ESL Podcast 881 - Eating Genetically Modified Foods
genetically modified - with changes having been made to the genes (building blocks of life) within a plant or animal species
In the future, will people be genetically modified to protect them from diseases?
genetically engineered - created to have some specific characteristics by controlling the genes (building blocks of life) within a plant or animal species
This corn has been genetically engineered to need less water and grow taller.
laboratory - a room where scientists design and perform experiments, or where engineers build and test things
Xavier spends long days at the laboratory, searching for a cure for cancer.
DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid; the chemical substance that carries genetic information within living things
Piotr is going to request a DNA test to determine whether the little girl is really his daughter.
nutrient - a substance found in food or soil that animals or plants use to grow and develop
Growing children need foods with a lot of nutrients, like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
resistant - not easily damaged by something; not easily harmed or negatively influenced by something
This watch is water-resistant, so it's okay to shower with it, but you probably shouldn't leave it in the water for long periods of time.
disease - an illness; a sickness
Polio, malaria, and many other diseases have been largely eliminated in North America.
pest - an insect or rodent (small animal) that destroys crops, spreads disease, and causes other types of harm or problems for humans
Rats are a major pest in large cities.
mutation - a genetic change that makes one individual different from other individuals of the same species
If a woman is exposed to certain chemicals while she is pregnant, it can result in mutations that cause birth defects in her baby.
genetic makeup - the genetic structure of a particular organism or individual
Scientists are analyzing the genetic makeup of certain plants to try to make drugs that imitate their healing properties.
aversion - a strong dislike of something; hatred
Lynn has a strong aversion to milk and doesn't want to eat or drink anything that has milk in it.
selective breeding - the practice of making plants or animals reproduce with other plants or animals that have particular characteristics that one wants to increase
Over thousands of years, humans have used selective breeding to make larger chickens that lay larger eggs more frequently.
to trust - to rely on someone; to believe that someone is good or honest and will not do anything to hurt oneself
Can I trust you to keep a secret?
Mother Nature - the idea of the natural world as a woman who controls what happens and/or cares over all creatures
Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes remind us of how powerful Mother Nature is.