Topic Reading-Vol.3706-6/4/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Have scientists discovered how to read our thoughts?

Will science be able to figure out how and what we think in the future? A project was launched in 2013 involving more than 500 laboratories around the world to develop new tools for brain research and neurotechnology. One of the researchers used ultrafast lasers to record and alter the brain activity of mice. In other words, they read what the mice had in their minds and changed it. Such therapies using electronic devices for stimulating and recording activity in the nervous system are called electroceuticals. As research advances, it may become possible for wearables to read humans’ minds within a decade. Some scientists expect to come up with cures for brain disorders, like bringing back the memories of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s. Sound like a science fiction story, doesn’t it? But if such technology becomes available, will our privacy be protected? Also, what could happen if someone’s brain was given misleading or malicious alterations?

Enjoy watching the video to learn about this ongoing research on human brains.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0c9j6wm/have-scientists-discovered-how-to-read-our-thoughts-

Topic Reading-Vol.3705-6/3/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Smart gyms in Guiyang moved outdoors

A simple question. Does it have to be indoor to pedal an exercise bike? What if there are exercise bikes in a public park that anyone can pedal like sitting on a bench? Well, the bureau of sports of the capital of Southwest China’s Guizhou province believes so and has already set up 15 outdoor smart gyms in the city. Each smart gym consists of a physical examination area, a muscle training area, and a competition area. Just like any other service in China, a smartphone app gives users customized guidance. Well, it may be as simple as a swing or seesaw for kids. Anyone can just stop by and do some exercise without going into a facility or getting a membership. The city hopes it will improve public health and wellness and add more outdoor smart gyms.

Enjoy reading the article and think if you would use it if you find one in your neighborhood.

http://tyj.english.guiyang.gov.cn/2022-05/26/c_756993.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.3704-6/2/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

23 of the world's best sandwiches

The sandwich is named after the said-to-be inventor, the 4^th Earl of Sandwich in the 18^th century. It usually consists of ingredients, such as vegetables, sliced cheese, meat, or whatever, between slices of bread or any wrapper that hold the ingredients. Sandwiches are especially popular for lunch as they can be taken out to work, school, or outdoor. Some popular variations are hot dogs and open sandwiches. There are so many different types of sandwiches around the world, such as hamburgers, pita sandwiches, and baguette sandwiches only to name a few. Also, there seems to be a different focus on which the main part of the sandwich is, the thing outside (usually bread) or the thing inside (ingredient). Where the bread is main, the ingredients tend to be simpler, like premium ham or cheese. Good sandwiches usually have a good balance between the bread and the ingredients. One thing common for any sandwich is that it is eaten by hand.

Enjoy seeing 23 popular sandwiches around the world and their descriptions.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-best-sandwiches/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3703-6/1/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Female avatar sexually assaulted in Meta VR platform, campaigners say

The metaverse refers to a virtual world where people can live, work and play via an avatar. Tech companies are investing billions of dollars into developing the technology and creators, marketers, advertisers are jumping on the bandwagon to explore new business opportunities even though there still are only a few metaverse platforms available. In 3D virtual environments, users can experience the environment, engage in activities, and interact with others through their avatars. This virtual world allows users to enjoy activities they can’t actually or physically do in the real world. This could mean one can harass or intimidate others like an SNS but much more realistically. True. Though metaverse is virtual, it offers real-time engagement with others. Meta, former Facebook which offers a metaverse platform, has safeguards in its virtual worlds called Personal Boundary, which prevents avatars that are not on the friends’ list from coming within a set distance, currently 1.2 meters. But no safeguard is 100% safe. And what happened to a female researcher was …

Read the article and learn about what harassment in a virtual world is like.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-61573661

Topic Reading-Vol.3702-5/31/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

NeWater: Turning urine into beer in Singapore

Though it is located in a tropical region, Singapore has very little water resources for its 5.8 million residents and businesses. Besides the import of water from Malaysia, the city state has built a robust, diversified, and sustainable water supply from the local catchment, desalinated water, and high-grade reclaimed water known as NEWater. It is a purified liquid made of sewage, which has been drunk for nearly two decades. Now, a new use of NEWater is introduced. Beer. The tropical blond ale is one of Singapore’s greenest beers. It is made up of imported barley and yeast, as well as domestically produced NEWater. How does it taste?

As many places in the world are going to face severer droughts because of climate change, more liquid will need to be recycled and reproduced for the increasing population.

Enjoy watching the video to learn why and how a new beer is produced with recycled water.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-61577976

Topic Reading-Vol.3701-5/30/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Beijing hits back at Biden's claims

For the People’s Republic of China (PRC), there is only one sovereign state under the name China, with the PRC serving as the sole legitimate government of that China, and Taiwan is a part of China. For the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s then ruling party when the 1992 consensus was made, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is not represented by the PRC even though it agrees that there is only one China. In the meanwhile, the US’s One China policy recognizes the PRC as the sole legal government of China but does not endorse the PRC’s position that Taiwan is part of China. Recently, the US is supporting Taiwan more openly for its independence from China, sending political delegates and selling more high-tech weapons. And on May 23 while visiting Tokyo, President Biden said that the US would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan should it be attacked. Since it is so obvious against which country the US would provide military support and action, China reiterated its firm stance that the Taiwan issue is nothing but China’s internal affair and should never be interfered with by others. You probably have heard or known what Western media are saying about the One China policy and Taiwan’s security. But it may be helpful to read what China claims about Taiwan and its response to the recent moves and announcements by the US.

Read the article to learn about the Taiwan issue from China’s viewpoint.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202205/24/WS628c159da310fd2b29e5e7c3.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3700-5/29/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Global economy faces 'its biggest test' since WWII

The world seems to be facing quite a few economic, environmental, and humanitarian challenges recently, each of which may not be solved by itself. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hasn’t shown any sign of a cease-fire, some countries and companies are trying to make investments in digging fossil fuels like oil and coal in spite of rising temperatures. Also, both Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat, corn, and barley, all of which are essential food for many in the world. Any shortage of essential food causes a chain reaction in the world’s food supply chain. In fact, India banned the export of wheat and Indonesia did the same for palm oil recently. Also, China’s Covid lockdowns in major cities have been causing serious supply chain problems for manufacturing industries, and many manufacturers and retailers are lowering business projections. Furthermore, fear and sign of inflation are pushing central governments to raise interest rates, which makes mortgage rates, housing prices, and rents higher and higher, which affect the household budget seriously. In the 2007-08 financial crisis, China’s major domestic investment helped the world’s economy recover. But this time, China’s domestic market is also facing an economic slowdown. And don’t forget. Global temperatures are rising, too. So, instead of just looking at short-term relief, the world seems to pursue longer-term, environmentally sustainable solutions.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about what the world is facing now.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/23/business/davos-global-economy-imf/index.html