2024年9月7日「モバイル英語学習」第842号 (英語エッセイ): Why Do Leaves Turn Yellow in Autumn?

Notes
pigment – 色素 – 植物や動物などの組織に含まれる、色を持つ物質。
chlorophyll -クロロフィル – 植物が光合成を行うために必要な緑色の色素。
photosynthesis – 光合成 – 植物が光のエネルギーを使って、二酸化炭素と水から酸素と栄養分を作り出す過程。
Carotenoids – カロテノイド – 黄色やオレンジ色をした色素で、植物の葉や果実に含まれている。
conserve – 保存する。

*********************************************
In autumn, leaves change color because of changes in weather and daylight. Trees absorb sunlight through their leaves, which contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll gives leaves their green color and helps trees produce food through photosynthesis.

As autumn arrives, days become shorter, and the temperature drops. Trees start to prepare for winter by slowing down their food production. This means they stop making as much chlorophyll, and the green color fades away. As the chlorophyll disappears, other pigments in the leaves, like carotenoids, become visible. Carotenoids give leaves their yellow and orange shades.

This process helps trees conserve energy and water during the colder months when sunlight and water are limited. Eventually, the leaves fall off, allowing the tree to survive through winter and grow new leaves in spring.
*********************************************

2024年8月24日「モバイル英語学習」第840号 (英語のエッセイ: 自然、科学技術): Why Should You Sleep Before Making Important Decisions?

Notes
• rely – 頼る
• impression – 印象
• delay – 遅らせる
• participants – 参加者
• influenced – 影響を受ける

**********************
People often rely too much on first impressions, which can be hard to change even if they are wrong. A study from Duke University found that delaying decisions can help us avoid this problem.

In the study, participants took part in a box auction experiment. Each box had 20 items, some valuable and others not, but all boxes had the same total value. The difference was only in the order of items. In some boxes, valuable items were on top, while in others they were mixed.

Some participants chose their favorite box immediately, while others decided after sleeping on it. Those who made quick decisions often judged based on the first items they saw. However, those who waited were less influenced by these first impressions.

This shows that taking time before making decisions can help us see the bigger picture and make better choices.
**********************