Latest news with #UniversityoftheWitwatersrand
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Wits researchers help create ‘most accurate maps yet' of where reforestation can best fight climate change
The study has strong implications for Africa where natural grasslands and savannas are often misguidedly and inappropriately converted to forests, which can actually harm biodiversity and even exacerbate global warming. A new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, has identified land roughly equivalent to the combined area of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe where reforestation can deliver optimal climate benefits while supporting wildlife habitat, food production, and freshwater availability. It identifies an area for reforestation that can net 2,225 TgCO₂e (teragrams of carbon dioxide equivalent) or roughly 2.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year total in net mitigation potential. That's roughly five times South Africa's annual emissions. Though global in scope, the study has strong implications for Africa where natural grasslands and savannas are often misguidedly and inappropriately converted to forests, which can actually harm biodiversity and even exacerbate global warming. It also holds the potential to better inform and operationalise the nature-based solution's potential on the continent, which faces disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing very little to human-induced climate change. The study, in part from the University of the Witwatersrand's Future Ecosystems for Africa (Fefa) programme, saw the creation of what it described as 'the most accurate maps' of 195 million hectares globally where tree restoration will deliver 'maximum climate benefits'. Professor Sally Archibald from Wits' School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science, who leads the Fefa programme, explains that 'previous studies often failed to address how afforestation could have negative effects on biodiversity and human well-being, especially for poor people living in remote rural areas often targeted for reforestation'. 'The drop from previous estimates is due to layers that previous maps haven't been able to incorporate, because the research was still nascent at the time.' Archibald explains that the research 'accounts for the albedo effect, for example, which means restoring tree cover can, in some locations, actively heat the Earth rather than cool it by affecting how much sunlight is absorbed or reflected. It also excludes native grasslands and other ecosystems where carpeting the land with trees would harm biodiversity and exacerbate fire regimes.' This aspect of the research accords with the findings of another, earlier study, led in part by Emeritus professor of biological sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT), William Bond. Daily Maverick reported at the time that the Bond study bust the myth that planting trees everywhere is the silver bullet to slowing global warming, and explained why we need areas like open grasslands in the savannas. Africa contains more grasses than any other continent. According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the savanna is the biggest biome in southern Africa, covering 46% of its area. Bond explained at the time that savannas – characterised by grasslands – are an open habitat peppered with a handful of trees, and that in a healthy grassland ecosystem there is a very delicate balance between trees and grasses that needs to be maintained for the diversity of animal species that it supports to survive and thrive. Tree-planting plans to offset carbon threaten the ancient grasslands and everything it supports, he said. 'What many don't realise is that grasslands store carbon in their soils and reflect more sunlight back into space than forests, playing a very important part in cooling the Earth.' Dr Susan Cook-Patton, at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and a senior author of the latest study, told The Guardian that 'reforestation is not a substitute for cutting fossil fuel emissions, but even if we were to drive down emissions tomorrow, we still need to remove excess CO₂ from the atmosphere. 'As the number of climate-fuelled disasters stack up worldwide, it's increasingly obvious that we can't waste time on well-meaning but hazily understood interventions,' Cook-Patton said. 'We must fast-track our focus toward the places with greatest benefits for people and nature and the fewest downsides, the places most likely to be win-win. This study will help leaders and investors do just that.' DM
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers discover surprising method to put gluttonous snakes to work: 'Pest control with fangs'
According to new research from a South African university, puff adders could help control rodent populations with incredible efficiency. The research, led by Graham J. Alexander of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, revealed that the snakes could be much better at dealing with pests than previously assumed. Found throughout Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the snakes tend to be quite lazy, moving slowly and preferring to ambush prey at night, per the Smithsonian. Because of their slow digestion and infrequent feeding, it was commonly thought that the reptiles were a poor choice for pest control. However, when presented with abundant food sources, they are very greedy creatures; they will eat about 12 times more than they need to survive for sustained periods. Some of the snakes observed consumed 20 times above maintenance levels. In human terms, that's a bit like eating 57 slices of pizza at your next visit to Costco. While such incredible gluttony is a problem in captivity, it can be an asset in the wild, at least when an animal is native to an area. Floridians are all too aware of the devastating impact of invasive snake species. With extreme weather events caused by planet-heating pollution becoming more frequent and severe, one of the consequences is a threat to food security. As higher temperatures are causing rodent populations to explode, there is an urgent need to bring their numbers under control, and adders could form part of the answer. The advantages of using snakes are clear. They'll do the work of a pesticide for free and with no risk of contaminating crops or water sources. "Pest control with fangs," as South African outlet Good Things Guy cleverly put it. It also demonstrates that the most effective measures to protect the planet often occur at the local level. As the study suggests, adders are highly adaptable creatures, and when presented with an abundant food source, such as vermin running wild in crops, they'll tuck in with staggering enthusiasm. "These findings highlight the importance of snakes as potential ecosystem stabilizers and for the control of agricultural rodent pests," the abstract concludes. Would you live in a home made of bacteria? Absolutely Depends on the cost Depends how it looks No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
XTI Aerospace Deepens Defense Sector Expertise with Addition of Steve Griessel to Corporate Advisory Board
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) ("XTI"), a pioneer in xVTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions, named Stephen (Steve) Griessel, former Group CEO of Paramount Group Ltd., to its Corporate Advisory Board. His addition follows growing recognition of VTOL aircraft as a national strategic priority, as highlighted in President Trump's recent executive order. "Steve brings deep aerospace and defense experience as well as a global mindset," said Scott Pomeroy, CEO and Chairman of XTI. "His appointment comes at a pivotal time as XTI executes on its strategy to dominate the emerging Vertical Economy—where aviation missions demand the speed, range, and adaptability that only xVTOL can deliver. We believe Steve's proven ability to transform defense enterprises into globally scaled OEMs will directly accelerate XTI's push into mission-critical markets—making XTI a competitive force in both commercial and defense verticals." Mr. Griessel is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of leadership experience in defense, aerospace, investment, tourism, and manufacturing. He currently serves as CEO of Copperstone Capital Partners, the Ichikowitz family's asset management entity overseeing a portfolio of investments in a variety of sectors including software and defense. Previously, Mr. Griessel was Group CEO of Paramount Group Ltd, a global aerospace and defense original equipment manufacturer (OEM), where he led the company's transformation into a globally licensed OEM, deploying IP and manufacturing in 25+ countries—delivering advanced capabilities in sovereign defense. This aligns directly with XTI's strategy to serve high-value special mission operators and defense partners seeking VTOL solutions without reliance on new infrastructure. "I've spent my career scaling organizations that marry innovation with execution," said Mr. Griessel. "XTI's vision for the TriFan 600 is transformative—delivering the vertical lift of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. I'm honored to contribute to this mission and help position XTI as a leader in the future of regional and mission-critical air mobility." Michael Tapp, Chairman of XTI's Corporate Advisory Board, added, "Steve's global business acumen, his success leading defense and aerospace enterprises, and his investor mindset make him an invaluable asset as we develop a world-class military variant that leverages our TriFan platform." Mr. Griessel has a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, a postgraduate degree in Marketing from the University of South Africa, and a Master of Science degree in Building Science from the University of the Witwatersrand. About XTI Aerospace, Inc. XTI Aerospace ( (Nasdaq: XTIA) is the parent company of XTI Aircraft Company, an aviation business based near Denver, Colorado, currently developing the TriFan 600, a fixed-wing business aircraft designed to have the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability of a helicopter, maximum cruising speeds of 311 mph and a range of 985 miles, creating an entirely new category – the xVTOL. Additionally, the Inpixon ( business unit of XTI Aerospace is a leader in real-time location systems (RTLS) technology with customers around the world who use the Company's location intelligence solutions in factories and other industrial facilities to help optimize operations, increase productivity, and enhance safety. For more information about XTI, please visit and follow XTI on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including without limitation, statements about the expected benefits from the addition of Steve Griessel to XTI's Corporate Advisory Board, the products under development by XTI, the advantages of XTI's technology, and XTI's customers, plans and strategies are forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including "believe," "continue," "could," "would," "will," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "target," "projects," or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates, forecasts, and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by XTI Aerospace and its management, are inherently uncertain, and many factors may cause the actual results to differ materially from current expectations. XTI undertakes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that might subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the risk factors discussed from time to time in XTI's filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in its most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Contacts General inquiries:Email: contact@ Web: Investor Relations:Dave Gentry, CEORedChip Companies, 1-407-644-4256Email: XTIA@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE XTI Aerospace, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Siphephelo Ndlovu on his hiatus from music, getting into the family business of TV, as he returns to stage
Siphephelo Ndlovu is the son of Muvhango creator and TV producer Duma Ndlovu. Siphephelo Ndlovu, known on stage as The SN Project has released a new body of work. Picture: Supplied Siphephelo Ndlovu, known on stage as The SN Project, has been involved in music all his life. From being asked to sing at family gatherings by his mom at a young age, to attending the Drakensberg Boys' Choir School, to acquiring a bachelor of music with honours from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2017, music has always been there. In 2020, he released his debut album, Afrikanization. However, SN hasn't released another body of work until now, except for Pantomime Vol. 1 in May. The singer-songwriter is the son of Muvhango creator and TV producer Duma Ndlovu. Following the release of his debut, he decided to take a break from music to learn the family trade. ALSO READ: 'Muvhango' axed by SABC 2 less than a year after relaunch Taking a break and getting into TV 'Straight after university, I start recording Afrikanization. As that's happening I'm working with the family business at the same time,' SN tells The Citizen. 'Juxtaposed that [music] with growing up with a father who's in the industry, who's made really important work in this country on television, that's also part of my life,' says SN. 'I also lived that life. I'm also going with him to work, seeing him doing rehearsals. I'm also going with him on tour…so I have those two worlds co-existing in my life from a young age,' shares the musician. He says both his parents are his biggest supporters of his music. 'They're like front row seat supporters.' Proud father moment! Sphephelo graduates from Wits, BA music (hons) — Duma Ndlovu (@duma_ndlovu) July 7, 2018 'A couple of things were happening between Afrikanization and Pantomime Vol.1. After I released Afrikanization, I wanted to learn how to make films and I just wanted to do filmmaking,' he says. During his hiatus from music he was learning how to direct and was involved in local productions. 'I was heavily involved in some local productions,' he says. SN has credits on shows like Muvhango and Sibongile & The Dlaminis. 'My goal is to write and direct a feature length film. That is something I'm currently working on. I'm really excited to branch out into that, I have gotten a bit of experience with television, I've been involved in these productions as a director.' ALSO READ: Mandisi Dyantyis running for the Methodist Church at this year's Comrades Marathon SN's new sound As much as the hiatus from music saw him drift toward the more visual side of things, he also used that period to tweak his sound around 2022. 'I start making my new project in 2022. It doesn't go too well,' he says. Afrikanization, a jazz album, had a live music setup, where he played with a band. The sound was mature beyond his years, with songs like Mina Nawe and Ismabulo. These are ditties that one would hear being played on Sunday on Kaya FM or 702. 'I've changed my approach to music, I'm trying to learn a different approach. I'm trying to experiment with new things,' he says of the period between 2022 and now. His new body of work, Pantomime Vol. 1, is more electronic because SN wanted to produce it. 'Ever since I released Afrikanization, I said next project I want it to be a bit electronic because I want to get more into the production aspect of it.' He says that, because of his perfectionist tendencies, he couldn't allow himself to release the new sound he produced because he wasn't happy with it. 'Fast forward to 2023, the first song that I'm actually happy with, comes out as a single because that's all I had so far,' he says referring to Falling (I just wanna know). ALSO READ: 'It cannot carry on as things have been' – Gayton McKenzie as he cuts funding for Downtown Music Hub An answered question Between 2023 and now, he says he dedicated himself to learning as much as possible about production through tutorials. 'Pantomime is literally an answer to a question I've been asking myself between 2022 and 2025. I finally figured it out. I feel like a scientist that's discovered a formula. The formula is my new sound.' As the name of the album suggests, SN's sound on the new project is playful and more accessible to a younger audience. It's imaginable that youthful stations like YFM or 5FM could feature songs like Again and Mine on their playlists. Despite its sonic bounciness, Pantomime Vol.1 features heavy lyrics that speak to heartbreak and the challenges of romantic encounters. 'Pantomime is a collection of experiences, not a hundred percent personal. Maybe just a little in some way or another,' he shares. He will share the new and old sound this weekend at Joburg's Untitled Basement with a performance on Saturday. He also confirmed that Pantomime Vol.2 is in the works and should be out this year. NOW READ: A 'cultural warrior' remembered: Joburg Theatre launches the Mbongeni Ngema Festival
Daily Maverick
02-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Forget cats, forget traps — bring in the puff adders to revolutionise pest control
Africa's coolest pest control agents have fangs, no overheads and a killer instinct. Enter the puff adder (Bitis arietans) — nature's unassuming, cold-blooded rodent regulator. A new study by Professor Graham Alexander at the University of the Witwatersrand has revealed just how spectacularly efficient these snakes are, offering compelling evidence that they might be the farmers' unsung ally. They're often cast as villains, coiled and hissing in the corners of bushveld myths, but puff adders are ecological rockstars with a lazy flair for lethal efficiency. Unlike mammals who must eat constantly to fuel their furnace-like bodies, puff adders can down tools — or fangs — and wait. For months. Even years. In the largest-ever study of its kind, Alexander raised 18 puff adders over four years under tightly controlled conditions. The snakes, all born in captivity, were housed at Wits University and observed during a series of trials that measured their feeding, fasting and weight changes. What he discovered could change the way we think about snakes — and pest control. 'The key idea,' Alexander explains, 'is something I called the 'factorial scope of ingestion'. It's a way of measuring how much more a predator can eat when food becomes abundant. No one's used this in animals before — I made up the name.' Masters of the buffet Turns out puff adders are masters of the buffet. During peak feeding periods, the snakes increased their intake by twelve times their normal dietary needs. One snake even ballooned to more than 2kg, more than double its starting weight. That level of flexibility is practically unheard of in mammals, whose metabolic needs keep them on a tight leash. Let's translate: if puff adders were people, they'd gorge through the holidays on a dozen Christmas dinners, then not eat again until December. And they'd still be fine. These findings, published in Scientific Reports, debunk the long-held idea that snakes, being ectotherms with slow digestion, have little impact on prey populations. Not only can puff adders gobble up rodents at astonishing rates when prey is abundant, they can also wait out the lean years, lying low with metabolic grace. 'I estimate that some of these snakes could fast for over two years and still survive,' Alexander says. 'When rodents boom, puff adders switch on, consuming mice week after week. But when the prey disappears, they simply… switch off.' This ability offers a significant advantage over warm-blooded predators like mongooses or jackals, which must eat regularly or perish. Puff adders, with their secretive ways and ambush tactics, are perfectly adapted for ecological boom-and-bust cycles. They're like the ultimate freelance exterminators — no contract, no complaints. But there's more. By staying put and waiting for rodents to scurry by, puff adders mount what ecologists call a 'functional response' — an immediate adjustment in feeding and breeding rate based on prey availability. In the dusty corners of barns and the grassy fringes of maize fields, puff adders lie in ambush. And while their approach may be passive, the effect is anything but. 'Simple. Effective. Immediate.' 'When rodent numbers go up,' says Alexander, 'more rodents run past the snakes. And the snakes just eat more. Simple. Effective. Immediate.' Puff adders, the study suggests, act as ecosystem stabilisers — naturally damping down the rodent population explosions that wreak havoc on crops. And because they don't need frequent meals, their populations don't crash during the quiet years, like mammals often do. That alone should earn them some farmyard respect. But old fears die hard. Puff adders are responsible for the highest number of serious snake bites in Africa, due to their camouflage and tendency to stay still when threatened. But this reputation needs a rethink. According to data at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, the fatality rate from puff adder bites is extremely low. In one study of nearly 900 hospitalised snakebite cases, not a single death was recorded. Still, Alexander admits he's been on the sharp end of a puff adder's fang. 'About 25 years ago I got bitten on the leg,' he says. 'It put me in ICU for nine days. But the real issue was the antivenom. I'm violently allergic to the horse serum it's made from — it stopped my heart.' It's a sobering reminder of the risks. But it hasn't dampened his enthusiasm. 'Some people say working with venomous snakes is heroic,' he laughs. 'Others say it's just stupid.' Each of the 18 snakes in his colony had its own personality, he adds — some were curious, others reclusive. This growing recognition of reptilian personality, even sentience, is changing how scientists view snakes. Strategic and adaptive 'Snakes aren't mindless machines,' Alexander says. 'They're remarkable animals — strategic, adaptive and vital to the ecosystems they live in.' So should farmers release puff adders into their barns? Not quite. Alexander cautions against artificially introducing snakes into new environments, which could disrupt local ecosystems. 'But if they're already there,' he says, 'don't kill them.' With snake antivenom production faltering in South Africa, and rodenticide poisoning creating knock-on effects across food chains, the case for protecting natural pest regulators has never been stronger. Most bites, Alexander says, result from trying to kill them. They respond to threats. Puff adders might not be cuddly, but they're efficient, low-maintenance, and — as Alexander's research shows — astonishingly good at their job. So next time you see a puff adder in your barn or near your wheat field, maybe hold off on the hoe. That fat, lazy, patterned lump might just be your best employee. DM
