Plant biotechnology expert Prof Nox Makunga spoke to a group of 60+ scientists and science communicators at Stellenbosch University last month. She presented her talk on ‘how public engagement is shaping my research career’ as part of a “Science Fridays @Stellenbosch” series on science communication, hosted at CREST (Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and … [Read more...]
Plants perform molecular maths
As if making food from light were not impressive enough, it may be time to add another advanced skill to the botanical repertoire: the ability to perform — at least at the molecular level — arithmetic division. Computer-generated models published in the journal eLife illustrate how plants might use molecular mathematics to regulate the rate at which they devour starch … [Read more...]
Cape Leopard spotted at Paarl wine farm
There has been great excitement at Vondeling Wine Farm, where a recently installed camera trap confirmed suspicions that a Cape Leopard has increased its territory to include the Paardeberg Mountain. The leopard first made his presence known over two years ago. His paw prints were spotted, as well as faecal scat that demonstrated a diet including bones and porcupine quills. … [Read more...]
Quest to save the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat has long been committed to saving the endangered Clanwilliam cedar tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) from extinction. On the 21st of May (2011), this ecological haven in the Cederberg once again joined forces with CapeNature to co-host the annual Clanwilliam Cedar Tree event in Heuningvlei in the Cederberg … [Read more...]
Kirstenbosch exhibit off to Chelsea
The 2011 SA-Kirstenbosch Chelsea Flower Show exhibit has been saved and will now go ahead thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape (PGWC) and the SA Gold Coin Exchange. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) confirmed that the 35 year run of exhibiting at this prestigious event will not be broken and the display … [Read more...]
Seeing nature holistically with Craig Holdrege
The Proteus Initiative is privileged to host Craig Holdrege of The Nature Institute, upstate New York, to participate and teach in 'Discovering how a genuinely holistic perspective affects our thinking with respect to every aspect of environmental concern' in August 2011. In the heart of Cape Town, Craig Holdrege will work with botanists, environmentalists, environmental … [Read more...]
