(At the fllowing of what we did last time)

Jesse Karmazin tried to turn the ancient myth of the “fountain of youth” into a modern business  by selling expensive young blood to old people (the name “Ambrosia” came from the Greek and Roman mythology. It was the name of the drink drunk by the gods). Eventually, his project was a failure and banished by the US government because it was potentially dangerous and fraudulent.

Indeed, this project raised ethical questions, on one hand, for donors: were they forced to give their blood? Could it be considered as child abuse? Could poor young people be pressured to sell their blood to the rich? Would they be ready to put their health in danger for money? On the other hand, for society: Does it create inequalities between people (the rich and the poor)?  Is it legal?

To finish with the medicine sector: Should we really use a cure that is not scientifically proven? Are the benefits worth the risk of dying? Should medicine be a luxury or fundamental rights?

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Over to you!

Ambrosia in the news

You're a journalist who's been commissioned by The Guardian to report on Jesse Karmazin's company, Ambrosia. Write a short newspaper article, summarizing what he promised and what happened. Add a catchy headline to attract readers.

250 Years of America

The document under study is a video from the US Department of State, published for the 250^th Anniversary of America on July 4^th, 2026. America is fighting and strong nation with a powerful military system. Moreover, it is depicted as a country in advance in technology and innovations. It is seen as a creative country with brave people ready to sacrifice themselves for the well-being of the country and its population. Besides, America is depicted as a united nation where people are described as being lucky to live there. The tone of the voiceover highlights a strong patriotism. On top of that, the country is depicted as being better than any other countries in the world.

To build the country, they were inspired of England from which they picked out the common laws and the importance of freedom. Moreover, from Rome they picked out the Republican virtues. They also took some Christian values. In  addition, they also took democracy values from Athens.  

Americans like to describe themselves as a “Frontier Nation” because it has always liked to go beyond any limits to expand their sphere of influence in any fields (the conquest of the West, the Space Race, the Silicon Valley…)

250 Years America

The document under study is a video from the US Department of State, published on their YouTube channel on July 4^th 2026, to celebrate the Semiquincentennial of America.

America is depicted as a strong country that has always fought for its freedom. Moreover, it is showed as a united nation with a people dedicated to their nation. Furthermore, the tone of the voiceover sounds patriotic which emphasizes the notion of strong patriotism among the people. On top of that, it is also represented as a country being superior than other countries. Indeed, it is described as a country being extremely in advance in science, astronomy, technology and military. In addition, they are shedding light on great American figures such as artists, athletes, scientists and politicians.

To write their constitution, they were inspired by different nations, such as Greece for democracy, Italy for power and bravery in wars and building new things. Besides, obviously Great Britain for some values add to their constitution as they were former British.

Being a “Frontier nation” means that Americans have always been innovative and not afraid to cross any limits (the West conquest and the Space race).

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Written Production that you will have to take on Friday, September 25th, 2026

Similarities and differences with the French school system.

French and British students go to school with their backpacks on whereas American students are not allowed to have backpacks.

In French schools, 100% of the final grade are based on your exams unlike in American schools, 50-60% of your final grade are based on doing your homework or being present.

Regarding/Concerning summer holidays, French students have 2 months of vacation, as opposed to the British who have 6 weeks and the Americans have 3 months.

In French schools, all your grades in PE are based on your abilities contrary to American students’ grades, 30% of their grade are based on their outfits.

My Qualities

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Similarities and Differences with the French school System

In American schools, they have cheerleaders unlike in French schools, the system of cheerleading does not exist. Moreover, in France students are not graded in participation or for their homework contrary to American students. British students and French students do not have lockers in their schools as opposed to American students. In American schools, students have 3 months of summer vacation as opposed to French students who have 2 months of summer. In American schools, they have 4 years of high school unlike in French schools, there are 3 years of high school. Moreover, in the USA, the school days are shorter so that students can practice activities offered by the school they want such as sports, drama, music, journalism, clubs… Whereas in France, French students have longer days and any activities are extracurricular ones, done in the evening most of the time.

My Qualities

Isaac is independent because he likes to work alone/by himself.

Elie is energetic because he likes to encourage his classmates and is always in action.

Maya is also energetic because she always has a lot of energy.

Romane is positive because she always tries to find the best solution in any situation.

Louise is reliable because her friends can count on her.

Sandaru is independent because he can do his own work he does need anyone to carry him.

Andrea is kind because he is gentle with people.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

To sum up on Karmazin’s idea and company, he tried to reverse aging by turn the ancient myth of the “fountain of youth” into a modern business by selling expensive young blood to old and rich people. Eventually, the government banished/banned his company as there was no scientific proof as it could be dangerous for people’s lives.

On top of that, his innovation raised several ethical questions: for donors, it raises the risk of child exploitation and child abuse. Indeed, young people could feel pressured and manipulated to sell their blood to the rich. For the society, the selling of young blood was part of the economy which was unethical eventually. Moreover, it raises another social issue as the selling of young blood would be for the profit of the rich only creating a biological divide. For medicine, the transfusion of blood should remain only to heal or help wounded people. It should not be used for cosmetic reasons.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Over to you!

Young Blood, Old Dreams

The document under study an extract from a magazine called Popular Mechanics, published in 2024. It deals with how some scientists would use blood from young people to cure diseases or stay young.

For example, we have learned about a former Stanford Medical student called Jesse Karmazin who created a startup named Ambrosia. He promised that his blood plasma infusions could improve appearance, sleep, strength and even treat diseases such as Alzheimer. One infusion cost $8,000. It shows that this treatment was targeted at the elite, because these people want to look younger to maintain a good image. As a result, the FDA refused his experiment and put an end to his company because there was no scientific proof that it actually worked.

In history, people had already used young blood to cure or try to stay young. For instance, in ancient Rome, epileptics drank gladiators’ blood hoping to cure their disease. Moreover, Pope Innocent VIII drank the blood of three boys to survive his illness.

Alexander Bogdanov died because of his last transfusions at the early age of 54. It shows that the injection of young blood works only on a short term. However, they can destroy your health very quickly and could kill you.

To conclude, J. Karmazin refused to tell the source of the blood plasma he used because, on one hand the donors might have thought that it was for medical reasons and not for cosmetic ones. Moreover, it could create fights between parents and children because as minors, parents should decide for them and the children could be forced to do it, which is illegal, unethical and a form of abuse.

Homework: Learn the lesson.