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The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is under control now, according the the World Health Organization. During the outbreak in 2014, 11,000 people in Africa died of Ebola. Now scientists have discovered a vaccine against Ebola. The vaccination is different from other vaccines, which are typically given to healthy people before they are exposed to a virus. This new vaccine is given to someone after they are exposed to Ebola and can protect them. Listen to this story to learn more about this important discovery.
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CURRENT EVENT | May 30, 2017

A Hero Bug Helps Scientists Develop Drugs

Scientists have found a new bacteria in a cave 1,000 feet underground. The bacteria is resistant to 70% of antibiotics used to fight disease in humans. The fact that the bacteria is resistant to these antibiotics, despite never having been exposed to them, tells scientists that antibiotic resistance is genetically hardwired rather than developed as a result of exposure. Scientists are calling the bacteria a “hero bug” because it is not harmful to humans, and they hope that this new knowledge will lead to even more effective antibiotics. Listen to learn more about the “hero bug” and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

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Million-Year-Old 'Hero Bug' Emerges From Cave

SOURCE:

12/10/2016

Listening Link (share with students)

Copy this link and distribute for students to listen from their own device.

https://app.listenwise.com/students/events/924-a-hero-bug-helps-scientists-develop-drugs

Listening Comprehension Questions

Why did it take so long for scientists to discover this super bacteria?
Why does one scientist refer to the bacteria as a “hero bug”?
What does the “hero bug” tell scientists about how drug resistance develops?
How does this discovery change how scientists think about antibiotics?

Classroom Discussion Themes

How could the knowledge gained from studying the “hero bug” be used to make people more healthy?
Do you think the knowledge gained from discovering new bacteria is worth the risk of uncovering a dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria? Why or why not?

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