Technosignatures are markers, like atmospheric pollution and radio waves, indicating a planet has or had a technologically advanced society—much like how the Earth has humans. Scientists are now starting to seriously consider hunting for technosignatures as a viable method for searching for extraterrestrial life because these signs don’t naturally occur. These won’t replace biosignatures (evidence of life, like fossils) in the search for extraterrestrial life, just another set of signs to look for that we might have been missing over the years. 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