Although deserts look relatively lifeless, many microbes call the scorching and arid environment their home. They’re able to survive beneath sand dunes because sand dunes “breathe” in water vapour; they are porous, and air goes in and out of dunes whenever wind flows over them. The wind creates an imbalance of pressures that forces the air through the dune, bringing moisture to the microbes living within the sand dunes. Although it’s unknown how they do it, microbes are important because they keep dunes from spilling onto roads and infrastructure. 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
