Learning English

Human embryo DNA editing OK, panel says

An enquiry in the UK has said that it is acceptable to alter DNA in human embryos. This could potentially wipe out inherited diseases - but not everybody is happy. Dan and Catherine discuss the key language from this story.

Language challenge

A group of people joined together for a particular purpose is a...

a) body
b) herd
c) copse

รับชมวิดีโอพร้อมทำแบบฝีกหัด

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The story

A British study has said that experts should be given permission to experiment and alter the DNA of human embryos to influence the characteristics of future generations.

The review said heritable genome editing could be used to wipe out genetic diseases in some families.

The recommendations as they stand would require a change in British law.

Key words and phrases

permissible
allowed

• It is permissible to work from home for up to two days a week.
• Cycling on the pavement is permissible in pedestrian zones.

bar
prohibition; block

• The US bar on the sale of alcohol, know as Prohibition, lasted from 1920 to 1933.
• Anyone found taking drugs on these premises will be permanently barred.

traits
characteristics

• Your red hair, green eyes and freckles are traits that come from your mother.
• Optimism is a good chracter trait to have.

To do

Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.

Downloads

You can download the audio and PDF document for this episode here. 

Language challenge - answer

a) body

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