Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. sniff
(v.) [snif] – to smell by short intakes of breath (the sound of which can be
heard)
Example: He could sniff food being cooked in the kitchen.
2. detect
(v.) [dih-tekt] – to observe or sense the presence of something
Example: Medical tools help doctors detect early stages of diseases.
3. fleece
(n.) [flees] – the coat of wool that covers a sheep or a similar animal
Example: Fleece
fabric is commonly used to make winter clothing.
4. absorb
(v.) [ab-sawrb] – to take in or suck up
Example: The rag absorbed all the spilled water.
5. keen
(adj.) [keen] – extremely sensitive or responsive
Example: The archer has very keen eyesight.
Article
Read the text below.
A recent research in Germany shows that dogs can
detect lung cancer by sniffing.
However, further research needs to be done to find out what chemicals the
dogs actually smell.
As early as 1989, studies suggest that dogs have
the ability to sniff certain chemicals released from cancer tumors. In the
recent experiment, four trained dogs were made to sniff tubes filled with fleece, which
were used to absorb the breath of 220 people, 60 of whom have lung cancer. The
dogs sat in front of those with lung cancer smells. The dogs were 71%
successful and did not get confused with smells caused by other lung diseases
or smoking.
According to Dr. Thorsten Walles, author of the
research, the results confirm that dogs' keen
sense of smell detects unique
chemicals in the breath of lung cancer patients. Unfortunately, dogs cannot
communicate what they can smell exactly.
Since it would be difficult to use dogs in
clinics and hospitals, researchers are working on "electronic
noses" that can detect the same chemicals as dogs. Dr. Laura McCallum of
Cancer Research UK says further research is being carried out to determine
the substance released by cancer tumors.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
In
what instances can animals be of help to humans?
·
How
do you feel about the use of animals for medical research?
Discussion
B
·
Is
cancer a common disease in your country?
·
What
advantages do people have if cancer can be detected easily?
