Topic Reading-Vol.4359-3/31/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

A new city is rising in Egypt. But is it what the country needs?

The metro area population of Cairo, Egypt has been increasing at around 2% annually in the last few years and is now over 22 million. Around 45 kilometers east of Cairo around halfway to the seaport city of Suez, the New Administrative Capital (NAC) has been being built since 2015. NAC is expected to be the new capital, become a center for business and investment, house millions of people, and relieve congestion in Cairo. It is going to house the government’s administrative offices but also is designed to attract businesses and foreign investments with high-tech, modern, and sustainable infrastructure. Phase one of the project has nearly been completed, and thousands of people have moved in already and about 48,000 government employees are commuting there from Cairo via an electric train. However, Egypt is still going through a period of economic downturn and has been funded heavily by international funding. Also, what about the people in Cairo and other areas? Will they benefit from the heavy investment in the middle of nowhere? By the way, the new capital is yet to be named.

Read the article and learn about Egypt’s new capital.

https://edition.cnn.com/world/egypt-new-administrative-capital-spc-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4358-3/30/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Nearly 5 million animals dead in Mongolia’s harshest winter in half a century, aid agencies say

Mongolia is the largest landlocked country in the world. With a population of just over three million in 1.56 square kilometers, it is the world’s most sparsely populated state. Mongolia is known for its significant livestock population, including 30 million sheep, 24 million goats, and millions of cattle and horses, which are all vulnerable to the climate conditions. Dzud [zood] is a natural disaster in severe winter following a hot, dry summer in Mongolia. During a dzud, temperatures drop significantly, down to as low as -30 degrees Celsius or even lower, and heavy snowfall covers grazing pastures, which makes it difficult for livestock to find food and leads to widespread livestock deaths, causing significant impact on the lives, communities, and economy of 300,000 nomadic herders. This winter, the dzud was so severe, like one in half a century, that nearly five million animals died, threatening the livelihoods and food supply of those herders. As Mongolia has been affected by climate change, its summer is getting hotter and winter is becoming more severe. How will the people and animals living outside survive in the future?

Read the article and learn about how badly climate change is affecting the lives in Mongolia.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/21/asia/nearly-5-million-animals-dead-in-mongolias-harshest-winter-in-half-a-century-climate-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4357-3/29/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Nigeria's kidnap crisis: Inside story of a ransom negotiator

As was on Vol.4343-3/15/2024, over 280 students were kidnapped from a secondary and a primary school in a north-western town in Nigeria. The kidnap gangs, known as bandits, demanded ransoms for the release of the hostages. They are often former cattle herders who have little to lose and target farmers’ families of a different ethnic group. Though it is illegal to pay ransom in the country, ransom negotiations and payments seem to be the only way to save the lives of hostages. Since the bandits kidnap children for ransom, they are ready to negotiate. The question is who negotiates with the kidnappers and how. Also, how do those poor families pay the ransom?

Read what a negotiator says about the situations and solutions for kidnapping in Nigeria.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68612958

Topic Reading-Vol.4356-3/28/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

What people should do about high blood pressure, according to a doctor

Blood pressure is typically measured using two numbers, the top number, the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and the bottom number, the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. A blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is generally considered high. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This can lead to various health complications over time, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious conditions. It is estimated that around 1.28 billion adults aged between 30 and 79 have high blood pressure in the world. However, only around half of them are aware of the problem because they don’t notice symptoms of hypertension. Some of the daily habits that would improve the condition include physical activities, a healthier diet, less or no smoking or drinking, stress management, and weight control. But when the blood pressure is too high, like 180/120 mm HG, immediate medication is essential to prevent critical medical conditions like stroke.

Read the article and learn about what high blood pressure could cause to your health conditions.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/20/health/hypertension-high-blood-pressure-heart-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4355-3/27/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

How Temu is shaking up the world of online shopping

You might have used or already are a loyal customer of Temu. Temu is an online marketplace operated by a Chinese e-commerce company Pinduoduo. Temu requires its suppliers to offer the lowest prices. Also, it ships consumer goods directly from producers in China to buyers in other countries. Since each shipment is individually packed, it can take advantage of the de minimis, import duty exemption. So, if you search for a pair of sneakers or a sweatshirt at Temu, you’ll find ones at incredibly low prices as there are no middlemen. In addition, Temu is generous when it comes to providing market data such as consumer demands and sales trends to its suppliers, free of charge. So, consumers find merchandise that matches their tastes. Temu has been growing rapidly, especially in the USA, over 150 million Americans are using the Chinese marketplace regularly. That’s as many as users of TikTok! Consumers seem to be very happy about Temu but what about US suppliers and lawmakers?

Read the article and learn about this growing Chinese online retail giant.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68563339

Topic Reading-Vol.4354-3/26/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

How not to cry while cutting onions, according to the experts

Onions are essential in many dishes, including curry, pasta, and dumplings. They are beneficial to our healthy diet because they are rich in vitamin C and other natural plant substances that have antioxidant properties. But onions make your eyes burn when you cut or chop them. As many plants have a defense mechanism to avoid being eaten, such as thorns, spines, or bitter taste, onions have a chemical defense mechanism by releasing sulfur compounds, which produce sulfuric acid that irritates our eyes. So, you shouldn’t blame onions for making you cry. But do you have to cry every time you make a culinary, healthy dish with onions? According to experts, there are several ways to avoid or ease the pain. For example, you can use a fan to blow the air near the onions you’re cutting or chopping. Also, you could protect your eyes with goggles. And there are other ways to ease the chemical reactions that hurt your eyes. Onions burn our eyes but they entice our taste buds.

Read the article and learn the tips that might protect your eyes from onion vapors.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/18/health/cutting-onions-cry-tricks-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4353-3/25/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Seven ways to improve your sleep according to science

How long do you usually sleep? Do you often feel sleepy during the day? If you don’t have enough, quality sleep regularly, you might accumulate sleep debt, the difference between how much you need and how much you actually get. Some people try to sleep in on the weekend to recover from the debt but they often end up feeling more tired on Monday morning. Sleeping for seven to nine hours at night regularly is essential for your mental and physical health. Also, you want to take longer Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and deeper sleep in the winter than in the summer. REM sleep is when we dream and deep sleep is when the body repairs muscles and consolidates memories. If you still feel sleepy during the day, take a catnap or powernap for a few minutes to 15 minutes to recharge energy levels and improve cognitive function. This could avoid falling into a micro-sleep when you sleep for a few seconds to minutes involuntarily. It can be dangerous when you are driving or operating machinery and also annoying when you are attending a class or a meeting. Indeed, how you sleep is as important as how long you sleep.

Read the article and learn about different types of sleep to improve your sleep habits.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240315-the-ultimate-guide-to-optimising-your-sleep

Topic Reading-Vol.4352-3/24/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

This ‘GigaFarm’ in the desert could produce 3 million kilograms of food

The United Arab Emirates, the UAE, is known for its modern infrastructure, diverse economy, and significant oil reserves. Because of the desert climate, there isn’t enough agricultural produce to feed its population of around 10 million, and the Emirates imports over 85% of the food it consumes. In order to secure its food supply in the barren territory, the Emirates chose to invest in a non-agricultural method to produce food, vertical farming. Vertical farming grows crops vertically in stacked layers in controlled environments. It not only maximizes crop production in minimal space but also optimizes resource efficiency, including water, energy, and nutrients. GigaFarm project in Dubai aims to produce three million kilograms of leafy greens, herbs, and vegetable seedlings annually, which represents as much as 1% of the food imports of the Emirates. To make vertical farming cleaner and greener, it plans to transform waste streams, including food scraps and sewage into agricultural products such as compost, animal feed, and clean water. As desertification and deforestation continue to threaten the food supply around the world, vertical farming seems to be a new hope for global food security.

Read the article and learn about another mega project in Dubai, UAE.

https://edition.cnn.com/world/dubai-gigafarm-biggest-vertical-farm-climate-hnk-spc-int/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4351-3/23/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

What happened when the world’s most populous nation turned off TikTok

Released in 2016 by ByteDance, a Beijing-based internet technology company, TikTok, or Douyin in China, is a short video service that hosts user-submitted videos. The mobile app allows users to create short videos that often feature music in the background. When recording videos within the app, they can range from 15 seconds up to three minutes long, but if you are uploading videos to the app, they can be up to 10 minutes long. There are over 700 million Douyin users mainly in China and over one billion TikTok active users in other countries. TikTok has come under scrutiny due to data privacy violations, addictiveness, misinformation, and data collection by the Chinese government. Earlier this month, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban against TikTok on the grounds of national security. If the bill passes the Senate and is signed by the President, around 170 million users in the US, or half of the population, will lose access to the popular app. Here is an example of such a case. In 2020, after a violent clash on the India-China border, India abruptly banned TikTok, which shocked the country’s 200 million users. Surprisingly, it didn’t take long before TikTok users found alternatives.

Read the article and learn about what could happen if one popular app becomes unavailable.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/14/tech/india-us-tiktok-ban-analysis-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4350-3/22/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Denmark to start conscripting women for military service

Denmark is a small Nordic country with a population of just around six million. It has over 400 named and 78 inhabited islands, including Greenland and Faroe Islands. During peacetime, the Danish Defense employs about 27,000 staff, including 20,000 active personnel in the army, navy, and air force. Conscription in Denmark is mandatory for all physically fit men over 18 for at least four months while women can participate voluntarily. In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Denmark has become more conscious of defense and decided to extend military conscription to women starting in 2026. Also, the standard service time will be extended from four to 11 months, just like Taiwan has done this year. Last year, Denmark decided to abolish a national holiday to boost its GDP and military spending. It’s a rare move for a modern democratic state to adopt such an unpopular move. Just like Sweden and Finland joined NATO, once a potential threat might have become a clear and present danger to these Scandinavian countries.

Read the article and learn about Denmark’s decisive move for defense.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68557038

Topic Reading-Vol.4349-3/21/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

It’s not just what you eat, according to a doctor. It’s when and how

People who eat healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and beans, live years longer than those who drink sugary drinks and eat a lot of unhealthy foods like red meat and highly processed food, according to studies. Also, when to eat affects your health. Eating shortly before going to bed could increase heartburn symptoms and disturb your sleep, not to mention a spike in blood sugar levels. What about snacks? As long as you eat healthy foods like fruits and manage how much to consume, it’s perfectly ok. It could also help you avoid eating too much at the next meal. One eating habit you want to avoid is stress eating, which makes you eat more than adequate without realizing how much you’ve eaten. Also, if you eat always alone gazing at the screen of a TV, PC, or smartphone, you may want to think of joining or inviting others to eat with you. This could help you become more conscious of what, how much, and how to eat at a meal.

Read the article and learn how to improve your diet by healthy foods and eating practices.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/22/health/diet-food-heart-health-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4348-3/20/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Photographer steps inside Vietnam’s shadowy ‘click farms’

Do you trust likes and dislikes on social media or customer reviews on online shopping sites? Unfortunately, some or many of those responses are created artificially for business. A click farm is a fraudulent operation that generates fake clicks and online activity. Click farms set up a large number of phones and PCs in places where cheap electricity and labor are available, such as China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. They advertise their services online for less than one cent per click, view, or interaction to boost online traffic, visibility, and social media engagement artificially for their clients. They also click paid ads of clients’ business rivals many times to impair their effectiveness and use up their budget. Such service has been used during elections to boost political messages or spread disinformation as well. Despite the efforts by social media platforms like Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram, to eliminate such frauds, click farms seem to have found ways to avoid being caught by their detecting algorithms. Are there any ways for viewers to judge if online reviews are genuine or fraudulent?

Read the article and learn about what click farm operations are like.

https://edition.cnn.com/style/vietnam-farms-jack-latham-beggars-honey/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4347-3/19/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Why people are reluctant to call themselves atheists

Of the eight-billion world population, about five billion people are Christians, Muslims, or Hindus. Religious people believe in the existence of one or more deities or a higher power and share ethical values, rules, and morals of the respective religion. On the other hand, non-religious people are individuals who do not identify with any organized religion. Among them, some people who do not believe in the existence of any deities or supernatural beings are called atheists. There are also people who neither affirm nor deny the existence of deities. They are called agnostics. These non-religious people may derive their moral and ethical values from traditions, communities, environments, humanism, or personal principles. However, when they are in a religious people’s community, they are sometimes regarded as heresy and aren’t understood fairly. Accordingly, those non-religious people often hesitate to present their religious identity. Whichever the case might be, religious bias or prejudice won’t help develop personal relationships.

Read the article and learn about religious and non-religious people.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/10/us/atheism-beliefs-explained-cec/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4346-3/18/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Did your chef wash their hands? Handwashing ‘lie detectors’ could find out

While strict protocols of hygiene are taken in place at food factories, what about the hygiene level in restaurants, fast-food shops, and take-out food kitchens? Do plastic gloves like many open kitchen employees wear help prevent food-borne illness from spreading? If the hands aren’t washed thoroughly enough, you could contaminate the gloves with germs when you put them on. Rigorous handwashing, at least for 20 seconds with soap, and drying the hands with a paper towel or by a hand dryer, is essential before touching food or kitchen wares to eliminate gut biome molecules that could transmit foodborne illnesses like norovirus, E. coli, and salmonella. Then the question is if the kitchen staff’s hands are properly washed according to the protocols. Now, there is a machine that can instantly detect residual contaminants on the hands and wrist with light fluorescence spectroscopy. The machine can be placed next to a handwashing station so that the employees can check if their hands are clean enough to touch food. Also, it can alert the restaurant’s operator if there is a kitchen staff whose hands are detected as contaminated and when their employee ID codes are linked with the scanning device. The device seems to ensure the hand cleanliness of the kitchen staff, for themselves, the operator, and the customers.

Read the article and learn about this new technology that could improve hygiene practices in the kitchen.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/08/business/pathspot-restaurant-handwash-lie-detector-device/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4345-3/17/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

How an airplane toilet works at 40,000 feet: The extraordinary science behind everyday flying

When you fly, there are certain things you are most likely to do, especially on a long-haul flight. You breathe the air, drink, eat, use the toilet, wash your hands, and access the Internet if available. How are all these things done safely, cleanly, and comfortably at a speed of over 900 kilometers per hour at 10,000 meters above the ground where the air pressure is about one-third of the sea level and the temperature is below 50 degrees Celsius? For example, toilets are flushed by air pressure, not by water. On a newer aircraft like B787 or A350, cabin air is completely changed in every two to three minutes. As for the Internet, an antenna sits on the top of the aircraft to continually point at satellites. There many things are done differently in the air from on the ground. Nowadays, it is not just leg space or frequent flyer programs that passengers choose airlines. The newer the aircraft is, the more comfortable and enjoyable the inflight experiences seem to be.

Read the article and learn about how in-cabin services and facilities are provided and operated.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/09/travel/how-planes-work-onboard/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4344-3/16/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

A Ramadan etiquette guide for non-Muslims

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims around the world. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and making love for self-discipline, self-control, and empathy for others. This year’s Ramadan started on March 12^th and ends on April 9^th. As Muslims do not eat or drink after their pre-dawn meal “suhoor” and their break-fast meal “iftar”, what should non-Muslims do with Muslim friends or co-workers during the day? Certainly, you want to refrain from inviting your Muslim friends to lunch or afternoon tea. But what other considerations should you take into account during the day?

Read the article and learn some tips during Ramadan.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/ramadan-etiquette-guide-non-muslims/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4343-3/15/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,Kuriga kidnap: 

More than 280 Nigerian pupils abducted

With a population of over 230 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. Also, with rich natural resources like oil and natural gas, its economy is the largest in Africa and 27^th in the world. However, its wealth isn’t shared by most people, and its GDP per capita is ranked 143^rd in the world, meaning there are a lot of people in poverty. In such a country, corruption level and crime rate are both high and sadly, kidnapping for ransom occurs from time to time on a large scale. In 2021 alone, gunmen kidnapped over 300 girls in a school raid in Zamfara state in February, and 140 students went missing after armed men raided a boarding school in Kaduna state in July. Though the government prohibited making ransom payments in 2022, kidnapping is still practiced as business by gang groups, and earlier this month, over 280 students aged between eight and 15 were kidnapped from a school in the northwestern town of Kuriga. How many of them will be able to meet their families?

Read the article and learn about the dark side of Africa’s most prospective country.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68504329

Topic Reading-Vol.4342-3/14/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Sweden officially joins NATO, becoming alliance’s 32nd member

In 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established by 12 founding members to defend each other against attacks by third parties, namely the Soviet Union and its ally the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War. The collective security system was joined by the former Soviet allies including Poland, Hungary, and others after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Having been threatened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2002, Finland and Sweden applied to join the treaty. While Finland was accepted to join the organization a year later, Sweden’s application was approved just earlier this month because Turkey and Hungary hadn’t ratified it. Sweden had maintained a policy of neutrality in armed conflicts from the early 19^th century when it lost a substantial part of the territory after the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) and the Finnish War (1808-1809). Since the collective defense clause in Article 5 of the NATO treaty requires the member states to come to the defense of an attack on any member state, joining the defense treaty is a considerable risk and commitment to the member states while assuring them of military support. What made the former neutral country join NATO as the 32^nd member was the treaty’s hypothetical enemy, Russia.

Read the article and learn about the latest expansion of NATO.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/07/europe/sweden-join-nato-official-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4341-3/13/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Plov: Uzbekistan's rice dish with 'sexual power'

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is famous for its Islamic architecture, historic monuments, and Silk Road legacy like Samarkand. There is a national dish that is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. Plov, also known as Osh or Pilaf, is a traditional dish cuisine and holds significant cultural importance in Uzbekistan. It is a flavorful rice dish usually cooked with meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken, carrots, onions, and various spices including cumin, coriander, and garlic. Plov is often cooked in a large pot called a kazan, and it's commonly served for dozens or even hundreds of guests on special occasions, festivals, weddings, and family gatherings. It's considered a symbol of hospitality. Also, Plov is a popular dish on Thursdays and Sundays for families for historical reasons and aphrodisiac beliefs. Why?

Read the article and learn about Uzbekistan’s national dish.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240222-plov-uzbekistans-rice-dish-with-sexual-power

Topic Reading-Vol.4340-3/12/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Why some animals have evolved a sense of humour

Humor is the quality that makes something or some act funny or amusing, which is often expressed through laughter. It arises when something is done differently from what is expected or normal. Humor comes in from body action, wordplay, or awkward movement. As humor can strengthen social bonds, defuse tension, or cope with difficult emotions, it plays a significant role in social interactions. Humor has been thought of as a distinctly human emotion, but studies and observations found that some animals show similar behaviors to each other. For example, great apes like orangutans, chimps, and gorillas show certain teasing behaviors, such as poking, hitting, and body slamming. Also, dolphins are found to produce sounds of joy and elephants trumpet when they are playing with others. Some parrots even tease other animals for fun by whistling at and confusing them. It is still unclear if such acts should be considered humor as we humans do, but some animals seem to show their emotions in response to certain teasing or playful acts by others.

Read the article and think if animals use humor to enhance bonds with others.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240223-do-animals-have-sense-of-humour

Topic Reading-Vol.4339-3/11/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Here’s why Americans drive on the right and the UK drives on the left

Driving which side of the road is the rule of the road and fundamental to traffic flow. Left-hand traffic (LHT) is more common than right-hand traffic (RHT), practiced in over 160 countries and territories mainly in the Americas, Continental Europe, Africa, and mainland Asia. LHT is used in over 70 countries, mainly in former parts of the British Empire, such as the UK, Ireland, India, and Australia. Also, in Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, cars drive on the left. Combined, the population of LFT accounts for about a third of the world’s population. Why are there different systems in the world? One of the root causes of the different practices dates back to the times when people wore swords, rode horses, and drove carriages. Also, as 90% of people are right-handed, it is convenient to control horses and carriages on the right. But the question still remains. Why did Britain choose LHT?

Read the article and learn about the history of RHT and LHT.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/02/business/why-americans-drive-on-the-right-and-the-british-on-the-left/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4338-3/10/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

More than a billion people obese worldwide, research suggests

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation based on your height and weight that gives a general indication of whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. The formula is: BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) x height (m)), or divide your weight in kilograms by your height squared in meters. A BMI below 18.5 is defined as underweight, between 25 and 29.9 as overweight, and 30 or higher as obese. Obesity increases the risk of health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, while being underweight can be a sign of malnutrition or underlying health conditions and may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, weakened immune system, and reproductive issues. A report spanning 1990 and 2022 found that the proportion of the underweight population fell by 50% in the world. In the meanwhile, the obesity rate increased by four times among children and adults. For example, over 70% of the population in tropical island nations like American Samoa and Nauru are obese. Also, nearly 60% of Egyptian women and over 40% of American men are found obese. While people in poorer places are struggling to get enough food, others eat and weigh too much.

Read the article and learn about which countries have serious and pressing weight problems.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-68436642

Topic Reading-Vol.4337-3/9/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Nepal to require all Mount Everest climbers to use a tracking chip

There are eight mountain peaks that exceed 8,000 meters in Nepal, attracting climbers from all over the world. The highest one is Mount Everest, standing at 8,848 meters above sea level. Climbing these peaks is an extreme challenge, demanding physical fitness, mental strength, specialized equipment, and money. For example, climbers of Mount Everest have to pay $11,000 for a climbing permit, and around $20,000 for gear, food, oxygen, and Sherpa guides. Once they obtain permits and get ready, they have to spend weeks at base camp at 5,364 meters high to several weeks acclimatizing to the high altitude. Last year, 478 climbing permits were issued, 12 climbers died, and five others remain missing. In order to shorten search and rescue time in the event of an accident, climbers are now required to rent and equip GPS tracking chips, which will be sewn into their mountain jackets. It costs only $10 to $15 apiece, which might be the most economical yet effective tool to increase the chance of survival. 

Read the article and learn about what it costs to climb the highest peak in the world.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/nepal-mount-everest-climbers-tracking-chip/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4336-3/8/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why do some animals have 'virgin births'?

The idea of females being able to reproduce without male sperm is a type of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, where an egg develops into an embryo without being fertilized by sperm. Several insect species including aphids, bees, and ants are known to reproduce by parthenogenesis. Also, some reptiles and lizards like the Komodo Dragon, are known to produce their offspring without mating in nature. In captive environments, a number of asexual reproduction cases among sharks and reptiles have been reported for some time. Last month, a female stingray in an aquarium in North Carolina, USA was reported to have become pregnant by herself and produced four pups. Asexual reproduction is the last attempt to pass their genetics onto offspring, and in fact, some populations of whiptail lizards in Mexico reproduce asexually and have formed all-female communities. However, due to a lack of natural selection by sexual reproduction, asexually produced offspring tend to be short-lived or vulnerable to genetic mutations. Remember what the Jurassic Park movie series shows after parthenogenesis?

Enjoy reading the article and learn about parthenogenesis or asexual reproduction.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240229-why-do-some-animals-have-virgin-births

Topic Reading-Vol.4335-3/7/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

What the color of urine tells you about your health

Frequency and urgency of urine are thought to be health indicators of the prostate and bladder. But do you pay attention to the color of your urine? At a glance, you’ll find the hydration level of your body. If it’s light yellow, your hydration is adequate, and if it’s dark yellow, your body needs more water. But if your urine is red or pink, blood might be in the urine, and if it’s continuously dark brown or tea-colored, you might have liver or other health problems. Also, the clarity of your urine is affected by an infection, kidney problems, or side effects of medical treatment. What about the odor? It is quite natural to have a mild odor, but if you smell strong ammonia, you might be dehydrated. So, always check the color, clarity, and odor of your urine, you’ll find the hydration level and might be able to detect underlying health issues.

Read the article and learn about what your urine could show to you.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/29/health/urine-color-clarity-odor-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4334-3/6/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Why South Korean women aren't having babies

East Asian countries are in demographic crises. The population of South Korea is around 51 million but only 230,000 babies were born in 2023. Compared to those of Japan’s 125 million population and 750,000 newborns, South Korea had too few newborns. In fact, there were only 0.72 births per woman, the lowest in the world and on record. In Seoul, where about half of the nation’s population lives, the birth rate was only 0.55. Since the replacement level of birth rate is 2.1 births per woman, South Korea is rapidly losing its population. Why South Korean women are choosing a child-free life despite the lucrative support from the government, such as free taxis, hospital bills, and IVF treatments, as well as subsidized housing? Economically, housing and education costs are to blame, both of which are some of the highest in the world, especially in Seoul. Professionally, women work under high pressure to be competitive with their male counterparts. Socially, women are expected to be married to have children. Domestically, men aren’t willing to share house chores and childcare. Even though South Korea’s women have the same rights and opportunities as men, in reality, they seem to be expected to do more than men.

Read the article and learn about why so many women choose not to have children in South Korea.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68402139

Topic Reading-Vol.4333-3/5/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

The used electric vehicle market could tempt EV-curious drivers

It was late 2017 when Tesla started selling the Model 3 at $44,000 in the US market. In 2023, a little over one million new EVs were sold in the US. However, EVs are still more expensive than their gasoline-powered competitive models. For example, while the starting price of the best-selling sedan, the Toyota Camry, is $27,600, the best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, starts at over $43,000. Now, as Hertz, a rental car giant, is selling 20,000 EVs from their fleet, the prices of secondary EVs are going down significantly to become competitive with gasoline-powered new vehicles. Since electricity is more economical than gas to drive the same distance, more people may be interested in trying their first EV even though there are concerns about higher repair costs, uncertain battery life, and limited charging access. It is certainly the time to watch out for the secondary market for EVs.

Read the article and learn about how used EVs might drive the US EV market this year.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240222-used-electric-vehicle-market-ev-prices

Topic Reading-Vol.4332-3/4/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Luckin surpasses Starbucks in China in annual sales

Coffee drinks are rapidly becoming popular in China. Starbucks entered the Chinese market in 1999 and has established the premier coffee brand with its customized drinks, friendly service, and comfortable atmosphere. With about 6,800 stores, it had been the leader of the coffee chain businesses in China until 2022. Founded in 2017, Luckin Coffee has been growing at an incredible speed and now operates over 16,000 stores across China, about as many as Starbucks stores in the USA. Their affordability, convenience, promotions, and delivery services have all contributed to the rapid growth, especially in the tier-1 and tier-2, thirty-some largest cities. Last year, Luckin surpassed Starbucks in annual sales volume in China by increasing nearly 90% over the previous year. With its lighter store format and affordable prices, it is expected to grow even further, especially in the sinking markets, or 3^rd-tier markets where competition isn’t as fierce as larger markets. And there are other coffee store chains arising and growing rapidly in the market of 1.4 billion mouths. As China’s coffee consumption grows, will there be enough supply?

Read the article and learn about how rapidly China’s coffee stores are expanding.

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202402/26/WS65dc4065a31082fc043b91e3.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4331-3/3/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

One of the world’s biggest cities may be just months away from running out of water

Founded by Aztecs in the 14^th century, Mexico City is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The population of Greater Mexico City is around 22 million, the world’s sixth-largest metropolitan area. It is located in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of over 2,200 meters, where there is no natural drainage outlet for the waters from the mountainside. The city has been constantly sinking as much as 50 centimeters annually on average because of excess water extraction from underground. So, during the rainy season between June and September, the city suffers from flooding. During the dry season between October and May, the city has very little rain, and this season in particular has been very dry, and no less than 90% of Mexico City is in severe drought as of February. As a result, the supply of running water has been unstable for the last few months and is expected to be reduced further until the rainy season. If the upcoming rainy season brings less water than usual like the last season, the city is going to suffer severe water shortage for a long time.

Read the article and learn what causes such water shortages and how people are coping with the situation in this major metropolitan city.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/25/climate/mexico-city-water-crisis-climate-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4330-3/2/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Opinion: Why Iran hates America
The Persian Empire once ruled territories from modern-day Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, and parts of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In the early 20th century, Iran underwent significant political changes, including the Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1911, which established a constitutional monarchy and paved the way for greater political participation and modernization. In 1953, the USA and UK staged a coup against the democratically elected prime minister and gave the ruling power back to the Shah. In 1979, the Shar was overthrown by the Islamic Revolution, and the Islamic Republic of Iran was established. After failing the attempt to rescue the hostages in the embassy in Teheran, the US started supporting Iraq in the Iran-Iraq War between 1980 and 1988. No wonder why the relationship between the USA and Iran has been hostile for decades. To make things worse, US Middle East policies change from President to President. Also, Iran’s development of nuclear weapons has been a major concern for the USA and its Middle East ally, Israel. Will there be any means to improve the relationship between the two countries?
Read the article and learn about the complex issues that lie between the two countries.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/24/opinions/why-iran-hates-america-zakaria/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4329-3/1/2024

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

This is the greatest risk factor of death in people with obesity, according to a new study

According to a new study on 400,000 people from a UK database, loneliness, or social isolation is a major risk factor for poor health outcomes, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. In fact, the risk factor of social isolation was found to be greater than depression, anxiety, and other lifestyle factors like alcohol, exercise, and diet. Also, a 2023 study found that people who felt socially isolated were more likely to die early than those who didn’t. While most of us feel lonely from time to time, many of us have the chance to overcome or forget the loneliness when we interact or have fun with others. But if there isn’t such an opportunity, the loneliness becomes permanent and could become a form of chronic stress. All in all, maintaining a social network or interaction is as important as exercising regularly and eating healthily. Do online social networks work as well as face-to-face interactions?

Read the article and learn about the health risks of being lonely.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/22/health/obesity-isolation-wellness/index.html