In a landmark experiment, South African researchers have revealed that artificial intelligence now surpasses human doctors in hospital ward diagnoses. The study took place at a large public hospital. It suggests that AI Diagnostic Tools could soon become essential for reducing the workloads of overstretched healthcare staff. While free chatbots often provide unreliable health advice, these commercially available systems proved…
Tag: Wits University
-
HPV Vaccination: School Vaccination Programme Cuts Risk
South Africa’s HPV vaccination drive is delivering measurable protection for teenagers, including those who later acquire HIV. New research led by scientists at Wits University shows the country’s school-based programme is sharply reducing infections with the two highest-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer. The vaccine used in the public programme targets HPV-16 and HPV-18, the strains responsible for around…
-
African Genome Diversity: Wits-Led AGenDA Adds 1,000 Genomes
Wits University scientists are helping to close one of healthcare’s most significant evidence gaps. They are leading work to expand the number of African genomes in global datasets. The goal is simple: Make genetic research and its clinical tools work better for African populations. Africa is the anatomical home of modern humans. It also exhibits the highest genetic diversity. People…
-
Wits Health Research Funding Boost Targets Immediate Gaps
Wits University has secured a R7m grant from the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust to protect health sciences research capacity threatened by US funding cuts. The two-year grant will support researchers, staff, and students in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Their work has been placed at risk following the sudden withdrawal or reduction of international funding. The funding is designed to plug…
-
Microneedle Eyedrop Delivery System an alternative to eyedrops
A pioneering microneedle patch, designed to dissolve upon contact with the eye, could soon replace inefficient traditional eye drops. Developed by a researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), this innovative microneedle eyedrop delivery system holds the potential to revolutionise treatment for millions facing vision loss. This is particularly impactful in underserved communities across Africa. The invention is the…
-
SA Scientists Pioneer Nanotech Therapy for Lethal Melanoma
In a significant medical breakthrough, scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have developed a novel therapy for melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The innovative treatment combines advanced nanotechnology with a natural compound found in turmeric. This combination provides a powerful, targeted attack directly to cancer cells. The research by Wits University’s Advanced Drug Delivery Platform…