Biosciences

Could SA plants hold the secret to a new cancer drug? World Cancer Day is marked annually on 4 February to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. Dr Gerda Fouché, a CSIR researcher, is exploring the interface of biodiversity, traditional knowledge and science in an attempt to find a cure for cancer.

CSIR botanist scoops top awards at annual conference Dr Bridget Crampton, a senior biosciences researcher at the CSIR, was rewarded with two prestigious awards by her peers at a recent gathering of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB).

CSIR acquires state-of-the-art software to streamline bioresearch Pearl millet, cowpea, cassava, finger millet - these are but some of the less popular food sources neglected by the world and science and are often referred to as orphan crops. Two scientists in the CSIR's plant biotechnology research group, Dr Bridget Crampton and Dr Maretha O'Kennedy, are contributing to a new scientific interest in these crops.