Tag: Science and Technology

Fake Videos about Santorini Volcanic Eruption

B1 – Intermediate 

Santorini in Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. 

Some fake videos has become viral on social media showing a volcanic eruption. But they were later on identified as AI-made.

In another video, it shows an island with what appears to be smoke. This one was not actually AI-made, but it is actually from an eruption in New Zealand in 2019. They only put the wrong caption for it.

Some believe Turkey is responsible for this misinformation so the fake news could negatively affect the tourism in Santorini.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Santorini being targeted by fake viral videos on social media.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-videos-about-santorini-eruption-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mislead” mean? “They have gained thousands of views on TikTok and X, misleading many people.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’mislead’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “distort” mean? “Another video of people running in fear has distorted figures, proving it was AI-made.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’distort’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “in place” mean? “A state of emergency is in place until March, and thousands have left the island.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. How could these fake videos and misinformation affect Santorini, especially their tourism?
  3. What is your opinion about this, “Rumors claim Turkey is behind the misinformation. Allegedly Turkey wants to hurt Santorini’s tourism, but there is no evidence.”?
  4. How serious is the problem with misinformation? Talk about it.
  5. Give other examples of misinformation on social media or the internet that have affected any city in your country or your country itself. And how was that situation handled by the government?
  6. How can we protect ourselves from misinformation?

Scientists Closer to Reverse Aging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since time passes by so swiftly, we all age with it. However, there are others who are incredibly wealthy who do not want to age naturally, slow down, or take it easy. After all, wealth is the source of power, and funding eminent scientists to develop age-reversing technology is the finest use of that wealth that is possible. It is something we’ve all secretly wanted for a long time, whether we deny it or not.

Take a look at the video and learn more about how scientists are closer than ever to reverse aging.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “loss of viability and increase in vulnerability”. “Aging is as inevitable and progressive process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability.”. Create a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “accumulation of changes” mean? “Aging is really an accumulation of changes.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “long stretch“? “.,but to go from there to ask, you know, can we now start using this in humans?. It’s a long stretch.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘long stretch’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about cellular reprogramming being the main factor in life longevity?
  2. Do you wish to live longer and invest in programs that will help you achieve it? Explain your stance.
  3. What do you think would happen if we were able to live for thousands of years and our offspring were also able to benefit from the process of cellular reprogramming that keeps them safe from illness and disease?
  4. Why do most ultra-rich individuals invest in longevity? 

People Will Fall in Love with AI Voices

B1 – Intermediate 

In the film “Her” starring Joaquin Phoenix, he starts using a new operating system. He meets “Samantha”, an AI assistant. At first, they become friends and then eventually, he falls in love with his AI assistant.

Science fiction.

But now, scientists are afraid it is highly likely for humans to form some kind of emotional dependency on or even love for their AIs or chatbots.

Read the article to know more about scientists’ worries about the possibility of people falling in love with AI.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2408/240812-emotional-attachment-to-ai.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reshape” mean? “They will reshape how we interact with family, friends and colleagues. ” Use the word in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “usurp” mean? “They may even usurp communication among humans.” Use the word in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is “societal bias”? Give a synonym of this term. “Wired.com writes that the new  chatbot includes “the potential to amplify societal biases, spread disinformation, and aid in the development of chemical or biological weapons”.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Do you think this is possible to happen? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Users might form social relationships with the AI, reducing their need for human interaction.”.
  4. What are the pros and cons of talking to AI?
  5. How do you think chatbots could change society?

Hoverbikes for American Soldiers 

B1 – Intermediate

Hoverbikes are some of the stuff we see in science fiction. It is a one-person transport that flies above the ground. This dream could soon be a reality thanks to a few British developers and American engineers working on it.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the prototype hoverbike for the American Department of Defense.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/hoverbikes-for-american-soldiers-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “running cost” mean? “The aircraft would replace many of the jobs a helicopter is currently used for, with the advantages being safety, price and running costs.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “on-board” mean in this context? “It also has on-board sensors and autopilot features, which allow the hoverbike to act like a drone.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the adjective “unmanned“. “The US Department of Defence is interested in hoverbike technology because of its versatility – a hoverbike can be used to transport supplies, fly unmanned and operate as a surveillance platform“. Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, describe this state-of-the-art hoverbike.
  2. What are the practical uses of this modern hoverbike in law enforcement and infrastructure?
  3. What do you think are the risks associated with hoverbikes being used and sold commercially?

Doctor Wants Social Media Health Warnings

B1 – Intermediate 

A survey in 2022 revealed that young people between the ages of 13 to 17 use at least one out of five social media platforms more than several times every day. There are several effects of massive social media use on teenagers. The most alarming effect is the negative impact on their mental health.

Read the article and know more about the proposal by a top US doctor for social media platforms to put mental health warnings on their websites.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240620-social-media-health-warnings.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the verb “address” in this context? “This is something the USA’s top doctor wants to address.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the word “youngster“.”He said algorithms lead youngsters to extreme sexual and violent content.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “profound“? In 2023, he warned that social media presented, “a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents”. Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Dr. Murthy’s idea?
  2. What are the long-term and short-term negative effects of social media on teens?
  3. What are the positive effects of social media on teens?
  4. How does a display of mental health warnings on social media platform help reduce these negative effects?
  5. Do you think ‘healthy social media’ exists? If yes, how can we have it?

Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI Chatbot

B1 – Intermediate

The intersection of technology and personal rights has now become an issue with artificial intelligence. A recent controversy involving Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI is an example.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problem actress Scarlett Johansson had with the company OpenAI.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scarlett-johansson-and-openai-chatbot-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a lot like” mean in this sentence, “Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson felt shocked and angry whenOpenAI used a voice in their chatbot which sounded a lot like hers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “come out” mean? “Before the new chatbot model came out last week, Johansson said no to OpenAI’s offer to voice the new chatbot. But many people noticed that the Sky voice was similar to Johansson’s voice in the 2013 film Her.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “inspiration” mean in this context, “She was upset that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, used the word ‘her’ on social media, making it seem like she was the inspiration.“? Use it in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem between Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI?
  2. What is your opinion about this issue?
  3. How can people’s rights be protected from AI?
  4. ‘OpenAI said that they would remove the voice and that they didn’t mean to copy Johansson.’ Do you think it is enough action from OpenAI? Explain.
  5. Should Johansson continue with legal actions against OpenAI? Why or why not?

Space Elevator

B1 – Intermediate

A space elevator is an idea for a structure designed to transport material from Earth into space. This concept involves a tall tower reaching from the surface into space, with a counterweight at the top and a cable extending down to the surface.

The idea of a space elevator has captured the imagination of scientists and engineers for decades, offering a potential solution for more cost-effective and efficient access to space.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about space elevators.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/space-elevator-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lift off” mean? “They need a lot of fuel to lift off. It costs millions of dollars to get to the Moon or Mars.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the phrase verb ‘lift off’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “orbit” mean? “This material is stronger than any other material, but even if it was possible to build the elevator, small objects which orbit the Earth would probably damage it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the verb ‘orbit’ in your own sentence.
  3. Explain what a “nanotube” is. “Experts came up with the idea of using carbon nanotubes.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a space elevator?
  2. Why is building a space elevator difficult?
  3. How might a space elevator change the dynamics of space exploration and commercialization? Explain.
  4. How could a space elevator change the way we think about space travel and human presence in space? Elaborate.

Robot Makes Fries

B1 – Intermediate

Miso Robotics has created a new robot designed to simplify kitchen tasks in fast food restaurants. With its advanced technology, the robot aims to improve efficiency and lessen the need for human intervention.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a robot which works in fast food restaurants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-robot-makes-fries-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “develop” mean, “In California, US, Miso Robotics developed a robot which works in fast food restaurants.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “instruction” mean, “When an order comes, a worker sends instructions to the robot.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “task” mean, “At first, the robot only turned burgers, but workers soon realized that it could do more tasks. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Miso Robotics’ burger-flipping robot?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using robots like the one developed by Miso Robotics in fast food restaurants?
  3. How do you think the introduction of this robot might impact the workers in fast food establishments? Explain.
  4. How else can these robots be improved?
  5. Do you think the introduction of robots in fast food restaurants will lead to job losses or create new opportunities for workers?

App Finds Breast Cancer

B1 – Intermediate

An innovative and user-friendly device designed to help detect breast cancer early. It provides a simple way for individuals to monitor their breast health and identify any concerning changes.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Dotplot, the app that checks women’s breasts for cancer.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/app-finds-breast-cancer-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sound wave” mean? “Dotplot reads the breasts with sound waves, and an app sends a report about the scan.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “scan” mean? “The app also compares the scan with previous scans, which helps see if something changed in the breasts.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “account for” mean? “It now accounts for nearly 12% of new cases worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Dotplot?
  2. How can Dotplot device be helpful in detecting breast cancer? Explain.
  3. Do you think devices like Dotplot could make it easier for women to detect breast cancer early? Why or why not?
  4. What are the challenges that can be associated with using a device like Dotplot? How can those issues be solved?

A Trillion Humans in the Solar System

B1 – Intermediate

With all the space explorations being done these days, is it crazy to think that one day, humans would eventually populate space? Could this be the answer to our growing problem with overpopulation on this planet?

Billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk want to turn this into reality.

Read the article about Jeff Bezos’ vision to have a trillion people live in space.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231225-a-trillion-humans-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at any given time” mean? “He said if that happened, “we would have at any given time 1,000 Mozarts and 1,000 Einsteins.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”collapse” mean in this context, ”Population collapse due to low birth rates is a bigger risk to civilization than global warming.”?Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “resource” mean? “He said they could get resources from asteroids instead of from Earth.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘resource’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Jeff Bezos’ ambition?
  2. What do you think about living in giant space stations?
  3. What could be the good and bad things about it?
  4. Will it be possible for humans to live in space? Explain your thoughts.