Do the Humanities matter? August 13, 2009
Posted by Zuki in : Humanities and Education Studies , add a commentIn the 21st century, more and more emphasis has been put on science and technology. There are certain jobs that did not exist two decades ago, and others that have completely disappeared from the employment seeking websites and newspapers. As a result of these “new job demands”, the education system has structured its curriculum to suit the current needs of a society which is more technological than two decades ago.
The new societal demands have resulted in a huge shift in terms of who is funded for further studies, putting the humanities in a somehow unpopular position in attracting funding for those students that would like to pursue studies in social sciences and humanities. A few questions have been asked: Do Humanities matter? Is there a future for the Humanities?
HIV vaccines: should SA be focusing on alternatives? August 13, 2009
Posted by Linda in : SAJS , 1 comment so farIn the wake of disappointing results from the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), and an equivalent trial which was halted in South Africa last year, Lynn Morris, from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases , and co-workers argue that there is still optimism for the development of a vaccine against HIV.
As the country with the most HIV infections in the world, South Africa has the greatest need for an HIV vaccine. Rather than cutting back on vaccine development, the country should double its efforts in a smart and innovative way. History shows that vaccination is still the most effective way to counter viral epidemics – smallpox, measles, hepatitis and other infections have either been eradicated or successfully controlled. The lessons learned from developing the polio vaccine are useful reminders that making a vaccine is no easy task, and that we still face many obstacles.
Read more: S. Afr. J. Sci. 105 (5/6), 168-169.
