning.
Science Stars wishes to congratulate the top national mat-
ric achievers who have achieved outstanding results.
Mathematics First PlaceRohin Jain
Selborne College High School, East London, Eastern Cape
Second placeJulia Claudia Alsemgeest
Hoerskool Pietersburg, Polokwane, Limpopo
Third placeLyle Ressouw
Muir College Boys High School, UItenhage, Eastern Cape
Physical ScienceFirst placeMosa Michael Bila
Ponego Secondary School, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Second placeRohin Jain
Selborne College Boys High, Eastern Cape
Third placeMpumelelo Wiseman Nomzaza
Thuto-Lesedi Secondary School, Gauteng
in Quintile 1First place Reginald ChampalaDr Harry Gwala Secondary School, Benoni,
Gauteng
Second placePrecious MkhariMmametlhake Secondary School, Seabe,
Mpumalanga
Third placeSenzo Lorenzo XabaMtshakelah High School, Ingwavuma,
KwaZulu – Natal
in Quintile 2First placeMantsha Polyvia MathekganeKgomotso Comprehensive High School,
Pretoria, Gauteng
Second placeAvheani MaittakholeMakakavhale Secondary School,
Thohoyandou, Limpopo
Third placeKgabo Philip KubyanaKgomotso Secondary School, Pretoria,
Gauteng
in Quintile 3First placeLuvo LuziphoSt James Senior Secondary School,
Butterworth, Eastern Cape
Second placeRobin Nicole BosmanSwartberg Secondary, Caledon, Western
Cape
Third placeMasindi Pfanelo MphephuThohoyandou Secondary,
Limpopo
in Quintile 4First placeRashmika DeeplalIsipingo Secondary School, Durban,
KwaZulu Natal
Second placeRearabilwe Lesibana MmatliPax High, Polokwane,
Limpopo
Third placeAnri HattinghVryburg High School,
North West
in Quintile 5First place Gareth David MogamberyNew West Secondary School, Durban,
KwaZulu-Natal
Second placeYi-Tin Michelle YuanRustenburg High School for Girls, Cape
Town, Western Cape
Third placeAntoinette SchoemanD.F. Malan High School, Cape Town,
Western Cape
Mathematics & Physical ScienceFirst place Rohin JainSelborne College High School, East
London, Eastern Cape
Second placeLuvo LuziphoSt James Senior Secondary School,
Butterworth, Eastern Cape
Third placeMpumelelo Wiseman NomzazaThuto-Lesedi Secondary School, Boksburg,
Gauteng
22 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
MEDICAL BIOMATERIALS
Passionate about a fairly new branch
in the Health Sciences Faculty,
an ambitious young UCT student
named Ellen Ngarande is focused on mak-
ing a change in the world around her.
Please tell us more about yourself. Where do you come from? I’m a budding scientist, born and raised in
Zimbabwe. I relocated to Cape Town 10
years ago mainly for tertiary education
purposes. I obtained my B. SC degree in
molecular and cell biology and Honors
degree in medicine specialising in medical
biochemistry at UCT. Currently, I am with
the cardiovascular research unit work-
ing on my second year Master’s Degree in
Medicine focusing on Biomaterials.
Briefly explain what Medical Biomaterials is and under which faculty it falls?Biomaterial is any substance or matter
that has a mechanical or physical interac-
tion with a biological system. The study
of biomaterials falls under the Health
Science Faculty.
When and how were you introduced to the field of study?I was exposed to the field of Biomaterials
when I joined the Health Science Faculty
whilst undertaking my B. Sc Honors
Degree in Medicine.
Is the university sufficiently equipped (in terms of teaching and practical exposure) for the study? Judging from my current research experi-
ence and the needs for my project, the
university is sufficiently equipped, and
we are at par with the research outputs
with First World countries. Some of the
very advanced, high-end equipment is
usually not readily available in Africa. In
such cases, that’s what collaborations with
other institutions all over the world are
for.
What made you decide to continue your studies up until your Master’s Degree?
Do you think it is beneficial to go beyond undergraduate studies?After acquiring my Honors Degree, I took a
2 year gap and worked as research assistant
with the International Center for Genetic
Engineering and Biotechnology (affiliated
with UCT).
For me it wasn’t enough because in order
to have a respectable scientific contribution
and argument, I needed a higher degree.
That’s why I took up my Masters on a proj-
ect I am excited about. It is beneficial to go
beyond undergraduate studies, not only for
career advancement, but for personal and
mental growth which puts you at an even
better advantage.
Entering the Life of a Medical Biomaterials Student
MASTERING MEDICAL BIOMATERIALS
Written by : Shani Rhoda
23Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
MEDICAL BIOMATERIALS
What has been the highlight of your stud-ies and what was the most challenging aspect in your study career?The highlight of my studies so far is when
I was awarded a prestigious UCT-WFIRM
(Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative
Medicine) exchange training program
with a renowned institute in the field of
Regenerative Medicine. I got the oppor-
tunity to go to North Carolina in the USA
for 2 months and experienced first world
scientific research and real life application
of biomaterials and advanced technology
in tissue/organ regeneration.
The most challenging aspect is finding
the will to carry on with the research and
finding solutions when experiments do
not work out.
What are your plans for the next 3 years?
If all goes well with my current research, I
will be doing my PhD.
How does your field of study contribute to a better society, directly or indirectly?In a nutshell, my field of study aims for
a healthy society by finding cost effec-
tive cure for diseases, specifically heart
disease.
What can school pupils do in their spare time to prepare themselves for a career in the study? Learners can visit laboratories at various
institutions like universities and hospitals,
arrange with their school heads to organ-
ise career days where they invite profes-
sionals in various fields to speak about
their work.
Do you think that students at high
school level know enough about Medical Biomaterials?I don’t think the subject of Biomaterials
alone or study thereof is common at high
school level.
This is because Regenerative Medicine is a
fairly new branch of revolutionary medicine
which is probably why it’s not fully pro-
moted at high school level.
Do you have any advice for students who are considering a career in Medical Biomaterials? Like how it is with every career choice, you
have to be passionate about what you do. If
you like solving problems and are inquisi-
tive then you will do well on this career
path.
Most of all, you have to be prepared to
work hard.
We use communication satellites every day when we watch Digital Satellite television (DStv), access the internet or use our cell phones.
Navigation apps use GPS satellites to accurately steer you to your requested destination.
There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space.
However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!
Spacecraft are launched into space on rockets and need to be monitored along the way. SANSA provides launch support and recently assisted two Mars launches – NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory and India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.
Weather in space can damage satellites and interfere with our technology like GPS, cell phones and internet. SANSA keeps a close eye on space weather to protect our technology in space and on Earth.
Images from satellites are used to develop maps and monitor natural disasters like floods and droughts.
SAT
ELL
ITE
OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN
SPA
CE
WEA
THER FORECASTER
REM
OT
E SE
NSI
NG RESEARCHER
RA
DIO
FR
EQUENCY ENGINEER
South African National Space AgencyTel +27 12 844 0398 | Fax +27 12 844 0396Email [email protected] | Website www.sansa.org.za
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Advertorial.pdf 1 2014/03/04 2:42 PM
25Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
We use communication satellites every day when we watch Digital Satellite television (DStv), access the internet or use our cell phones.
Navigation apps use GPS satellites to accurately steer you to your requested destination.
There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space.
However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!
Spacecraft are launched into space on rockets and need to be monitored along the way. SANSA provides launch support and recently assisted two Mars launches – NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory and India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.
Weather in space can damage satellites and interfere with our technology like GPS, cell phones and internet. SANSA keeps a close eye on space weather to protect our technology in space and on Earth.
Images from satellites are used to develop maps and monitor natural disasters like floods and droughts.
SAT
ELL
ITE
OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN
SPA
CE
WEA
TH
ER FORECASTER
REM
OT
E SE
NSI
NG RESEARCHER
RA
DIO
FR
EQUENCY ENGINEER
South African National Space AgencyTel +27 12 844 0398 | Fax +27 12 844 0396Email [email protected] | Website www.sansa.org.za
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Advertorial.pdf 1 2014/03/04 2:42 PM
We use communication satellites every day when we watch Digital Satellite television (DStv), access the internet or use our cell phones.
Navigation apps use GPS satellites to accurately steer you to your requested destination.
There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space.
However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!
Spacecraft are launched into space on rockets and need to be monitored along the way. SANSA provides launch support and recently assisted two Mars launches – NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory and India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.
Weather in space can damage satellites and interfere with our technology like GPS, cell phones and internet. SANSA keeps a close eye on space weather to protect our technology in space and on Earth.
Images from satellites are used to develop maps and monitor natural disasters like floods and droughts.
SAT
ELL
ITE
OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN
SPA
CE
WEA
TH
ER FORECASTER
REM
OT
E SE
NSI
NG RESEARCHER
RA
DIO
FR
EQUENCY ENGINEER
South African National Space AgencyTel +27 12 844 0398 | Fax +27 12 844 0396Email [email protected] | Website www.sansa.org.za
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Advertorial.pdf 1 2014/03/04 2:42 PM
26 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
event was held in Cape Town at
the South African National Gallery,
which is part of the Iziko Museums, on
13 February 2015. The exhibition was
launched in collaboration with Shared
Sky, an indigenous art and astronomy
exhibition, and was a very different and
unique event. This was mainly because it
brought about a different way of looking
at Science and Astronomy. The opening
of the art exhibition was done by the
Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi
Pandor, which is fitting considering its
intriguing coming about.
One might ask what it is that this art
exhibition has to do with Science. The
Shared Sky project was introduced by SKA
as a means of sharing their vision which
“embodies the spirit of the international
science and engineering collaboration that
is the SKA project itself, bringing together
many nations around two sites in Australia
and South Africa to study the same sky”.
The SKA Radio Telescope will be the big-
gest telescope ever to be produced, also
making it one of the biggest scientific
projects to have ever been conducted. This
makes the Shared Sky project a very big
deal, not only to scientists and astronomers,
but as an added value to people’s cultural
heritage.
This project shows us how Science does
not, and has not, been living outside of
human culture and it also shows us how
one stems from the other. We are able to
see how Science is not an isolated sphere,
it highlights the importance of both art and
Science within our cultures and how they
can work hand in hand. Naledi Pandor her-
self stated that “Art is Science, surely it has
to be”, in reference to the art exhibition and
artwork as a whole. This cross-continental
project allows people to come together to
share their human experiences, where they
share stories that have been passed on
from generation to generation. This allows
the people to speak about their shared his-
SKA and Shared Sky bring the stars to earth
DIVERSE CULTURES CELEBRATE THE SAME SKY
Ms. Grace Nadeli Mandisa Pandor
27Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
tory.
Shared Sky brings together two distinct
communities - the artists that are the
descendants of the San from the Bethesda
Arts Centre in Nieu Bethesda situ-
ated in the Eastern Cape and the Yamaji
Aboriginal artists from the Yamaji Art
Centre in Geraldton, Australia. It is incred-
ibly fascinating seeing and realising how
these people, these artists, have grown to
have such rich and unique cultures over
the generations. Where these cultures
have actually grown so beautifully in two
very distinct and very different parts of the
world and yet share the very same serious
concerns when it comes to the preserva-
tion and love for each of their cultural
heritages.
For each culture, art is not something that
has just come about recently. Although
their canvases may have changed over
time, going from rock and caves to
paper and linen, the message and what
is expressed has not. Both the San and
Yamaji people looked at the same night
sky, where they painted their visions as the
night sky spoke to them. The SKA Radio
Telescope and its scientists have allowed
these artists to be brought closer to their
muse through technology, where they
have an artistic and scientific viewpoint.
Charmaine Green, whose artwork refers to
Coma Berenices states that “After talking
and spending time with the scientists, I
want to look at other constellations. The
story behind Coma Berenices caught my
attention because of the relationship to
the importance of the hair to the night
sky. In our culture, hair is not to be cut at
night”. This shows the connections that
can be made between one’s culture, the
night sky and how Science can help make
these discoveries thus enhancing ones
artwork.
The connections made by each culture’s
artwork to one another shows us how the
night sky is shared by all humanity and
helps us understand that it has no borders.
Therefore, even though we may live sepa-
rately as the human race and live our sep-
arate lives on our secluded and bordered
areas, we live under the same sky, where
the moon and the different constellations
carry the stories of many generations of
the vast cultures. These stories allow us to
begin new conversations which show new
and different perspectives when it comes to
our lives and experiences. These conversa-
tions do not necessarily have to only be
spoken, but they can also be shown through
art exhibitions such as Shared Sky.
The exhibition will end on the 31st May
2015. This gives people from all walks life,
whether you have a more of a scientific
mind or an artistic one, the opportunity to
see how these two components collaborate
in the most unique and fascinating manner.
The exhibition is both moving and colourful
and would make for a great day out for the
whole family.
The South African National Gallery is open
to visitors on a daily basis and the operat-
ing times are from 10h00 to 17h00.
28 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Terms & Conditions: In order for a vote to be valid, voters need to like the Science Stars Magazine Facebook page as well as your picture. Competition closes on 31 May 2015
How to Enter:1. Like “Science Stars Magazine” on Facebook
2. Send a selfie with our Science Stars magazine to our Facebook inbox.
3. Share your picture and get all your friends to like it.The more likes you have, the better your chances of
winning.1st Prize - A Huawei tablet
/sciencestars.faceb.co.za
@ScienceStars2
29Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FEATUREEXPERIMENT
BALLOON BLOW-UP HOME EXPERIMENT
You will need: 1. Bottle 2. Vinegar 3. Baking Soda 4. Funnel 5. Balloon
The reason it is Science relatedWhen the baking soda and vinegar mix, it creates a chemical reaction. We can tell by this through seeing bubbles. This chemical reaction gives off a gas which inflates the balloon.
What you will need. 1. Use the funnel to pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the bottle. Rinse and dry the funnel.
2. Use the (clean and dry) funnel to put 1 tablespoon of baking soda into the bottom of the balloon. Shake gently to make sure all of the baking soda falls to the bottom.
3. Stretch the open end of the balloon over the neck of the bottle and make sure it is secured tightly. Let the rest of the balloon hang over the side (while you hold the bottle upright) so that no baking soda falls into the bottle just yet.
4. Hold onto the neck of the bottle (where the end of the balloon is) and care-fully lift the heavier end of the balloon until you are holding it completely upright. All of the baking soda should fall into the bottle. The reaction will be immediate.
Terms & Conditions: In order for a vote to be valid, voters need to like the Science Stars Magazine Facebook page as well as your picture. Competition closes on 31 May 2015
How to Enter:1. Like “Science Stars Magazine” on Facebook
2. Send a selfie with our Science Stars magazine to our Facebook inbox.
3. Share your picture and get all your friends to like it.The more likes you have, the better your chances of
winning.1st Prize - A Huawei tablet
/sciencestars.faceb.co.za
@ScienceStars2
30 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
“Science is very interesting and challenging, but it became more fun and educational when I had to go to the field to learn about water sam-pling, soil water and ground water. We had to collect air samples which were then taken to a lab for tests, in the hope of discovering any dis-eases present in the air we breathe.”Jennerveve Davids: Environmental Management
Studying towards a career in Science has its ups and downs. Some students have shared their daily duties, loves and challenges of this exciting journey.
QUOTES
“The world that we live in wouldn’t exist without Science. Being an engineer means being involved in the production sector, such as creating plastics, using raw materials to produce computers or laptops, as well as food pro-cessing. Chemical Engineering is a very large field as it starts from the design to production to the operation of an idea. The job also aims to improve what has already been produced and spot possible problems that may arise.” John Mulamba: Chemical Engineering
“With the advancement of modern technology, the world has become a better place for all of us living in it. My dream was not to use what already exists, but to make things that will improve the lives of ordinary people, and that is why I decided to become an electrical engineer.” Tawanda Mukanhairi: Electrical Engineering
“There have been some challenges during my studies but they pre-pared me for the field work I did during my internship in Mpumalanga last year. I enjoyed every minute of working outside and get-ting my hands dirty and I look forward to a future in Environment Management.” Anelisa Grabe: Environmental Management
STUDENTS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS
31Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FEATUREDST
Naledi Pandor highlights the significance and predicts its future.
THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE IN AFRICA
It is our belief that Africa’s capacity for
innovation will shape the future of
not only Africans, but everyone on this
planet. Companies such as Microsoft, IBM,
and Intel have recognised the innovation
potential of some regions of Africa, but we
have not yet built research and develop-
ment partnerships that will lead to the
emergence of a robust and productive
innovation system in Africa.
Whether it is in Nanotechnology or
Astronomy, Laser Technology or High
Performance Computing, South Africa has
made an impact in the global Science
area. Measured by the impact of their pub-
lications in international scientific jour-
nals, South African researchers are among
the most productive in the world.
Africa is confronted by many global chal-
lenges, such as climate change, pandemic
diseases or energy security. In order to
address these, enhanced global Science
and innovation partnerships are required to
unleash Africa’s enormous potential to con-
tribute to global knowledge generation.
Using Science to Alleviate Poverty and Inequality South African programmes to lift people
out of poverty, especially in remote rural
areas through Science- and Technology-
based interventions, have attracted huge
international interest from respected part-
ners, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation. South Africa is now at the fore-
front of innovative programmes to provide
decent sanitation service delivery to impov-
erished communities.
CSIR’s “wireless mesh network”, which
brings Internet connectivity to rural areas, is
not only narrowing but also eliminating the
digital divide and enables micro enterprise
development in poverty-stricken areas.
Life SciencesWith regard to Life Sciences, South African
scientists have for years been at the fore-
front of the fight against infectious diseases
such as HIV-Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
32 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
Our goal is now to ensure our scientific
excellence will translate into the develop-
ment of South Africa’s own pharmaceutical
industry, which will create jobs. A secret
weapon in our Life Sciences arsenal with
tremendous potential is our pioneering
work in indigenous knowledge systems.
Marine ScienceOur research in Marine Science and
its potential contribution to the blue
economy and our successful technology
development programmes to support
beneficiation of raw materials, such as the
development of the Titanium metal power
industry and fluoro-chemicals products.
Our investment in advanced manufactur-
ing technologies continues to ensure the
South African aeronautics industry is a
sought after partner for global players like
Airbus and Boeing.
Astronomy SciencesMeerKAT, the South AfricanSquare
Kilometre Array (SKA) precursor, is already
contributing to the development of astro-
nomical and engineering skills across
Africa. Since technologies being developed
for these telescopes will be commer-
cialised in the next 10-20 years, young
Africans currently working on the project
will be in high demand around the world.
Engineers, astrophysicists, ICT specialists
and several other professions have been
able to participate in our initiatives. Some
of our telescopes are located in remote
rural areas –we have had to build roads,
ensure energy supply and connectivity for
all our projects. All this astronomy work
has brought economic opportunity to vul-
nerable communities and supported the
development of science and mathematics
at local schools.
Radio astronomy investment in recent
years has raised both the supply of and
demand for a skilled Science, Technology
and Engineering workforce. Because of
this increase of human capital in African
economies, it has contributed to the cre-
ation and growth of a high-knowledge
skill-base across the African continent.
The Future of Science in AfricaThere is now a golden opportunity to
develop new, strategic and mutually ben-
eficial African Science partnerships. These
are partnerships that will not only enrich
the global scientific knowledge base but
also transform scientific disciplines to the
benefit of us all.
The most important new technology driver
is highly skilled human capital. We all
compete in a global market for scientists
and entrepreneurs. It’s remarkable that
of the five South African Nobel laureates
who have received their prize for chem-
istry or medicine, all now live in other
countries.
Determining the best technology policy
is relatively straightforward, but having
the people ready to take advantage of
resource-rich opportunities is the real
challenge.
33Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
2
4
6
1
5
7
9
10
8
3
Milk is an important source of calcium,
but it is not the only way to building strong bones. Vegetables such as broc-
coli, shellfish, salmon, almonds and dried beans.
Without proper nutrition, students per-form worse academically and fail to excel in sports.
Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue.
Humans can live up to 40 days without
consuming any food, depending on the
amount of water intake, stored body fat
and muscle mass.
It is possible for children to be over nour-ished. Health problems such as type two diabetes and high cholesterol can lead to obesity in very young children.
Girls need a greater iron intake in their
diets to make up for what is lost during
their monthly periods.
Fibre is found in grains, fruits and vege-
tables and contributes towards a healthy
digestive system. Fibre leaves one feel-
ing full, preventing overeating.
The 5-second rule is a myth. Bacteria can attach to food instantly and although not all bacteria is harmful, some do cause health issues such as diarrhea.
In moderate doses, caffeine increases mental alertness and triggers a tempo-rary energy boost. Over-indulging has negative effects such as anxiety, head-aches and dizziness.
It has been proven that kids who eat breakfast perform better at school. Healthy breakfast options include whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk or a peanut butter and jam sandwich.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
34 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
1
1
2
2
4
3
3
4
5
5
6
DOWNCROSSWORD PUZZLE
Health Word ScrambleChallenge your puzzle solving skills with our health word scramble.
1. What percentage of the human body
is water?
2. Our bodies needs _______ essential
vitamins
3. A humans thumb is as long as his or
her nose? True or false?
4. What are one of the major types of
health facilities?
5. The smallest bones in the body are
found in?
6. What heart smart supplement is
derived from the lilly family?
ACROSS
PUZZLE
1. How many taste buds are there on your
your tongue?
2. _____ have the highest metobolic rate.
3.The energy-burning aspect of metabo-
lism is called?
4. A sneeze accur at about 100 miles an
hour? True or false?
5. The _______ is responsible for regulat-
ing the body’s metabolism.
1. ACATRBEI
2. LBDOO
3. ELGYALR
4. IEXEESRC
5. ISVUR
6. LPSHIOAT
7. IEIMDECN
8. EIHYGEN
9. ULGSN
10. REAWT
11. ERTHA
12. XGYNEO
13. IESADSE
14. OSTYMMSP
15. ESNUR
35Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
ANSWERS
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1
2
2
4
3
3
4
5
7
6
6
5
SUDOKUANSWERSMathematics magazine
THE PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS
ISSUE 07SCIENCESTARS
P
R
O
T
R
A
T
O
R
G
P
C
E
O
O
I
R
G
P
R
C
C
O
R
E
N
C
O
E
L
R
O
U
R
E
L
Y
I
M
A
G
I
N
A
Y
P
N
N
M
I
C
T
F
N
U
S
A
C
BA
E
F
N
I
R
G
R
P
O
P
O
R
T
I
O
I
C
T
E
N
U
S
E
O
P
Y
H
R N
E
E
N
E
Q
U
L
A
T
E
R
A
L
E
E T
SUDOKU ANSWERS 11/12/14
1. Thirty-seven (37)
2. 30 Degrees
3. Two hundred and ten (210)
4. The Hypotenuse
5. Six (6)
6. Three (3)
7. 43, 560 Square feet
8. Fours- 11, 13, 17, 19
9. 1050
10. They are all square numbers
11. Three Quarters (3/4)
12. One hundred and Sixty eight
QUIZ
36 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
UWC
Modern technology and information enables research projects at UWC
Science Stars visited the University
of the Western Cape’s Medical and
Health Sciences laboratory and
spoke to Professor Ralf Henkel, the Head
of Department of the Faculty of Natural
Sciences. We found out about the latest
technological advancements and research
projects that are currently undertaken
by the university’s students and research
groups.
Name a few of the major projects under-taken within the Health and Medical Science department at the university.The department is quite diverse. The
department consists of different areas of
expertise such as cancer, cardiovascular,
reproduction, nutrition, biology, toxicology
and anatomy. It is quite a big variety of
fields of specialisation and each of these
have their own projects. With regards to
nutrition, the university recently estab-
lished a national centre for nutrition.
Otherwise, we have major funded projects
in reproduction, cancer and biology.
There are also projects relating to the
large usage of crystal meth (tik) and other
drugs, specifically in the Western Cape. We
are also looking at herbal remedies for
testosterone replacement in men to pre-
vent testosterone cancer in our indigenous
knowledge research projects.
What state-of-the-art equipment do you have at the moment that can assist the scientists?Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), lumi-
nometers, inverted microscopes, cell
motion analyser and chemical identifica-
tion amongst others.
What equipment will be added in the future?That depends on which direction the
department and the individual researchers
decide to take and what funding is avail-
able.
What is the main aim of the lab? Is it more for the students of UWC or for larger research projects?We have two types of labs – the under-
graduate labs are for students who are
still training and then, we have research
labs which is specialised for research
projects undertaken by Honours, Masters,
Doctoral and Post-Doctoral students.
Is it possible for school groups to take a tour of these labs?Small groups can be guided under supervi-
sion, but it must be noted that a laboratory
has many potential risks.
Are the labs, and the faculty as a whole, efficiently equipped to tackle pressing health issues in the country, such as the
UWC LAB HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH
Prof. Ralf Henkel
37Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
UWC
aforementioned cancer?With our current water research project,
we are investigating water quality and
how poor water quality affects the health
in an area, especially in informal settle-
ments. By investigating the male repro-
ductive organs, we also learn more about
infertility. All our research projects are
somehow related to daily health issues –
breast cancer and prostate cancer, depend-
ing on the particular interests.
How often will the equipment in the lab be upgraded?If we receive funding, updating the lab’s
equipment will be possible, otherwise
we’ll have to collaborate with other
groups who have the latest equipment, or
carry on using the existing equipment.
Are there any facilities on the university’s campus that complement the work done in the labs, such as a library or research centre?
It is essential for us to have a library.
Without access to actual information, a
scientist is stranded. It is crucial to have
access to up to date information without
being barred.
Were there any special requirements that were necessary in the design of the lab?From our side, the planning committee
stated that we have to have gas, we have
to have CO2. If there’s CO2 there has to
be relevant safety measures and access
control. There must be extractor facilities
for toxic substances, and cold rooms for
freezing cells.
What are the benefits of having the lab on the community on the whole?The research benefits the community and
this research is carried out in our labs
and our research groups and relates to
valid society problems, like cancer, fertility
issues, cardiovascular, water, obesity and
other major health issues.
How many students are currently enrolled in the faculty? About 800-900 postgraduates are enrolled
in the faculty.
Do you think that the facilities will con-tribute towards students’ decisions to study at UWC?Students have to think about their future
career and part of being a scientist
involves proper education in conducting
research projects. The labs are properly
designed and equipped to conduct such
projects.
In comparison to other universities, how does UWC’s Health Science facilities differ to the facilities offered elsewhere?
This building is one of the most recent
buildings that was built for this purpose,
so it is the most modern. In the end, what
counts is the qualification of the principal-
investigators working in the labs and what
equipment is available. What is essentially
done in the lab and what is published is
also important.
Briefly explain the significance of the fac-ulty in the country and how the research conducted through the projects contribute to the growth of the economy. Research in general builds the future. For
instance, finding South African herbal
extracts can create jobs in the farming
industry and the pharmaceutical industry
and it will benefit the public’s health as
well as the affordability for individuals. The
data collected in research projects can also
contribute to policy-making.
Is there anything else you would like to add to motivate students wanting to study in the field of Health and Medical Science?These labs, and universities in general,
should actually be the centre point of
future development of a country because
this is where the knowledge is created.
Universities should not just be an extended
high school. Students wanting to come
to university must come prepared and
they must be able to do basic things in
the important subjects such as Maths and
Science. The end goal of a university is
knowledge creation.
38 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
30981 CSIR SP Gugu HR ol.indd 1 2014/10/20 1:24 PM
1 7
8
3
4
5
6
QUIZ
QUIZTest your brain
Which cavity of the brain is the largest?
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla
D. Hypothalamus
Which is not a sensory organ?
A. Eye
B. Ear
C. Liver
D. Skin
How many bones are in the body?
A. 377
B. 206
C. 119
D. 4
What is the largest sensory organ?
A. Nose
B. Eye
C. Skin
D. Ear
Which is the largest internal organ?
A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Lungs
D. Heart
What is the resting beat of your heart?
A. 70 beats
B. 100 beats
C. 57 beats
D. 130 beats
Which organ in the body is connected to the ear by the auditory
nerve?
A. brain
B. trachea
C. spinal cord
D. ear drum
What is another name for short sightedness?
A. glaucoma
B. cataracts
C. hyper myopia
D. myopia
2
30981 CSIR SP Gugu HR ol.indd 1 2014/10/20 1:24 PM
40 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
CSIR ADVERTORIAL
CSIR IN SOUTH AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT
The role in the socio-economic growth
Who we are
The Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) was constituted
by an Act of Parliament in 1945 with a
mandate to foster industrial and scien-
tific development and contribute to the
improved quality of life of South Africans.
The CSIR is differentiated from other sci-
ence councils by its ability to undertake
integrated, multidisciplinary research
across diverse areas of science.
The CSIR has offices in Gauteng, the
Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-
Natal, and Mpumalanga.
What does this mean?
The CSIR can deliver on its mandate to
improve the lives of South Africans and
respond to national priorities by pooling
together the best expertise from a range
of scientific disciplines to ensure compre-
hensive and integrated solutions.
What we do
The CSIR undertakes directed research
and development (R&D) for socio-eco-
nomic growth. It defines its role as:
• Fostering industrial development, includ-
ing technology development and transfer,
new sector development, start-ups, pilot-
ing, productivity and waste minimisation
and strategic initiatives.
• Building national capability, including
support to service delivery, policy develop-
ment and information management.
The CSIR generates knowledge and
research output to be applied or trans-
ferred as proven technologies, skilled
people and through projects that add
commercial and social benefit.
Specific areas of focus are health, energy,
the natural environment, the built envi-
ronment, defence and security as well as
the needs of industry – specifically mining
and advanced manufacturing.
Its multidisciplinary skills base includes
expertise in core technologies such as
information and communications tech-
nology, photonics, robotics, cybersecurity,
sensors, materials sciences, optronics and
biotechnology, and leading scientific infra-
structure.
The CSIR is developing and executing a
Growth and Impact Strategy to grow the
impact of its work, building on existing
capabilities.The current focus within the
CSIR Growth and Impact Strategy is the
addition of Flagship Programmes, compris-
ing large, impact-driven development and
innovation initiatives integrated across the
CSIR. Flagship Programmes aim to achieve
impact at the national scale and include
focus areas such as water sustainability,
health, and safety and security.
Over the years, South Africa has benefited
from many CSIR innovations such as the
development of the now ubiquitous lithium
ion battery; improved architectural design
of hospitals to limit the spread of tuber-
culosis; a satellite-based fire information
tool that delivers locations of active fires
in near-real time over southern and east-
ern Africa; a machine that determines the
condition of a road 20 years from now; a
device that warns miners of loose rocks in
underground mines; a camera that shows
power-loss on electrical installations at
41Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FEATURECSIR ADVERTORIAL
night and day; an eye treatment prod-
uct that has taken the beauty market by
storm; or a system that protects vehicles
and its occupants from the effects of land-
mine explosions; a novel hosting system
that allows for the loading of more – and
different types of – boats onto ships, giv-
ing the South African Navy an effective
and rapidly deployable tool against acts
of piracy.
How we do it
The CSIR works closely with government,
state-owned enterprises, funding agencies,
tertiary education institutions, other sci-
ence councils as well as a range of public
and private sector institutions locally
and abroad – either as partners or clients
where the focus is on quality science,
skills and socio-economic improvement.
Twitter: @CSIR (http://twitter.com/CSIR)Facebook: CSIRSouthAfrica (https://www.facebook.com/CSIRSouthAfrica)LinkedIn group: CSIR (South Africa)YouTube: CSIRNewMedia (http://www.youtube.com/CSIRNewMedia)
42 Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
SCIENCE NEWS
SCIENCE NEWS
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), togeth-
er with three of the country’s finest universities, aims to tackle
one of the leading causes of death worldwide by establishing
Cancer Research Centres around the country.
Space will have its first black African visi-tor as 25-year-old Mandla Maseko from a township in Pretoria prepares for his orbit-al trip in 2015.
The vice-president of engineering for Twitter, Nandini Ramani, addressed young South African girls from Khayelitsha at a meeting that formed part of the TechWomen mentorship programme.
World-renowned South African AIDS researcher, Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim, was recently awarded an African Union science prize for his great work on HIV prevention and treatment.
The International Year of Light kicks
off at Scifest Africa 2015.The annual science festival will be held
in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape
from 18-24 March 2015.
The CSIR’s Microsystems Research Group is working to develop paper-based diagnostic sensors, ideal for low-resource areas such as rural clinics
Climate change is affecting ecosystems on a global scale and in
the Southern African region temperatures are increasing at about
twice the global rate. CSIR researchers project that this alarm-
ing statistic will impact many different local sectors, for example
agriculture and industries.
43Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FEATURESCIFEST
At the speed of light!Scifest Africa
Scifest Africa, South Africa’s National
Science Festival, invites visitors to
see the light from space, the spar-
kling light through diamonds, and the
shining light of inspiration at this year’s
event to be held in Grahamstown from 18
to 24 March.
The 2015 theme, “Science alight!”, will
form part of the 2015 International Year of
Light and Light-based Technologies.
The event will celebrate several anniver-
saries, including the 1000th anniversary
of the publication of the seven volume
treatise on optics by Ibn al-Haytham, the
centenary of Einstein’s theory of general
relativity and the announcement last year
that the 2014 Nobel Prize for Physics had
been awarded to the inventors of the blue
LED.
The festival programme will offer visi-
tors exhibitions and over 600 interactive
events that will explore all facets of light,
including Anatomy, Architecture, Arts and
Culture, Astronomy, Atmospheric Sciences,
Aviation, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Diet,
Energy, Fibre Optics, Gravity, Lasers, Matter,
Microscopy, Nanotechnology, Optics,
Photonics, Space Sciences, the spectrum,
and the universe.
A sure highlight will be the attendance of
a high-level delegation from NASA, whose
contributions will focus on the John
Webb Space Telescope, Mars Exploration
Programme, New Horizons Mission and
Rosetta Mission, and will include public
appearances by astronaut, Dr Catherine
Coleman.
Other international contributions to the
programme will come from Argentina,
China, France, Germany, Turkey, the UK
and USA. Back by popular demand, is
blind astronomer Wanda Diaz, who will tell
the story of how she followed a career in
astronomy against all odds and how she
listens to the stars.
The festival programme will also place spe-
cial focus on Grahamstown’s Observatory
Museum, home to the only Victorian camera
obscura in the southern hemisphere, and
the room in which the first diamond found
in South Africa, later named the Eureka
Diamond, was identified in 1867.
Sponsored by the Department of Science
and Technology (DST), Scifest Africa remains
the largest festival of its kind on the African
continent, welcoming over 68,000 visitors
of all ages to Grahamstown in 2014.
44 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
Mineral processing to become a key industry
TURNING SOIL INTO SUSTAINABLE INCOME
The Minister of Science and
Technology, Naledi Pandor, says the
time is now for the Non-Aligned
Movement countries to make the best of
the resources in their soil.
Minister Pandor was speaking at the
start of the Department of Science and
Technology/Non-Aligned Movement’s
Centre for Science and Technology
Training Programme on Minerals
Processing and Beneficiation, hosted
by the Council for Mineral Technology
(Mintek), in Johannesburg.
The three-month training programme
(to be held from 15 January to 30 March
2015) will see the participants being
exposed to Mintek techniques for mineral
processing and undergoing in-service
training. The first cohort comprises par-
ticipants from 11 countries, namely Egypt,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan
and Zambia. Minister Pandor gave exam-
ples of what South Africa was doing to
localise and advance the field of mineral
beneficiation.
The first example is titanium. South Africa
is the second largest supplier of the
mineral ore that can produce titanium
metal. However, we add little value to the
mineral ore before export. The Council
for Scientific and Industrial Research
has developed a novel process in which
titanium metal can be produced from our
abundant mineral resources. These new
capabilities can position South Africa as
a world leader in the cost-competitive
production of high-grade titanium metal
powder. Titanium is a sought after metal,
especially in the aerospace industry, where
aircraft and satellites need to be lighter so
as to consume less fuel.
Another example is platinum. Ten years ago
we launched the Hydrogen South Africa
(HySA) programme. This marked the initia-
tion of research and development activities
by two centres of Latest News competence,
namely, HySA Catalysis and HySA Systems.
We also established Clean Energy, a South
African fuel cell company that will ini-
tially market and eventually assemble and
manufacture fuel cells in Sub-Sahara Africa,
in partnership with Anglo Platinum and
Altergy Power Systems.
Minister Pandor concluded: “A third example
is fluorine. Five years ago, we launched the
Multi-purpose Fluorination Pilot Plant at
Necsa’s Pelchem in Pelindaba. Through this
initiative, South Africa has the potential
not only to develop much-needed human
capital, but also to reduce the country’s
chemical trade deficit through exports, to
attract foreign direct investment, and to
increase high-tech research and develop-
ment towards a stronger fluorochemicals
industrial base”.
45Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FEATUREDST
Local technologies to uplift South Africa's market
RECOGNITION OF HOME GROWN TECHNOLOGIES
The Minister of Science and
Technology, Naledi Pandor, has
urged the private sector, govern-
ment and research institutions to col-
laborate in elevating the recognition of
home-grown technologies to service the
country’s markets and address local needs.
The Top Technology 100 (TT100) pro-
gramme, an initiative of the Department
of Science and Technology (DST), working
together with the Technology Innovation
Agency, the National Intellectual Property
Management Office and the Southern
African Research and Innovation
Management Association, is committed
to increasing employment. Furthermore,
providing hope for budding entrepreneurs
in the technology field, and demonstrating
that developing countries are capable of
competing with the best.
The TT100 Awards is an annual event
hosted by the Da Vinci Institute for
the Management of Technology and
Innovation, under the auspices of DST. This
year the awards ceremony is taking place
on the sidelines of a first-of-its-kind event
in South Africa, namely, the Innovation
Bridge. This is an event that DST has
organised to bring together innovators,
financiers and technology incubators
under one roof, a platform that aims to
bridge the gap between them.
Speaking at the TT100 Awards ceremony
in Pretoria, the Minister said that there
seemed a lack appreciation in South Africa
for home-grown technological capabilities,
even in areas in which the country’s offer-
ings were generally recognised as the best
in the world.
“We need to implement our policies that
favour South African-based technologies
and local procurement,” the Minister said,
adding this was out of concern that both
the state and the private sector preferred
international over local technology sup-
pliers.
The 2014 TT100 Awards Programme not
only showcases the increase in the output
and quality of South African technologies,
but has also expanded its scope to include
organisations from Brazil, Russia, India and
China.
Among the recipients was Eskom’s
Group Executive for Sustainability, Dr
Steve Lennon, who received a Lifetime
Achievement Award.
Dr Lennon, who also chaired the National
Advisory Council on Innovation, is widely
recognised locally and internationally for
leadership in areas such as technologi-
cal innovation and R&D, sustainability
management and energy, including project
development and funding and establishing
partnerships and networks, such as investor
relationships.
The Minister’s Award for Overall Excellence
was taken by Accsys (Pty) Ltd in the cat-
egory of medium enterprises, and PFK
Electronics (Pty) Ltd in the large enterprises
category. These are awarded to recognise
companies that consistently and progres-
sively demonstrate a unique ability to man-
age core elements of the business, includ-
ing technology, innovation, people, systems,
research and sustainability.
In the Emerging Enterprise category, Olive
Expert Services (Pty) Ltd scooped four
awards for overall excellence.
“It is encouraging to see how, year-on-year,
many of these organisations have been able
to find innovative ways of sustaining their
businesses, and, in many cases, have been
able to export their products and services
in fiercely competitive global markets,” said
the Minister.
46 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Cu
t o
ut
and
pla
ce o
n y
ou
r w
all f
or
easy
ref
eren
ce
DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E
Qs & As
WHAT HEALTH SCIENCE MEANS TO THE YOUTH
When you think of Health & Medical Science, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
• “Health issues (e.g. HIV)” - Notemba Silewana• “Pharmaceutical industries” - Nomandla Genge• “Medication and health services” - Yazini Bekebu
What would interest you into pursuing a career in the sci-ence field?
• “Working in laboratories” - Ziyanda Tukwayo• “Educating people about Health & Medical Science in the community and rural areas”- Reabetswe Tebele• “Seeing more young people taking Science seriously” Asanda Voto
If you could choose any field of study in Science and Health, which field would you choose?
• “Pathology” - Notemba Silewana• “Nature Conservation (Conservation Ecology)” - Asanda Voto• “Environmental Health” - Katlego Mafura• “Analytical Chemistry” - Nomandla Genge• “Radiology” - Reabetswe Tebele• “Doctor” - Ziyanda Tukwayo• “Pharmaceuticals” - Yazini Bekebu
1
2
3
47Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Cu
t o
ut
and
pla
ce o
n y
ou
r w
all f
or
easy
ref
eren
ce
DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E
48 Science Stars Magazine Health and Medical Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
At Engen, we want to give you some extra encouragement during your final exams because we understand that education is the first step to a brighter future. That’s one of the reasons why we invest in subjects that will be of long-term value to our business and South Africa. For nearly 3 decades, Engen Maths and Science Schools have provided extra tuition to learners in grades 10 to 12 across the country. Engen wishes you every success for your final matric exams.
Exercise and eat correctly to combat stress.
If the workload is too big, join a study group. But make sure you actually study.
Don’t postpone difficult topics
when studying - tackle the hard
bits first.
Don’t procrastinate!
Good luck!
Studytips
Draw up a study
timetable.
Create a study environment free from
clutter and distractions.
Get a decent night’s sleep. It helps with your concentration.Use tables,
flowcharts and figures - pictures can help you remember
facts.Go over as many past papers as you can.
Get up a little earlier on the morning of an exam - it will allow
you time to have a proper breakfast and you will feel calm when you
arrive at your exam venue.
Make flashcards, use acronyms, sing jingles - anything to help you remember.
www.engenoil.com/education
FCB
CAPE
TOW
N 10
0070
95CT
/E
10007095CT Engen_Study Tips Ad_215x275E.indd 1 2014/08/27 10:22 AM