Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
72 words
- Scientists found a hidden RNA clock in sperm.
- Older fathers have higher risks for children.
- Sperm carry many different RNA molecules.
- Researchers used a new sequencing method.
- The change appears in mice and humans.
- In mice there was a sharp age change.
- Some sperm RNAs grow longer with age.
- Adding old RNA changed early embryo cells.
- Scientists hope to find ways to help sperm.
- The finding was confirmed in human sperm samples.
Difficult words
- scientist — people who study nature and do experimentsScientists
- sperm — male reproductive cells that can make babies
- molecule — a very small part of a substancemolecules
- sequence — to find the order of parts in somethingsequencing
- embryo — an early stage of a baby before birth
- confirm — to show that something is trueconfirmed
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know someone who is an older father?
- Have you learned about cells in school?
- Do you think scientists should try to help sperm?
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