SCIENCESTARS Issue 16 | 2017
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FOOD SCIENCE
Additives: Additives are additional substances that are added to food products to preserve, lengthen shelf life, improve taste or the appearance. Additives are not always harmful, but can lead to serious side effects when ingested.
MSG or Monosodium Glutamate MSG is the salt of the amino acid glutamic acid and is used to enhance the savoury quality of foods. It is said to make food taste more appetising, but side effects can be headaches, chest pains and weakness. Found in canned foods, soups and chips.
Artificial Sweeteners or Aspartame Aspartame is 180 times sweeter than sugar. It is believed to be a neurotoxin and can lead to dizziness, headaches and nausea. Found in diet cold drinks, jelly and sweets.
Sodium Nitrate Is a chemical compound used to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the pinkish colour of meats. Under favourable conditions, the nitrate can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer. Found in packaged or cured meats and viennas.
Food Colouring Certain countries have banned colourants because some colourants, like Tartrazine, can cause allergic reactions like hives, skin rashes and nasal congestion. Found in cereals, concentrated beverages, chips, biscuits.
Sodium Phosphate Made from sodium and phosphate, it is used to keep meats moist and tender while it is being stored or frozen. Phosphates are necessary in our diets, but high levels can seep into our blood, increasing the risk of heart disease. Found in nuggets, processed meat, hams and canned fish.
Corn Syrup The liquid sweetener and food thickener is cheap and plentiful in most food products. It provides almost no nutritional value and is said to cause weight gain. Found in bread, soup, sauces, frozen foods.
CONTENTS CONTENTS
FEATURES
1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3
4
Protective Measures
6 Mashesha stove a game changer for rural communities 2
Busy Bees
5
Life Long Student
6 TIA
8
South African Seafood Initiative
0
Food allergies
1
Combating Anaemia
REGULARS
5 6 8 2 3 3 3 3
Foreword
Editor’s note
Cover feature
7
Events
3 available Bursaries
4
Quiz
5
Puzzles
7
Science news
FOREWORD
the
To meet the demand of increased agricultural productivity there
FOREWORD
is a need to focus on innovative applications or solutions that address South Africa’s national priorities and mostly innovative
Harnessing South Africa’s competitive advantage
solutions with a socio-economic impact.
Innovation is sometimes defined as a process of translating an
Technology Innovation Act (Act 26 of 2008), which establishes
idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for
TIA as an Agency to promote the development and exploitation,
which customers will pay. To be called an innovation, an idea must
in the public interest, of discoveries, inventions, innovations and
be replicable at an economical cost and must satisfy a specific
improvements.
The mandate of TIA is derived from the provisions of the
need. Innovation involves deliberate application of information, imagination and initiative in deriving greater or different values
TIA’s Agriculture STA encourages all South Africans of all ages
from resources, and includes all processes by which new ideas are
to consider venturing into entrepreneurship with innovation as
generated and converted into useful products.
they invest in the research and development space. Agriculture STA prioritises many innovation themes, namely, Production
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)’s vision for the agriculture
and Productivity in livestock and field crops; plant health and
sector is to have a vibrant and economically sustainable sector
nutrition and post-harvest technologies (e.g. agro-processing).
through innovative technologies; products; processes and; services, contributing to increased productivity, food security and rural development.
Mr Sibusiso Manana Head of Agriculture STA at Technology Innovation
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
5
ED’S NOTE
team Science Stars
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Editor • Nadine Sims
Food for thought - and much more Our theme for this month’s issue of Science Stars is Food Science. When I first gave the theme some thought, I kept thinking about saying ‘you are what you eat’. I have since realised that food science is much more than just the consumption of food. Food Science, is a huge subject, with many different aspects and branches. In this issue, the team of writers tried to cover as many spheres as possible.
the importance of food science.
We tried capturing a small part of what food science means in these different fields. Starting off with our cover story which highlights
We also looked into the problem of food waste. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature one third of food is never consumed and ends up at landfills - which is a hugely problematic figure. In this edition we also touch on the topic of being self-sufficient and sustainable. The global population is on the rise and we ultimately are needing more food and as a result our resources are taking strain.
Graphic designers • Cinzia-Joey Swartz • Stacey Okkers Contributing writers • Moeketsi Tigeli • Nicole Ludolph • Pamela Yoli • Danielle Scheepers Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga Sales & Marketing Rep • Ntombizanele Thangayi Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za Copyright 2017 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission. Science Stars is published by Roswika Media.
Many say that we are headed in the direction of no return and therefore we should start making, growing and producing our own food. There is an interesting take on this subject on page 25. When I started my research for this edition, I could not believe how many moving parts there are on the topic. The broad range of subfields include restrictions, testing and a lot of interesting innovations happening in the food industry, as a whole. An interesting example of this is AgriProtein and the profile I did on their Lab Manager is on page 12. I hope that you enjoy this exciting issue and you learn something that you didn’t know about the science of food.
Nadine Sims Editor
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10th Floor, The Pinnacle 2 Burg Street Cape Town, 8000 021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za
SPEED DATING FOR THE BRAIN MAKES MATHS AND SCIENCE FUN It’s a fun, fast-paced game that lets you test your knowledge of subjects such as Maths and Science, and learn something in the process. Speed Dating for the Brain, an initiative of the Capitec Foundation in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, is returning for its fourth year in all nine provinces during National Science Week.
The game, based on the popular speed dating concept, has participants move in rapid succession among six booths to complete fun and educational Science-based tasks. A bell marks the time for you to switch to the next booth. After visiting all booths, participants post their entry forms in a ballot box for a lucky draw at the end of each event. Speed Dating for the Brain took place at the launch of National Science Week at the Nelson Mandela University on 5 August 2017. The theme for this year’s Science week was Advancing Science Tourism, and the Speed Dating for the Brain was based on the country’s top tourist attractions and the Science behind it. Participants tested the impact of everyday household items on radio frequency, played music on wine bottles filled with water, completed brain maths teasers and more. “Each year, National Science Week gets bigger and better,” says National Science Week co-ordinator, Bafedile Kgwadi, from the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement. “It is exciting to see this engaging activity continue and expand its reach across the country.” This is why we are taking the concept to schools around the country, “ says Fischer. “But we will also be holding Speed Dating for the Brain at malls, where everyone can participate, young and old.” “Having a sound grasp of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has never been more important to South African learners and students. As Capitec Foundation, we are proud to be part of this important initiative,” he adds.
THE SCIENCE OF FOOD What is it and why is it important? By: Nadine Sims
W
e all need food to survive. Views differ on the matter, but most people agree that 3 weeks without food is as long as a human can go without dying of starvation. Food on its own is a huge subject and there are many different fields and food science is just as broad and has many different realms.
On top of survival, food is there to give us nutrients and a result of not consuming food at regular intervals, can be drowsiness and tiredness. This is because food is what gives us energy. Pinpointing an exact definition of what food science is and describing it is difficult because of the broad range of topics and subjects that fall under the umbrella of food science.
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Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
COVER STORY
Shannon Williams, Lab Manager at
it also impacts on their intellectual
AgripProtein describes Food Science as,
development, “Which also impacts on
“Applying different fields of science, like
their later life ability to be able to sustain
chemistry, microbiology, for example, to
themselves and ability to solve complex
food. And testing if the food is safe or
problems the world will throw at them.”
while trying to maybe extract more protein or fat from the product, to improve the
The importance
quality of the product.”
When asked about the importance of food science, Williams said, “We are a rapidly
As the Earth’s population grows each
growing population and the demand for
year, our need and demand for food is
good quality food products is significantly
increasing and our current resources are
increasing. Food science is important
taking a tremendous strain.
to keep providing safe, edible food for consumers. Also, most of us aren’t farmers
Based on this increasing demand, keeping
and we don’t depend on our own food
up with the need for good quality food is
source, we depend on other companies to
difficult, but also very necessary.
provide us with food sources.”
Cassiem Khan, Food Security expert, says,
As Williams said, most of us don’t farm or
“The right to nutritional food, to have
grow our own food sources and we trust
access to food, to have availability of food,
and rely on the goods and groceries that
to utilise the food in the right way and to
we buy in shops. Behind all of that are
have a continuous uninterrupted supply
food scientists.
of food is what makes a community food Most of the groceries that we buy in
secure.”
the shop have labels on them with the Food security and stability, especially in
nutritional facts on the packaging. This
the early development stages of childhood
will tell you how much sugar, salt and
is very important to their development
other ingredients make up that product.
physically and mentally. This labelling was not always on products “If the community is not food secure and
and they were not always accurate, but we
the right food isn’t eaten, you will find
have Michael Jacobson to thank for taking
that children who do not get the proper
big companies to book and interrogating
nutritional value, they can become stunted
what they claimed was in the products
in their growth,” he says.
and what in actual fact was in their
He says that when they become stunted
products.
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
9
COVER STORY
This is an exemplary illustration of food
During that period Cubans were forced to
Lifestyle diseases
science at work. Knowing what we put into
work out how to do sustainable agriculture.
Lifestyle diseases are medical diagnoses
our bodies is important, especially for our
Jacques believes that what happened in
that are determined and influenced by the
physical well-being.
Cuba is a microcosm of what’s going to
way an individual lives their life. Statistics
happen in the rest of the world in the next
show that globally, lifestyle diseases are
couple of year.
steadily on the increase.
to-Food says that a great example is Cuba
Our resources are strained and we are
Included heart disease, stroke, obesity,
in the 1990’s. He explains that when the
experiencing abnormal climatic changes,
diabetes, hypertension and the list goes
Berlin Wall fell, Russia stopped providing
bring with it droughts, El Nino’s and other
on. These life-threatening ailments are
and sending fuel and fertiliser to Cuba.
extreme weather conditions. Hopefully,
sometimes a result of poor eating choices.
“This meant that their agriculture fell
the future brings with it more awareness
Smoking, drinking and other lifestyle
apart overnight and they then had to work
surrounding food.
choices are also factors, but eating is
What next? Roger Jaques, Managing Director of Waste-
out how to grow food using organics and in urban spaces,” he says.
an important element. Treatment is not Jacques says, “We have made nature take
always easy and change for many is a
a back seat, but nature is the source of
difficult task.
They developed a whole lot of different
all value. Minerals are part of nature, so
ways of growing produce and developed
what humans have done is force nature in
Building a healthy relationship with food
a lot of organic pests and disease controls
a way to give us what we want. We seek
from a young age is so important to
and people grew food on roof tops and in
maximum yield or maximum profit, but
combatting lifestyle diseases, as well as
their houses.
that’s not necessarily how nature works.”
the way people look at food.
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Celebrating the great women of UWC The University of the Western Cape is home to many inspiring women – who are making their mark at the University and far beyond. Here are just a few.
Dr Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi Dr Ngece-Ajayi is a senior lecturer in Physical Chemistry at UWC, and a research leader in the field of drug metabolism nanobiosensors for antiretrovirals and Tuberculosis treatment drugs. Apart from her role at the University, Dr Ngece-Ajayi also leads a non-profit organisation called AmaQawe ngeMfundo, which she founded along with five other academics. Together, they aim to change the negative stereotypes about townships and instil confidence among pupils living there to study maths and science.
fishgate.co.za_UW7891
Through their efforts, they have empowered more than 60 pupils from different schools in Khayelitsha using motivational seminars, workshops and talks. These events are also tailored to provide pupils with information pertaining to bursary and scholarship applications, apart from assisting them with placement at institutions of higher learning.
Dr Imogen Wright
Dr Mmaki Jantjies
Dr Wright, a scientist and researcher at UWC’s South African Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), was instrumental in the development of a software solution called Exatype, which enables health workers to determine a patient’s responsiveness to antiretroviral drugs.
Dr Jantjies is one of the first black women to obtain a Ph.D. in Computer Science, and has greatly contributed to research on mobile learning technology development for mathematics and science in South African schools, with a focus on multilingual content presentation.
Through a simple report, Exatype detects drug resistance in patients – highlighting the need to avoid certain drugs to ensure successful treatment. The software has the potential to contribute towards effectively managing HIV/AIDS in Africa, and also holds promise in helping detect drug resistance for other disease burdens such as Tuberculosis, Malaria and antimicrobial resistance.
She is currently the head of the Information Systems Department at UWC, and also coordinator of the Mozilla and UN Women technology clubs for girls. These clubs are focused on teaching basic technology skills to young girls in disadvantaged communities, with the aim of introducing the technology industry as a viable career option.
This noteworthy work, done in conjunction with UWC spin-off company, Hyrax Biosciences, earned Dr Wright a second place at the 2016 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) Awards.
Dr Jantjies’ passion for ICT development earned her a spot on the 2017 Mail & Guardian Young 200 Top Achievers’ list, as well as a place on the list of South Africa’s top 50 inspiring women in technology.
For more inspiring stories, visit www.uwc.ac.za
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
11
PROFILE
IN CONVERSATION WITH SHANNON Discussing the significance of sustainability
S
By: Nadine Sims
hannon Williams, a Lab Manager, at AgripProtein, says
Initially, Williams knew she wanted to do science, but was not
that in the beginning of her career, she didn’t know and
sure what she wanted to major in. The fact that at school she
understand the importance of her role, but now she is
had always been interested in human anatomy and microbiology
proud to say that she is part of this bigger picture.
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is what prompted her to pursue a BSc degree.
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
PROFILE
She started studying in 2009 and majored in Medical Biology Science, at the University of the Western Cape. This year marks her 2 year anniversary of working at AgriProtein. Williams responsibilities includes testing waste streams, making
building a sustainable environment.
sure if it safe to be used and also writing internal reports about her findings.
Williams explains that her job, at AgriProtein, is an important one and depends on her research because based on that they
She feeds waste to black soldier fly, weighs them in the
make the decision if it will be worthwhile or not to use the waste
beginning and weighs them at the end and she then calculates
stream.
their efficiency. “If we don’t check our waste streams before using it on large She also checks if the waste streams are harmful to the larvae,
scale in the factor, we could kill our entire colony. Then we won’t
because sometimes they do encounter waste streams that include
have a product and we have to start from the beginning again,”
pesticides that end up killing the larvae.
she explains.
Williams explains, “The purpose of
Williams says it is exciting knowing that something
feeding the waste to the larvae is to
she discovered made a big change to their
monogastric animals, hence leaving
says, “It challenges me, especially when trials fail. I
more fish in the sea for consumption.”
want to find the reason why it failed.”
harvest the larvae and make MagMeal According to a 2012 study by the processing at AgriProtein. World Bank, South Africa was out of the larvae. This can be used ranked the 15th largest generator as a fish meal replacement to feed The job is not by any means an easy one Williams of waste in the world.
Agriprotein itself, are the leaders in a new and exciting industry
When asked what individuals can do to be active and practically
called nutrient recycling and are always looking for new and
sustainable Williams says that making your own compost bins at
sustainable sources of protein.
home is an excellent idea.
According to AgriProtein, “Nutrient recycling would mean reduced
“Throw all your food waste into a bin, get some earthworms and
landfill, lower pressure on marine stocks and a far lower carbon
make your own compost. Instead of throwing all of your food
impact.”
waste away,” she said.
In 2016 they opened the world’s first industrial scale insect
Dr Cameron Richards, the Head of Research at AgriProtein, also
recycling site, with the capacity of diverting 100 tonnes of waste
suggested, “A business idea for someone young, would be to go to
from landfills, per day.
houses and collect waste and come sell it to us (AgriProtein).”
Simply, they are taking waste feed that would have gone to
Williams says one of her biggest motivators is Richards and she
landfills, feeding it to the larvae and subsequently reducing the
credits him for helping her expand on her capabilities by getting
waste going to landfills.
out of her comfort zone.
According to a 2012 study by the World Bank, South Africa was
When asked what she has to say to students hoping to get in
ranked the 15th largest generator of waste in the world.
STEM, she said, “Science saves lives. Everyone has an amazing
With discussions of legislation changes and landfill tax looming,
contribution to make to the lives of others. Don’t be scared to
the work Agriprotein is doing is significant and essential to
express your opinions and ideas - ideas inspire change.”
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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FOOD SAFETY
PROTECTIVE MEASURES The discipline behind food safety By: Moeketsi Tigeli
T
he food we consume on a daily
consumers alike.
basis undergoes rigorous tests and regulations to ensure it meets
industry standards for consumption.
The DuPont Foundation for science and technology assists industry to develop
For example, according to the Department
sustainable solutions for challenges in
of Labour’s Health and Safety in the
food protection needs; they highlight the
Food and Beverage Industry report,
need for employee protection through
From production, packaging and handling,
industry workers are exposed to extreme
protective garments.
to distribution and shelf life, there are
temperature changes. Namely the heat
scientific disciplines behind the processes
conditions during pasteurisation (the
In events like slaughtering or meat
of food that can help prevent illnesses.
process of filtering unnecessary organisms
processing, the handling of dairy
without altering the food) and cold
products, nuts and fish, even processing
conditions from the canning process.
vegetables that are grown with organic
It is worth mentioning that - due to climate change - there’s a need for a
fertilisers, workers can get exposed to the
GREEN approach to food sanitation. The
In the processing industry specifically, food
salmonella bacteria - the bacteria that
use of chemicals and added preservatives
contamination and risk of infection by
causes food poisoning.
as well as oxidants, have detrimental
workers can occur by various means, most
effects on both the environment and
of which can be avoided.
Another form of biological hazards in the food industry is the Hepatitis A virus - a virus that causes liver dysfunction - and is common when handling seafood like oysters and shellfish or salads produced by means of organic fertilisers. Some use of biological agents is acceptable, and is most commonly used in the processing stage of dairy products during production. Accreditation is of utmost importance in industry efforts to enhance food safety and food quality standards, the international ISO 17025 standard is applied to laboratories as a form of quality assurance. And in terms of protective clothing, the EN 14126 is a standard used as a yardstick for quality high performance working gear.
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Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
IDENTITY IS IN THE
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER “Dare to be different, but at the same time, stay true to yourself.” GUGULETHU MABUZA-HOCQUET These are very appropriate words indeed from the woman who has committed her research to identity protection. The way Gugu sees it, your identity is all you really have – and the answer to protecting it, lies in iris biometrics. She is exploring the unique iris properties of the South African population that may just hold the key to a uniquely South African security encryption system. “Your iris does not only hold information such as your age, gender and race, it also says you are part of a demographic mix that is not found elsewhere in the world. Now imagine a future where those unique features in your eyes will protect the most valuble thing you have – your identity.” Gugu describes the way she ended up in science as a “beautiful accident”. It’s certainly one to be thankful for.
BRIGHT YOUNG SCIENTISTS BEHIND IDEAS THAT WORK. www.csirideasthatwork.co.za
DST
MASHESHA STOVE A GAME CHANGER FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES By: Julian Leshilo-Sebake
D
isruptive technologies aimed at
warming impact countries around the
and low-carbon economy will be well
mitigating the effects of climate
world. More extreme weather, droughts
underway by 2030.
change and global warming were
and floods are to be expected.
featured at the recent Innovation Bridge
A huge part of the strategy is ensuring
Technology Showcase and Matchmaking
The government has acknowledged the
that the country embraces an energy
Event hosted by the Department of
problem and has taken concrete steps
mix, using environment-friendly energy
Science and Technology (DST).
to deal with the fallout. The National
sources. The Department is supporting a
Development Plan’s vision and trajectory
number of initiatives for the development
South Africa is expected to become hotter
for climate change expect that South
of such technologies. Higher education
and drier over the next 30 years as the
Africa’s transition to an environmentally
institutions, science councils, private
effects of climate change and global
sustainable, climate change resilient
companies, youth start-ups and
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Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
government-funded entities showcased
The innovator, Louise Williamson of
Sustainability Professionals is based in
these disruptive technologies at the
Sustainability Professionals (Pty) Ltd, has
Mpumalanga and has received funding
Innovation Bridge.
an enormous passion for the environment
and support from the Technology
and strives to make a positive impact
Innovation Agency, an entity of the DST.
Among these was the Mashesha stove, an
in communities. Williamson has 16
The Mashesha stove is currently in its
invention that is revolutionising cooking in
years’ experience in working with rural
commercialisation phase and is being
the country’s rural areas.
communities on sustainable development
marketed to local wholesale stores.
projects.
Countries like Mozambique and Swaziland
Cooking on an open fire is not only
have already given the stove the thumbs
harmful to the environment, but also
The Mashesha stove uses half of the fuel
up and distribution will be rolled out
hazardous. Statistics show that 70% of
required with open fires, and is a lot safer
soon.
people in Sub-Saharan Africa and 11% of
as it uses a closed gasification process for
South Africans rely on wood fuel to meet
combustion. “This means that the stove has
their daily energy requirements. These
nearly complete combustion as it burns all
figures served as an inspiration for the
the smoke”, says Williamson.
development of the Mashesha stove. For the women in Mpumalanga who The Mashesha stove is fuel efficient and
prepare food for learners at Thanda
burns with a clean, hot flame that saves
Primary School in Hectorspruit as part
roughly 56% of wood fuel. The stove is
of the national nutrition programme, the
a double-barreled metal chamber with
Mashesha stove has changed their lives.
strategically placed air vents to allow for natural convection airflow, which promotes
The women received the stoves in August
high heated combustion and a secondary
2017 and started seeing results almost
ignition of syngas. For durability, it is made
immediately. The innovation has saved
with mild steel and painted with high heat
them cooking time and reduced smoke
black paint.
production, improving lung and eye health.
The stove is ideal for individual users
The Mashesha stove has already earned
and is a cost-effective and healthier
several accolades including the 2016
alternative option to substandard paraffin
GCIP-SA Social Impact Award. It was also
stoves which pose a fire risk. The fact that
nominated in Round 3 of the African
cardboard briquettes, made from waste
Entrepreneurship Awards, to be announced
found in the community, can be used as a
in October 2017. Williamson says that
viable fuel source also makes this stove
these awards speak volumes about the
appealing.
need and value of the stove.
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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FOOD WASTE
BATTLING FOOD WASTE Transforming Waste to Food
T
By: Moeketsi Tigeli
he latest Statistics SA poverty
tonnes of different types of wasted food
the only way to go as fossil fuels become
report of 2017 revealed that over
into compost.
more expensive” he said.
The company also works with the Philippi
Traditionally, farmers use fertilizers
Economic Development Initiative (PEDI).
instead of organic compost because they
Amongst the causes (which include a high
Backed by the City of Cape Town and
are cheaper, easier to spread and have
unemployment rate and a weak economy)
situated on the same site, the organisation
proven reliable results, despite being
is the skyrocketing food prices.
teaches locals farming skills, using the
harmful to both the soil and crops.
30 million South Africans currently
live in poverty.
Waste-to-Food compost to farm their crops. In spite of this, there is an alarming
While creating job opportunities, this
amount of food that goes to waste. The
initiative also ensures food security.
By: Moeketsi Tigeli
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) published a report titled ‘Food loss and
Another element of the Waste-to-Food
Waste: Facts and Futures’, which revealed
site pointed out by Operations Manager
that out of the 31 million tonnes of food
Phumlani Dlongwane, is their use of
produced locally, 10 million is wasted.
methane extracted from the waste and use
This amount of waste, according to Council
of a bio-digester, converting it into gas for
for Scientific and Industrial Research
cooking and heating.
(CSIR), costs the economy R61 million every year. Much of the spending happens
Managing Director, Roger Jaques says
through the process of transporting and
that one of the challenges they face is
dumping the food.
educating the customer and the markets about the long term benefits of organic
Most food, however, is wasted in the
compost.
production process and is hard to track
“We are stuck in a negative cycle, until we
throughout the supply chain, according to
reach a tipping point where organics is
the WWF. The need for intervention led corporates to form partnerships with organisations in the field of waste management, in efforts to remedy the dire phenomenon. Worth mentioning is the Pick n Pay and Waste-to-Food initiative. Based Philippi, Cape Town, Waste-to-Food was founded in 2012 with the aim of reducing food waste through the creation of organic compost. To make organic compost, Waste-to-Food uses a machine called the HotRot, an in-vessel composter. It converts multiple 18
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©Photographs by Karin Schermbrucker
ORGANIC FOOD
UNDERSTANDING
ORGANIC EATING Is it healthier and eco-friendly? By: Nicole Ludolph
T
he organic food movement has been growing steadily across the world in the last few years.
According to the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO), South Africa has been lagging behind the rest of Africa in terms of organic agriculture. In South Africa, most of the organic food is imported.
What is organic food? Organic food is grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or weed killers. In the case of meat, the animals are grown without ingesting hormones or drugs. Farmers who grow organic food or raise animals for organic consumption do
pesticides and synthetic fertilizers as the
number of reasons for why they think
not use Genetically Modified Organisms
reason organic food is healthier. Those
organic production is better. Among
(GMOs). GMOs are plants or animals that
who support the idea that there is no
those reasons are that it eliminates soil
have been altered genetically so that
real difference between organic and non
and water contamination because it
they exhibit certain desirable traits. For
organic food cite the lack of proof that
prohibits the use of all artificial fertilizers
instance, apples can be genetically altered
harm is caused by the small amounts of
and pesticides. It’s prohibition of toxic
so they no longer brown or bruise.
pesticide left on food.
chemicals also helps preserve local
Is organic food healthier than conventionally processed food?
Is organic food production better for the environment?
Organic food seems to be universally
Supporters of the organic food movement
accepted as a healthier and more
claim that organic food production is
Despite the lack of decisive scientific
nutritious alternative to conventionally
better for the environment. As with the
evidence proving the superiority of
processed food. Various studies have
consumption of organic food, not enough
organic food, the movement is definitely
been conducted to test this idea, but not
scientific evidence was found proving
not going anywhere. More and more
enough evidence was found to prove the
it better for the environment than
people are moving over to organic eating,
superiority of organic food. Advocates in
conventional food production.
with the only stumbling block seeming to
favour of organic food cite the absence of
Organic food campaigners provide a
be high costs.
wildlife, as natural pest control measures are used. Instead of altering the natural habitat, it forms part of it.
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
19
BEES
BUSY BEE Life and Times of Bees By: Nadine Sims
T
here are many different types of bees, which all serve their own purpose, and it is widely known that without bees, the world would be a very different place.
Believe it or not, phrases like ‘worker bee’ or ‘busy bee’ do come from the fact that honey bees are very hard working.
Bees have an important role to play in the pollination of plants, fruits and vegetables and this means that they help other plants
Although honey bees work as hard as they do to produce honey,
to grow.
they surprising only make less than half a teaspoon of honey, at most.
Mike Allsopp the Head of Honey Bee Research at the Agricultural Research Council, says that bees are actively involved in
Over the last couple of years there has been many worrying
pollinating 80% of indigenous plants.
statements put forth saying that bees are disappearing and dying in great numbers, but there are many conflicting reports.
“The fact that they visit about 80% of plants, any disturbance to bees would cause a disruption at a conservation and floral level,”
According to National Geographic billions of honey bees
said Allsopp in a radio interview on Cape Talk.
worldwide are leaving their hives, never to return and in some regions, 90% of bees have disappeared.
One Green Planet writes, “Without help from animal pollinators (bees), our everyday food supply would look much different - at
Allsopp says it is not as bad as we are led to believe, “There are
least one third of our staples we’ve come to rely on would no
more honey bees now on the planet than there has ever been.
longer be available.”
There is no basis to think that honey bees are threatened in terms of them going extinct.”
Honey bees are probably amongst the most interesting of all the members of the bee family. On average, a honey bee lives for
In spite of the differing views on the matter, bees play an
about 5 to 6 weeks and some scientists say that they work so
important and crucial role in our ecosystem and our well-being
hard that they actually die from exhaustion.
as humans.
22
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
VEGAN
TOFU VS T-BONE STEAKS Is being a herbivore good for your health? By: Danielle Scheepers
P
lant-based eating is a lifestyle that
eggs are also not included and neither are
intake are deficient. This increases the
has become very trendy in the last
refined foods, oil and refined sugar.
risk of heart disease, bone loss and other health issues.
few years, especially among young
people. According to the Mail & Guardian,
Mary Ann Shearer, the owner of Mary Ann’s
nearly half of vegans are between the ages
Natural Emporium in Gordon’s Bay, has
Still, Abigail Wheeler (17) says she went
of 15 and 34 years.
been involved with plant-based eating
vegan for three reasons: animals, health
for almost two decades. She says that
and the environment.
Even celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Lea
the benefits include weight loss, energy
On how others react, she comments,
Michele, Jay Z and Beyonce have cut down
increase, disappearing aches and pains and
“People worry about the lack of B vitamins
their meat consumption for a period of
better sleep.
when going vegan, especially B12, so I eat food supplemented with it, such as
time. So, what is plant-based eating really, and are there any benefits to becoming a
As with most extreme life decisions, there
nutritional yeast. Being vegan is inherently
herbivore?
are downsides. One of these is the problem
quite healthy, however, because you eat so
that the Vitamin A, D and K2, the basis
much fruit and veg.”
Plant-based eating expert Dr Craig
of vitamin B12 and iron, which is easily
McDougall defines it as, “A whole-food diet
absorbed in the body, is found only in
In the end, it’s up to you what best suits
centered on whole, unrefined, or minimally
animal sources.
your lifestyle and body’s needs. The simplest advice to follow is American
refined plants.” A journal article published in 2014
author and journalist Michael Pollan
Essentially that means eating a lot of fruit
on the link between Vitamin B12 and
saying, “Don’t eat anything your great-
and vegetables, whole grains and legumes,
Cardiovascular Health claims that 80% of
great-great grandmother wouldn’t
while excluding meat. Dairy products and
vegans who do not supplement their B12
recognise as food.”
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
23
SCIENCE STARS BUILDING LEGENDS
021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.co.za www.sciencestars.co.za /sciencestars.faceb.co.za @ScienceStars2
PROFILE
LIFE LONG STUDENT A Fruitful Journey By: Nadine Sims
C
assiem Khan, life long student and food security expert, is older than the average student and is currently
completing his Masters in Faith and Food Security. Born in Cape Town, Khan grew up the youngest of 10 children and his relationship with food started at a very young age. There were many mouths to feed and the family struggled financially. When Khan was born, he was not a healthy child and he was underweight. It later became clear, because of nutritional issues, that Khan was stunted in his growth. When he started becoming older he formed a close bond with his mother and spent a lot of time with her planting fruit and vegetables in their small garden. His mother came from India as a young woman, “She wasn’t big on sewing, she wasn’t into baking, she did cook for us, but
“Whether it was a creche, or a sewing
she would also plant things in the limited
group, or a small farmers group, a
space we had.”
fundamental thing people were grappling
He asks himself, “Is this altruistic
the ‘teach a man to fish’ ideology.
around was trying to sustain and nourish
suggestion to the poor that they must go
Khan started studying and became a
themselves, by being involved in some
and catch their own fish, realistic?”
qualified Social Worker and he started
form of growing and producing food,” he
working for an organisation called the
says.
Khan says he is atoning for bad advice or
Equal Opportunity Organisation.
false hope that he may have given a poor He says that food has been a constant and
person, by telling them their world will be
He started travelled through the country
central theme in his life and work and this
okay by planting their own vegetables.
and he says one of the things that
is why he decided to start studying again.
stuck with him while travelling was the
He does this by trying to improve his own
similarities each province has, when it
Now that he has more free time on his
skills and seeing how much his family can
came to food.
hands, he questions bigger narratives like
eat from the vegetables that he grows.
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
25
TIA
INNOVATION TO
CURB FOOD INSECURITY Author: Dr Xolisa L. Melamane is a Portfolio Manager at Technology Innovation Agency in the Agriculture STA.
T
he FAO definition of food insecurity
livestock diseases.
TIA through its sector named Agriculture
is: “A situation that exists when
https://www.theguardian.com/global-
Strategic Technology Area (AgriSTA)
people lack secure access to
development-professionals-network/2015/
invests financially in research and
sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious
jan/05/eight-steps-to-straight-as-in-food-
development of new products that curb
food for normal growth and development
security, discusses many steps to curb
food insecurity in its thematic areas for
and an active and healthy life.� The other
food insecurity. Intervention by Technology
example Nutrition and Food Productivity.
popular definition states that food security
Innovation Agency (TIA) emphasizes
AgriSTA encourages entrepreneurs to be
the state of having reliable access to a
financial investments in research and
innovative and develop new products to
sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious
development of new products, this strategy
assist in curbing food insecurity.
foods.
is the one aligned to its mission.
Food security has declined dramatically in
The mandate of TIA is derived from the
agricultural activities is dependent on
many developing countries. Some of the
provisions of the Technology Innovation
the continuous improvement of crops
reasons on food insecurity in African and
Act (Act 26 of 2008), which establishes TIA
and animals and improvement of traits
other Third World countries include rapid
as an Agency to promote the development
on highly traded commodities necessary
population growth. Most of the time poor
and exploitation, in the public interest, of
for South Africa to compete in the
countries have the highest population
discoveries, inventions, innovations and
global market. Entrepreneurs must find
growth rate in the world and this places
improvements. The objective of TIA is to
new innovative ways to address food
them at increased risk of food crises or
support the State, through the Department
insecurity; poverty; malnutrition and;
insecurity. Population growth rate then call
of Science and Technology, in stimulating
sustainable development especially for
for increased agricultural activity to meet
and intensifying technological innovation
emerging and smallholder farmers.
the nutrition and food security demand.
to improve economic growth and the
AgriSTA is of the view that expansion of
quality of life of all South Africans; by
Email: Xolisa.melamane@tia.org.za
Other factors that causes food insecurity
developing and exploiting technological
Contact: 102 Stephen Dlamini Road, 4th
include drought; climate change; pests;
innovations.
Floor, Musgrave, 4001, Telephone 031 271 4534
26
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
EVENTS
EVENTS 12 OCT
21 OCT
Inside The World of Snakes
Drone Building Course
Hosted by Cape Union Mart and Wild Card Magazine, the venue
The event, taking place in Cape Town, offers drone enthusiasts
for the event will be at the Cape Union Mart Adventure Centre,
an opportunity to learn how to build their own drones and
at Canal Walk, Cape Town. Dr Bryan Maritz from the University
race them possible. The course offers basic drone circuitry
of the Western Cape has been studying snakes for 10 years,
theory and teaches you how to safely configure your drone.
will be sharing new and exciting insights in his presentation.
The course runs over two days and payment is required 7 days before the events ensure your place.
Go to their Facebook page for more details. Book your place with Quicket.
13 OCT TEDxYouth@CapeTown
26 NOV
The TEDx brand has become well-known worldwide for their
Spider Field Trip for Capetonians
talks that host and this time is no different. This year the youth
If spiders don’t scare you this event is for you, taking place
event will be taking place at Bergvliet High School, in Cape
in Capricorn Park, in Muizenberg Cape Town. Hosted by the
Town, under the theme Embracing Diversity. The platform is
Spider Club of Southern Africa, there will be a walk around
for the youth to voice their opinions, idea’s and inspire those
the park looking to build an arachnid list for the Capricorn
around them.
Business Park. Even if you don’t see any spiders, you might learn a thing or two from other spider enthusiasts.
For more information email sian@tedxcapetown.org or book your seat through Quicket.
No entry fee, for more information contact Colin Budworth 082 788 3875.
SASSI
SOUTHERN AFRICAN SEAFOOD INITIATIVE Making Sustainable Seafood Choices By: Nadine Sims
T
he Southern African Seafood
prevalently in society, but when you look
Supplier Participation Scheme.
Initiative’s (SASSI’s) main aim is
down to the nuts and bolts, you realise
Each retailer has made a public and
to create awareness amongst
that we are actually in trouble.”
formal commitment to becoming sustainable with its seafood, each with its
consumers, about the consumption of sustainable seafood. It does this is by
The ocean is different because we don’t
own targeted year in which to meet these
using an easy traffic light system.
have concrete statistics, Pillay explains,
goals.
“It is so easy to ask how many kudu’s in SASSI falls under the ambit of the World
Kruger National Park, you can see it and
“Now we are more aware of the issues
Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and this
count it. If you asked, I couldn’t tell you
around the oceans. Around 89% of our
year the awareness tool will see its 15th
how many snoek are in the sea.”
commercial fish stocks are fully exploited, globally,” she Pillay.
year of helping consumers make informed The self-regulatory campaign does not
Pillay says SASSI’s biggest success is the
have the authority to fine anyone, that
improvement of awareness and that is the
The SASSI Programme Director, Pavs Pillay,
is the responsibility of the Department
big win for them.
says its reason for coming into being was
of Agriculture and Fisheries compliance
because of the lack of understanding
centre, but SASSI has seen consumers put
Realising that your actions contribute to
around issues of the ocean, by the
more pressure on the big retailers.
the plight of the oceans is essential and
decisions about fish species.
if you want to find out more, you can
consumer and the fishermen. Having started out as a tool to help
download the application for Android or
Pillay says, “The ‘plenty of fish in the
consumers, SASSI now has the buy in from
iOS phones. Or visit the website:
sea’ myth unfortunately still exists so
all 7 of the 9 big retailers, in their Retailer
wwfsassi.co.za
28
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
It’s what we build
3112
We all dream of a better future. For ourselves, our families and our country. SANRAL, as part of the National Development Plan, is improving and expanding vital road infrastructure. In the process we are creating jobs, transferring skills and developing opportunities for all South Africans. We are proud to be a part of the National Development Plan, because we know that roads are more than just roads, they pave the way to a better future.
More than just roads
FOOD ALLERGIES
FOOD ALLERGIES Everything you need to know By: Nicole Ludolph
F
ood allergies occur when the body rejects a particular food
blood vessels. It also makes the lining of the nose produce more
as harmful, and overreacts to the consumption of that food.
mucus.
In South Africa, there is little data available about exactly
however, that South Africans are becoming more and more prone
What is the difference between having a food allergy and food intolerance?
to allergies in general.
A food allergy is the rejection of the allergen by the immune
how many people are affected by food allergies. Scientists agree,
system. It can affect some of the organs of the body, and in
What causes food allergies?
some cases, the symptoms can be severe or life-threatening.
Food that causes an allergic reaction is referred to as an
Food intolerances, however are generally limited to digestive
allergen. The immune system treats the allergen as if it is a toxic
problems. The symptoms are not as serious as those related to a
substance. It develops a sensitivity to the allergen over time,
food allergy.
and starts building antibodies against the allergen. Allergies can develop in both adults and children. The most common foods to
What are the symptoms of a food allergy?
cause allergies are eggs, milk, nuts, wheat or shellfish.
Food allergy symptoms vary. Generally, food allergies can cause vomiting, swelling of the throat, lips, and face, stomach
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) describes
cramps, diarrhea and shortness of breath. When these symptoms
the process the body goes through when someone has an
become life threatening, the allergic reaction is referred to as
allergic reaction:
Anaphylaxis.
When the immune system reacts to an allergen, it releases
Are there treatments available for food allergies?
immunoglobulin E (IgE), a type of antibody. IgE is released to
The best treatment for a food allergy is simply not to consume
destroy the allergen. IgE causes chemicals in the body to be
the food that triggers allergic reactions. If this is not possible,
produced. These chemicals cause the allergic reaction. One of
allergy sufferers can use an antihistamine when their reaction is
these chemicals is called histamine. Histamine causes tightening
mild. If they have a severe reaction, they would need to go to a
of the muscles, including those in the airways and the walls of
hospital and given a shot of epinephrine.
30
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
ANAEMIA
COMBATING ANAEMIA Important facts about anaemia By: Moeketsi Tigeli
A
naemia is not a straightforward
cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the
condition, there are different forms
body to nourish tissues and sustain life.
and possible causes. Two common
types of anaemia are the iron deficiency
Less iron intake - in children who have not
and anaemia of chronic disease (ACD).
consumed iron-fortified formulas or iron-
Simply put, anaemia – also referred to
enriched cereal may also become anaemic.
as lack of blood – is a medical condition that occurs when there’s a significantly
Genetic cause - Some people are simply
less amount of red blood cells. This is an
born anaemia or there is a family history.
indicator that something is wrong in the Loss of blood - although one can get
blood.
anaemia from undetected gradual internal Anaemia causes lightheadedness, nausea
bleeding, in most common cases with
and abnormal depletion of energy leading
women, it is due to heavy bleeding during
to premature fatigue and sustained
menstruation.
tiredness. Some people even having fainting spells.
Anaemia can also be as a result of medical treatments. For example, specific cancer
Facts
treatments has been proven to cause
There are around 1.2 Billion people in the
anaemia.
world who have an iron deficiency, which is the leading cause of anaemia.
Possible remedies Oral iron supplements such as iron help to
Red blood cells are the most abundant in
restore iron levels.
the human body, with around 5.2 million per cubic millimeter of blood in males,
Breastfeeding is strongly advised because
and women with 4.7 million per cubic
babies absorb iron faster through the
millimeter of blood.
process.
There are 280 million hemoglobin
Children aged six to nine months need
molecules in each red blood cell.
seven times more iron than adults. It is
Hemoglobin binds to iron and oxygen. The
important at this stage to provide food
oxygenated red blood cells are transported
that is naturally rich in iron.
to the body’s tissues, and hemoglobin releases the oxygen in exchange for
For people with hereditary iron-deficiency
carbon dioxide, in a continuous cycle.
anaemia, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and getting enough rest is
Causes
advised to try and regulate the effects.
Anaemia can be caused by a few factors,
Alternatively, an iron replacement can help
including the damage or loss of red blood
curb the condition.
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
31
CULTURAL FOOD
CULTURAL EATING HABITS Food in Different Communities By: Moeketsi Tigeli
W
e all prefer our food done a
Foods that contain alcohol are not
certain way, from liking your
considered halaal and some foods are
bacon extra crispy, wanting your
combined or cooked in the same dish.
deemed haram (forbidden) if they include
For meat to be considered kosher, it must
chicken without skin or having onions on
pork. All meat needs to also be ritually
be ritually slaughtered and salted using
your burger.
slaughtered for it to be halaal.
coarse salt to remove all the blood.
We each have our own methods of eating
Many food outlets offer ready made halaal
Hinduism
and preference, as well as forbidden foods,
foods and products and it is reported to be
Hindu’s usually follow a vegetarian diet,
that we would rather steer clear of.
one of the biggest growing food markets
which is no meat, no eggs, poultry or
in the world.
fish, but dairy is allowed and usually
Similarly, different cultural communities
encouraged.
have different food preferences as well
Judaism
as different methods of preparation and
Although dishes are very diverse and
Hindu traditions do not prohibit eating
to sometimes serving. There are many
varying throughout Jewish communities
meat, but they do recommend non-
different reasons why, with the main factor
around the world, one thing that ties them
violence against all life forms, including
would be for religious reasons.
all together is the law of kosher, loosely
animals.
translated to ‘proper’.
Islam
Those that do eat meat, do not eat beef.
Muslims eat food that is referred to as
Certain foods are forbidden, and they
This is because cows are considered
halaal, meaning ‘permissible’ and it applies
include shellfish and pork. Jewish law
sacred, treated as a motherly, giving
to food and drinks.
says meat and dairy products may not be
animal and considered part of the family.
32
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
BURSARIES
2018
limited area of study fields. Candidates
KANTEY & TEMPLER BURSARY
may have a look on their website for
Fields of study:
BURARIES
bursary opportunities. These will be found
• Mechanical Engineering
under the ‘Careers’ tab, then ‘Vacancies’
• Electrical Engineering
and on the left-hand side within the
YOUNG LEADERS BURSARY
• Civil Engineering
menu, candidates can find the ‘Graduate
How to apply:
Field of study:
Opportunities’ tab.
Kantey & Templer bursary applications
• Engineering
online can be found on their website:
• Medical
MAYORAL BURSARY
• Technology
Field of study:
including all the relevant documentation.
• Education
• Agriculture
Candidates who cannot download
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
the forms may send a request for the
How to apply:
• Civil Engineering
application to be e-mailed to them, using
Young Leaders bursary applications
• Mechanical Engineering
this e-mail address: info@ct.kanteys.co.za.
online are made available through the
• Science
Alternatively, candidates can also call their
Dell Foundation offices at the selected
• IT
Cape Town offices at 021 – 405 9600.
Universities. This program invites talented
How to apply:
candidates that are in need of financial
Mayoral bursary application is available
AFRISAM BURSARY
assistance and in their first year of study.
online within some of the provinces,
Field of study:
however, not all provide online
MULTICHOICE BURSARY
• Mining – Engineering
applications. Interested candidates may
• Civil – Engineering
Field of study:
collect an application form from their
• Finance
• Research
local Municipality Offices. Completed
• Artisans
• Information Technology
applications along with all required
How to apply:
• Engineering
documentation must then be delivered
AfriSam bursary application online can be
• Software Development
back to the local Municipality Office
accessed on their website. Please ensure
• Information Security
where candidates collected them. These
you have all documentation is ready and
How to apply:
applications must be placed in an A4
up to date. Then register, create an online
MultiChoice bursaries applications online
envelope and addressed to The Office of
CV and apply.
are only made available yearly within a
the Executive Mayor.
The application must be submitted
QUIZ
TEST YOURSELF
1 2 3 4 5
1. The study of animal behaviour is known as? A. Sociology B. Ethology C. Anthropology
2. Which human gland secretes the growth hormone? A. Pancreas B. Liver
7 8
C. Pituitary Gland
7. What is known as the factory of ribosomes? A. Mitochondria B. Vacuole C. Nucleolus
8. The Ozone layer protects Earth from what kind of radiations from the Sun? A. Infrared B. Ultraviolet C. X-rays
3. When a body undergoes acceleration: A. Its velocity increases B. A force acts upon it C. Its speed increases
4. The scientific study of animals is called? A. Zoology B. Biology C. Taxonomy
5. The pitch of a sound is determined by? A. Frequency B. Speed C. Direction
6
6. The study of internal organs of an organism is known as? A. Physiology B. Cell biology C. Anatomy
34
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
PUZZLES
SUDUKO Fill in the 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, row, and 3×3 section contain the numbers between 1 to 9
2 8
5
3
6
8 9
4 7
1
4 3 6
7
5 7
8
9 8 3
9 7
2
1
6
3 9
4 3
2 6
CROSSWORD Down
2
1. Which is the most abundant element in the Universe? 2. Chemistry is the study of?
1
3. Which is the most widespread parasitic infection? 3
4. True or False – The pH of water is 7
3
5. Bile is produced by which organ?
3 5
5
Across 1. What is the technical name for abnormally high
4
blood pressure? 2. What scale is used to measure earthquakes? 6
3. What is the scientific study of plants called? 4. True or False – Neptune is the outer most planet in the solar system 5. True or False – Nuclear energy is not a renewable energy source 6. The study of insects is called?
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
35
ANSWERS
TEST RESULTS What was your score for the Women in Science Issue?
SUDUKO
SCIENCESTARS
Special Edition | 2017
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SKINCARE
1 7 4
5 3 6
2 9 8
4 2 3
8 5 7
9 6 1
3 8 2
7 4 9
6 1 5
3 5 2
8 9 4
7 1 6
1 7 8
2 6 9
4 3 5
6 4 7
5 2 1
9 8 3
9 6 8
1 2 7
4 5 3
6 9 5
3 4 1
7 8 2
5 1 9
8 3 6
2 7 4
QUIZ
CROSSWORD 1
H
1
E
L
I
U
1. B - 1000 years M 2
P 2
M
I
T
O
C
H
O
N
D
R
I
D 3
4
J
U
B
O
5
T
A
N
N
E
T
I
C
S
7
R
5
N
5. A - Osmium
M
I
E
N
A
I
T
E
R
T
D I
R U
S
O
Y
36
4. B - 120
K
Y
A
3. C - Horse
R
A
U
P A
6. C - Citric
C
U
R E
P
E
S
A 6
G
3
2. B - Neutrino
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
E
7. A - Graphite 8. C - 15 000 – 20 000
SCIENCE NEWS
SCIENCE NEWS • Astronauts
to Grow Food in Space
Scientists at the University of Arizona are working on developing a kind of greenhouse for when astronauts are travelling in space. The amount time spent on long space missions means they need to be able to grow fresh crops. The ‘greenhouse’ is collapsible and lightweight and it has lights which replicate the heat and light from the sun. • Coca-Cola
Competition
Coca-Cola has jumped on the bandwagon and realised that a vast majority of consumers are cutting sugar out of their diets. As a result, they have launched a crowd-sourcing project and are in search of a ‘naturally sourced, safe, low or no-calorie compound that creates the taste sensation of sugar when used in beverages’. The winner will be awarded $1million in October 2018. Are you the scientist that has what it takes? • Eco-friendly
Greener Cows
Cattle gas makes up about 10% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and Canada has decided to combat this with their Genome project. Their aim is to naturally raise the cows, with as little food as possible, while reducing emissions of methane. The starting point is their diets and then testing on the amount of methane they produce, begins. • Rock
Discovery Dates Back 3.95 Billion Years
Scientists from Canada, claim to have discovered rocks that hold evidence of life on earth, that date back 3.95 billion years. The evidence is not in the form of a fossil, like Naledi, but rather microorganisms and possibly bacterium. If verified, this discovery confirms that Earth saw microbial life earlier than previously assumed. • Jupiter
Excites and Confuses Scientists
The NASA’s Juno mission started orbiting Jupiter in last July. Scientists working on the project say that the data they received found that everything we assumed about the largest planet in our solar system was somewhat incorrect. From the colour of its poles, to the fluctuations in its gravity field; the Juno mission is giving us new and exciting discoveries every week. • Australia’s
New Space Agency
After years of back and forth lobbying, the Australian government has announced that they launching a space agency. Australia already depends on satellites for produce deliveries, banking, mobile services and disaster relief efforts. The new agency is estimated to create around 11 700 jobs. Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
37
DST
HYDROPOWER PLANT TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY TO RURAL AREA Reliable electricity improves standard of living
T
he electrification of urban and
The hydropower plant is located at
improving access to the downstream side,
informal settlements in South Africa
Thina Falls on the Thina River within the
that was previously inaccessible.
has increased rapidly over the last
Mhlontlo Local Municipality, which falls
20 years, but the provision of electricity to
under the OR Tambo District Municipality.
To date, the project has created 76 jobs, nearly half of which have been allocated
rural areas is still a challenge. According Thato Seabi, an on-site manager,
to local labourers from the Mhlontlo Local
Many remote areas, especially small
says the project plays a crucial role in
Municipality.
settlements or farms, will never be
energy access to the remote area. Seabi
connected to a national grid. Due to
says the project will have a significant
the remoteness, sparse population and
impact on the quality of life since
relatively low average energy demands,
electricity would be generated at no cost.
rural electrification has the potential to improve the standard of living of people in
The introduction of electricity will make
a developing country such as South Africa.
it possible for the community, who rely on subsistence farming, to irrigate their crops
In line with the Department of Science
with an electric pump.
and Technology’s (DST) commitment to exploring alternative technologies to
Local municipal manager of the Mhlonto,
achieve universal access to power, 54
Sibongile Sotshongaye, says the location
households in the KwaMadiba settlement
of the hydropower plant will create
in the rural Eastern Cape will soon receive
the opportunity to develop Thina Falls
access to electricity through a small-scale
as a tourist attraction, not only by the
hydropower scheme.
introduction of electricity but also by
In partnership with local municipalities, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, the scheme forms part of the DST’s Innovative Partnership for Rural Development Programme which is piloting innovative technology solutions to enhance service delivery. The programme involves the prioritised needs of 23 district municipalities and is intended to provide rural communities with a reliable electricity supply, improving their standard of living. 38
Science Stars Magazine Food Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference
DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E
Draw up a study timetable.
FCB CAPE TOWN 10007095CT/E
Study tips
Don’t procrastinate!
Make flashcards, use acronyms, sing jingles - anything to help you remember.
Exercise and eat correctly to combat stress. Use tables, flowcharts and figures - pictures can help you remember facts.
Get up a little earlier on the morning of an exam - it will allow you time to have a proper breakfast and you will feel calm when you arrive at your exam venue.
Create a study environment free from clutter and distractions.
If the workload is too big, join a study group. But make sure you actually study.
Get a decent night’s sleep. It helps with your concentration.
Go over as many past papers as you can.
Don’t postpone difficult topics when studying tackle the hard bits first.
Good luck!
At Engen, we want to give you some extra encouragement during your final exams because we understand that education is the first step to a brighter future. That’s one of the reasons why we invest in subjects that will be of long-term value to our business and South Africa. For nearly 3 decades, Engen Maths and Science Schools have provided extra tuition to learners in grades 10 to 12 across the country. Engen wishes you every success for your final matric exams. www.engenoil.com/education