Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- hail /heyl/
- fundamentally /fuhn-duh-MEN-tl-ee/
- pioneer /pahy-uh-NEER/
- infectious /in-FEK-shuhs/
- prompt /prompt/
[verb] – to publicly praise or show approval for a person or an achievement
After their groundbreaking research was published, scientists and experts from around the world hailed their work as a major advancement in the field of medicine.
[adverb] – in a basic and important way
The success of any relationship is fundamentally built on trust and communication.
[verb] – to be one of the first people to do something
Marie Curie pioneered the field of radiology with her groundbreaking research on radioactivity.
[adjective] – (of a disease) able to be passed from one person, animal, or plant to another
The flu is highly infectious, so it’s important to take precautions to prevent its spread.
[veb] – to make something happen
The teacher prompted the students to answer the question by raising their hands.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In 2023, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman were awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their groundbreaking work on mRNA vaccines, a pivotal tool in combating the spread of Covid-19. The Nobel Committee in Sweden hailed their revolutionary findings, which fundamentally altered our comprehension of how mRNA interacts with our immune system. This esteemed recognition stands as the pinnacle of scientific achievement.
Karikó and Weissman’s 2005 paper, initially overlooked, became the cornerstone for vital advances crucial during the global Covid-19 pandemic. The committee stressed their pivotal role in accelerating vaccine development, especially in the face of one of the most serious threats to human health in modern history. Their work, originating from the University of Pennsylvania, laid the groundwork for Pfizer and BioNTech, as well as Moderna, to pioneer mRNA-based vaccines. This innovative approach not only transformed vaccine development but also shows promise in fighting diseases like malaria, RSV, and HIV. Moreover, it opens a new avenue for addressing infectious diseases such as cancer, with potential for personalized vaccines. Messenger RNA (mRNA) acts as a genetic blueprint, directing cells to produce proteins, much like a recipe in a cookbook. With mRNA vaccines, this code prompts cells to create a virus-like segment, triggering the body to produce vital immune components. Unlike traditional vaccines, no live or weakened virus is involved—just the genetic code. This mRNA technology’s adaptability and speed of development offer promise in fighting infectious diseases and even treating cancer, as recognized by the Nobel Committee. J. Larry Jameson, from UPenn’s School of Medicine, commended Karikó and Weissman’s work, highlighting its transformative impact on saving lives and navigating the pandemic.
Karikó and Weissman’s 2005 paper, initially overlooked, became the cornerstone for vital advances crucial during the global Covid-19 pandemic. The committee stressed their pivotal role in accelerating vaccine development, especially in the face of one of the most serious threats to human health in modern history. Their work, originating from the University of Pennsylvania, laid the groundwork for Pfizer and BioNTech, as well as Moderna, to pioneer mRNA-based vaccines. This innovative approach not only transformed vaccine development but also shows promise in fighting diseases like malaria, RSV, and HIV. Moreover, it opens a new avenue for addressing infectious diseases such as cancer, with potential for personalized vaccines. Messenger RNA (mRNA) acts as a genetic blueprint, directing cells to produce proteins, much like a recipe in a cookbook. With mRNA vaccines, this code prompts cells to create a virus-like segment, triggering the body to produce vital immune components. Unlike traditional vaccines, no live or weakened virus is involved—just the genetic code. This mRNA technology’s adaptability and speed of development offer promise in fighting infectious diseases and even treating cancer, as recognized by the Nobel Committee. J. Larry Jameson, from UPenn’s School of Medicine, commended Karikó and Weissman’s work, highlighting its transformative impact on saving lives and navigating the pandemic.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever heard of Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman before reading this article? If yes, what did you know about their work? If not, what are your initial thoughts about their contributions to medicine?
- Have you or someone you know been directly affected by Covid-19? If yes, how did this experience influence your perspective on vaccine development and medical research? If not, how do you think this knowledge might impact your understanding of the pandemic?
- Do you think the recognition of Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman’s work with the Nobel Prize will lead to further advancements in medical research?
- In your opinion, what role should governments, pharmaceutical companies, and international organizations play in ensuring equitable access to mRNA-based vaccines and treatments?
- In your opinion, what other scientific breakthroughs or innovations have had a comparable level of impact on public health in recent history?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- genetic
- recognition
- immune system
- traditional vaccine
- modern history