logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
20m 35s

Scientists map a fly's entire brain (On ...

Plain English
About this episode

Today's story: Scientists have completed a ""connectome"" of an adult fruit fly, mapping all 140,000 brain cells and the 55 million connections between them. The map will allow scientists to study in much greater detail how a brain works. And the complete connectome of the fruit fly may pave the way for mapping larger, more complex brains, including those of mice and, potentially, humans.

Learn this English expression: 'On a roll' means experiencing a series of successes or feeling confident and energized.

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/724

--

Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

--

Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

The Expressions are back!

Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Up next
Oct 23
Update episode: BTS, Birkin, NYC trash, Seine swimming & more
Today's story: Get ready for some updates to previous Plain English stories: New York begins rolling out containerized trash collection; Paris opens the Seine for public swimming; BTS announces a comeback; the original Birkin bag sells for a record €8.6 million; Ethiopia opens th ... Show More
12m 43s
Oct 20
Sagrada Familia nears completion after 140 years
Today's story: Construction on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is approaching a major milestone after more than 140 years. The basilica’s central tower is nearly complete, and the project is expected to be structurally finished by 2026, the 100th anniversary of the death ... Show More
10m 13s
Oct 16
Keep calm and carry on: the backstory
Today's story: A British wartime propaganda poster created in 1939 featured the slogan, ‘Keep calm and carry on.’ The poster was never used and the slogan had been forgotten, until it was rediscovered in 2000. In a brand-new age, the slogan took on new meaning, and started to app ... Show More
15m 19s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Learn English The Natural Way-Unlocking Your Brains Genius Ep 782
Could focusing on logic be damaging our society? Today's English lesson https://adeptenglish.com/lessons/ explores the unique qualities of left and right brain thinking with Ian McGilchrist’s insights, while strengthening your English listening skills. "Logic will get you from A ... Show More
12m 56s
Sep 14
833 : 9 Proven Ways to Finally Understand Fast Native English
In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into 9 proven methods to finally understand fast native English speech. If you've ever felt lost when native speakers talk at their natural pace, this episode is your roadmap to breakthrough comprehension.We'll explore practical technique ... Show More
36m 27s
Oct 4
English Listening Practice: 1-Hour Real Story | Improve Your English – Speak Fluently (A1A2) Podcast
In this powerful 1-hour episode, you’ll hear a real, meaningful story told in slow, clear, and simple English. It’s perfect for A1–A2 level learners who want to improve their listening skills, build vocabulary, and speak English more fluently and confidently. ✅ What you’ll get in ... Show More
41m 39s
Sep 22
Why Do Old People Complain About Tech? Ep 828
Do you ever feel frustrated by modern technology and wish things were simpler? You're not alone, and this common feeling is your key to unlocking advanced English (https://adeptenglish.com/english/listening/) skills! In this lesson, you will train your ear to understand authentic ... Show More
12m 30s
Oct 20
Boost Your English Listening With Sumo, Forgiveness & Coffee Stories Ep 832
Do you struggle to understand fast, natural English conversations and wish you could learn new vocabulary without boring lists? This unique English listening lesson https://adeptenglish.com/lessons/ uses fascinating real-world stories to improve your English listening skills & bu ... Show More
13m 19s
Feb 2025
Simplified Speech #214 – Catching rays and climbing days
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their latest travels. Kassy talks about her trip to Thailand with her four-month-old son. She explains what it was like to ride a speedboat and go through airport security with a baby. Andrew describes his ... Show More
27m 22s
Aug 18
349. How to Become an Expert in English (or Anything Else!) (English Vocabulary Lesson)
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/think85⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! What does it really take to become an expert English speaker? How do some people reach such a high level of fluency, while others seem to struggle for years without muc ... Show More
22m 37s
Sep 12
A day in French - 57 - Card
Bonjour à tous and welcome back to the podcast! In today’s episode, we continue with a fun theme that started with a very unusual discovery. Last time, I found a hedgehog in the middle of the city! If you missed that episode, go check it out. It’s a great opportunity to learn new ... Show More
3m 19s
Apr 2025
#438 - 5 Ways to Improve Your English Speaking Alone by Reading Books — The Strategies Used by the Best Learners, Essential Lessons for Life, and Why You Should Focus on Discoveries Rather Than Outcomes
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, Ethan gets real about a common challenge many English learners face — feeling intimidated by reading in English. He shares five personal, practical strategies that can help you improve your speakin ... Show More
17m 50s
Sep 15
6 Secrets of Happy Couples: English Listening Practice Ep 827
Have you ever forgotten to say a simple 'thank you' to the person you love most? It happens to all of us, but that small word has incredible power. Welcome to a new episode from Adept English, where you can learn English by listening https://adeptenglish.com/english/listening/ to ... Show More
13m 29s