VOA慢速英语:Study: Head Lice Growing Resistant to Existing Treatments

lice – n. a small insect that lives on the bodies of people or animals

crawl(ing) – v. to move slowly

tolerance – n. a body’s ability to become adjusted to something (such as a drug) so that its effects are experienced less strongly

mutate – v. to change and cause an unusual characteristic or quality to develop in a plant or animal

entomologist – n. a scientist who studies insects

insecticide – n. a chemical substance that is used to kill insects

decade – n. a period of ten years

prescribe – v. to officially tell someone to use (a medicine, therapy or diet) as a treatment

comb – v. to smooth or separate (hair or fibers) with a comb

pick – v. to remove unwanted material from (something) by using your finger or a small tool

desiccate – v. very dry; having the water removed

shrivel – v. to cause (something) to become dry

What kinds of treatments are used on schoolchildren with head lice in your country? We want to hear from you. Write your thoughts in the comments section.