DNA Study: Better Coffee? BBC News Review

Summary

Researchers in Italy have successfully mapped the complete genome of Arabica coffee, the world's most popular coffee variety. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of new coffee flavors and potentially create coffee plants that are more resilient to climate change. The BBC's Learning English News Review discusses this scientific achievement, exploring the vocabulary and phrases such as 'shines a new light', 'buzz', and 'brews' that are relevant to the story. The program also humorously highlights the excitement and potential implications of these findings for coffee enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Italian researchers have successfully created a complete genetic map of the Arabica coffee plant.
• 🍂 This genetic mapping could pave the way for the development of new coffee flavors and potentially enhance the coffee's taste.
• 🌱 The research may also contribute to the creation of coffee plants that are more resilient to climate change.
• 📰 The term 'shines a new light' is used in headlines to draw attention to new insights or discoveries, suggesting a focus on recent findings.
• 🐝 The word 'buzz' in the context of the headlines indicates a sense of excitement or interest in the subject matter, specifically the new coffee gene map.
• ☕ The term 'brews' refers to the coffee itself, with the headline suggesting the potential for improved coffee quality due to the genetic map.
• 🔍 The expression 'shines a light on' is used figuratively to highlight a particular issue or area of focus, in this case, the new research on coffee's genetic code.
• 📈 The study is likely to have implications for both the coffee industry and environmental sustainability, given the potential for climate-resilient coffee plants.
• 📚 Learning English viewers are encouraged to watch until the end to learn the vocabulary necessary to discuss the story of coffee genetic mapping.
• 📺 The BBC News Review segment aims to help English learners understand news headlines and provides vocabulary relevant to the discussed topics.
• 🎓 The script includes examples and explanations of idiomatic expressions and metaphors commonly used in English news headlines.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the BBC Learning English News Review video?

The main topic is the creation of a complete genetic map of Arabica coffee by researchers in Italy, which could lead to new flavors and coffee plants that are more resilient to climate change.

What does the phrase 'shines a new light' mean in the context of the headline?

The phrase 'shines a new light' is used figuratively to mean that the new study draws attention to the subject and provides fresh insights or perspectives, building upon previous research.

What is the significance of the term 'buzz' in the context of the second headline?

In the second headline, 'buzz' is used metaphorically to indicate that there is a growing excitement and interest in the new coffee gene map among people.

What does the term 'brew' refer to in the context of the BBC headline?

In the context of the BBC headline, 'brew' refers to a cup of coffee, and the new genetic map promises the potential for better coffee in the future.

What is the literal meaning of the word 'buzz' as mentioned in the script?

The literal meaning of 'buzz' is the sound that bees make, which is an onomatopoeic word that resembles the noise it describes.

How is the term 'buzzing' used as an adjective in the script?

In the script, 'buzzing' is used as an adjective to describe a feeling of excitement or being very awake, as one might feel after drinking too much coffee.

What is the process of making tea or coffee called, as mentioned in the script?

The process of making tea or coffee is called 'brewing', which involves mixing the tea leaves or coffee grounds with hot water.

What is the additional meaning of the verb 'brew' as mentioned in the script?

Apart from making tea or coffee, 'brew' as a verb can also refer to the process of making beer, which is a different process from brewing tea or coffee.

What is the purpose of the vocabulary section in the BBC Learning English News Review video?

The purpose of the vocabulary section is to help viewers understand and learn specific English terms and phrases related to the news story, enhancing their comprehension and language skills.

How does the script suggest one can enhance their English learning experience with BBC Learning English?

The script suggests subscribing to the channel to learn more English from news headlines and encourages viewers to explore other BBC Learning English programs, such as the 6 Minute English box set about coffee.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Coffee Genome Breakthrough

Researchers in Italy have successfully mapped the complete genetic code of the Arabica coffee plant. This scientific achievement is expected to pave the way for the creation of new coffee flavors, enhancing the taste experience for coffee lovers worldwide. Additionally, the genetic map could be instrumental in developing coffee plants that are more resilient to the effects of climate change, ensuring the sustainability of coffee production. The BBC News Review segment discusses the significance of this development, using the vocabulary 'shines new light' to indicate the attention this study draws to the coffee genome, and 'buzz' to convey the excitement surrounding the new findings.

05:01

🍵 Exploring the Versatility of 'Brew'

This paragraph delves into the various uses of the word 'brew' in the English language, both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, 'brew' refers to a cup of tea or coffee, and the new genetic map of Arabica coffee promises an improvement in the quality of future brews. As a verb, 'brew' describes the process of making tea or coffee by mixing it with hot water, as well as the brewing of beer, albeit through a different process. The segment also touches on the British colloquialism of offering to make a 'brew,' typically referring to tea, and the metaphorical use of 'buzzing' to describe a state of excitement or alertness induced by consuming coffee.

Keywords

💡Genetic Code

The genetic code refers to the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells. In the context of the video, the genetic code of Arabica coffee is being studied to understand its DNA and potentially create new flavors and climate-resilient coffee plants.

💡Arabica Coffee

Arabica coffee is one of the two most economically important species of coffee, the other being Robusta. It is known for its superior flavor and aroma compared to other coffee varieties. The script discusses the creation of a complete genetic map of Arabica coffee, which is central to the theme of enhancing coffee flavors and adapting to climate change.

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, often attributed to human activities. In the script, it is mentioned that understanding the genetic code of coffee could lead to the development of coffee plants that can cope with the effects of climate change, emphasizing the importance of genetic research for agricultural sustainability.

💡Genome

A genome is the complete set of genetic information of an organism, which includes all of its genes. The script discusses a new scientific study that has mapped the genome of Arabica coffee, indicating a significant advancement in coffee research and its potential impact on the coffee industry.

💡Shines a New Light

This phrase, used in the headline 'Study shines new light on the complex Arabica coffee genome,' is a metaphorical expression meaning to reveal new information or insights about something. In the script, it suggests that the study brings new understanding to the coffee genome, which was previously not as well understood.

💡Buzz

In the context of the script, 'buzz' is used metaphorically to describe a state of excitement or interest surrounding the new coffee gene map. It is derived from the literal meaning of the sound bees make, which is associated with activity and liveliness, and here it signifies a buzz of excitement in the scientific and coffee communities.

💡Brews

Brews, in the script, refers to the final product of the coffee-making process. The new genetic map promises 'better brews,' indicating the potential for improved coffee quality in the future. The term is also used in the script to discuss the process of making tea or coffee, which involves mixing the coffee grounds with hot water.

💡Flavors

Flavors refer to the tastes that are experienced when consuming food or drink. The script suggests that by understanding the genetic code of Arabica coffee, scientists may be able to create new and different flavors, expanding the range of tastes available in coffee.

💡Headlines

Headlines are the titles or introductory lines used in newspapers or news broadcasts to summarize the main points of a story. In the script, various headlines are discussed to highlight key findings and generate interest in the story about the coffee genetic map.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary refers to the set of words known to a person or used in a language. The script emphasizes the importance of learning specific vocabulary related to the story, such as 'shines a new light,' 'buzz,' and 'brews,' to help English learners understand news headlines and the topic of coffee genetic research.

💡Subscription

In the context of the script, a subscription refers to signing up to receive regular content from a channel or service, in this case, the BBC Learning English channel. The script encourages viewers to subscribe to learn more English from news headlines, indicating the educational value of following the channel.

Highlights

Researchers in Italy have created a complete genetic map of Arabica coffee.

The genetic map will allow the creation of new flavors of coffee.

New coffee plants could be developed to cope with climate change.

The program helps viewers understand news headlines in English.

Vocabulary such as 'shines new light', 'buzz', and 'brews' is explained for better understanding.

'Shines a new light' is used to draw attention to new research on the coffee genome.

The term 'buzz' signifies excitement about the new coffee gene map.

'Buzzing' as an adjective means being excited or very awake.

A 'brew' refers to a cup of tea or coffee, with the promise of better brews from the new genetic map.

The verb 'brew' is used to describe the process of making tea or coffee.

The program encourages subscription for more English learning from news headlines.

A 6 Minute English box set about coffee is recommended for further interest.

The importance of subscribing to the channel for continuous learning is emphasized.

The program concludes with an invitation to join future programs and a farewell.

The significance of the genetic map for Arabica coffee in developing new flavors and climate-resilient plants is underscored.

The educational aspect of the program in teaching English vocabulary related to the coffee news story.

The use of figurative language in news headlines to convey excitement or new insights.

Transcripts

Can coffee be even more delicious? Scientists crack its genetic code.

This is News Review from BBC

Learning English where we help you understand news headlines in English.

I'm Neil.

And I'm Georgie. Make sure you watch to the end

to learn the vocabulary

you need to talk about this story.

Don't forget to subscribe to our channel

so you can learn more English from news headlines. Now, the story.

Researchers in Italy have created a complete genetic map of Arabica

coffee. They say this will allow

us to create new flavours of one of the world's most popular drinks.

It could also lead to coffee plants that can cope with climate change.

You've been looking at the headlines, Georgie.

What's the vocabulary

people need to understand this story in English?

We have 'shines new light',

'buzz' and 'brews'.

This is News Review from BBC

Learning English.

Let's have a look at our first headline.

This one's from Daily Coffee News.

Study shines new light on the complex Arabica coffee genome.

So, this headline is about a new scientific study in Italy

into the coffee genome that's the DNA of coffee.

We're looking at the expression 'shines a new light'.

It contains 'shines'. Now, Georgie,

the sun shines and the lights in the studio are shining on us.

Can you tell us more?

Yes. Well, in a literal sense when something shines,

it gives out a bright light.

This lamp in the studio is shining a light on your big coffee stain

on your script Neil.

Yes, it's horrible and messy, isn't it?

OK, so light and the sun can shine. But in this headline,

it says that a study shines a light.

How does that work?

Well, here, like in lots of news headlines,

they are using the language, figuratively. 'To shine a light'

on something means to draw attention to something so that we focus on it.

Yep, and in this headline

it says 'shines a new light'. That just means that

obviously, there was some research before, but this is new research.

What else can we shine a light on?

Well Neil, you did your driving test recently, didn't you?

The good news is,

you passed the driving part,

but unfortunately you failed the written part.

This really shone a light on your laziness

when it comes to study.

Thanks, Georgie, for shining a light on my laziness.

Let's look at that again.

Let's have our next headline.

This one's from Nature Publishing Group.

  New buzz about coffee genes:

A more complete genome sequence of world's most popular variety.

So, this headline, like the last one, emphasises

that there's something new happening that people are interested in. The word

that we are looking at is 'buzz'.

It's a lovely word. It sounds like what it is.

It's the noise that bees make -

BUZZ. Yes.

That is one meaning. But here,

it's used metaphorically to mean,

there's excitement about this new coffee gene map.

It still reminds me of that sound -

buzz. There's a buzz of excitement.

Yes, and you have been looking at 'a buzz' -

that's a noun, but can it be used in other ways?

Yes, it is also an adjective. That word is 'buzzing' and it means excited.

I imagine that people are excited or buzzing about the possibility

of new coffee flavours.

It's also got a coffee-related, meaning as well.

When you drink too much coffee,

you are buzzing. It means you are very awake.

The coffee gives you a buzz.

Well, I'm buzzing to find out what our next headline's going to be.

But before that, let's get a recap.

Let's have our next headline.

This one's from the BBC.

New coffee genetic map promises better brews.

So, we know what this story is about.

We're looking this time at the word 'brews'.

Georgie, what is a brew?

Well, 'brew' or 'brews' as a noun, like it is in the headline,

is a cup of tea or coffee - in this case, coffee.

The new genetic map promises

better brews. There's a chance of better coffee in the future.

In British English especially,

it's very common to say 'I'm going to make a brew,

do you want one?' which is usually about tea.

Are you offering?

Actually, I prefer coffee.

No, Neil. That was just an example.

But when we finish this,

you can make me a brew.

OK. I'll make some coffee.

I've got some of those new delicious Arabica beans.

But this word 'brew'.

Is it used in any other ways?

Yes, brew is also a verb which has two meanings,

both involving making a drink. The most relevant for us here

is the process of making tea or coffee. To brew tea or coffee,

you mix them with hot water.

You can also brew beer.

Yes, but that's a different process.

Let's look at that again.

We've had 'shines a light' - draws attention to something.

  'Buzz' - an atmosphere of excitement

and 'brew' - a cup of tea

or coffee.

Now if you've enjoy this, we think you'll love this 6 Minute English box set all about coffee.

Click here to watch.

Don't forget to click here to subscribe to our channel, so you never miss another programme.

Thank you for joining us and goodbye.

Bye.