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IOL News
2 days ago
- Science
- IOL News
University of Pretoria recognised as leading institution for AI research in South Africa
UP's researchers are actively helping shape the future of this field in Africa and beyond. Image: DC Studio / Freepik The University of Pretoria (UP) has been recognised as the top institution in South Africa for artificial intelligence (AI) research, according to a recent EduRank analysis. This achievement highlights UP's increasing influence in AI scholarship and its sustained investment in research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation that benefits society. The ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 61,200 academic papers and 969,000 citations from 24 South African universities. Globally, UP is ranked 532nd, and it holds the second position across the African continent for its AI research output and impact. Professor Sunil Maharaj, UP's vice-principal for research, innovation, and postgraduate education, commented on this recognition, stating, "This ranking confirms UP's role as a leader in developing AI technologies that are impactful, ethical and relevant." He added that UP's researchers are actively "helping shape the future of this field in Africa and beyond." UP's AI research capabilities have been strengthened by new international funding awarded to Professor Vukosi Marivate. Professor Marivate holds the ABSA-UP Chair of Data Science within the Department of Computer Science. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ This funding is dedicated to supporting African-led AI research in crucial areas, including healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, and language technology, with a strong commitment to ethical considerations and inclusion. Professor Marivate's work focuses on developing AI systems specifically designed for African contexts. This includes creating tools capable of processing underrepresented languages and providing data insights that are directly relevant to local needs. The funding will also support postgraduate training and collaborative projects aimed at developing the next generation of African AI researchers. Professor Marivate emphasised, "We are committed to ensuring that AI solutions emerging from Africa are shaped by African priorities." He also noted that this support enables the growth of local research capacity and the creation of "tools that have direct, meaningful impact on communities." The University's AI projects frequently involve collaborations with industry, partnerships across various faculties, and engagement with policymakers to ensure broad societal benefit. Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen stated that the combination of this new ranking and increased research funding reflects the university's core mission. "We aim to be a thought leader in areas that matter most to society," Professor Petersen remarked. He concluded that UP's AI research serves as a prime example of how the university can deliver solutions that are "globally competitive and deeply relevant to Africa's development."
Perth Now
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
James Gunn to helm 'next installment in the Super-family'
James Gunn is set to direct "the next instalment in the Super-family". The 59-year-old filmmaker helmed the recent Superman movie - which starred David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan - and David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros Discovery, has confirmed during the company's latest earnings call that James is already working on a new film. David, 32, has been earmarked for a role in the new movie, but it's not yet been revealed whether James' upcoming project will be a standalone Superman film or not. James will write and direct the new film, having performed the same role on the Superman movie. James' Superman film has been a huge commercial success over recent weeks, earning $550 million globally. It's also been confirmed that James is working on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Clayface, and the next Wonder Woman movie. Warner Bros said in a statement: "DC Studio's universe of characters represents not only one of Warner Bros. Discovery's most valuable pieces of intellectual property, but one of the most valuable assets in entertainment." Meanwhile, David recently praised James for creating a "familial feeling" on the set of the Superman movie. The Hollywood star revealed that he relished the experience of watching the movie for the first time with the cast and crew at the world premiere in Los Angeles. David - who plays the titular character in the film - said on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: "Usually I watch a movie early. If I'm nervous, I want to get my self-conscious viewing out of the way early. But when I started seeing the trailers, I kind of got the feeling of what it might be to watch the movie as an audience member, and there was this ... uplifting energy and feeling of inspiration. "It feels like the movies that I grew up watching and loved, so I wanted to preserve the experience. "It was a great audience for it. Big crowd and the cast and some of our crew and loved ones ... so it was just a very positive and supportive audience." David subsequently praised James for creating a supportive environment on set. The actor explained: "James Gunn does that deliberately. He really makes a familial feeling ... He loves what he does." David actually watched the movie for a second time at a cinema in Philadelphia. The Hollywood star shared: "That was the first viewing and there was some self-consciousness, so I needed to go back. So I snuck into the back of an IMAX screening outside of Philly with a couple of friends. "It was great. It was better the second time."
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Heroic' dogs have a 'sixth sense' for their owners' feelings, say Brits
A survey of 2,000 dog owners found that dogs have a superhero impact on their owners' lives - including the ability to know when food has been dropped or bags of treats have been opened from rooms away. Dog owners reckon their furry friends have a 'sixth sense' for their emotions, with nearly half saying their pets have responded to their feelings before they've even shown any outward signs. A survey of 2,000 dog owners revealed dogs play a significant role in providing comfort when needed, most commonly by lying next to their owners. Nearly half of the respondents said their pet follows them around the house when they're feeling down, while four in ten found the distraction of their pup enough to alter their mood. A third of pet owners even hailed their dog as their 'hero'. Mariana Coronel, director for PEDIGREE, which commissioned the study as part of its partnership with DC Studio's new Superman movie, said: " Dogs have a superhero impact on our lives and some of them show hero powers." "Whether they're lifting our moods, making us laugh, or simply lying quietly by our side, their strength – emotional or otherwise – can completely transform how we feel at home." The research also discovered that owners believe their dogs possess 'powers', such as knowing when food has been dropped or treat bags have been opened from rooms away. One in five owners humorously claimed their dog has the power to locate the only muddy puddle within a 10-mile radius during walks. Meanwhile, other dogs possess a 'Tail of Destruction', capable of knocking over mugs, toddlers, and wine glasses with a single wag. For 21 per cent, their pets have one weakness - the vacuum. However, according to figures from the most common fear among pets is fireworks. Despite the nation's affection and loyalty towards dogs, Mars Petcare's State of Pet Homelessness Index reveals that an estimated 63,000 dogs are still housed in animal charity centres across the UK, waiting for someone to recognise their potential. PEDIGREE is urging potential pet parents to look beyond stereotypes and find their next hero in a local shelter. The spokesperson added: "Our furry friends are an essential part of everyday life, and we often don't realise just how heroic they are. "Not all heroes wear capes – some have wagging tails."
New York Post
18-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Watchdog to probe sunscreens that didn't offer protection as advertised
Australia's medicines watchdog has confirmed it will investigate a report claiming several sunscreens did not offer the sun protection they advertised. Consumer group CHOICE delivered the report last week, claiming it had tested 20 popular SPF50 and SPF50+ sunscreens and found 16 of them fell short of the protection they advertised. Advertisement 6 Consumer group CHOICE delivered the report last week, claiming it had tested 20 popular SPF50 and SPF50+ sunscreens and found 16 of them fell short of the protection advertised. DC Studio – SPF stands for 'sun protection factor' and is the measure of how well the sunscreen protects a user from the sun's UV rays. An SPF 50 sunscreen is meant to block about 98 percent of the rays, meaning it will take 50 times longer to get burnt than with unprotected skin. The consumer group tested the products with experts in an accredited sunscreen lab, with four products returning SPF results in the 40s, four in the 30s, and seven in the 20s. Advertisement The popular brands tested include Banana Boat, Cancer Council and Bondi Sands sunscreens. In one example, the Banana Boat Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ tested at 28, while the Coles SPF 50+ Sunscreen Ultra Tube tested at 43. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has responded to the report and said it would investigate CHOICE's findings and take 'regulatory action as required'. 6 An SPF 50 sunscreen is meant to block about 98 percent of the rays, meaning it will take 50 times longer to get burnt than with unprotected skin. Kate – Advertisement 'Sunscreens with a primary purpose of UV protection are considered to be therapeutic goods and are regulated by us to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy,' the watchdog stated. 'It is a requirement under therapeutic legislation that statements on sunscreen labels are truthful and not misleading. 'It is also a legislative requirement that a sponsor of a therapeutic sunscreen product holds evidence that supports the SPF claim they make at the time they include the medicine in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. 'We will be investigating the CHOICE findings and will take regulatory action as required. Advertisement 'We cannot comment on individual matters including whether products may be subject to investigation or compliance and enforcement activity, or the status of any such investigation and activity.' One skincare company that says it takes the testing of its products seriously has been criticized by users following the release of the CHOICE results. CHOICE said Ultra Violette's Australian Sunscreen's lean screen 50+ mattifying zinc sunscreen was tested and returned a result of just SPF4. The company, which sells its products at Sephora, shared an Instagram post last month boasting about how much it cost to test their 'skin screens.' 'Do you know how SPF is actually tested? Making our SKINSCREENS can cost up to $150K in testing alone (sorry to our CFO!!!)' the post stated. 6 CHOICE said Ultra Violette's Australian Sunscreen's lean screen 50+ mattifying zinc sunscreen was tested and returned a result of just SPF4. Ultra Violette 'We take the integrity of our products pretty damn seriously – no cutting corners here. 'We ensure you have the best protection (from both UVA and UVB), *and* the added skincare benefits to match, no matter where in the world you are.' Advertisement Consumers were quick to respond to the report, with one customer claiming she used the product for three years and now has concerns about its effectiveness. 'Hey UV, I'm so worried about this report from CHOICE,' the customer replied on Instagram. Another customer said she had been 'badly burnt' using queen and supreme screens after reapplying the products and asked the company to stop selling them if they did not meet standards. Ultra Violette, which sell sunscreens between $27 and $77, has disputed CHOICE's findings. Advertisement In a statement last week, the company said it was deeply committed to the health and safety of its customers and accused CHOICE of releasing misleading information to generate headlines. A spokesman said Ultra Violette only worked with reputable, TGA-licensed manufacturers who performed substantial quality release testing in accordance with the strictest SPF standards in the world. 'Given our commitment to producing the highest quality sunscreens for consumers, we do not accept these results as even remotely accurate,' a spokesman said in a statement. 'It is also essential to note here that the recognised authority governing sunscreens in Australia is the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), not CHOICE Magazine.' Advertisement 6 The company says it's deeply committed to to the health and safety of its customers. Ultra Violette The company said it retested a batch of sunscreen when they found out about the Choice testing, and the results came back with an SPF reading of 61.7, which was above the 50+ threshold. 'CHOICE's recent retest only included 5 participants, where 2 results were considered non validated, resulting in a sample size of only 3,' the statement said. 'Over the past 4 years, we have conducted 3 different tests at independent labs vs. Choice's 1.3 tests.' Advertisement A spokesman said if the CHOICE results represented the actual level of protection offered, they would have hundreds of cases of reported sunburn and skin damage while using this product in real life situations. 'At Ultra Violette we take misleading claims made about our products very seriously,' the statement read. CHOICE chief executive officer Ashley de Silva said she stood by the test results. 'Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF 50+ product was first tested using a 10-person panel, in line with the Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard,' she said. 'When the product returned a very low SPF of 4, we decided to test a new sample to confirm the result, using a five-person panel on a different batch at a different lab in Germany.' 'The Ultra Violette product returned an SPF of 5 in this testing – an almost identical result.' 'The additional testing is not a requirement of sunscreen testing standards, but an additional level of rigour and testing Choice decided to undertake to ensure the low SPF result for the Ultra Violette product was accurate.' Ms. de Silva said the tests showed that products were not meeting consumer expectations. 6 The company said it retested a batch of sunscreen when they found out about the Choice testing, and the results came back with an SPF reading of 61.7. Ultra Violette 6 'At Ultra Violette we take misleading claims made about our products very seriously.' Ultra Violette 'Consumers expect sunscreen to protect them in line with the SPF rating on the product, but as our testing has shown, the SPF label doesn't always match what's in the bottle,' he said. One sunscreen, Ultra Violette's lean screen SPF 50+ mattifying zinc skinscreen, returned a result of just SPF4. 'We were really shocked to see the results for Ultra Violette's lean screen SPF 50+ product, so much so that we actually decided to test a different batch at a completely different lab in Germany to confirm the results,' Mr. de Silva said. 'Those tests found the product had an SPF of 5 – an almost identical result to our initial testing.' The consumer group was, however, quick to remind people that while a sunscreen may have ranked lower than claimed in its tests, that does not mean that products do not work. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 20 can still give significant sun protection and is much better than using no sunscreen at all. The TGA said there could be 'variability' in SPF testing results across laboratories. 'Currently, the universally accepted methods of sunscreen SPF testing is using human subjects,' the watchdog said. 'It is a known issue that there is variability in SPF testing results across laboratories because testing on humans can be highly subjective and the response to a test can differ dramatically from one individual to another.' 'While progress is being made internationally toward in-vitro sunscreen testing (not on human subjects), which will improve consistency of results, these methods are not yet in place.' 'The TGA does not conduct human or animal testing. Where necessary, the TGA has outsourced SPF testing to accredited laboratories.'
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Home workouts: Effective exercises for beginners with no equipment required
Exercising at home is convenient and cost-effective. Image: DC Studio / Freepik Working out doesn't have to mean spending hours at the gym or investing in expensive equipment. For many people, exercising at home offers a more convenient, cost-effective, and comfortable alternative. Whether it's due to a busy schedule, financial limitations, or simply preferring the privacy of home, at-home workouts are becoming an increasingly popular way to stay fit and healthy. Cape Town-based personal trainer Reemay Damons shares a series of effective, equipment-free exercises for beginners that prove you don't need fancy machines to get strong, toned, and energised. Warmup exercise Damons recommends doing a few warm-up exercises before starting your workout to ensure your muscles are properly prepared. Here are three basic exercises: Arm circles: Loosen up the shoulders and arms with small to large circles going forward and backwards. Leg swings: Swing one leg forward and backwards, then side to side, to open up the hips and hamstrings. Torso twists: Rotate your upper body side to side with controlled motion to loosen the spine and core. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Damons shares five simple beginner-friendly exercises that you can do at home without the use of equipment. Exercise 1: Wall pushups If you're a beginner, this can be done against a wall. Stand arm's length from a wall, place your hands on the wall at shoulder height, and lean in, bending your elbows until your nose almost touches the wall. Then, push back to the starting position. Exercise 2: Half crunches Half crunches are a good starting point for beginners or those seeking a less intense abdominal workout. In a half crunch, you lift your upper body only a few centimeters off the ground, engaging your core without fully extending your spine. Place your arms behind your head or across your chest. Exercise 3: Knee plank A knee plank is a simple, beginner-friendly way to get started on core strength. Start on your hands and knees. Lower your forearms to the ground with elbows directly under your shoulders. Walk your knees back slightly so your body forms a straight line from your head to your knees. Engage your core by tightening your abdominal muscles. Keep your hips in line with your shoulders and avoid arching your back. Hold the position for 20 - 30 seconds. Exercise 4: Knee lifts Knee lifts are a simple yet effective cardio exercise. Start by jogging on the spot, lifting your knees as high as possible. Try to lift your knees to hip level while keeping your core tight. Exercise 5: Squats To do a beginner squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out, and chest up. Engage your core, bend your knees, and push your hips back as if sitting in a chair. Lower down until your thighs are parallel to the floor or as low as comfortable, keeping your knees in line with your toes. Press through your heels to stand back up.
