Learning English Podcast - January 13, 2025
VOA Learning English Podcast - VOA Learning English
Deep Dive
Why are public health experts now advising people to limit alcohol intake?
Public health experts advise limiting alcohol intake because recent research shows it raises the risk of several types of cancer, including colon, liver, breast, mouth, and throat. Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages cells and prevents repair, creating conditions for cancer growth. Thousands of U.S. deaths could be prevented annually if people followed dietary guidelines on alcohol consumption.
What are the U.S. dietary guidelines for alcohol consumption?
The U.S. dietary guidelines recommend men limit themselves to two drinks or fewer per day and women to one drink or fewer per day. One drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or one serving of liquor.
What is the significance of NASA's Parker Solar Probe passing within 6.1 million kilometers of the sun?
The Parker Solar Probe's close pass within 6.1 million kilometers of the sun's outer corona is historic, as it is the closest any spacecraft has ever gotten to the sun. This mission aims to study the sun's corona and solar wind, providing insights into solar behavior and its influence on the solar system and beyond.
How does the Parker Solar Probe protect itself from the sun's extreme heat?
The Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a carbon-composite shield designed to withstand temperatures up to 1,400 degrees Celsius. The shield protects the spacecraft's instruments from the intense heat of the sun's corona.
What is Jack Frost, and how is it related to winter?
Jack Frost is a personification of winter, representing the cold, icy effects of the season. The term is used to describe frosty weather and the beauty of ice and snow on windows, trees, and the ground. It is a cultural expression that signifies the arrival of winter.
What are tag questions, and how are they used in English?
Tag questions are short questions added to the end of statements to confirm agreement or seek confirmation. For example, 'It's a nice day, isn't it?' The speaker uses the tag to ask if the listener agrees. They are commonly used in conversational English to engage the listener and check for shared understanding.
What is the purpose of the Parker Solar Probe's mission?
The Parker Solar Probe's mission is to study the sun's corona and solar wind, which are created by the continuous flow of charged particles (plasma) from the corona into space. The data collected helps scientists understand the sun's behavior and its impact on the solar system, including its effects on Earth's technology and the search for habitable worlds.
What are the health risks associated with alcohol consumption?
Alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 health conditions, including cancers (colon, liver, breast, mouth, and throat), cardiovascular diseases, and injuries. Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages cells and prevents repair, increasing cancer risk. Approximately 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and 20,000 deaths occur annually in the U.S.
- Past research suggested moderate alcohol consumption could benefit heart health, but this is now challenged.
- New research indicates a link between alcohol and increased cancer risks (colon, liver, breast, mouth, throat).
- Experts advise limiting alcohol intake to improve overall health; guidelines vary across countries but generally recommend less alcohol consumption.
Shownotes Transcript