In Gamkaskloof, traditional healers have a special cure for epilepsy — hyraceum, the fossilised urine and faeces of rock hyraxes, a small African herbivore. Now, research has revealed why it seems to be rather effective. Hyraceum from the region is shown to have an affinity for GABA-benzodiazepine receptors, which inhibits seizures when compounds bind to it. While it’s still unknown which compounds in the hyraceum are responsible, it seems it might be related to the hyraxes’ diet, as the receptors were found in only four of the fourteen samples taken. 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
