2005 Media release

Jaynie Padayachee is studying for her PhD in physics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is working on a project that involves the development of a computer program that automatically analysis images for the detection of tumours in mammograms - x-ray images of the breast. This will be useful for the detection of breast cancer.

In celebrating Women's Month and in recognition of women's scientific achievements, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is sharing women physicists' love of physics as a way of bringing the world of physics and the realisation of a possible career in physics a step closer.

Physics can be fun and is an essential part of everyday life. Across South Africa scientists and communicators are working towards inspiring a new generation of scientists as part of the International Year of Physics 2005, as declared by the United Nations.

"The software written will contribute to the current computer-based methods to improve early detection of breast cancer since successful treatment of breast cancer relies on early detection. I can explain to anyone, even if they have never heard of physics, what the project is about since everyone knows about computers and breast cancer."

Padayachee says she hopes to apply her physics skills to solving problems in the real world, not in some ideal laboratory.

"My aim is to make at least one person's life a little bit easier."

In terms of attracting students to the physics environment she says all learners should be encouraged to study physics.

"Most importantly, physics must not be sold as a 'genius' subject. The abstract nature of physics teaches students to handle abstract problems and they are then better equipped to tackle problems of any kind from any sector."

Ends