Purple tomatoes

Would you eat a purple tomato? What if it had health benefits? Scientists have developed one that could be on our shop shelves soon.

This is the latest example of genetically modified food - food that has been changed from its natural form. There are many reasons for growing GM food, and Rob and Finn discuss some of them in the programme.

They also explain some vocabulary related to growing these 'artificial' crops.

This week's question:

When was the first genetically modified food first sold commercially? Was it in:

a) 1974

b) 1984

c) 1994

Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

• Audio (4.9 MB)
• Text

artificial

made by people, copying something made in nature

genetically modified

having its genetic structure changed for a particular purpose (sometime shortened to GM)

genes

parts of the DNA in a cell that control the physical development or characteristics of an individual plant or animal

resist

fight against

pests

insects or small animals that damage crops

cultivated

developed to be grown on farms

pigment

natural substance that gives colour

antioxidant

a natural chemical that slows down the decaying process

significant

important or noticeable

affordable

not expensive

distrust

not trusting or believing someone or something

ripening

becoming fully grown or ready for eating

Coffee addiction

Do you have a strong need to keep drinking coffee? Scientists are warning about the effects of being addicted to caffeine - the stimulant found in coffee.

In 6 Minute English, Rob and Finn talk about the dangers of drinking too much coffee, and look at some language associated with addictions.

This week's question:

Which country drinks the most coffee per person? Is it:

a) Egypt
b) Finland
c) Italy

Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

• Audio (4.9 MB)
• Text
• 
  

addict

someone who likes doing a particular activity very much and they can't stop doing it

consuming

eating or drinking something

in moderation

(here) not drinking too much

aroma

pleasant smell

caffeine

natural substance found in tea and coffee that makes you feel awake

stimulant

substance that makes you feel more awake when you eat or drink it

psychoactive drug

a drug that affects how a person feels and sometimes how they behave

insomnia

medical condition where you are unable to sleep

indigestion

a pain in your stomach when it can't process the food you have just eaten

high blood pressure

blood flowing around your body at a higher pressure than is normal

lethargic

having little energy

withdrawal symptoms

physical and mental effects of stopping doing a regular activity