Vocabulary Text 1
illuminated
robustly
havoc
burdonsome
diminish
realm
render...void
adverse
posed
exacerbating
rigorous
Vocabulary Text 2
skepticism
tremendous
considerable
pioneer
small-scale
drench
arable land
prevalence
susceptible
warrants
crucial
GM Cows To Produce Human Breast Milk (9th June, 2011)
Media reports are saying Chinese scientists have developed genetically modified cows that can produce human milk. A British newspaper says a laboratory in China has introduced human genes into dairy cows to produce milk almost identical to human breast milk. The researchers believe the new GM milk is a healthy alternative to milk powder, which many infant nutritionists say is not so good for babies. Researcher Professor Ning Li addressed people’s concerns that the milk from GM cows could be harmful. He said it would be as safe as milk from ordinary dairy cows. He added the GM milk contains a human protein called lysozyme, which helps to protect babies from infections in the days and weeks after their birth.
Professor Li said the new milk will be on supermarket shelves within ten years. He believes it will be very popular, saying: “The milk tastes stronger than normal milk.” He spoke about how important his team’s research is. He said: “There are 1.5 billion people in the world who don't get enough to eat. It's our duty to develop science and technology, not to hold it back. We need to feed people first, before we consider ideals and convictions.” People on Britain’s Sky News website had differing views. One commented: “It’s totally disgusting. This planet is on a downward spiral into hell.” Another said: “We interfere with nature every time we prevent death by taking engineered drugs. Get used to it.”
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| a) | What is your country's attitude towards GM? What did you think when you read the headline? Do you think it's strange that we drink milk from cows? What three adjectives describe this article and why? |
| b) | Will you buy the new milk when it comes out, do you think it's right to give it to babies? |
| c) | Do you think it’ll be totally accepted one day? |
| d) | Is Professor right in saying feeding 1.5 billion people is more important than arguing about the ethics (rights and wrongs) of GM? |
| e) | Is it our duty to develop science into everything? |
| f) | What does the person mean who made the comment. “This planet is on a downward spiral into hell”? Do you agree? |
| g) | Do you agree that GM milk is litle different to taking manufactured drugs? |
| h) | What’s next for GM? |
| i) | Do you like milk? |
| j) | What questions would you like to ask Professor Ning Li? |
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