South African biotechnology has come a long way since the 2001 Biotechnology Strategy was released. We review some of the world-class achievements of SA’s biotechnology industry.
Jabbing yourself with a hypodermic needle stings, but countless diabetic patients today live with the reality of this thorn in their side. Luckily, University of KwaZulu-Natal researchers are working on replacing the needle with a painless dermal patch that releases insulin directly into the skin.
Elephant populations have become a major problem in several of South Africa’s national parks. To help solve the problem, the CSIR is working on a harmless biological method of elephant contraception.
The ICMM’s work on cystic fibrosis diagnosis epitomises its bedside-to-bench approach to research, which works well in countries like South Africa where the disease burden is high and resources are limited.
Cassava is the third most important source of human calories after rice and maize, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, so when 60% of crops in Africa are lost due to disease, warning bells sound.
The PUB Programme is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and is implemented by SAASTA. The mandate of PUB is
to promote a clear, balanced understanding of the potential of biotechnology and to ensure broad public awareness, dialogue and
debate about biotechnology and its current and potential applications.
For more information visit www.pub.ac.za or contact
info@pub.ac.za, Tel: 012 392 9300 or Fax: 012 320 7803.
The articles in this newsletter have been reviewed by independent experts through SAASTA’s
Scientific Editorial Process. For more information please visit saasta.ac.za.
The PUB newsletter is an initiative of the Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme.
The newsletter is developed by ScienceLink.
The PUB Programme is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and is implemented by SAASTA. The mandate of PUB is
to promote a clear, balanced understanding of the potential of biotechnology and to ensure broad public awareness, dialogue and
debate about biotechnology and its current and potential applications.
For more information visit 