Retinoic acid receptors (RARs) receive signals essential to cell growth and fertility through retinoic acid, a type of vitamin A. By blocking a type of RAR called RAR-α (which only affects fertility, not cell growth), scientists were able to create a male birth control pill that’s 99% effective. The new pill has no adverse side effects, unlike pills targeting testosterone, which often cause depression and heart disease. Although the pill has only been tested by mice, scientists hope to see promising results when human clinical trials start. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
