Tag Archive: science & technology

Breakthrough study links bacteria to decade-long sea star decline

sunflower sea stars

©(Grant Callegari/Hakai Institute via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could explore the ocean, what animals or plants would you like to see? What do you think might happen to the ocean if one important animal suddenly disappeared? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stretch /strech/ [verb] – to extend or reach over a certain distance or period of time The desert stretched from the northern border to the southern coastline. shellfish /SHEL-fish/ [noun] – small sea animals with shells, such as crabs, shrimp, oysters, or clams, that are eaten as food Many people…
Read more

Breakthrough study links bacteria to decade-long sea star decline

sunflower sea stars

©(Grant Callegari/Hakai Institute via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Have you ever seen a sea star before? Have you ever heard about animals getting sick in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 disease /dih-ZEEZ/ [noun] – an illness that affects people, animals, or plants The disease spread quickly among the farm animals and caused many to die. hole /hohl/ [noun] – an empty space or opening in something solid The old roof had holes that let the rainwater in. discover /dih-SKUHV-er/ [verb] – to find something for the first time or…
Read more

Breakthrough study links bacteria to decade-long sea star decline

sunflower sea stars

©(Grant Callegari/Hakai Institute via AP) Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. epidemic /ep-i-DEM-ik/ [noun] – a sudden and widespread occurrence of a disease that affects many individuals at the same time Health officials are working to stop the epidemic from spreading to nearby towns. lesion /LEE-zhuhn/ [noun] – a damaged area of tissue on the body, often caused by injury or disease The doctor found a small lesion on the patient’s skin during the check-up. bacterium /bak-TEER-ee-uhm/ [noun] – a single microscopic organism that can cause disease or aid processes in living beings The bacterium was found in the water supply and…
Read more

Streaming platforms respond to rise in AI-generated music

AI

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Do you enjoy listening to music every day? Would you listen to a song if you knew it was made by AI? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 band /band/ [noun] – a group of people who play music together A new pop band was formed to sing songs made for a video game. attention /uh-TEN-shuhn/ [noun] – the interest or notice that someone or something receives The robot’s funny dance got a lot of attention on social media. label /LEY-buhl/ [noun] – a sign or tag that gives…
Read more

Streaming platforms respond to rise in AI-generated music

AI

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes music special or meaningful? Do you think it is important to know who created the music you listen to? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. role /rohl/ [noun] – the part someone or something plays in a situation or activity The article talks about the role of social media in spreading news. prompt /prompt/ [noun] – a short text or phrase given to a computer to help it create something (like music, writing, or images) Many AI art programs create pictures based…
Read more

Streaming platforms respond to rise in AI-generated music

AI

Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. notify /NOH-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to tell someone officially about something The system will notify customers if their order is delayed due to weather. subtle /SUHT-l/ [adjective] – not easy to see, hear, or notice There was a subtle difference in taste between the two kinds of chocolate. synthetic /sin-THET-ik/ [adjective] – made by people, not natural The program can detect synthetic images created by AI. recurring /ri-KUR-ing/ [adjective] – happening again and again He has a recurring dream about flying over mountains. obsolete /ob-suh-LEET/ [adjective] – no longer used or useful The company stopped using obsolete…
Read more

Fireflies illuminate U.S. northeastern skies amid environmental concerns

Fireflies

©(Allison Lee Isley/The Winston-Salem Journal via AP, File) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you like or dislike about being outside at night? Why? Why do you think some people enjoy watching insects or animals in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mature /muh-TYOOR/ [verb] – to become fully grown or developed It takes several months for baby turtles to mature enough to live on their own. flash /flash/ [noun] – a quick burst of light The lighthouse sent out flashes of light to guide ships at night. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [verb] – to become…
Read more

Fireflies illuminate U.S. northeastern skies amid environmental concerns

Fireflies

©(Allison Lee Isley/The Winston-Salem Journal via AP, File) Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mate /meyt/ [noun] – a partner, especially for reproduction Many birds sing in spring to attract mates in their natural habitat. jeopardize /JEP-er-dahyz/ [verb] – to put something in danger or at risk Poor safety practices can jeopardize the health of factory workers. obscure /uhb-SKYOOR/ [verb] – to make something difficult to see, hear, or understand Heavy fog can obscure road signs, making driving more dangerous. resurgence /ri-SUR-juhns/ [noun] – the return or increase of something after a period of little or no activity The resurgence of street…
Read more