Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Study expands understanding of Neanderthal DNA in Eurasian populations

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©JOE MCNALLY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the people who lived in ancient times, similar to early humans? What do you know about DNA and its significance in genetic research? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The documentary will feature interviews with leading experts in the field, providing valuable insights into the topic at hand. interact /in-ter-AKT/ [verb] – to communicate or engage with someone or something During the workshop, participants…
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GSK’s Arexvy vaccine shows promise for a broader age group in the RSV battle

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©Leon Neal/Getty Images/FILE Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a vaccine is, and how do you think it works? Why might vaccines be important in healthcare? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medical /MED-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to the treatment of illness and injuries Doctors and nurses provide medical care to people when they are sick or injured. availability /uh-vey-luh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the fact that something can be bought, used, or reached, or how much it can be The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables depends on the season and the local market….
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A miniature whale fossil discovery sheds light on ancient seas

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is paleontology? What do you think is the importance of studying ancient marine creatures, such as fossilized whales? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem The new experimental treatment represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against a disease that has long eluded effective therapies. astonish /uh-STON-ish/ [verb] – very surprised The unexpected discovery of the rare artifact astonished archaeologists, leaving them in awe of its pristine condition and…
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Tech giants Nvidia and Foxconn join forces for AI and autonomous tech evolution

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©Foxconn Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “artificial intelligence” (AI)? Share any initial thoughts or ideas you have, even if you’re not sure what it means. How do you think machines or computers can be “intelligent” or make decisions on their own? What do you imagine when you hear about machines that can think and learn like humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. data /DEY-tuh/ [noun] – information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an…
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Webb telescope reveals hidden secrets of the Ring Nebula

Ring nebula

©ESA/Webb/NASA/CSA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a nebula is? Why do you think scientists and astronomers are interested in studying celestial objects like the Ring Nebula? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The main feature of the smartphone is its high-quality camera. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of, involved with, relating to, or made by using chemicals or chemistry The chemical reaction in the lab resulted in a colorful explosion. element /EL-uh-muhnt / [noun] – a part of something Hydrogen…
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AI.com shifts focus from ChatGPT to Elon Musk’s X.AI

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Elon Musk? How do you find ChatGPT useful in your interactions or tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acquiring /uh-KWAI-uh-ruhng/ [gerund] – represents the action of obtaining or gaining something Her acquisition of new skills helped her secure a better job. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of democracy emphasizes the importance of citizens’ participation in decision-making. motive /MOH-tiv/ [noun] – a reason for doing something The detective was determined to uncover the suspect’s motive behind the crime. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective]…
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Arabica coffee struggles due to unpredictable climate shifts

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of coffee are you familiar with? What is your favorite type of coffee, and how often do you drink it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] – not known or fixed, or not completely certain The outcome of the experiment is still uncertain as we await the final results. tackle /TAK-uhl / [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone She decided to tackle the challenging project head-on, determined to find a solution. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence…
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AI breakthrough reveals ancient scrolls’ secrets

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©Brent Seales Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘artificial intelligence’ means? How do you imagine AI might be used in our daily lives or in various industries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of finding information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time, or the thing that is found The archaeological team’s exciting discovery of ancient artifacts sheds new light on the history of the region. enable /en-EY-buhl / [verb] – to make someone able to do something or to make something possible The…
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Thailand discovers electric blue tarantula species

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©Courtesy Narin Chomphuphuang Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a tarantula? If so, can you describe your encounter with one? If not, what are your initial impressions or thoughts about tarantulas? Could you share some examples of unique species you have encountered in your life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting The documentary about marine life was so fascinating that I couldn’t stop watching it. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize or establish the identity of something or someone The detective was able to identify the suspect…
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Android app spies on tens of thousands of phones

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear ‘stalkerware app’? What safety concerns do you have about your smartphone? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to The teacher emphasized the importance of studying regularly to succeed in the upcoming exams. icon /AHY-kon/ [noun] – small graphical representation or symbol that typically represents an application on a device’s user interface The envelope icon represents the email application, and when clicked, it opens the user’s mailbox. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective]…
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