SA's best flashes of genius

With the discovery of the world's first digital laser logged last year in prestigious science journal Nature Communications, South Africa has made the following contributions to the world of science and technology.

• World's first digital laser

The CSIR recently announced the development of this device, an innovation expected to have numerous applications in communications and medicine;

• Full-body X-ray scanner

Lodox Systems has produced a system that can generate a quality X-ray image up to 1.83m in length in only 13 seconds.

Developed for use on diamond mines to prevent the smuggling off the premises of gems, it emits about 10 times less harmful radiation than regular X-ray systems.

• Cheaper solar power

Solar-power panels developed at the University of Johannesburg use a micro-thin photo-responsive metallic film. They can generate electricity at 20% of the cost of conventional panels.

• Stem cell technology

The CSIR's gene expression and biophysics group was the first in Africa to induce the generation of pluripotent stem cells. These cells can mature into cells of any type. The ability to grow them has revolutionised the way researchers investigate and understand disease.

• CAT scanner

The computed axial tomography scanner, or CAT, was developed by Cape Town physicist Allan Cormack and associate Godfrey Hounsfield. They won the 1979 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.

• 3D underwater imaging system

The world's first low-element-count 3D underwater imaging system was developed by the CSIR.

• Fingerprint identification classifier

In 2011 the CSIR developed a fingerprint identification technique. The structural fingerprint classifier is able to classify a fingerprint with only partial information.

• Digital Drum

The Digital Drum is a co-creation of the CSIR and Unicef. It was cited in Time magazine as one of the top 50 inventions of 2011.

A stand-alone computer system, it was designed to promote self-learning of computer literacy and information skills. It is a solar-powered multi-user computer kiosk featuring three workstations. It includes a public-viewing screen ideal for delivering audiovisual content to large audiences.

• Aero-optic lens made from flame

CSIR professor Andrew Forbes led the development of the world's first flame lens. The lens uses air to focus, produces a sharp focus and gives a fourfold increase in focal power compared to glass lenses.