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the million-dollar question
Meaning: The most critical or challenging question that needs an answer.
Example: After the merger, the million-dollar question was how to retain top talent.
zero in on
Meaning: To focus closely and precisely on a specific target or detail.
Example: The detective zeroed in on a single clue that cracked the case.
Note: Phrasal verb — common in research, investigation, and strategy contexts.
rogue cells
Meaning: Cells that behave abnormally and defy typical controls or regulation.
Example: The lab focused on identifying rogue cells driving the tumor’s growth.
rooted in
Meaning: Firmly based on or originating from a particular source or cause.
Example: Their approach is rooted in decades of behavioral science research.
hijack the machinery
Meaning: To take control of a system and use it for a different, often harmful, purpose.
Example: Malware can hijack the machinery of a website to spread spam content.
hack the recipe
Meaning: To alter a process or plan in a clever or unauthorized way to change outcomes.
Example: The startup hacked the recipe for onboarding to cut churn in half.
open a window into
Meaning: To provide insight or visibility into something previously hidden or complex.
Example: Long-form interviews open a window into a leader’s decision-making style.
molecular barcode
Meaning: A distinctive pattern of biological markers that uniquely identifies a cell type or condition.
Example: The team used a molecular barcode to distinguish healthy tissue from inflamed regions.
with an asterisk
Meaning: True under specific caveats or limitations; not universally or fully applicable.
Example: The policy change was a success — with an asterisk — since rural areas saw little benefit.
frontier in the war
Meaning: A new or critical area of focus within a broader struggle or campaign.
Example: Early detection is the next frontier in the war against heart disease.
non-coding RNA
IPA: /nɒn ˈkoʊ.dɪŋ ˌɑːr.enˈeɪ/ (UK & US)
Meaning: RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression and cellular processes.
Meaning: RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression and cellular processes.
Example: ONC-RNAs are non-coding RNAs found only in cancer cells, not in healthy ones.
molecular barcode
IPA: /məˈlek.jʊ.lər ˈbɑːr.koʊd/ (UK & US)
Meaning: A unique pattern of molecular markers that identifies a specific type or subtype of cells.
Meaning: A unique pattern of molecular markers that identifies a specific type or subtype of cells.
Example: OncRNAs form a molecular barcode that reveals the identity of cancer cells.
residual disease
IPA: /rɪˈzɪd.ju.əl dɪˈziːz/ (UK & US)
Meaning: Remaining traces of cancer cells in the body after treatment or surgery.
Meaning: Remaining traces of cancer cells in the body after treatment or surgery.
Example: Detecting residual disease helps clinicians decide which patients need further treatment.
Other Listening Exercises
What If a Simple Blood Test Could Detect Cancer?
In progressB1 · 7:3