The supply chain for synthetic biology and life science technologies is quite Western-focused — labs in other parts of the world find it difficult to procure even fundamental tools for their fields. That’s why part of David Sun Kong and his lab’s work is focused on developing low-cost, open-source, and accessible technologies that scientists in these areas can make themselves. An example is Teja Jammalamadaka’s DNA electroporator, which uses a flyswatter as its energy source and only costs around 10 USD to make. 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
