University of Cape Town

Reconstruction of the environment set alight by a volcanic flow

Science

Fossil tracks suggest dinosaurs lived in a "land of fire"

A study has found dinosaur footprints in sandstone embedded between fossilized lava dating back 183 million years. During this time, a mass extinction was taking place and parts of the world were being transformed into a world of fire by volcanism.

“From the data we have, it is clear we are facing a climate emergency. While things are bad, all is not hopeless. We can take steps to address the climate emergency.” - Dr. Thomas Newsome

Environment

11,000 scientists declare climate emergency, outline a plan of action

A new report declaring a climate emergency has been signed by thousands of scientists. But it remains hopeful, outlining six steps we can take to mitigate the worst effects of climate change – provided we act sooner rather than later.

This technology leading to bricks made with human urine has the potential to produce more than just environmentally friendly building materials

Materials

Scientists build bricks with human urine

The ways modern science has harnessed the waste products of the human body for good may surprise. Now a team from the University of Cape Town has developed what it says is the world’s first biological brick made with human urine, with the strength able to be tweaked to serve a range of needs.