Topic Reading-Vol.4754-4/30/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Are breakfast cereals really good for us?

Breakfast cereals are popular in some countries, especially the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK. They were originally simply made from wheat, oat flour, or corn, and eaten like porridge or grits. Nowadays, there is a vast variety of breakfast cereals, like Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Cheerios, as well as more complex choices like muesli, granola, and bran flakes. Some cereals are designed to be low in sugar or high in fiber, while others feature sweet or chocolate flavors and added ingredients like nuts, fruit, or marshmallows. As many of them are enriched by minerals and vitamins and also eaten with milk or yogurt, they can be a healthy diet to break fast. The product label highlights how much it is enriched by favorable ingredients like fiber and vitamins, but only prints unhealthy additives like sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors, in small letters on the back, which most of the buyers don’t pay so much attention to. Also, it is usually not mentioned what industrial processes the product underwent. So, which breakfast cereals are healthier than others to start a new day? By the way, the countries where breakfast cereals are popular tend to have higher overweight and obesity ratios. 

Read the article and learn about what breakfast cereals are and their impact on your health.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250422-are-breakfast-cereals-really-good-for-us

Topic Reading-Vol.4753-4/29/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

84% of the world’s coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record

Great Barrier Reef, Belize Barrier Reef, and the Red Sea reefs are a few of the most popular examples of beautiful coral reefs. Coral reefs are known for their vibrant colors and diverse ecosystems, making them one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth. Approximately 25% of all marine species can be found in, on, and around coral reefs. They are underwater ecosystems built by tiny marine animals called coral polyps. These polyps live in colonies and form hard, stony structures that provide shelter and food for a wide variety of marine life, including fish, sea turtles, crustaceans, and invertebrates. However, coral reefs are facing threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. When corals are under stress, they expel the microscopic algae that live in their tissues. Without these algae, corals’ tissues become transparent, exposing their white skeleton. Recently, the International Coral Reef Initiative announced that harmful bleaching of the world’s coral has grown to 84% of the ocean’s reefs, the worst ever recorded. As the planet becomes warmer, much of the heat is going into the oceans, giving more stress to coral reefs. It may not be too long before all the coral reefs become a white skeleton unless immediate actions are taken.

Read the article and learn about endangered coral reefs around the world. 

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/23/climate/coral-bleaching-record/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4752-4/28/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

A death every three minutes: Why India's roads are among the world's deadliest

There are around 290 million registered vehicles on the roads, and a little over 40,000 people die from motor vehicle crashes in the USA. In India, over 350 million registered vehicles are on the roads, and over 172,000 people died from traffic accidents in 2023, approximately 474 deaths each day. Among the dead, 54,000 weren’t wearing helmets, and 16,000 were not wearing seatbelts. Also, many people died from overloading, driving without a valid license, or driving on the wrong side. While a lack of basic safety precautions is the predominant cause of road accidents, the dangerous road environment is also to blame. In India, there are cars, buses, and motorcycles speeding on the road, while slower vehicles like bicycles, rickshaws, hand or animal-drawn carts, and pedestrians are crawling on the same congested roads. Also, improper design and installation of safety features like metal barriers and tall medians contribute to more traffic accidents on India’s roads. As more vehicles, whether electric or two-wheelers, are rapidly being added to the roads each day, India is in need of a safety upgrade in order not to increase traffic accidents accordingly. 

Read the article and think about how safe it is to drive, ride, or walk in India.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g49pgx6d0o

Topic Reading-Vol.4751-4/27/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Stress doesn’t just affect your bladder. It can hijack your overall health

When you encounter a life-threatening danger like a fire or attack, adrenaline is released, heart rate and blood pressure are increased, and senses are heightened to react to the immediate threat. These reactions to short-term stress are essential for your survival. When the stress continues, Cortisol, the stress hormone, is released to cope with sustained stress by increasing blood sugar and enhancing the brain’s focus and memory, while setting aside digestion, fertility, and immunity. So, if stress becomes chronic, your mind and body continue to stay in high alert and in this irregular mode, which could disrupt your immune system, impair metabolism, affect your mood and sleep, and cause chronic inflammation. A zebra may face a survival challenge when it is chased by a predator, but such stress won’t last long. But humans often bother themselves with mental stress, which cannot be solved in a short time, and causes long-term stress. Indeed, chronic stress, such as financial hardship, chronic illness, strained relationships, grades and appraisals, and a dissatisfying job, could cause health problems. Physical and mental health seem to be interconnected.

Read the article and learn what chronic stress does to your health.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/16/health/stress-urological-health-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4750-4/26/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

'Words carry power:' Mexican coffee shops rename the Americano

The traditional Americano is a shot of espresso with added hot water at a 1:3 to 1:4 ratio, retaining the complex flavors of espresso but in a lighter way. In Australia and New Zealand, a similar drink is called a long black, which is made by pouring a single shot of espresso into hot water, a different way to make the same drink. Because of the rising tensions about trade and immigration with the US, some Mexican coffee shops have renamed Americano to Mexicano without changing the taste, flavor, or price of the coffee. The rebranding seems to have been gaining support from other coffee shops and consumers. (But probably not by over 800 Starbucks stores in Mexico) 

In January this year, United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to adopt the name "Gulf of America" for the gulf waters bounded by the U.S, even though the gulf had been known as the Gulf of Mexico since the 1550s. Will there be more renaming moves in these two neighboring countries that are geographically and economically so connected? 

Read the article and learn about 

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/17/world/video/mexican-coffee-shop-renames-americano-mexicano-digvid

Topic Reading-Vol.4749-4/25/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Robots race in Chinese half marathon
More than 20 two-legged robots competed in the world’s first humanoid half-marathon with 12 thousands human runners in Beijing on April 19. Teams from several companies and universities took part in the race with robots in a variety of shapes and sizes, the tallest standing at 180 centimeters and the smallest at 75 centimeters. Technical issues hampered some teams at the start. Just as human runners needed to replenish themselves with water, robot contestants were allowed to get new batteries during the race. In case a robot could no longer keep running, it could be substituted by another with a 10-minute penalty. The first robot that ran across the finish line was Tiangong Ultra, which ran 21 kilometers in two hours and 40 minutes, an hour and 38 minutes short of the human winner of the race. How soon will we see a running robot equipped with AI and solar power run a full marathon in less than an hour without human support?
Watch the video and see how well two-legged robots perform in a running race with humans.
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/ce8gz5vl2z1o

Topic Reading-Vol.4748-4/24/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

A simple illustrated guide to 15 economic terms to know

In 2018, the first Trump administration began setting tariffs and other trade barriers on China to reduce the trade deficit. In 2022, the Biden administration introduced a number of new export limits and expanded sanctions to protect US economic and military interests from China. On February 1, the second Trump administration increased reciprocal tariffs on China by 10%, and China responded with 10% to 15% retaliatory tariffs just three days later. On March 3, the US raised levies on Chinese goods by another 10%, and China retaliated by imposing a 15% tariff on certain US goods the next day. This tit-for-tat trade war has escalated and expanded to other countries this month, slashing trillions of dollars from stock markets around the world and sending world leaders scrambling to respond. Are you familiar with these economic terms, such as trade deficit, reciprocal and retaliatory tariffs, and trade agreements? 

Read the article and learn 15 economic terms that have been in the news media recently.

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/4/11/trumps-tariffs-a-simple-illustrated-guide-to-15-economic-terms-to-know

Topic Reading-Vol.4747-4/23/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

How the next Pope is chosen

Pope Francis died on April 21, Easter Monday, at the age of 88. Having been born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere. While 1.4 billion Catholics around the world are in deep mourning, things are moving on to choose the next pope.

When a pope dies, a papal conclave is held by all 120 eligible cardinals, those under the age of 80, in the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. Paper ballots are passed out to each cardinal, who writes the name of their chosen candidate. If a cardinal has received two-thirds of the vote, he becomes the new pope. In 2013, it took five ballots to elect Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis. Of the last 266 popes, 217 were from the Italian Peninsula, and only one, Pope Francis, was from the Americas, even though over 60% of the Catholics live there. Where will the next pope be from? How many rounds of voting will it take to choose him?

Read the article and learn how the next Pope is elected.

https://www.bbc.com/news/resources/idt-904185ba-2600-4d37-9419-9204b4da5167

Topic Reading-Vol.4746-4/22/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

A German experiment gave people a basic monthly income. The effect on their work ethic was surprising

Universal basic income (UBI) is the concept of a government program in which every adult citizen receives a set amount of money regularly, regardless of their income level. It aims to alleviate poverty while replacing other need-based social programs. Proponents of universal basic income say it provides a basic safety net, reduces poverty, improves mental and physical health, and increases job security and negotiation power. However, critics are concerned about the cost and funding, work disincentives, and price hikes. A recent three-year study of 122 Germans who received €1,200 ($1,365) per month unconditionally found that it did not disincentivize the recipients to quit their jobs. Rather, the increase of their monthly income seems to have given them the economic security to change to more desirable jobs or take further education while experiencing greater satisfaction in their working, private, and social lives. Since the program was limited to only three years, many participants might have been inclined to invest or spend the money for their future. More than two million people applied to participate in the study to receive free money. What would you do if you started receiving your pension in your 30s?

Read the article and learn what effects universal basic income might have. 

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/11/health/germany-universal-basic-income-study-intl-scli-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4745-4/21/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

How to boost protein in your diet, without losing other nutrients. 5 tips from an expert

As stated in Vol. 4695, protein has many functions in the body. It helps maintain muscle mass and grow muscle when you exercise, helps the body build and repair tissues, and supports the immune system. It is recommended that an adult should take about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or about 10% to 35% of the calories in an adult’s diet. The question is how we should get enough good protein into our diet while taking other essential nutrients like carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and vitamins. There are ways to increase protein intake from your regular diet instead of depending regularly on highly processed protein-rich foods like protein bars and smoothies. For example, you could eat brown rice or wholewheat bread instead of white rice or white bread, or replace meat with beans or tofu for your health and the planet. Also, eating nuts and seeds is a healthy and convenient snack option. 

Read the article and learn about easy, healthy, and enjoyable ways to consume more protein in your daily diet.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/15/health/how-to-eat-more-protein-diet-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4744-4/20/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

What are semiconductors and why is Trump targeting them?

Semiconductors are materials that have a conductivity between conductors like metals and nonconductors (insulators) like ceramics. They are often found in digital circuits like computer chips, representing information using the binary system of 0s and 1s, with "1" representing a high voltage (or current flow) and "0" representing a low voltage (or no current flow).  A diode, integrated circuit (IC), and transistor, which are used to control electronic devices and systems,  are all made from semiconductors. Without semiconductors, no electronically controlled products can be produced, including sensors, power devices, memories, phones, computers, automobiles, or weapons. Taiwanese manufacturers hold over 60% of the world’s overall semiconductors share and an even higher share of the advanced products market. That’s the reason the Trump administration is trying to impose high tariffs on semiconductors in order to have those semiconductor manufacturers produce them in the US. However, there are so many kinds of semiconductors, and the technologies are advancing at a lightning speed even under intense cost pressures. Also, substantial financial investment, up-to-date technologies, experienced workers, and dedicated suppliers are all needed to build and run semiconductor businesses. It will take years to develop such a high-tech industry in a country where the labor cost is notoriously higher than any other and whose political landscape seems to change 180 degrees every four years.  

Read the article and learn about what semiconductors are and do for the US’s national security. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66394406

Topic Reading-Vol.4743-4/19/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Europe wants to ready its citizens for war. Will they listen?

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, some of the European countries have issued or updated survival guides to their citizens to improve their preparedness and resilience for war or crisis. Last year, Germany updated its guidance for what to do in case of war, and Sweden distributed a survival guide to millions of households. Finland, which shares a border of over a thousand kilometers with Russia, joined NATO a year after Russia’s invasion. The Finns have been taking defense more seriously than other European states as it had its lost territory to Russia/the Soviet Union from time to time. Last month, the European Commission urged citizens to stockpile food and other essential supplies for at least three days to prepare for a crisis. However, citizens in the countries whose borders are farther away from Russia like Britain, Italy, and Portogal may not feel such fear as imminent as those in the eastern part of Europe. As the US’s commitment to NATO is becoming less dependable, European nations now need to become more resilient and prepared in the event of military aggression or any other crisis.

Read the article and learn how European countries are trying to prepare for war.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/12/europe/europe-citizens-war-ready-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4742-4/18/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Extended heatwave in India, Pakistan to test survivability limits, with temperatures reaching Death Valley levels

Summer heatwaves have already hit parts of India and Pakistan. Since last week, the highest temperatures in Delhi have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. People, animals, and plants aren’t ready for this early summer heat. Under extreme and prolonged heat conditions, pregnant women and their unborn babies are particularly at high risk, as babies are often born preterm. Farmers may have to harvest their crops even before their maturity. Drought might weaken or even kill livestock. In the meantime, melting ice caps might cause flash floods near the mountain ranges. Also, heat waves increase demand for electricity and might cause power outages to conserve energy, which affects businesses and even the lives of people who are vulnerable to heat stress. Can people survive under extreme heat for months? 

Read the article and learn about the challenges under extreme heat waves in India and Pakistan.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/15/asia/india-pakistan-heatwave-climate-crisis-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4741-4/17/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Galapagos tortoises at Philadelphia Zoo become first-time parents at nearly 100

The Galapagos tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise, which can weigh up to over 400 kg. Galapagos tortoise are healthy vegetarians that eat cacti, grasses, leaves, lichens, berries, melons, oranges, and milkweed, and live up to 100 years but are a critically endangered species. Females travel several kilometers to reach nesting areas of dry sandy coast, dig nests over days, and lay a few to a dozen eggs. At Philadeliphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in America with a history of over 150 years, a female Galapagos tortoise, which came to the zoo in 1932, became the oldest first-time mom of the species. The four hatchlings weigh about the same as a chicken egg, and other eggs are still being monitored for hatching. If you visit America’s longest-running zoo, you’ll find the oldest mother Galapagos tortoise and the world’s youngest Galapagos tortoises. 

Read the article and learn about a century-old, first-time mother tortoise.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/07/travel/galapagos-tortoises-philadelphia-zoo-scli-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4740-4/16/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

‘A retreat above the clouds’: The airlines keeping first class alive

When you fly a budget airline, you’ll have to cram into a tiny seat with a 28-inch legroom. You may have more extended legroom on a full-service carrier’s flight, but it won’t look as spacious as a premier economy seat. However, when you board a wide-body aircraft from the front door, you may walk through the business class cabin with full-flat seats, some of them look like individual suites with sliding doors for privacy, which are much better than first class seats in the old days. Indeed, many airlines have upgraded their business class cabin to replace first class. Nowadays, what matters the most is not just legroom or meals but comfort during the flight, and there seem to be passengers who look for ambience and experience in their cabin like a private jet, and some airlines are trying to accommodate such needs. The German flag carrier Lufthansa is investing hundreds of millions of euros in a new Allegris cabin for its Airbus A350 jets that have three suites, two window suites and a central double suite for pairs. Each suite is fully enclosed, with sliding doors to create a feeling similar to a hotel room at an altitude of 36,000ft. Perks on the ground include a personal assistant who meets the passengers at check-in, escorts them to the first-class lounge, and then guides them to the boarding gate when the time has come. Some other long-haul airlines like Air France, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates are coming up with similar luxurious private jet-like cabins and services. Even though you get what you’ve paid for, you can still make your journey more enjoyable in your own ways. 

Read the article and learn about reviving and renovating first class. 

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/10/travel/airlines-bringing-back-first-class-lufthansa-air-france/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4739-4/15/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Scientists say they have resurrected the dire wolf

A US biotech company announced that it has brought back an extinct dire wolf that last walked the Earth about 10,000 years ago. Its scientists extracted DNA from an old tooth and skull, assembled two complete sets of genetic information, and compared the genomes with those of living wolves, jackals, and foxes to identify the genetic variants, which were found to be 99.5% the same as gray wolves. Then, they altered gray wolf cells, cloned cell lines, and transferred them into donor eggs from large mixed-breed hound dogs that acted as surrogate mothers. A video shows three resurrected dire wolves running around in a fenced area like dogs. The company has also been working on resurrecting the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger since 2021. Also, such bioengineering technologies might help conserve critically endangered animals. Will we someday see the dinosaurs that appeared in the movie Jurassic Park, in which a team of genetic scientists created a wildlife park of de-extinct dinosaurs? 

Read the article and learn about the resurrected dire wolves. 

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/07/science/dire-wolf-de-extinction-cloning-colossal/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4738-4/14/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Beijing calls Vance 'ignorant' over 'Chinese peasants' remark

James David Vance is an American politician, author, and attorney, and is currently serving as the 50th vice president of the US. He said Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was “badmouthing” on the February 19 meeting at the White House. Now, his comments on the trade tension with China earlier this month astonished China and sparked a furious response from Chinese social media users. He said, “To make it a little more crystal clear, we borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.” How much does Vance know about China? In fact, China has the world’s largest high-speed rail system, the most powerful logistics capabilities,  EVs and autonomous driving, and drone technologies, as well as the advanced AI technologies that are competitive with the US. Also, why is the US trying to impose astonishingly high tariffs on a country of peasants? The vice president of the US, VPOTUS, is the second-highest ranking office of the US federal government and ranks first in the presidential line of succession. 

Read the article and find out what the incumbent US vice president said about China.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20zd4k6d36o

Topic Reading-Vol.4737-4/13/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why Beijing is not backing down on tariffs

China was the second largest exporter to the US after Mexico last year, amounting to over 400 billion. As of April 11, the US has announced that it will impose 145% reciprocal tariffs on most goods from China, including metals, cars, computers, and smartphones, in an attempt to negotiate deals that would reduce its trade deficit. However, China has hit back at the US with retaliatory tariffs up to 125%, a 50% jump from the 84% tariffs announced just a few days earlier. China imports oilseeds, grains, oil and gas, medicines, chemicals, and semiconductors from the US. Why have the two superpowers engaged in such tit-for-tat tariff increases that have tumbled the financial markets around the world? Exporters, importers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers of these countries are all going to be physically and financially affected sooner or later unless the two governments sit at the negotiation table or drop their guns. However, China’s stance on the US’s reciprocal tariffs has been very rigid so far. How come they can stand it?  In the meantime, the Trump administration suddenly announced today that smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards, are exempted from the tariffs retroactively to April 5.

Read the article and learn about the latest trade tension between the two superpowers.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjew7y4j724o

Topic Reading-Vol.4736-4/12/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Rats ‘bigger than cats’ are roaming Britain’s second-biggest city as garbage collectors strike

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, with a population of over 4 million in the wider metropolitan area. During the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham transformed from a relatively small town into a major manufacturing hub, earning nicknames like "the workshop of the world." The city is now a major commercial center and an important transport, retail, and conference hub. However, Birmingham declared itself bankrupt in September 2023 because of equal pay claims, IT project overspending, and budget shortfalls. This year, after months of pay disputes, the city’s 400 garbage collectors went on strike indefinitely in early March. Only fewer than half of the usual number of garbage trucks have been collecting garbage recently, leaving uncollected garbage in many parts of the city, which has become an ideal dining source for unwecomed city dwellers, rats. How much or how long can residents refrain from putting out garbage in such a situation? Maybe it is time to think about how to reduce garbage. 

Read the article and see the photos of what is going on in the UK’s second largest city.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/05/business/birmingham-uk-garbage-strike-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4735-4/11/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Eco-burials take root in funeral industry

After death, the method or practice to treat the dead body varies by culture and situation. Burial is a widespread practice in Christianity and Islam cultures, while cremation is common in Buddhism and Hinduism. In many cases, the body or cremation urn is buried under the family or individual tomb. Traditionally, Chinese people visit ancestral tombs to sweep them during the Qingming Festival in April. However, as their views on traditions, family ties, and the environment change, the number of people who choose more eco-friendly practices like sea and tree burials are increasing in China. Last year alone, over 10 million people died in China, and the number will increase in the coming years. Since local governments are promoting such eco-burials with free funeral services or subsidies to raise awareness of such economical, space-saving burial practices, they are expected to become more common in China. As the world population has already exceeded eight billion and keeps growing, burial practices may have to change to accommodate the increasing number of dead bodies in the near future. After all, memorials should be about remembrance, not monuments. 

Read the article and learn about China’s eco-burials. 

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202504/04/WS67ef239ea3104d9fd381d9a2_2.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4734-4/10/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Airport theory: The new viral trend that has people missing their flights

How early do you usually try to get to the airport before your flight? Many airlines advise their passengers to arrive at the airport as long as two hours before departure time for their domestic flights and three hours for international flights, just to make sure they have enough time for check-in, security clearance, and reaching the gate. If passengers come that early, they have to wait for a long time before boarding. But if you’ve checked in online and have only a carry-on luggage, how much time is really needed at the airport before boarding? For some people, the shorter the waiting time is, the higher the satisfaction they feel. Recently, there have been many TikTok followers of the airport theory, which introduces passengers who show up to the airport very shortly before their departure time, like 15 or 20 minutes, and still get to board. Such rush attempts might fail if there is traffic to the airport, a long line at the security check, and distance or a shuttle transport to the departure gate even if you’ve already checked-in online and registered your ID digitally. Indeed, your adrenaline level will surge while hurrying to the gate, and if you catch the flight, you’ll feel relieved and satisfied. But if you miss the flight, you may bear with a financial penalty and a long waiting time for the next available flight, if any. Do you want to be the very last person to get on board?

Read the article and learn what the TikTok Airport Theory is about.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/04/travel/airport-theory-tiktok-travel-trend/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4733-4/9/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Screen time in bed linked to worse sleep, study finds

Experts recommend that establishing a routine before going to or in bed, such as keeping regular hours or reading a book, helps you enjoy better sleep. But what about playing games before bedtime or checking SNS in bed? A survey data of Norwegian students aged between 18 and 28 indicates that the longer screen time spent in bed led to a higher risk for insomnia and shorter sleep time. However, it found no evident correlation between the type of screen activity, like games, videos, or SNS, and sleep disruption. You may wonder if the night mode or a less bright screen of your device would lessen the impact of screen time, but what seems to matter to your sleep is not what you are looking at but the engagement with your phone itself. Then what about reading a book or comic on the phone? …   

Read the article and learn about the impacts of screentime on sleep quality. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz79jpxzev5o

(If you want to learn how to sleep better, check Vol.4720.)

Topic Reading-Vol.4732-4/8/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

In Kenya, girls are sold into marriage to stave off starvation from drought

From 2020 to 2023, communities in Kenya experienced the worst drought since the 1980s. There, 80 percent of food production relies heavily on small-scale farmers, but with three years of below average rainfall, families have lost cattle, crops, and livelihoods. The drought situation has deteriorated in most of the 23 counties in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), leaving millions at risk of starvation. This year, the situation has worsened due to the poor performance of the 2024 short rainy season. As many as 1.8 million people in Kenya's ASALs were food insecure and in need of humanitarian assistance as the areas endured the severe effects of climate change. As many as 500,000 children under five and over 100,000 pregnant women in the areas were malnourished and in need of treatment. In the drought-hit northern Marsabit region, a woman has to walk hours only to reach the only well in the area, load cans of water on her donkey, and walk back home. A girl was told to take her family's goat herd to a pasture far away from her home alone, was raped by a stranger, and became pregnant. A 15-year-old girl was told to marry a stranger in exchange for three camels and three goats. Women are often more vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change and conflicts.

Read the article about the hardship and danger of women in drought-hit Kenya.

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/4/2/in-kenya-girls-are-sold-into-marriage-to-stave-off-starvation-from-drought

Topic Reading-Vol.4731-4/7/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why autism isn’t diagnosed in girls and women

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges with social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Individuals with ASD may have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or sharing interests and emotions with others. They often exhibit restricted, repetitive movements, speech, or actions like flapping their hands. Boys are predominant among those who are diagnosed with ASD, approximately four times more often than girls. However, researchers now think this is not because more boys are autistic than girls are but because of the preconceived idea that ASD is predominantly boys’ problem. As a result, tests that have been used are somehow based on boys' behaviors. In general, while boys with ASD often exhibit autistic behaviors like banging their heads against a desk or kicking things, girls tend to be quiet and stand in the corner, which is often seen as just “shy”. It seems that our perception and testing methods need to be redefined to properly identify who has difficulty learning, paying attention, reacting to things, or interacting with others. 

Read the article and learn how autism has been diagnosed and how it has excluded girls from being diagnosed. 

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/02/health/autism-in-girls-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4730-4/6/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

'A hostile state': Why some travellers are avoiding the US

France, Spain, and the US are the three most visited countries in the world, with over 80 million visitors last year, followed by China with 65 million. But this ranking might change this year. As the US imposes hostile tariffs even to friendly nations, claims other territories to be part of the US, cracks down on illegal immigrants, revokes visas and staying permits, and threatens equality and human rights, many of those who planned to visit the US are feeling unsafe to travel to the US and are rethinking their plans. The updated inbound US travel forecast predicts a 5% decline this year instead of the 8.8% growth in the previous estimate. This could have substantial economic impacts on the US economy and jobs. It’s not just Tesla, Harley Davidson, or Jack Daniel’s but also businesses and workers in the hotels and hospitality industries that suffer the most from rising US boycotts. Meanwhile, China, the fourth most visited country after the US, welcomes more foreign visitors by waiving visa requirements to 38 countries. What will the long-term effects of the recent US policies be? 

Read the article and learn about the impacts of the recent US policies on the tourism industry.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250328-the-people-boycotting-travel-to-the-us

Topic Reading-Vol.4729-4/5/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Germany decides to leave history in the past and prepare for war

Led by Vlademir Putin, Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and invaded Ukraine on a full scale in 2022. Led by the USA, the Western allies have been supporting Ukraine ever since, both economically and militarily. However, the new US leader has made its allies suspicious of its support to Ukraine and NATO. Until recently, Germans had been reluctant to strengthen military forces because of their roles in the last two world wars, but their peace sentiment seems to have been changing. A recent poll in Germany suggested that not only nearly 80% of the respondents see Putin as dangerous to European peace and security but also 74% said the same for Donald Trump. Germany has recently lifted the strict budget cap on defense spending to upgrade its forces to improve preparedness. However, the military top thinks it needs 100,000 more troops to defend itself and NATO’s eastern flank, which most likely requires the reintroduction of compulsory military service like Lithuania, Sweden, and Latvia. It seems that the world is now experiencing a paradigm shift in international security from WWII and the Cold War. 

Read the article and learn how Germans have changed their mindset for national security.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjyjlkewr2o

Topic Reading-Vol.4728-4/4/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Artificial sweetener found in diet drinks linked to brain changes that increase appetite, study finds

Sucralose is a synthetic, zero-calorie artificial sweetener derived from sugar. It is approximately 600 times sweeter than table sugar and is used as a sugar substitute in various foods and beverages, like Splenda in the US and E955 in Europe. It helps people reduce the intake of calories from sugar and manage blood sugar levels because it decreases the desire for additional sweets. However, the body requires glucose for energy, particularly the brain. A recent study found that when artificially sweetened drinks do not increase blood sugar levels, the brain seems to crave sugar intake by increasing the appetite. Artificial sweetener does please the tongue significantly but neither the brain nor the body. 

Read the article and learn what artificial sweetener does and doesn’t do to your body.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/29/health/artificial-sweetener-sucralose-hunger-signals-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4727-4/3/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

What’s the riskiest part of your flight? It isn’t cruising at 40,000 feet

After checking in luggage, clearing security check, waiting for boarding, and fighting space for overhead bin, you are seated and relaxed for flight. When the airplane starts descending for landing, you feel relieved from the stress of the flight and are looking forward to the next event. But these are the most critical moments for air travel. In the USA, there were 1,468 accidents last year alone, 770 of which occurred on landing and 124 during take off. When descending for landing, the aircraft is losing altitude, speed, and maneuverability, thus, it is left with limited options to cope with challenging conditions like turbulence, bird strike, functional failure, or human error. In fact, since descending and landing are the most dangerous moments, unnecessary conversation or activity is not permitted in the cockpit below 10,000 feet to ensure pilots are fully focused on controlling the aircraft. What passengers can do during these critical moments is to fasten their seatbelts tightly and follow any instructions given by the crew members.

Read the article and learn about the risks of air travel.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/29/travel/takeoff-landings-riskiest-part-of-your-flight/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4726-4/2/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

The world's strongest ocean current should be getting faster – instead, it is at risk of failing

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is a wind-driven surface oceanic current encircling Antarctica that flows clockwise from west to east. It’s like a moat around the icy continent that helps to keep warm water away from Antarctica’s ice sheets and protect its biodiversity from invasive species. As the strong current connects the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans like a conveyor belt, it also plays a vital role in regulating the global climate. New research has found that this current is slowing as cool water from melting Antactica’s ice dilutes the salty water of the ocean, allowing warmer water to come closer to Antarctica and melt its ice shelves. This ice-melting and weakened circumpolar current spiral would further weaken the ocean’s ability to regulate climate change and disrupt global climate patterns. Studying this remote and vast ocean current seems to help us learn more about global climate, but reducing fossil fuel emissions is more essential and imminent to curb global warming.

Read the article and learn what the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is about and what it does to the global climate.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250303-the-worlds-strongest-ocean-current-is-at-risk

Topic Reading-Vol.4725-4/1/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

EU urges citizens to stockpile 72 hours’ worth of supplies amid war risk

It took nearly three years for the US to get involved in WWI and took over two years in WWII. In 1949, member states of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) signed article 5, which states an attack on one member is considered an attack on all and reaffirms the member states’ commitment to collective defense. However, due to the uncertainty and unpredictability of the US president’s foreign policies, the US's support to maintain peace in Europe is becoming questionable, which made European leaders feel the need to upgrade readiness for hostile events. They’ve already started improving military mobility, stockpiling, and fostering operational cooperation across the union. Recently, citizens of the 27 EU states were advised to store enough water, food, and other essential supplies for at least three days to prepare for an emergency, including Russia’s military aggression, disruption of critical infrastructure, and electronic warfare. In 1939, Nazi Germany invated and occupied the Czech after previsouly acquiring the Sudetenland via the Munich Agreement in 1938. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and invaded the country in 2022. History seems to repeat itself.

Read the article to learn what European leaders are preparing for.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/26/europe/european-union-stockpile-member-states-intl-latam/index.html