Category: Class

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists are now looking at how kids eat, not just what they eat. New research shows that when children eat too fast or don’t chew their food well, they may be more likely to become overweight. This means good chewing habits could be important for staying healthy.

Let’s take a closer look at the article to learn more about the link between chewing and childhood obesity.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to stuff oneself” mean? “Those who frequently stuffed themselves while eating were 1.29 times more likely to be obese.” Use it in a sentence.
2. Explain the phrase “more likely to be“. “Children with poor chewing skills were 1.5 times more likely to be obese compared to peers with better chewing ability.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to address something“? “Addressing these behaviors early could support healthier growth and reduce obesity-related health risks.“. Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s your take on the study’s conclusions?
2. Does it seem unusual that something like chewing strength might influence childhood obesity? Why or why not?
3. How long do you usually chew your food before swallowing? Why is that so?
4. What are some healthy eating habits we can teach children?
5. What kinds of table manners did your parents expect you to follow when you were a child?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have made a significant breakthrough by successfully treating an infant suffering from a rare genetic disorder that was once deemed untreatable, using a customized gene therapy. This cutting-edge treatment specifically addresses the faulty gene responsible for the illness, providing new hope where conventional therapies have not succeeded. The procedure involves using an engineered virus to deliver healthy copies of the gene directly into the patient’s cells. Prior to testing in humans, thorough laboratory and animal studies confirmed the treatment’s safety and potential benefits. This achievement represents a major advancement in the fight against rare genetic diseases through personalized medical interventions. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role that rare disease databases play in facilitating the development of individualized therapies.

Read the article to know more about personalize gene therapy treatment.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/infant-rare-incurable-disease-first-successfully-receive-personalized-gene-therapy-treatment

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “monogenic disease” mean? “This therapy targets the underlying cause of the infant’s monogenic disease, which is traditionally considered incurable.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “viral vector” mean? “If the treatment uses a viral vector to introduce corrected genetic material into the patient’s cells.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “immunogenicity” mean? “Researchers carefully monitored the patient for any signs of immunogenicity, which could affect treatment success.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How might gene therapy change the future of medicine?
2. Do you think gene therapy could eventually eliminate some genetic diseases entirely? Why or why not?
3. Would you consider gene therapy if it was available to treat a genetic condition you or someone you know had? Why or why not?
4. How might personalized medicine affect healthcare costs and accessibility?
5. What ethical concerns could arise from personalized genetic treatments?