Wildfire smoke, Hobbits in Indonesia, Microplastics, Comparatives

Ashley Thompson and Mario Ritter are the hosts of the VOA Learning English Podcast on Friday, August 9, 2024.
00:54 The podcast starts with Bryan Lynn’s report on a study that says particles found in wildfire smoke could increase the risk of getting dementia. They can be breathed into the lungs and then move on to the bloodstream. Existing evidence shows this kind of pollution - from traffic, factories and fires - can cause or worsen heart disease and raise dementia risks. learningenglis...
05:41 John Russell has a report on the discovery of ancient bone remains of an early human species that stood about one meter tall. Researchers found the new fossils at a place called Mata Menge, about 70 kilometers from the cave where researchers found the first “hobbit” remains. learningenglis...
09:34 For the Health report, Andrew Smith says microplastics have been found in salt, sugar, honey, rice and seafood. They have also been found in milk, soil, and drinking water. Researchers worry that microplastics can harm human health. Although they have not found clear evidence of that. learningenglis...
14:43 In Everyday Grammar, Kelly Jean Kelly and Mario Ritter have a lesson on comparatives and superlatives. You will learn when to use comparatives like dumb or dumber. But watch out for adjectives with three or more syllables and irregular forms of comparatives such as farther and further. learningenglis...
23:19 Ashley previews tomorrow’s Ask a Teacher in which Andrew Smith answers a reader’s question on ego and arrogance.
24:03 And Dorry Gundy has a report on Yellowstone, America’s first national park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone contains beautiful mountains, deep canyons, lakes and rivers. However, it is best known for geysers and hot springs. The most famous geyser is Old Faithful. It erupts about every hour or hour and a half. The eruption can last from one and a half minutes up to 5 minutes. The amount of hot water it expels in that time can be as much as 31,000 liters or more. learningenglis...
Ashley and Mario then sign off.
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