Hand-Washing Dishes Can Prevent Allergies, Study Reveals

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. hand-wash / ˈhændˈwɒʃ, -ˈwɔʃ / (v.) – to wash something using one’s hands instead of a machine

Example: Our washing machine stopped working so I had to hand-wash my clothes.

2. survey / sərˈveɪ / (v.) – to get information about something by asking a number of people

Example: The researchers surveyed 100 people about their eating habits.

3. hygiene / ˈhaɪ dʒin / (n.) – the things or activities that a person does to stay healthy

Example: He has excellent oral health because of his proper oral hygiene.

4. germ / dʒɜrm / (n.) – a microorganism that causes a disease

Example: I sprayed disinfectant to kill the germs on my table.

5. susceptible /səˈsɛp tə bəl / (adj.) – can be easily affected by something

Example: He is susceptible to colds.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study claims that hand-washing dishes can prevent children from having allergies, eczema, and asthma. Swedish doctor Bill Hesselmar and his team conducted the study to determine the relationship between household practices, like dishwashing methods, and the development of allergies, eczema, and asthma. The team surveyed the parents and guardians of 1,029 Swedish children. The survey asked about cases of asthma, eczema, and allergies among the children. It also asked about the eating habits of the participants, which included how they wash their dishes. The team found that families who machine-wash their dishes are more likely to have allergies. In fact, around 12.2% of the children from families who machine-wash their dishes had allergies. On the other hand, only 10.3% of the children whose families hand-wash their dishes showed the same history.   Results also showed that among children in families who hand-wash their dishes, 23% had eczema, while 1.7% had asthma. Among children whose families machine-wash their dishes, 38% had eczema and 7.3% had asthma. Results of this study support the “hygiene hypothesis.” This hypothesis states that early exposure to allergens and germs can improve the body’s immune system, making a person less likely to develop allergies. This is because being exposed to germs early on allows the immune system to identify which substances are harmful and which are not. A very clean and allergen-free environment in early life, on the other hand, makes a person more susceptible to allergies.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What is your opinion about the hygiene hypothesis? Please discuss briefly.

·         How else do you think allergies can be prevented?

Discussion B

·         What can we do to further boost or improve our immune system? Please discuss your answer.

·         In your opinion, what habits or activities harm a person’s immune system?

World’s Food Supply Threatened by Climate Change

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. drought / draʊt / (n.) – a long period when rain rarely or does not occur

Example: Drought dries out the soil.

2. yield / yild / (n.) – the quantity of harvested crops

Example: The crop yield decreased last year.

3. impact / ˈɪm pækt / (n.) – a strong effect

Example: Favorable weather has a great impact on agriculture.

4. proliferate / prəˈlɪf əˌreɪt / (v.) – to multiply or to increase in terms of quantity

Example: Pests, such as insects, often proliferate during hot weather.

5. resilient / rɪˈzɪl yənt, -ˈzɪl i ənt / (adj.) – being able to recover even after a bad event

Example: Some crops are more resilient to higher temperatures.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The world’s food supply in the coming decades is now threatened as climate change continues to worsen. Because of climate change, the world is experiencing an increase in drought and frequent changes in weather patterns. These, unfortunately, have a direct effect on food production, specifically the world’s crop yield. The world’s population is expected to increase from seven billion to more than nine billion by 2050. Experts worry that the world may not be able to provide enough food for the whole population decades from now. Aside from food production, climate change may also have a big impact on food security. This is because more pathogens, such as germs and bacteria, grow as the temperature increases, thus increasing the risk of food contamination. Crops may also suffer from pests and diseases that might proliferate should climate change further worsen. Climate change may also directly affect food distribution. Extreme weather conditions that cause storms and floods may prevent farmers from transporting their products to the markets, especially those that are far from farms. The European Commission has suggested ways in which agriculture can deal with climate change. One way is for farmers to adjust their crop rotation to when water is most available. Another way is planting crops that are more resilient to extreme weather conditions. Each country’s government may help address this problem by ensuring farmers are more aware and well-informed about climate risks. Providing agricultural innovations and training may also help farmers cope with climate change.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from climate change, what else can threaten the world’s food production? Kindly discuss.

·         Do you think it is possible to completely solve the problem on climate change?

Discussion B

·         How can we ensure sufficient food supply in the future?

·         What do you think would be the world’s agricultural situation 50 years from now?

Facebook Provides “Legacy Contact” Feature

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. deceased /dɪˈsist/ (adj.) – referring to something or someone who is dead

Example: The deceased man was known to be very kind.

2. confirmation /ˌkɒn fərˈmeɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the act of making sure something is correct or true

Example: The website requires the user’s confirmation before changing the settings.

3. memorial /məˈmɔr i əl / (n.) – an item to serve as reminder of someone or something that died

Example: They built a statue to serve as his memorial.

4. funeral /ˈfyu nər əl/ (n.) – ceremonial rites to honor the dead

Example: The residents of the city attended the late mayor’s funeral.

5. acknowledge /ækˈnɒl ɪdʒ/ (v.) – to recognize something to be real or true

Example: I acknowledge that I made a mistake.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Facebook has added a new feature that gives a relative or a friend access to a deceased user’s account. The new feature will allow the user to assign another Facebook user to be a “Legacy Contact” in the case of the user’s death. The Legacy Contact will have access to the user’s Facebook account upon confirmation of the user’s death. Some of the Legacy Contact’s privileges include closing the deceased user’s account, approving friend requests, and archiving uploaded photos. The Legacy Contact may also leave the account as it is. Currently, this feature is only available in the US. Previously, when a user passed away, Facebook would freeze the user’s account and turn it into a memorial page. Friends and relatives could view the page, but they were not allowed to edit it. Facebook also did not allow the posting of funeral details on the deceased user’s page.   Facebook received many requests from grieving family members to give them access to the deceased users’ memorial accounts. Through conversations with the family members, Facebook realized that they could do more for their users. Thus, the Legacy Contact feature was created. Facebook is still improving this feature, as it can cause various issues. For instance, friends and family members may be confused if the Legacy Contact posts a final status or accepts a friend request. Another concern is that family members may have difficulty in contacting the Legacy Contact. Facebook hopes this new feature will help its users cope when facing bereavement. It is also a way for the company to show their respect by acknowledging the wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you use Facebook’s Legacy Contact? Why or why not?

·         Do you think Facebook’s new feature is a good idea? Kindly explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Do you use social media when comforting a friend? Why or why not?

·         How can someone show his/her support for a grieving friend? 

Scientist Finds Inspiration for His Invention while in Japan

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. inventor /ɪnˈvɛn tər/ (n.) – a person who creates a new item or process

Example: The inventor is working silently in his laboratory.

2. inspiration /ˌɪn spəˈreɪ ʃən/ (n.) – a good idea that influences someone to create or do something

Example: The scientist’s inspiration is his family.

3. observe /əbˈzɜrv/ (v.) – to look at or see something

Example: He observed how the chemicals react to each other.

4. redirect /ˌri dɪˈrɛkt/ (v.) – to change the direction of something

Example: The pipes are used to redirect the flow of water.

5. prototype /ˈproʊ təˌtaɪp/ (n.) – the first model

Example: John has to create a prototype of a water heater first.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Matyas Gutai, a Hungarian inventor, found inspiration for his invention called the “water walls” while studying in Japan. This invention is an inexpensive way to control the indoor temperature of a house. The walls are composed of glass panels with a space filled with water in between. Controlled by a computer, the water inside the panels absorbs heat and cold from outside the house. The heat or cold is then distributed based on the homeowner’s desired indoor temperature.  In 2003, Gutai was in Japan studying sustainable architecture. Gutai was able to form his idea while he was relaxing in an open-air hot spring. On his way to the pool, he observed that he felt cold because of the area’s low temperature. But when he entered the pool, he was comfortable despite of the cold air. He then realized that the temperature of the air is not as important as the temperature of a heated mass. Gutai also found inspiration from the Japanese martial art, Aikido. Gutai applied Aikido’s concept of using and redirecting the opponent’s own strength to one’s advantage. This is how he decided to use water in his design as it does not resist but responds when blocked. The prototype for Gutai’s water walls is showcased in a small home in the backyard of his warehouse. It is located in his native town in Budapest. To build the prototype, financial support was given by the Hungarian government. He also received $57,000 of grant money from the European Union.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think Gutai’s invention can be used in Japan? Why do you say so?

·         If Gutai’s invention would be available in the market, would you buy it for your home? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What inspires you or helps you generate ideas at work/school? Kindly discuss.

·         If you had the resources, what kind of invention would you like to make? Please explain your answer.