The human microbiome is known to affect our immune systems, but it could affect sleep as well. To determine the effects of space travel and microgravity on the microbiome, sleep, and cardiometabolic health, a research team will be working with astronauts from the Ax-1 space mission. The researchers will be tracking astronauts’ sleep patterns through actigraphs (devices that track one’s sleep), analysing their stool, and examining blood work done before, during, and after the space mission. 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