Industrial

Diatoms – a new dimension to water monitoring

There is more to the brown, slimy stuff covering rocks and plants in rivers, wetlands and estuaries than meets the eye. Diatoms, the microscopic algae found in almost all aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, are playing an increasingly important role in the assessment and monitoring of the health of South Africa’s water resources.

CSIR investigates use of natural fibre composites in construction

The building and construction sector is a significant consumer of raw and natural materials, while also contributing to the emission of global warming gases. In line with strategies proposed in Agenda 21 - a United Nations programme in support of sustainable development - the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is investigating the application of natural fibre composites (NFCs) in construction, with the aim of producing construction materials that are less harmful, recyclable and made mainly from renewable materials.

Methanol synthesis in South Africa

Dr Garth Cambray Methanol is an essential ingredient in the production of biodiesel, a fuel which can potentially help reduce the amount of fossil carbon released into the atmosphere. SASOL, a world leader in fuel technologies, is the only producer of methanol in South Africa. This article looks at how this important chemical is synthesized in South Africa.

Nigeria's fate in biotechnology

It is estimated that 15 years from now, 50 per cent of the global economy will be bioeconomy-based, according to the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, as recently stated in an address to the 8th international conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), held in Port Harcourt. Hence, by 2020, any nation which does not align itself economically with biotechnology, may miss out on the rewards of yet another revolution.

Can the biotech industry take off in SA?

Greg Gilbert Biotechnology may still be considered as a fledgling industry in South Africa, and has yet to make any discernable impact on the local economy. This is attributable to a number of reasons, among them the current nature of the relationship between universities and entities in the sector. For the biotech industry to flourish, sound collaborative projects that incorporate elements of both the public and the private sectors are essential, and these must be actively pursued.

The nuts and bolts of the genius behind aptamers - the future for drug delivery	The Biotechnologists Toolkit for New Drug Discovery – Rise of the Machines
Can Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage Wastewaters Really be Sustainable over the Long-term? Possibilities in the Rhodes BioSURE Process	Making sense of sensors - finding a needle in a haystack
Curbing the spread of airborne diseases	Diatoms – a new dimension to water monitoring
CSIR investigates use of natural fibre composites in construction	Methanol synthesis in South Africa
Nigeria's fate in biotechnology	Can the biotech industry take off in SA?
Biofouling: An affordable solution to an expensive problem	Plant could clean up soil in Egypt
Converting crops into cars	East African nations discuss biotech laws
Fuel cells - powering your home, your car tomorrow?	Fats and Oils - Why the Fuss? Making a comeback

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