Dolphins May Detect Fetus in Pregnant Women, Study Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. sound wave [sound-weyv] (n.) – a wave that transmits or carries sound

Example: Dolphins use sound waves to communicate under the water.

2. speculate [SPEK-yuh-leyt] (v.) – to think and guess about something without knowing the complete facts

Example: The scientists speculated that dolphins can communicate well with each other.

3. opaque [oh-PEYK] (adj.) – not transparent; does not allow light to pass through

Example: He covered the container with an opaque cap to protect it against sun light.

4. carnivore [KAHR-nuh-vawr, -vohr] (n.) – an animal that feeds on the flesh of other animals

Example:  Most carnivores have sharp teeth specialized for eating flesh.

5. anecdotal [AN-ik-doht-l, an-ik-DOHT-l] (adj.) – based on personal observation rather than facts

Example: Scientists did not agree with the report that was based on anecdotal testimonies.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Some scientists speculate that dolphins may be able to sense the fetus inside a pregnant woman. This phenomenon seems possible due to echolocation, an ability that helps dolphins navigate and communicate under water through sounds. It also helps these mammals identify shapes and locations of objects. It works very much like an ultrasound machine used by doctors to detect and see a developing human fetus inside a mother’s womb. Dolphins emit sound waves and listen to the echo to make sense of their environment.  According to Malcolm Nicolson from the University of Glasgow, dolphins may be able to detect the difference in the echo of a woman before and during pregnancy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that dolphins sometimes swim up to expectant mothers and make buzzing sounds near the women's stomachs. Also, neuroscientist [noor-oh-SAHY-uhn-tist, nyoor-] Lori Marino believes that dolphins may be able to use their sound waves to help diagnose and treat diseases since they can detect tumors in humans. However, further research is still needed to prove this claim. Previous studies have also shown that dolphins can perceive shapes through an opaque barrier, allowing them to distinguish a human form in a pregnant woman’s womb. However, experts stressed that giving birth near a dolphin may be highly dangerous and is therefore not recommended. Marino warned that giving birth near a dolphin is not advisable because dolphins are carnivores. Thus, dolphins can become instinctively aggressive, which may then risk the lives of the pregnant mother and her baby.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         In your opinion, is it really possible for dolphins to have such ability to see the fetus of a pregnant mother? Please explain your answer.

         How can this kind of study help humans, as well as dolphins? Why do you think so?

Discussion B

         Why do you think studying the behavior of marine animals and how they react around human is important?

         In your opinion, what can be the disadvantages of studying the behavior of marine animals? Please explain your answer.

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How to Get Out of a Dead-End Job

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. dead-end [ded-end] (n.) – a situation in which a person is unable to go or move forward

Example:  With no opportunities for career growth, Justin’s work reached a dead end.

2. turn things around [turn things uh-ROUND] (v. phrase) – to fix a problem; to change a bad situation into a good one

Example: The company’s profits started to increase when the marketing team turned things around with their brilliant business strategy.

3. lateral move [LAT-er-uhl moov] (n. phrase) – the act of getting a new job, either in the same company or a different one, at the same level as the previous position

Example: Since Cindy only made a lateral move, her salary remained the same.

4. diverse [dih-VURS, dahy-, DAHY-vurs] (adj.) – having various forms or kinds; different from each other

Example: The company consists of a diverse group of employees coming from different countries.

5. safety net [SEYF-tee net] (idiom) – something that serves as protection from loss, harm or other difficult situations

Example:  The government’s unemployment benefits program serves as a safety net for people who have lost their jobs.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Business experts offer advice on how to turn things around for employees who feel like they are at a dead-end. Glassdoor.com gathered data from companies in 190 countries in a company review survey. The website found that one-third of the employees around the world are dissatisfied with their jobs. Experts gave three solutions to cope with the problem of feeling stuck in a job. First, one can make a lateral move within the company. Joel Garfinkle, author of "Getting Ahead," said that a lateral move to another group or department can be exciting and challenging. Garfinkle added that an employee who makes a lateral move has an advantage over co-workers when it comes to getting a promotion because of diverse experience. Second, an employee can go back to school to earn an additional degree or certificate. One should focus on fields that are in demand and in need of talent, such as IT and healthcare, said Al Stewart, founder of Business Mentors. Furthermore, Stewart recommended that one keep his or her job as a safety net while attending school part-time. Lastly, the most direct way is to find a job in another company. Dan Schwabel, author of "Promote Yourself," advised people to stay in their jobs until they are able to get a new one. He said one should update his or her resume and highlight the skills he or she wants to use in the next job.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Among the three solutions, which do you think is the best? Why?

         Aside from having no opportunities for career growth, why do you think some people feel unhappy with their jobs?

Discussion B

         Which is more important to you – salary or job satisfaction? Why do you say so?

         If you were looking for a new job, what would be the most important factor to consider?

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Pollution Cuts Life Expectancy in Northern China

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. life expectancy [lahyf ik-SPEK-tuh n-see] (n. phrase) – the expected life span of a person

Example: Many Japanese centenarians have longer life expectancies.

2. suffocate [SUHF-uh-keyt] (v.) – to feel uncomfortable due to the lack of fresh air

Example: The pollution caused by the cars caused her to slightly suffocate.

           

3. trace back  [treys bak] (v. phrase) – to follow where something started or to find out where something began

Example: The pollution in the rivers was traced back to the chemicals released by the factories.

4. constraint [kuh n-STREYNT] (n.) – something that limits or restricts

Example: The city government could not solve the garbage problem due to financial constraints.

5. particulate [per-TIK-yuh-lit, -leyt, puh-TIK-, pahr-] (n.) – an extremely small particle or liquid droplet that is harmful to the air

Example: The pollution in the country worsened when harmful particulates increased to 85%.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study from an international team of researchers has found that pollution has cut the life expectancy in Northern China by an average of five and a half years. The pollution in the said area is so severe that residents are complaining on how the air has become suffocating. The food has also been contaminated and the water has become unsafe for drinking. According to the research, the health effects of the higher pollution level are very significant since people’s life expectancy is decreasing. One of the terrible effects of pollution in the country is the increased number of people dying due to cardiorespiratory diseases. The cause of the pollution in China can be traced back in the 1950's when the government started providing free heating to Northern China during winter. Coal boilers powered this free heating system, resulting in higher carbon emissions and higher level of pollution. Unlike in Northern China, the government did not provide free heating in Southern China due to budget constraints. Thus, Southern China has lower level of pollution. According to the research, the North has a 55% higher level of harmful particulates than in the South. This difference in air quality can be visibly seen through the thick smog in Beijing. Despite economic problems, China's leadership promises to find effective measures to control the pollution in the country. In last year's annual meeting of the Communist Party National Congress, former Premier Wen Jiabao said that China needs to change the way people work and live in order to combat pollution.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         How else do you think can the pollution in China affect the country’s people?

         What can the Chinese government do to combat pollution? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         How important is the environment to a person’s health? Please explain your answer.

         Do you think the citizen’s health should be one of the top priorities of the government? Why or why not?

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India Uses Railway System to Bring Science to People

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. stopover [STOP-oh-ver] (n.) – a place where travelers temporarily stop during the course of a long journey

Example: Passengers often buy food at the train’s stopovers.

2. exhibit [ig-ZIB-it] (n.) – a collection of things displayed for the public

Example: Many people went to the museum to see the science exhibits.

3. hands-on [HANDZ-ON, -AWN] (adj.) – interactive or involving actual participation

Example: The school gives hands-on training to newly-employed teachers.

4. educator [EJ-oo-key-ter] (n.) – a person who teaches

Example: The students thanked their educator for teaching them lessons in life.  

5. mobile [MOH-bahyl] (adj.) – having the ability to move from one place to another

Example:  Mobile classrooms travel from one region to another to reach children in far places.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Indian government is using its railway system to provide children with Science and Math education through a moving classroom. The Science Express train is travelling 19,000 kilometers all over India from April to October. In 62 different stopovers, teachers display exhibits showing information about biodiversity, climate change, and conservation. India’s prime minister launched the Science Express project in 2007 to draw children back to science. Currently, 40 volunteers are spending six months of their time for the project. Raghav Pandya, one of the passionate volunteers, said he wanted to spread awareness of scientific knowledge to many people. The Science Express allows young people to participate in the hands-on laboratory where educators perform experiments about math and science. The mobile classroom stays at each station for three to four days. The government decided to use the national railway system for this project because the network reaches even the farthest corner of the country. With easier access to different places, the mobile classroom can become closer to achieving its goals. Most children from India’s small towns have very limited opportunities to go to schools. So instead of bringing people to science, India’s Department of Science and Technology aims to effectively bring science to people. Today, this extraordinary project has already reached over 8.5 million people from different towns in India. The government, however, expects to reach the 10 million mark when the Science Express moves to West Bengal, Orissa, and other towns before the year ends.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         How else do you think can the Science Express benefit the children in India?

         Do you think the project can help adults as well? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         What are the benefits of knowing more about science and math? Discuss with your tutor.

         Do you think the government should invest more in improving science and math education? Why do you think so?

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Intelligence Knife

IKnife

LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have created an "intelligent" surgical knife that can detect in seconds whether tissue being cut is cancerous or not. promising more effective and accurate surgery in future.

The device, built by researchers at London's Imperial College, could allow doctors to cut back on additional operations to remove further pieces of cancerous tumors.

Surgeons often find it impossible to tell by sight where tumours end and healthy tissue begins, so some cancer cells are often left behind. One fifth of breast cancer patients who have lumpectomy surgery need a second operation.

The new "iKnife" is designed to get round the problem by instantly sampling the smoke given off as tissue is cut through using an electric current to see if it is cancerous.

In the first study to test the device in patients, the iKnife diagnosed tissue samples from 91 patients with 100 percent accuracy, researchers at Imperial College London reported in Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday.

Currently, removed tissue can be sent for laboratory analysis while the patient remains under general anesthetic - but each test takes around half an hour, while the iKnife provides feedback in less than three seconds.

It does this by analyzing biological information given off from burning tissue and comparing the findings to a database of biological fingerprints from tumors and healthy tissue.

"It's a really exciting innovation and a very promising technique for all types of surgery," said Emma King, a head and neck surgeon at Southampton Hospital, England, who was not involved in the research.

Still, she now wants to see how the iKnife performs in a randomized clinical trial.

CLINICAL TRIAL

Zoltan Takats of Imperial College, who invented the device, said he aimed to test it in such a study, involving between 1,000 and 1,500 patients with various types of cancers.

That trial process is likely to take two or three years and only then will the iKnife be submitted for regulatory approval, paving the way for its commercialization.

New York Has Most Language Spoken

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. linguistic [ling-GWIS-tik] (adj.) – referring to language

Example: Foreigners can misunderstand each other due to linguistic differences.

2. diverse [dih-VURS, dahy-, DAHY-vurs] (adj.) – composed of different people or things

Example: The diverse class is composed of students from different college programs.

3. accumulate [uh-KYOO-myuh-leyt] (v.) – to collect or to gather as time goes by

Example: After a long time, the country has accumulated a large number of foreign tourists.

4. mother tongue [MUHTH-er TUHNG] (n. phrase) – the first language that a person learns

Example: The mother tongue of Americans is English.

5. cosmopolitan [koz-muh-POL-i-tn] (adj.) – consists of people from different places

Example: People from various countries often visit the cosmopolitan city.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

New York can be considered the most diverse city when it comes to spoken languages, linguistic experts say. New York, nicknamed as “the Big Apple,” has accumulated a large number of different languages because it has long been welcoming immigrants from all over the world. Tourists can thus hear different languages wherever they go in the city. Experts said that about 800 languages are used in New York alone. Throughout the world, only very few cities have people speaking varied languages. Because of its language diversity, New York is unofficially called the “Capital of the World.” The 2010 US Census revealed that out of over eight million New Yorkers, 49% speaks foreign languages. On the other hand, 51% can speak only the English language. Spanish came as the second most common language in New York, which is spoken by 25% of the city’s population. Other popular languages in New York are Chinese, Russian, French, Italian, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, and many other languages. Despite cultural differences, people in New York can live in harmony with each other because of the diverse language used in the city. Some New Yorkers even stated that they can live in the city without losing their cultural traditions because they can freely use their mother tongue. Being a cosmopolitan city, New York also has businesses, types of music and art from varied countries. Every race can therefore be represented and accepted in the said city.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think it is appropriate to use one’s native language even when in a foreign country? Why do you say so?

         In your opinion, why is it important to preserve one’s native language?

Discussion B

         Why is communication important?

         How do you think can communication help maintain peace and order?

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