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HOT ISSUES

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  • (11/14) Scientists Link Gene to Human Speech
      AUDIO         A new study suggests the beginnings of human speech are linked to genetics. The research identifies a protein – found only in people – that may have helped early humans develop spoken communication.   Scientists involved in the study say this new speaking ability became important for humans’ survival. For example, speech permitted individuals to share information, organize activities and pass down knowledge. These abilities are now seen as an advantage humans had over their relatives, such as the Neanderthals and Denisovans.   The researchers recently published their findings in a study in the journal Nature Communications.   Liza Finestack teaches about speech and hearing at the University of Minnesota. She told The Associated Press (AP) the new study is "a good first step to start looking at the specific genes" that may affect speech and language development. Finestack was not involved in the study. Dr. Robert Darnell has long been studying the protein – called NOVA1 – at his laboratory at New York’s Rockefeller University. He helped lead the new research and was a writer of the study. Darnell told the AP the genetic version, or variant, included the protein that helped humans develop into the “dominant species” that remains today.   The latest research involved scientists using CRISPR gene editing methods to replace the NOVA1 protein found in mice with the one found in humans. The aim was to test the real-life effects of the genetic variant. The researchers were surprised to learn that the variant changed the way the animals called out to each other.   Baby mice with the human variant made a different sound than normal mice do when their mother came around. Adult male mice with the variant also made different sounds when they were near a female they wanted to mate with.   Darnell said both of these situations gave the mice a reason to speak. Those with the human variant "spoke differently," demonstrating the gene’s influence in speech, he added.   This is not the first time a gene has been linked to speech. In 2001, British scientists said they had discovered the first gene tied to a language and speech disorder.   Researchers called this human language gene FOXP2. But even though FOXP2 was found to be linked to human language, the variant in modern humans was not found in our species alone. Later research found it was shared with Neanderthals. The NOVA1 variant in modern humans, on the other hand, is found only in our species, Darnell said.   The presence of a gene variant is not the only thing that permits people to speak. The ability also depends on physical elements in the human throat and areas of the brain that work together to help people produce speech and understand language.   Darnell said he hopes the recent work can lead to new ways to treat speech-related problems. The University of Minnesota's Finestack noted the genetic findings could also one day permit scientists to identify people who might need help developing speech and language early in life.   "That's certainly a possibility," she said. I’m Jill Robbins. Laura Ungar reported this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story advantage – n. something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others specific – adj. special or particular variant – n. something that is different in some way from others of the same kind dominant – adj. more important, powerful, or successful than most or all others species – n. biology. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can reproduce CRISPR – n. short for CRISPR-Cas9, it is a genome-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely cut and modify DNA sequences. throat – n. the tube inside the neck that leads to the stomach and lungs

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  • (11/13) The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the ‘Super Bowl’ of Dog Shows
    AUDIO       At America’s 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Monty the giant schnauzer won the top prize. The lively schnauzer beat six other finalists in New York City to become the first of his breed to win Westminster’s “best in show.” The prize is the most important and respected in the U.S. dog show world. Dogs arrive for the the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, February 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) While Monty came close to winning Westminster the past two years, he fell short of the big prize. In December 2024, the dog won another big prize, the huge American Kennel Club championship. Monty, a giant schnauzer, takes part in the best in show competition at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) But for dog show lovers, Westminster is considered the Super Bowl of all shows. This year the comparison is especially fitting. That is because the most respected U.S. dog competition opened on the same weekend as the Super Bowl the most important game in American professional football. This rare happening came after the dates of both competitions changed in recent years. Neal, a Bichon FrisË, and its handler compete in the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) At Westminster, dogs first compete against other members of their breed. Then, the winner of each breed goes up against other dogs within different competition “groups.” Among the groups are sporting, working, toy, and herding. Group winners then compete in the final round. The best in show winner gets an award – a large, shiny cup called a trophy – and a place in dog-world history. The top prize, however, does not include money. In her report on the dog show, Learning English’s Caty Weaver explains that the Westminster show dates back to 1877. It centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in show prize. But over the last few years, the organization has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs. In 2024, Sage, a miniature poodle, won best in show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show.   Sage, a miniature poodle, competes with handler Kaz Hosaka in the best in show competition during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) And in 2023, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, named Buddy Holly, won best in show at Westminster. The breed he represents is known for its rabbit-hunting abilities.   Handler Janice Hays poses for photos with Buddy Holly, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, after he won best in show during the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) I’m Anna Matteo. Writers for the Associated Press reported this story from New York. Anna Matteo adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Top Dog Takes Westminster, the ‘Super Bowl’ of Dog Shows Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________ Words in This Story giant –adj. something unusually large or powerful finalist –n. a contestant in a competition finals breed –n. a particular kind of dog, cat, horse, etc. fall short (of something) –phrase fail to meet an expectation or standard for something herd –v. to move animals or people in a group agility –n. the quality or state of being ability to move with quick easy grace obedience –n. an act or instance of taking commands miniature –adj. something small of its kind

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  • (11/12) Knitting While Watching Movies Gains Popularity
      AUDIO       Nearly 200 people in Vienna, Austria, gathered recently to enjoy two fun activities at the same time. They worked with needles and yarn. And they watched a movie together called The Devil Wears Prada.   "It sounds a bit like a grandmother, but it's relaxing. And…what's wrong with letting the grandmother in us express herself," joked Austrian Alexander Koch. He is a 28-year-old who crochets. Knitting or crocheting while watching movies has gained popularity in Europe.   Luisa Palmer was one of the organizers of the event. Palmer said that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, "A lot of people started knitting during the lockdown alone at home." Palmer launched the knitting evenings once a month at Votiv Kino, a place to watch movies in the center of the Austrian capital. "Now we need to find ourselves…" in real life, the 30-year-old told the French News Agency (AFP) before the event.   People are knitting, eating, or even breastfeeding babies while watching a movie. This movement is the latest attempt to add different things to the movie-watching experience, said Lisa Stolze. She is a spokesperson for Votiv Kino, the movie house. Women knit during the projection of the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada' at the Votive Cinema in Vienna, Austria, on February 16, 2025. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)   To avoid knitting mistakes, a soft light remains on during the movie. This also helps to increase exchanges between the attendees.   Organizers based their event on similar ones in the United States, Northern Europe, Germany and France. Since launching in December of 2024, the movie events in Vienna are usually full. "I usually knit while watching movies or listening to podcasts at home, so movie theaters are the perfect place for this activity," said Kaja Vospernik. She is a 23-year-old fashion student. As the movie plays, the colorful projects take shape. The film takes a back seat, meaning it is less important than the work of knitting or crocheting. Everyone shows off their work. Experienced knitters and crocheters help beginners learn new skills.   "You can come alone and knit in silence to relax. But if you are looking for company, this kind of event seems to me to be the right choice," said Judith Haslöwer. She is another organizer of the event.   Women knit in the cafeteria prior to the projection of the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada' at the Votive Cinema in Vienna, Austria, on February 16, 2025. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)   People attend the events for several reasons. Some say the events let them reconnect with something real that is not on a computer. Others say they can “slow down a little.” Palmer said, "Doing something with your ten fingers is still more rewarding…" than working at a computer all day. She added that picking the right movie is also important. Palmer likes to watch a good "cozy comedy” that she has already seen. She joked that it is best to avoid scary movies. They can make you jump causing you to lose your place in your knitting. I’m Anna Matteo. Kiyoko Metzler reported this story for AFP from Vienna, Austria. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story needle –n. a thin piece of steel that is used to repair or connect cloth (or in this context, two long knitting needles are used to loop yarn and work the material into knitted items) yarn –n. a thin line of cotton or wool that is thicker than thread and used to make kinds of clothing and things around the home relaxing –adj. something that eases tension and calms crochet –v. making clothing using a certain method and a special needle with a hook and yarn knit –v. to make cloth using yarn or thread podcast –n. a kind of program that is listened to or watched using a device like a mobile phone or computer fashion –n. related to making or selling popular clothing rewarding –adj. causing a good feeling about something’s value or usefulness cozy –adj. a feeling of ease and warmth

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  • [11/21] “双十一”期间浙江日均快递业务量已超1亿件
    　 　　中新网杭州11月11日电(鲍梦妮)“今天是第17个‘双十一’，从初步数据看，全省日均(10月20日到11月11日期间日均量，下同)快递业务量已超1亿件，日均快递投递量接近5000万件。”11日，浙江省邮政管理局副局长何应泽表示，接下来，行业将奋战一百天，全力保障快递服务网络安全畅通，人民群众收寄快递方便快捷。   发布会现场。发布方供图   　　当日，浙江省高质量完成“十四五”规划系列主题第五场新闻发布会在杭州举行。   　　何应泽介绍，五年来，浙江省快递业“跑”出了加速度，老百姓寄件取件更安全、更便捷、更舒心。   　　在体量规模方面，该省寄递业务量从2020年的203.8亿件，攀升至2024年的335.7亿件，年均增长13%，占长三角地区总量的54.2%，占全国总量的17.3%，位列全国第二。聚焦到快递业务，浙江从2020年的179.5亿件增加到2024年的321.9亿件，年均增长16%。   　　在服务能力方面，该省大力推进“两进一出”工程，即“快递进村、进厂、出海”，如帮助制造企业做智能仓储、优化物流路径。   　　“此外，我们着力加强农村配送服务能力，不断推动快递服务更加均等。”何应泽介绍，浙江省邮政管理局一方面推动“客货邮融合”，让城乡公交也送快递，在交通部门大力支持下，逐步开通客货邮合作线路848条，建成共配中心52个；另一方面，建好村级寄递物流服务站，打通“最后一公里”，利用村邮站、便民点、党群服务中心等资源，建成服务站1.7万个。   　　与此同时，浙江还助力农产品“走出去”，如推动“种养基地生产加工+线上销售+快递物流”“生鲜电商+冷链宅配”等新模式，让农特产品“鲜达全国”。今年以来，浙江全省累计发送特色农产品快递16.9亿件。     https://www.chinanews.com.cn/cj/2025/11-11/10514020.shtml        

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  • [11/20] 拼音教学改革观察 幼小衔接阶段如何实现“零起点教学”？
      ※ mp3 파일 참고 :   "LINK"  링크 클릭해주시면  mp3 포함되어 있습니다 :)         教育部此前明确，坚持按课程标准“零起点”教学。要帮助家长认识过度强化知识准备、提前学习小学课程内容的危害，缓解家长的压力和焦虑，营造良好的家庭教育氛围，积极配合幼儿园和小学做好衔接。   记者在采访中发现，不少家长的教育观念有了转变，不再盲目追捧“抢跑式”幼小衔接。 家长学生贾艳彩说：“我个人觉得，小学老师教拼音有自己的方法和节奏，肯定比外面的老师更专业，我们家长在家跟着课本帮孩子稍微练练就行，没必要提前让孩子遭罪，还破坏了学习兴趣。”   市民张美霞有两个孩子，一个正在读一年级，一个是在幼儿园大班。   张美霞认为：“说实话，对于‘零起点’教学，我心里虽然会有一些纠结，但应该不会选择去报幼小衔接班。虽然教学进度比较紧凑，但是孩子的学习能力超乎我们的想象，我们的老师都能给他足够的耐心和关心。”   家长邢烨担心的是孩子提前学拼音反而会影响课堂专注度。   邢烨表示：“孩子适应力比想象中强，我每天晚上就花二十分钟盯着他练，拿拼音卡片让他认，跟着课本上的音频一起读，坚持了两三周，他自己就摸出规律了。我觉得作为家长，就是别催、别指责孩子，跟着老师的要求每天花点时间巩固，孩子基本都能跟上。”   不过，并非所有家长都有这样的底气。邢烨的顺利体验，更多建立在课后持续陪伴巩固的基础上，而对于工作繁忙、缺乏辅导精力，或是对孩子适应能力没把握的家长来说，“零起点”仍像一道没底的选择题。身为两个孩子妈妈的金女士，她的经历恰好能印证这份纠结。   金女士说：“哥哥那个时候学了拼音，确实是没怎么烦心，弟弟现在是一年级，之前我没有给他学拼音。关于小学实行‘零起点’拼音教学这件事情，我是比较纠结的，听他们说学校老师拼音教得特别快，如果你（孩子）不提前学习很容易跟不上。”   谢女士的孩子入学后，就遇到了进度适配问题。拼音教学从声母、韵母、整体认读音节到拼读，短短一个月就覆盖了大部分内容，孩子记不住声调，拼读时总是混淆。   谢女士指出：“回到家里学习拼读拼音、书写、默写、听写，学习拼音每天大概要花一个小时，老师在课堂上也会反复地教孩子怎么样去记住这些拼音，但是孩子的接受能力有差异。对于我家孩子来说，上小学之前我们没有报幼小衔接班，没有接触拼音，他还是需要更多时间去适应、去学习。”   针对家长们的焦虑，安徽马鞍山王家山小学语文教师夏燕告诉中国之声，她在教学中采取了分层设计的策略。   夏燕解释：“我们班有一些孩子提前接触过拼音，也有一部分孩子是‘零起点’入学，这就要求我们的课堂教学必须兼顾两端。对基础相对薄弱的孩子，课堂上我会多关注一些，找一些基础性题目让他们多加练习；有基础的孩子，会让他们挑战一些拼音组词、短句拼读等拓展练习，这就避免了有人‘吃不饱’或者‘跟不上’。”   其实，新教材中拼音教学的趣味化设计，核心就是为了破解小朋友拼音学习死记硬背的难题。有老师发现，教材通过卡通人物引导学习、生活场景插图辅助理解，将“校园生活”“地图”“家庭称呼”等日常元素融入拼读练习，让拼音学习脱离机械记忆。   此前，江西丰城杨柳湖学校的“地面彩绘拼音游戏”在社交平台走红。教学楼前的空地上，23个声母、24个韵母被绘制成彩色跳格子，学生们在蹦跳间完成拼音梳理。   杨柳湖学校教师张思奇表示：“学校创新推出了‘拼音闯关大冒险’课间游戏，把声母、韵母、整体认读音节设为‘闯关的密码’，学生用双脚跳出拼音造型，配合声调律动，在欢笑声中就攻克了平翘舌音难点。他们通过跳跃、认读、组词完成了知识的巩固，一些以前比较内向的孩子现在主动牵头组队去闯关，孩子们在课堂上发言也积极了。”   2024年秋季启用的全国统编一年级语文教材，延续了“先识字后拼音”的教学逻辑，同时在细节上完成优化升级。教材将原2个拼音单元扩展为3个，总课时延长1-2周，旨在减缓起始阶段学习坡度，帮助学生更好掌握拼音。   记者在采访中也从老师们口中得知，为了扎实落实“零起点”教学要求，新教材实行一年以来，小学一年级的拼音教学周期不仅没有缩短，反而进一步延长了教学时间。   南昌师范附属实验小学语文教师褚静帆向中国之声表示：“之前学生学拼音是短时间的突击式学习，现在孩子们会有更加充足的时间去分辨发音的一些差异。例如在学单韵母的时候用a、o、e，以前可能老师只是教怎么发音，现在我们在课堂当中带孩子，会让孩子关注口型的变化，更多时间去抓这种细微的教学。”   在农村地区，“零起点”教学则面临着另一种挑战。不少家长本身拼音基础薄弱，无法承担课后辅导责任，孩子的拼音学习几乎全靠课堂时间。这样的局面如何破解？   山东东营的学生家长刘先生向记者坦言，孩子开始学习拼音后，自己在课后辅导时确实感到力不从心。   刘先生解释：“我们只知道让孩子读，但具体怎么教他拼读，用什么方法能让他记住，我们不太懂，有时候孩子学不会，我们一着急还容易发脾气，反而让孩子更害怕学拼音。我更希望学校能专门为我们家长开几堂拼音辅导课，教我们最标准的拼音发音，告诉我们一些简单的辅导技巧和亲子游戏，让我们在家里能帮得上忙，而不是干着急。” 该如何平衡家长的“有基础”和“零基础”？东营市河口区河安小学教师李言钰表示，这也是拼音教学中的重要挑战之一。   李言钰坦言：“我知道家庭教育资源不均衡，所以我的核心理念是把主战场放在课堂里，能在学校内解决大部分问题，并且给予不同家长差异化指导。核心方法就包括打造多感官、高趣味、强互动的拼音课堂，不依赖枯燥的跟读和抄写，用一些卡片游戏、唱拼音儿歌、做拼音操，让学习过程变得更有趣。”   江西赣州兴国县实验小学语文教师郑莉认为，解决这个问题的关键是不把辅导的压力甩给家长。   郑莉表示：“农村的家长大多没有精力去辅导孩子，所以核心还是要靠学校兜底。我们平时可以利用课后服务的时间，专门拿出15到20分钟巩固一日所学的知识，课间时间可以专门去辅导个别孩子，家庭任务布置简单的学习任务，例如简单的录音、签字一类的，这样就不会加重家长的辅导负担。”   在中国教育科学研究院研究员储朝晖看来，农村学生存在学习能力差异，需要优先配齐、配强师资，让基础薄弱或学习能力不足的孩子获得足够支持，就能避免掉队。 储朝晖指出：“农村有的孩子学习得很快，但是也有基础比较差的孩子，对于这部分孩子，学习确实需要有一些资源帮助。我认为在推进城乡一体化进程当中，特别是在师资方面要配齐，不能够让孩子在跟不上的情况下，又遇到师资的短缺，如果师资是达到要求的，也不必担心他跟不上。   此外储朝晖还建议，家长们要理性看待“零起点”教学，抢跑是没有必要的，要关注孩子的整体成长与长期发展，而非纠结于某一个阶段、某一项知识的即时掌握情况。   “因为在幼儿园阶段，如果有充足的游戏，孩子的智力、能力、技能以及身体发育各方面的条件达到了，他就具备更好的学习能力。我们调查后发现，有一个典型的现象叫三年级现象，就是3到6岁之前孩子学了很多小学的知识，但是没有充分的游戏，能力没有充分发展的这些孩子到三年级的时候，即便一年级的考试成绩比较高，到三年级考试成绩也会下降的。如果3到6岁之间，充足的游戏、活动以及认知能力提升了，到三年级他的成绩也会是很好的。”储朝晖说。       https://china.cnr.cn/gdgg/20251112/t20251112_527427531.shtml      

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  • [11/19] “深化中韩战略合作伙伴关系国际论坛”在首尔举行
    　　 　　中新网首尔11月11日电 (刘旭 刘思宁)11日，“深化中韩战略合作伙伴关系国际论坛”在韩国首尔举行。   11月11日，“深化中韩战略合作伙伴关系国际论坛”在韩国首尔举行。图为活动合影。刘思宁 摄   　　本次论坛由韩国全球战略合作研究院和中国经士智库共同主办，旨在围绕外交安全、经济安保、社会文化交流等议题进行深入讨论，并就两国未来合作方向进行交流。中国驻韩国大使戴兵、韩国驻中国大使卢载宪、韩国国会韩中议员联盟事务总长洪起元、韩国全球战略合作研究院院长黄载皓等现场或视频致辞。30余名中韩专家学者出席论坛，10余家媒体现场采访。   　　戴兵在致辞中指出，习近平主席来韩出席APEC会议并进行国事访问取得圆满成功，引领亚太开放合作、开辟中韩关系新局面，希望中韩双方落实好两国元首重要共识，深化认知与互信，开拓互利合作新局，提升国民友好感情，妥处矛盾分歧，推动中韩关系行稳致远。   　　卢载宪在视频致辞中表示，自1992年建交以来的33年间，韩中两国在各个领域都取得了令人瞩目的发展。两国共同创造的成果超越了单纯的合作范畴，为携手应对全球变局、推动可持续发展构筑了坚实根基。   　　黄载皓表示，APEC会议期间举行的韩中元首会谈为两国关系注入了新的动力，当下正是深入探讨韩中关系未来发展的关键时期，期待此次专家对话为两国关系发展提供务实可行的思路和建议。   　　当天会议围绕“中韩首脑会谈的成果与意义”“朝鲜半岛及周边局势的变化与展望”“中韩关系发展方向与政策建议”等主题展开讨论。与会专家普遍认为，中韩两国在民间交流、地区稳定与经贸合作等领域仍具广阔合作空间，未来可望取得更多务实成果。     https://www.chinanews.com.cn/gj/2025/11-11/10514036.shtml        

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  • 「11/21」松本文部科学相 ISSから帰還の大西卓哉宇宙飛行士をねぎらう
      松本文部科学大臣はことし8月に国際宇宙ステーションから帰還した宇宙飛行士の大西卓哉さんの表敬を受け、「ミッション達成に敬意を申し上げたい」と活動をねぎらいました。   大西卓哉さんは、ことし3月からおよそ5か月間にわたって国際宇宙ステーションに長期滞在し、日本人宇宙飛行士として3人目となる船長を務めました。   大西さんは11日、文部科学省を訪れて松本文部科学大臣と面会し、活動の成果を報告するとともに船内での写真をまとめた記念品を贈りました。     松本大臣は「船長として活躍し、ミッションを達成していただき、心から敬意を申し上げたい。宇宙から子どもたちとも交流し、宇宙に対する興味や未来に対する希望など、いろいろなものを与えていただいた」と述べ、活動をねぎらいました。     これに対し、大西さんは「船長の大役を担い、職務を全うできたのは、ひとえに地上のたくさんの方々の尽力や支えがあったからこそで、本当に感謝している。今回の経験をもとに、後輩の育成をしつつ、次の目標に向かって頑張りたい」と述べました。

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  • 「11/20」脱毛症など引き起こす遺伝子変異を発見 患者の症状改善に成功
    脱毛症や重いアトピー性皮膚炎などを引き起こす遺伝子変異を発見し、この遺伝子の働きを抑える薬を患者に投与して症状を改善することに成功したと国立成育医療研究センターなどのグループが発表しました。   アレルギーの病気には生活環境だけでなく、遺伝的な要因が影響するものもあり、原因となる遺伝子を調べる研究が進められています。   国立成育医療研究センターの森田英明研究部長らのグループは脱毛症やアトピー性皮膚炎など重いアレルギーの症状があるものの、炎症を抑えるステロイド剤など一般的な治療で症状が改善しなかった男の子の患者について、原因を調べようと遺伝子を詳しく解析しました。     その結果、「JAK1（ジャック・ワン）」という遺伝子にこれまで知られていなかったわずかな変異が見つかり、細胞を使った実験でこの変異が炎症反応を引き起こしていると分かったということです。   この遺伝子の働きを抑える薬はすでに実用化されていて、男の子に投与したところ、およそ5か月後には脱毛症がほぼ治り、皮膚炎も改善したということです。     森田研究部長は「アレルギーの原因を調べる遺伝子検査は実用化されておらず、今回の患者のように対応する薬があっても治療に結び付かないケースは一定数あるとみられる。薬がない場合も開発につなげることができるので、遺伝子検査の実用化を目指すべきだ」と話していました。

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  • 「11/19」JR東日本 モバイルSuicaにQRコード決済機能追加へ 来年秋めど
    JR東日本は、スマートフォン向けのモバイルSuicaに来年秋をめどにQRコード決済の機能を追加すると発表しました。通信やITなど多くの企業がQRコード決済を展開する中、多くの顧客基盤を持つJR東日本の参入で、競争がさらに激しくなりそうです。   発表によりますと、モバイルSuicaに追加されるQRコード決済の機能では、チャージできる金額の上限は30万円に設定され、従来の電子マネーでの上限2万円に比べ、より高額の決済に対応できるようになるとしています。   JR東日本のクレジットカードとひも付けた場合は、カードの限度額まで利用できるほか、家族や友人などとの間で電子マネーを送ったり受け取ったりすることもできるということです。     JR東日本の喜勢陽一社長は記者会見で「Suicaの利便性を拡張させることで、電車も乗れるほか、買い物も公共サービスもいろいろなことができる世界を目指したい」と述べました。   キャッシュレス決済の拡大や顧客の囲い込みを図ろうと、通信やITなど多くの企業がQRコード決済を展開する中、多くの顧客基盤をもつJR東日本が参入することで、競争がさらに激しくなりそうです。   「Suicaのペンギン」卒業 新キャラクター導入へ     一方、JR東日本は、およそ25年にわたりイメージキャラクターだった「Suicaのペンギン」がサービスの拡充に伴って来年度末に卒業し、新たなキャラクターを導入すると発表しました。

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