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Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
72 words
- Researchers find a compound in garlic that stops mating.
- The compound also stops egg-laying in some insects.
- It works in mosquitoes and in some flies.
- The effect is not from garlic smell.
- The taste of garlic is the important part.
- A receptor in the insect taste organ reacts.
- Scientists first test fruit flies in the lab.
- They then try other species, including mosquitoes.
- This discovery could help make new pest controls.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies science and experimentsResearchers
- compound — a substance with two or more parts
- mate — to join for animal reproductionmating
- egg-laying — when insects put eggs outside their body
- receptor — a protein that senses a chemical or signal
- species — a group of similar living animals or plants
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you like the taste of garlic?
- Have you seen mosquitoes or fruit flies near your food?
- Would you try garlic to control pests?
