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

9 Jul 2026

Marigold flowers as a new source of plant protein

A University of Georgia study found proteins in common marigold petals similar to quinoa protein. Marigold extracts show heat stability for baking, help emulsify foods, and add nutrition and flavour to dishes.

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Photo by Nicole Sara, Unsplash

9 Jul 2026

New compound slows Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice

Researchers at ETH Zurich found a compound that slows typical Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice. The work, led by Ursula Quitterer, appears in the journal Cell Reports Medicine and the team has applied for a patent.

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9 Jul 2026

Everyday positive events shape youth lives

A University of Zurich study found that young people most often report positive everyday events as important. Researchers analysed thousands of written answers from participants aged 15, 17, 20 and 24 to identify common topics.

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9 Jul 2026

Nanotech biosensors for early disease diagnosis

At the 75th Lindau Meeting, South African scientist Jaymi Leigh January presented nanotechnology-based biosensors that detect tiny disease biomarkers for tuberculosis, cancer and viral conditions. She aims to develop affordable, portable diagnostics suited to local health needs in South Africa.

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8 Jul 2026

Shingles vaccine linked to lower dementia diagnoses in older adults

A study of people 66 and older in skilled nursing facilities found that those who received the recombinant shingles vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over four years, though causation is not certain.

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8 Jul 2026

Bird flocks and fish schools behave like soft crystals

Mathematicians at NYU created a model that compares bird flocks and fish schools to a soft crystalline material. Experiments with flapping models in water matched the model and the work may help engineering and robotics.

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8 Jul 2026

Common mouse virus causes Parkinson’s‑like damage

A Texas A&M study finds a common mouse virus can produce Parkinson’s‑like brain cell loss and movement problems in animal models. Researchers created a non‑toxic infection model and ran motor and gait tests.

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8 Jul 2026

Do low‑calorie sweeteners affect blood sugar and health?

Researchers reviewed trials and large studies on non‑nutritive sweeteners and found signals of worse blood sugar control and possible metabolic harm. They note questions about mechanisms, study limits, and a need for more trials.

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6 Jul 2026

Latin America and Caribbean agree a plan for ethical AI

More than 20 countries met in the Dominican Republic on 25–26 June and approved the Santo Domingo Declaration on AI ethics. UNESCO and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean supported a regional roadmap with five strategic pillars.

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30 Jun 2026

Single-shot vaccine for flu, COVID-19 and RSV in development

Researchers report a combined vaccine that may protect against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV. Tests in animals produced protective immune responses, but more studies are needed before human approval.

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30 Jun 2026

Brain prepares the body for food

A study finds that smells or sights of food make the brain signal the pancreas to release insulin before a meal. Neuronal glycogen and the enzyme glycogen synthase help drive this anticipatory response.

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30 Jun 2026

Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda

A Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak was detected in early May and has spread across eastern DRC provinces and into Uganda. As of 25 June, DRC and Uganda reported confirmed cases and deaths; there is no licensed vaccine yet for this strain.

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29 Jun 2026

Simpler treatment trial for cryptococcal meningitis in Malawi

Cryptococcal meningitis kills many people in Sub‑Saharan Africa and mainly affects people with HIV. A Phase II trial in Lilongwe is testing a sustained‑release flucytosine pellet to make treatment easier, while clinicians warn that early testing and care remain vital.

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