Hundreds of Fungi Species Found in Human Foot

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. microorganism [mahy-kroh-AWR-guh-niz-uh m] (n.) – a very small organism unseen by the naked eye

Example: Microorganisms such as bacteria can only be seen through a microscope.

2. byproduct [BAHY-prod-uh kt] (n.) – anything that is produced unexpectedly

Example:  Microorganisms have no control of the byproducts that they produce.

3. fungal [FUHNG-guh l] (adj.) – caused or produced by fungi

Example: Fungi may cause fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and dandruff.

4. numerous [NOO-mer-uh s, NYOO-] (adj.) – many or very large in number

Example: Improper personal hygiene can cause numerous diseases.

5. nourish [NUR-ish, NUHR-] (v.) – to give food and other things required to live or be healthy

Example: Lotions with vitamins and minerals may help nourish the skin.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The human foot, especially in the toe area, contains hundreds of fungi according to a study by U. S. National Institutes of Health. Fungi are microorganisms that often live in the surface of a living thing. While not disease-causing, fungi often create a foul odor, which is a byproduct of any microorganism. Fungi can also cause dandruff and athlete’s foot. The study, involving 10 volunteers from whom samples from 14 body parts were taken, revealed that two of the volunteers seemed to have fungal infections due to scaly heels and thick toenails. On the other hand, the other eight appear to have different types of fungi. The researchers discovered that fewer fungi are present in the upper body, while hundreds of fungal species live in different parts of the feet. According to researchers, the foot contains numerous fungi because the foot’s temperature is typically lower than other parts of the body. Among the fungal species found in the human foot is the Penicillium, a kind of fungus where the antibiotic penicillin comes from. The foot might also contain yeasts and Aspergillus, commonly known as molds. To fight off fungal infections, some people use skin care products. However, experts advise that putting too much products such as moisturizers on the skin may just nourish the fungi instead of killing them. Also, the research team leader said that not all kinds of fungi are harmful, adding that some fungi can even help the skin become healthier.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How do you feel about the information presented in the article?

·         What is it about microorganisms that make some people uneasy?

Discussion B

·         Why is it important to keep the body clean and free from infections?

·         How can people maintain proper personal care and hygiene?

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Students in UK Experience Some Mental Health Problems

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. suicidal [soo-uh-SAHYD-l] (adj.) – having the desire to kill one’s self

Example: The student’s suicidal attitude makes him prone to harming himself.

2. anxiety [ang-ZAHY-i-tee] (n.) – the feeling of being uneasy or scared of what could happen in the future

Example:  The upcoming final exams brought a lot of anxiety to the student.

3. homesick [HOHM-sik] (adj.) – feeling sad for being away from home

Example: The professor felt homesick because he has not seen his family for a long time.

4. intensify [in-TEN-si-fahy] (v.) – to strengthen or to make stronger

Example:  Stress intensifies mental problems.

5. well-being [WEL-BEE-ing] (n.) – the condition of being satisfied with one’s happiness, health, and success

Example: Being stress-free improves a person’s well-being.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A survey by the National Union of Students (NUS) revealed that university students in the UK experience stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts. NUS surveyed 1,200 students throughout the UK to know what mental health problems they go through. Through this survey, the organization aims to improve its support to students suffering from any mental health problem. Results of the survey shows that 80% of the students feel stressed, 55% suffer from anxiety, 50% have sleeping problems, and 40% feel worthless and hopeless. Also, one out of 10 students has thought of suicide. One in every 20 students also feels anxious due to bullying, while one in 20 students is addicted to alcohol and drugs. According to students, they feel stressed because of exams and grades. Students also feel pressured due to increasing tuition fees and fewer job opportunities after college. Aside from school-related problems, troubles involving friends, family, and money also cause stress and anxiety. In fact, 22% of the students said they felt homesick. Sadly, many of these students have kept their problems to themselves. According to Mr. Farmer, chief executive of a mental health charity, lack of support from friends and family may only intensify the student’s stress and anxiety. Mr. Farmer suggests that educational institutions support students’ well-being by promoting an open culture wherein students can able to talk freely about their problems.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think students tend to keep their problems to themselves?

·         In your opinion, how can friends and family help a student who suffers from mental health problems?

Discussion B

·         How can we prevent other people from harming themselves?

·         Why do you think some people hurt themselves?

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American Teenager Arrested for Attempted High School Bombing

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. blow up [BLOH uhp] (phrasal v.) – to cause to explode

Example: Terrorists blew up the commercial building, causing death and destruction.

2. timeline [tahym lahyn] (n.) – a schedule of events and activities in chronological order

Example: The police secretary drafted a timeline of the precinct’s upcoming activities.

3. juvenile [JOO-vuh-nl, -nahyl] (adj.) – relating to children or young people

Example: The juvenile crime involved a 16-year-old suspect.

4. shudder [SHUHD-er] (v.) – to shake or tremble as a result of fear

Example: Tyler shudders when he thinks about the accident in his school last month.

5. get over  [get OH-ver] (phrasal v.) – to forget or recover from something

Example: Support from the family can help victims of disasters get over their grief and shock.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The police from Oregon arrested a 17-year-old student after planning to blow up his high school with homemade explosive devices. The police had earlier received a tip that Grant Acord was making a bomb to blow up West Albany High School. Soon after, the authorities searched his house and the school for explosive devices. In Acord’s bedroom, the police found six explosive devices, including pipe bombs, Molotov [MOL-uh-tawf] cocktails, and a napalm [NEY-pahm] bomb. Investigators also found written plans, a checklist, and a specific timeline for the attack. On the other hand, the authorities found no bombs after searching the school twice. The authorities took Acord to a juvenile jail but will charge him as an adult. Among the charges are attempted murder and six counts of producing and possessing a destructive device. The police will file the court paperwork and the details of Acord's plans after the Memorial Day weekend. According to Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Acord did not seem to have any major problems at school. Also, the 17-year-old student did not appear to be targeting any specific person or group of people. Haroldson added that the authorities will closely examine Acord's mental health issues because of his video game approach to killing people at his school. Haroldson said he cannot get over the fact that the authorities were able to stop the boy. Given the evidence in the case, Haroldson shudders to think about what could have happened if authorities were not able to intervene.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think playing violent video games can cause a person to be violent in real life? Why or why not?

·         What can parents and teachers do to prevent children from being violent? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Are the police in your country effective at solving crimes and protecting the citizens? Why do you say so?

·         What do you think society will be like without policemen and other law enforcers? Please explain briefly.

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Retirement Age in the U.S. Rises to 61

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. retirement [ri-TAHYUH R-muh nt] (n.) – the act of permanently leaving one’s work or professional career

Example: Mr. Tan is considering retirement after 45 years of working for the company.

2. bracket [BRAK-it] (n.) – a category or group that includes a certain range (e.g. of age, economic status, etc.)

Example:  Many people within the 25-30 age bracket are now getting married.

3. mandatory [MAN-duh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] (adj.) – required by the law

Example:  Wearing the I.D. while inside the office is mandatory.

4. assert [uh-SURT] (v.) – to say something in a forceful and confident way

Example:  The government asserts that the pension system for retirees is still stable.

5. keen [keen] (adj.) – very eager and excited about something

Example:  After retiring, the employee became keen on travelling around the world.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Gallup's [GAL-uh p] Economy and Personal Finance survey has revealed that the average retirement age in the U.S. has risen from 57 two decades ago to 61 today. Researchers conducted the survey through telephone interviews from a random sample of 2,017 adults.  The survey found that the respondents who were not retired yet planned to work later in life. Also, more than 50% of the non-retirees from the 58-64 age bracket expected to retire at 65. Gallup's associate editor said that the survey does not only reflect the changing economy. The survey also shows people’s changing attitude towards work, the composition of the workforce, the mandatory retirement age, and other factors. Richard Johnson, director of a nonpartisan policy institute in the U.S., stated that the rising trend started in the 1990's. Before that decade, the retirement age was low, possibly due to the healthy rate of pension plans, Social Security benefits, and personal savings. However, the trend reversed during the 1990's. Data from the U.S. Bureau [BYOO R-oh] of Labor Statistics also show that in the early 1990's, 11% of the people who were 65 years old and above were still in the workforce. In April 2013, the number had risen to 19%. Johnson asserted that many people are keen on working longer because of the increased benefits of doing so. He said that late retirement was a very important change in the recent history of the labor force, resulting to a very positive development.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you agree with Richard Johnson that the high retirement age is a positive development? Why or why not?

·         What do you think are the consequences of retiring at an older age? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Do you agree that retirement is the best part of a person’s life? Why or why not?

·         Do you think people trust the retirement system/pension plans in your country? Why do you say so?

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London to Create Technological Advancements for Airports

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. eradicate [ih-RAD-i-keyt] (v.) – to completely destroy or remove

Example: The supervisor plans to eradicate the bad experiences of travelers by improving airport facilities.

2. nuisance [NOO-suh ns, NYOO-] (n.) – something or someone that is annoying or irritating

Example: Losing your luggage on a vacation trip is such a nuisance.

3. crowdsourcing [KROUD-sawr-sing] (n.) – the act of giving work to a group of people, usually through the internet

Example: The company used crowdsourcing to provide jobs for online employees.

4. interfere [in-ter-FEER] (v.) – to get involved in an activity, resulting to delay

Example: Hackers interfered with the company’s computer system, postponing all online transactions.

5. sensor [SEN-sawr] (n.) – any device that recognizes and reacts to light, heat, sound, or movement

Example: The sensors in the airport help the security detect different kinds of trouble.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

London City Airport is planning to create a machine-to-machine communication through a technology called ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT). The IoT will eradicate many nuisances related with plane travel. The Living PlanIt, the retail developer Milligan, and the UK’s Technology Strategy Board will develop the said technology. The airport management says it will develop features that will track passengers through facial recognition, crowdsourcing software, and GPS. The tracking system will also monitor the luggage [LUHG-ij] to ensure that all belongings will not be loaded in the plane if the passenger misses the flight. The technology can also automatically deliver foods that are pre-ordered online or through a mobile device. According to Robin Daniels, Living PlanIt's executive vice president for sales and marketing, a person who pre-booked a taxi using the technology can also immediately step right into the car upon exit. Also, retailers in the terminal may use sensors and combination cameras to monitor people’s behavior and to know the consumers’ preferences. The technology may also help consumers choose products based on the previous items they bought. However, Evangeis Ouzounis from an information security agency believe that being dependent on the IoT may cause problems.  Since IoT is not yet fully stable, hackers may interfere with sensitive travel information and airport systems. Despite the possible problems, Robin Daniels still thinks that privacy is not an issue. Daniels emphasized that passengers can choose whether or not to use the new technology.  In fact, the technology can allow more advanced security system in the airport.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, will the ‘Internet of Things’ really solve airport problems? Please explain your answer.

·         Do you think ‘Internet of Things’ will be beneficial to all? Why do you think so?

Discussion B

·         Would you like the same technology for the airport in your country? Why or why not?

·         Aside from security threats, what are the other problems that may occur using the ‘Internet of Things’ in the airport? Why do you say so?

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