Short stories and texts for learning Spanish, French, German and other languages (A1-B2)

6 Aug 2026

Microplastics May Increase the Risk of Liver Disease

A new study shows that microplastics from a common plastic can increase the risk of fatty liver disease. The risk is even higher for people who eat an unhealthy diet.

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Photo by Marc Newberry, Unsplash

6 Aug 2026

Scientists Find Plant Protein That Helps Reduce Fertilizer Use

Scientists have discovered a protein called HHO5 that controls how plants absorb nitrogen. Turning off this protein could help crops absorb more nutrients and allow farmers to use less fertilizer.

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5 Aug 2026

A Doctor Brings New Cancer Care to Africa

Dr. Adedayo Joseph is leading a major clinical trial in Nigeria to improve cancer treatment. Her work helps patients receive faster care and better support.

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31 Jul 2026

New Long-Acting Options Help in the Fight Against HIV

Researchers at an international conference presented new HIV treatments that require fewer doses. Options like six-month injections and weekly pills offer better choices and could make prevention and treatment much easier worldwide.

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28 Jul 2026

How Kidneys Heal Themselves After an Injury

Scientists at Tulane University discovered how kidneys rebuild their immune defenses after an injury. Their findings could help doctors create better treatments for kidney damage in the future.

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28 Jul 2026

How the Human Brain Knows Its Own Movements

Yale researchers have solved a 130-year-old scientific debate about human movement awareness. The study shows that the brain creates awareness both before and after an action takes place.

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28 Jul 2026

Wildfires Threaten Thousands of Historic American Landmarks

A new study shows that wildfires threaten thousands of historic places across the United States, including major national landmarks in several western states.

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23 Jul 2026

Contrast test can show early vision problems in older adults

A new study links a Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test to everyday vision difficulties for older adults. The test finds problems that routine high‑contrast eye charts can miss and may help clinicians detect treatable early changes.

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23 Jul 2026

Faster 40-minute test for Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Researchers developed a simple test that finds the bacteria that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever in 40 minutes. The test works in two 20-minute steps at room temperature and shows a color change for positives.

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23 Jul 2026

Nature sights and sounds help mental health

A study at North Carolina State University found that being in nature and hearing natural sounds changes emotions and reduces stress more than noisy city settings. People felt most restored when they were in green space and heard birds.

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23 Jul 2026

Data centers and local benefits

New large data centers are spreading across the United States. A Georgia Tech study finds modest but measurable local gains in jobs, wages and business activity, concentrated in metropolitan areas; costs and electricity effects also matter.

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22 Jul 2026

Fast blood test speeds diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma

A study in Tanzania and Uganda shows a rapid liquid‑biopsy blood test can diagnose Burkitt lymphoma much faster than tissue biopsy. The test may help children start treatment earlier but needs equipment and trained staff.

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21 Jul 2026

Cyclospora linked to fresh produce

In early July officials warned that eating some fresh produce could cause cyclospora infection. Early testing pointed to lettuce, then the FDA revised its earlier finding; investigations and testing are ongoing and officials advise caution.

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