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Scientists watch flu virus enter living human cells (Level A1) — Close-up of a textured surface with many small holes.

Scientists watch flu virus enter living human cellsCEFR A1

6 Dec 2025

Adapted from ETH Zurich, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Steve Johnson, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
69 words
  • Flu gives fever, aching limbs and runny nose.
  • Influenza viruses enter the body in droplets.
  • Researchers watch viruses enter living human cells.
  • Teams from Switzerland and Japan work together.
  • Yohei Yamauchi leads the work at ETH Zurich.
  • They make a new microscopy method.
  • The method uses AFM and fluorescence.
  • The method is called ViViD-AFM.
  • Cells move and try to capture viruses.
  • Clathrin helps form a pocket in membrane.

Difficult words

  • influenzaa common virus that causes fever and illness
  • dropleta small drop of liquid in the air
    droplets
  • researchera person who studies and tests things
    Researchers
  • microscopythe study of small things with a microscope
  • fluorescencebright light given by some cells or substances
  • membranea thin layer that surrounds a cell
  • clathrina protein that helps form pockets in cells

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you ever had the flu?
  • Do you like working in a team?
  • Have you seen a microscope?

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