Topic Reading-Vol.4890-9/13/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Visiting the US is about to get more expensive for foreign travelers

Visitors to the USA are required to pay higher fees from next month. Citizens of 42 countries listed on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are eligible for entry to the US without a visa, including most EU nations, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and Qatar. On September 30, the VWP fee will increase from USD21 to $40. Also, visitors arriving through a land border will see a steep hike in the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record price from $6 to $30. Now, travelers from non-VWP countries for business or tourism are required to apply for a B1 or B2 visa, which costs $185. In addition, Chinese travelers will have to pay a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee in addition to their visa application fees. Because of the current administration’s unfriendly foreign policies, or even hostile in some cases, the US is predicted to lose a substantial amount of international tourism spending this year. Is that what the USA is aiming for?

Read the article and learn how economically restrictive the USA is going to be.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/06/travel/travel-news-us-visa-fees-foreign-travelers

Topic Reading-Vol.4889-9/12/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

McSpaghetti to McAloo Tikki: Inside the world's local McDonald's

McDonald’s operates over 40,000 outlets in more than 100 countries around the world, including 13,500 outlets in the USA, nearly 7,000 in China, around 3,000 in Japan, and one in Samoa. Every day, they serve 65 million people around the world. Do they all eat the same burgers and fries? In fact, McDonald’s menus are very diverse, reflecting local tastes, traditions, and religious restrictions. For example, in India, you’ll find a plentiful vegetarian menu and Mararaja Mac instead of Big Mac. Other variations are: Mc Baguette in France, Mc Iberica in Spain, McSpaghetti in the Philippines, and Entrecote Burger in Israel, to name a few. After all, McDonald’s restaurants aren’t just places that serve food and drinks, but they also provide quality, service, safety, cleanliness, bright atmosphere, and a smile.

See the photos and read the article to learn how adaptable the world’s largest restaurant chain is.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250904-inside-the-worlds-local-mcdonalds

Topic Reading-Vol.4888-9/11/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Energy drinks to be banned for under 16s

Caffeine enhances wakefulness, energy levels, concentration, attention, and even physical performance. In the meantime, it often triggers nervousness, prevents sleep, elevates blood pressure, or increases urination. How much caffeine is too much depends on the individual’s age, sensitivity, health conditions, and the time of day, but in general, up to 400 milligrams a day is regarded ok for most adults. For example, a can of cola contains 40 mg and a mug of coffee 100 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, contain as much caffeine as a mug of coffee, but they are sugary and sold in larger cans than mug cups. Consuming such drinks in large amounts could cause a rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, damage to teeth, and obesity. These drinks are geared towards young people, associated with sports, gaming, and music. Young people’s bodies and brains are still developing, and they are more sensitive to caffeine than adults. If they consume sports drinks like water or tea regularly, their health, mental, and emotional health might be affected. Now, the government in England is planning to prevent young people under the age of 16 from buying energy drinks.

Read the article and learn why energy drinks are going to be banned for young people in England.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c707074qdnko

Topic Reading-Vol.4887-9/10/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

The pandemic generation: How Covid-19 lockdowns is having a long-lasting effect on children

All of a sudden, schools, offices, and commercial and public facilities in many places were closed in March 2020 for months when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world. It appears to have a profound impact, especially on young children whose mental, physical, academic, and social developments are yet to mature and are in a critical phase. Even after schools began to open and restrictions were eased, children were told to wear masks, keep distance from others, avoid interactions and conversations with others, and stay at home. Children then missed the chance to feel, smell, and engage with the social environment. They end up spending a lot of time on their smartphone or game machines by themselves. In many schools, as classes were held online for months or even longer, many students didn’t seem to have learned as well as they were supposed to in actual classes. How are they doing now? 

Read the article and learn about the effects are teachers and experts are finding among the COVID-affected children, a few years after the social distraction

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250605-the-pandemic-generation-how-covid-19-has-left-a-long-term-mark-on-children

Topic Reading-Vol.4886-9/9/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Is a low-salt diet as unhealthy as having too much?

It is recommended that we take no more than 5 grams of salt per day to reduce the risk of heart disease. That is about 2000 milligrams, or two grams, of sodium, which is usually stated on food labels. The WHO estimates that the average salt intake per day is a little over 10 grams globally, only a quarter of which comes from salt we add to food ourselves. In fact, most of the salt we eat is already included in the food before we prepare or serve it. For example, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes contain over 200 mg of sodium per serving (42g), and a slice of cheddar cheese contains between 150 and 200 mg. You probably know that high salt consumption causes high blood pressure, which could lead to strokes and heart disease. Is it then true that the lower the salt intake, the lower the risk of heart disease will be? No. Salt is essential for nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and nutrient transport. How can we balance salt intake when we consume more prepared or packaged food?

Read the article and learn what salt, or sodium, does to your body and health.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20181029-eating-less-salt-benefits

Topic Reading-Vol.4885-9/8/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Sunscreen myths: The real science behind sun protection

The summer is about to phase out in the northern hemisphere. However, you aren’t free from the harmful effects of sunlight. The ultraviolet index (UV index) is a measurement of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause sunburn and even cancer to our skin. When the UV index is three or higher, you want to protect yourself with a hat and clothing, or stay indoors or in shade. But if you still need to or want to be out under the sun, you should put sunscreen on your face, neck, hands, and any other exposed skin to prevent sun damage. Then what level of skin protection factor (SPF) of the sunscreen is enough to protect you on the beach? Do you need to put on sunscreen under a cloudy sky? Are you safe outside once you put sunscreen on, and how long does the effect of sunscreen last?

Read the article and learn how and when you should use sunscreen.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250829-the-real-science-behind-sun-protection

Topic Reading-Vol.4884-9/7/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

India’s growing lion population should be cause for celebration, but it’s also a deadly problem

India, the world’s most populous country, is trying to be a global leader in feline conservation, including tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars. Wild lions in India were once hunted to the brink of extinction, but after the state of Gujarat, a western coastal state north of Mumbai, banned the killing, the state’s lion population has increased by 30% to 891 in the last five years. Instead of conserving the species in a protected area, Gujarat communities coexist with lions. In fact, lions help bring more tourists to the state. Also, lions prey on abandoned old cattle and unwanted wild pigs or antelopes. However, as the lion population increases, so do the chances of lion attacks on humans and cattle. In the year ending June this year, as many as seven people were killed by lions. Should they keep living with wild lions, relocate them to a wildlife sanctuary, or isolate them from human habitats?

Read the article and learn about how an Indian state is trying to live with lions.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/31/world/india-lion-human-conflict-intl-dst-hnk

Topic Reading-Vol.4883-9/6/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Five of the world's safest countries for 2025It seems that small, isolated countries are safer than others, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), which measures trends in peace, economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies. Its three domains include the level of social safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization. This year, three island nations, Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand, and two landlocked mountain countries, Austria and Switzerland, are found to be at the top of the list, followed by Singapore. Among the European nations, Iceland is a member of NATO, but Ireland, Austria, and Switzerland are not. New Zealand has a small but capable military, and Singapore maintains one of the highest levels of military expenditure per capita. While compulsory military service applies in Austria, Switzerland, and Singapore, Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand rely on voluntary military service. What makes a nation more peaceful than others?

Read the article and learn about the countries that are regarded as the world’s safest.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250822-five-of-the-worlds-safest-countries-for-2025

Topic Reading-Vol.4882-9/5/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

150 job applications, rescinded offers: Computer science grads are struggling to find work

Big tech companies, including Microsoft, Meta, and IBM, are cutting jobs, programs, and investment because of economic uncertainty, a post-pandemic slowdown, and the increasing adoption of AI. In the US, software development job postings have plummeted to below pre-pandemic times, especially after AI coding tools began taking junior engineer jobs. Indeed, with AI, many companies can now automate some parts of the coding and software development process and have reduced their human workforce, especially in entry-level roles. As a result, entry-level job opportunities for new graduates with computer science or engineering degrees have become scarce. To live and work with AI, human workers are required to understand how systems work, develop critical thinking, and become creative. However, the number of such job opportunities may not be as many as they used to be. Some universities are evolving for the AI era by allowing students to use generative AI or rolling out AI-assisted software development courses. AI and robots are very helpful and productive, but they are taking over many human job opportunities. The time might have come for humans to evolve to live and work with AI and robots. 

Read the article and think about what the job opportunities will be like in the future.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/28/tech/computer-science-graduates-job-hunt-ai

Topic Reading-Vol.4881-9/4/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

How Russia’s drone attacks have reshaped the war in Ukraine: An illustrated guide

On August 28, Russia attacked Ukraine with over 30 missiles and nearly 600 strike drones, killing more than 20 people and wounding dozens. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, both countries have been using drones extensively. In the military, aerial drones are being used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and direct attacks. While smaller drones are portable and deployed for low-altitude, short-range operations, larger drones can fly at higher altitudes and longer distances, deploy smaller drones, and carry heavier explosives. Many of the attack drones are disposable, designed to be destroyed upon hitting their targets with payloads, called kamikaze or suicide drones. They are very economical because they can be produced cheaply on a massive scale and programmed instantly and remotely. Also, they require no training, accommodation, or compensation like human soldiers. So, what kind of drones are used in today’s warfare?

Read the article and learn about Russia’s attack drones.

https://edition.cnn.com/world/russia-drone-attacks-ukraine-war-intl-vis?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc&recs_exp=up-next-article-end&tenant_id=related.en

Topic Reading-Vol.4880-9/3/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

One million stray dogs in India’s capital regain the right to roam after legal battle with nation’s top court

In India, people pay an ingrained cultural respect for animals. It is estimated that over 60 million stray dogs roam the streets, neighborhoods, slums, and villages in the country, and many of those live in harmony with humans. Even though there are cases of dog attacks on humans, it is illegal to euthanize healthy stray dogs. The latest ruling by the nation’s supreme court states that stray dogs should be picked up, neutered, and vaccinated before being released. However, there are just too many of them to properly care for and feed. In fact, due to the limited funding and veterinary capacities, the dogs’ breeding cycle outpaces sterilization rates. The ruling sounds humane and respectful to India’s tradition, but the nation still needs more funding, infrastructure, and manpower to put the ruling into practice and keep the streets and neighborhoods safe and livable for both humans and dogs. Also, what about the safety of little children? It is never easy to plan or control the population.

Read the article and learn about the stray dogs in the world’s most populous country.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/22/india/india-stray-dogs-supreme-court-intl-hnk-dst

Topic Reading-Vol.4879-9/2/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Sitting up straight isn't the only secret to good posture - here are three more tips

Good posture is not about being stiff or holding yourself upright all day, but about balanced, efficient movement that protects your body from strain and damage. It includes keeping your back straight, shoulders relaxed, head centered, and your abdomen pulled in. To keep good posture, whatever your position is at a desk or on a sofa, you definitely do not want to stay locked in one position for a long time. Instead, stand, move, and stretch your body from time to time to release tension. Also, exercise regularly to build a stronger core and back. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, your emotional and physical health does affect your posture. If you’re stressed or pressured, your posture tends to deteriorate. Posture seems to reflect the person’s mindset, physical conditions, exercise level, and tension. 

Read the article and learn about what could improve your posture.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250703-the-body-parts-evolution-still-cant-explain

Topic Reading-Vol.4878-9/1/2025

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Your subway wasn’t built for this world 

The first subway, the London Underground, opened in 1863, using gas-lit wooden carriages hauled by steam locomotives, and the first electrified underground line opened in 1890 in the same city. Then in 1967, the first air-conditioned subway cars were introduced in New York, and the first air-conditioned subway system began its service in Hong Kong in 1979. Now, most subway lines are air-conditioned, except for many of the legendary London Underground lines that were built ages ago. However, even though susways have become heat-resistant, they are vulnerable to torrential rainfall events, which occur more often recently due to global warming. Flooded water rushes down to the platforms and railways from the entrances and grates, suspending the service and even causing damage to the operation system. It seems that human-engineered underground mass transportation systems need another innovation to cope with human-caused climate events.

Read the article and learn what problems modern subways are facing.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/25/climate/subway-cities-infrastructure-flooding