Physics Comment Magazine March 2018 Issue Physics Comment March 2018_v1.3 | Page 4

Editor’s Note
The deadly monster named listeriosis is creeping in and affecting South Africans and other parts of the
world. The consumption of food contaminated with the bacteria called listeria monocytogenes leads to this
disease. It is believed that this disease can be prevented by basic hygiene and washing food. However,
there are still several cases recorded of people infected with this disease yearly. According to the statement
issued by health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi earlier this month, the public should avoid all processed
meat products that are sold ready–to-eat as they have been found to be the source of listeriosis and the
reason behind an escalated number of reported incidents recently. A fundamental understanding of listeria is
essential since it is known to exist in nature and found in soil, water, vegetation and animal faeces. Dear
scientists, work needs to be done to find a solution for our future generation. Using a quote from Alexey J. Merz
et al., listeria motility: Biophysics pushes things forward, “uncertainties and gaps in the biochemical and
biophysical understanding of listeria motility mean that a quantitative model for motility is far from
established”.
This issue of the Physics Comment is not reporting on listeriosis, but features a tribute to Professor Francis
Allotey, a distinguished Physicist, articles on the LIGO/Virgo findings, PV innovation and
commercialisation boost at Nelson Mandela University, Wits student involvement in the high-tech software
and hardware upgrades at the CERN ATLAS detector, and news of physics meetings hosted in South
Africa and abroad. In addition, we continue to keep you informed about upcoming events and
opportunities available in various fields of physics.
Prof. Deena Naidoo
Dr Hellen Chuma
Dr Buyi Sondezi
Physics Comment is a magazine published by the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) and appears
quarterly . The vision of the SAIP is to be the voice of Physics in South Africa.
SAIP Council: Prof. P. A. Woudt (UCT) President, Prof. D. Naidoo (Wits) President - Elect, Prof. A. Venter (NMMU)
Treasurer, Prof. R. Maphanga (CSIR) Secretary, Prof. A. Muronga (NMMU) Past - President,
Dr. R. Nemutudi
(iThemba) Fundraising, Prof. M. Chithambo (RU) Awards, Dr. B. Sondezi (UJ) Marketing and WiPiSA, Dr. M.H. Chuma
(Johnson Matthey) Outreach & Public Understanding of Physics, Prof. M. Ntwaeaborwa (Wits) Education, Dr. J.B.
Habarulema (SANSA) Conferences, Dr. I. Usman (Wits) Industrial Liaison.
4 | Page