Patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease often struggle to remember recently learned information, meaning they forget things like important appointments or where they left their keys. But it seems that these memories are not lost. They are still filed away in the brain somewhere; they just can’t be easily accessed.
Now, researchers at MIT have developed a means of getting back memories in mice suffering from Alzheimer’s. The method relies on a technique that uses light to control genetically modified neurons (转基因神经元). Currently it is too early to be used in human trials as it involves inserting light emitting (发光) equipment into the subjects’ brains, but the same principles still apply, the researchers said.
“The important point is that this is evidence of concept. That is, even if a memory seems to be gone, it is still there. It’s a matter of how to get it back,” said senior researcher Susumu Tonegawa.
The team took two groups of mice, one genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer’s and one healthy. They then placed them into a room and gave them a mild electric shock. All of the mice showed fear when put back in an hour later. When placed in the room a third time several days later, the Alzheimer’s mice acted normally. They had forgotten the shock.
The researchers were then able to bring back the memory of the shock by activating (激活) the cells in which the memories were stored. Even when the mice were put into an unfamiliar room, they showed fear when the cells associated with the shock were activated.
“Short-term memory seems to be normal, on the order of hours. But for long-term memory, these early-Alzheimer’s mice seem to be damaged,” said lead researcher Dheeraj Roy. “Directly activating the cells that we believe are holding the memory helps them get it back. This suggests that it is indeed an access problem to the information, not that they’re unable to learn or store this memory.”
1.What can we learn about the researchers at MIT?
A. They are the pioneers of brain research.
B. They have used the method in human trials.
C. They can cure Alzheimer’s using the new method.
D. They can get back memories in mice with Alzheimer’s.
2.Why did the Alzheimer’s mice behave normally a third time?
A. They failed to remember the electric shock.
B. They were accustomed to the situation.
C. They managed to overcome the fear.
D. They activated the association.
3.For long-term memory, the early Alzheimer’s mice _______.
A. can activate their blood cells
B. can’t learn new tricks well
C. can easily get back their memory
D. can’t access the information stored
4.The main purpose of the text is to _______.
A. introduce a method of a research
B. report the latest discovery about a disease
C. give advice on how to improve memory
D. explain how our brain stores information
难度: 困难查看答案及解析
There are many universities that have been in existence for a long time and are still very popular for their quality education. The following are three of them.
University of Oxford, England
Founded in: 1096
The foundation year of this university is around 1096. There is evidence of teaching being undertaken then. It gained a lot of popularity in the early 1167, as Henry II put a ban on English students from entering the University of Paris. It is regarded as one of the best places to get a higher education today, and it consists of 38 different colleges specializing in various fields of study.
University of Salamanca, Spain
Founded in: 1218
This is the oldest university in Spain, and is located in the town of Salamanca, west of Madrid. It is the third oldest university in Europe that has been in continuous operation since it was founded. Today, it is the most important institution in the world for studying humanities and languages, Christopher Columbus is said to have consulted with its scholars when he was seeking a route to India.
University of Padua, Italy
Founded in: 1222
This is the chief university of Italy. It was started as a law school. It is said to be founded in
1222 by a group of students and professors. Theology (神学) and law were the first subjects taught here. The fields of botany, history, and theater are the most well-known and pursued courses here, and it has established its greatness in the educated world. In 2015, it was ranked as the best university among all Italian educational institutions for higher education.
1.How did the University of Oxford become quite popular？
A.It received a lot of financial support from Henry II
B.It decided to run more courses to educate more students.
C.Henry II allowed the university to accept foreign students.
D.Henry II forbade English students to attend the University of Paris.
2.The writer mentions Christopher Columbus so as to tell us that _____.
A.Scholars in the University of Salamanca are knowledgeable
B.Columbus graduated from the University of Salamanca
C.Columbus was grateful for the help provided by the university
D.Some of his friends in the university held a farewell party for him
3.As for the University of Padua, we know that_____.
A.It is located in the west of Madrid
B.It is the third oldest university in Europe
C.Theology and law were the first subjects taught there
D.It is the premier institution in the world for studying humanities
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Tiny water plants called phytoplankton (浮游植物) serve as food for many sea creatures, including whales, shrimp, jellyfish and snails.
Phytoplankton do well in cold water. But if water temperatures rise by only two degrees Celsius, the phytoplankton struggle. That is what happened in the last three or four years in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. Researchers say an unusual area of warm water spread throughout the Northern Pacific. Scientists called the warm water ''the blob'', as if it were a character in an old science fiction movie. At its largest, the blob stretched 1,600 square kilometers and reached depths of 91 meters. This large mass of warm water had a damaging effect on the ocean food chain. Many fish that depend on phytoplankton swam away from the area. As a result, sea birds and sea lions that eat those fish starved.
Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Washington have found that the warm ocean ''blob'' caused a harmful algae bloom. That fast growth in algae hurt fishing grounds along the U.S. West Coast and Canada's British Columbia. The researchers recently published their study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. They looked at the algae, called P. australis. They found that the algae can grow much faster than normal if it is exposed to warm water. The higher levels of algae also produced more of a poisonous chemical that can cause problems for everything from shellfish to dolphins to sea lions. It also causes problems for humans if too much of the chemical builds up in their blood.
Researchers say algae blooms like this one will continue as ocean waters warm. The algae will hurt sea animals, birds, and fish. It may damage food resources for humans all over the world, the scientists say.
1.The root cause of the starvation of sea birds or sea lions is_____.
A.the depths of the vase sea
B.the large mass of warm water
C.the large amount of polluted sea water
D.the increasingly reduced phytoplankton in the sea
2.From the text, we can know that P. australis is the name of a(n) _____.
A.phytoplankton B.fish
C.algae D.bird
3.The following statements are true EXCEPT_____.
A.Generally, the algae grow much faster than normal if exposed to cool water.
B.The phytoplankton is very sensitive to the rise of water temperature.
C.More algae can bring about a poisonous chemical which endangers sea creatures.
D.Algae blooms will affect not only the existence of sea creatures but also that of humans the world over.
4.The text is most probably taken from_____.
A.a research paper B.a geography textbook
C.a class presentation D.a newspaper report
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Their wealth, fame and power put their heads and shoulders above us ordinary. But according to these celebrities, true happiness lies in some of life's simpler pleasures.
David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nigel Farage all claim that their families are the key to their well-being. But others gave unexpected brief ideas about their celebrity lives. The Dutchess of York Sarah Fertguson, 55, revealed that what most keeps her spirits high was a belief in magic and fairies. She said, ''I do believe in fairies. I do believe magic and when you blow a dandelion (蒲公英) , you will see the light of the enchanted (施过魔法的) spreading their wings and disappearing on their own journeys, just like you have today when you opened your eyes. Don't let the day go by without looking for fairies and magic. That makes me happy, as every day is. ''
Meanwhile, former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney revealed that he got his pleasure through his stomach as well as his family. He said, ''I love to hear the noises in the kitchen as the meal is prepared and then my little grandson climbs on my knee and requests a bite for every bite I take. ''
Food was also key to Strictly Come Dancing《舞动奇迹》judge Len Goodman, who said eating a bacon sandwich was enough to put a smile on his face, while rocker Rod Stewart, claimed that a simple cup of tea made him uncontrollably happy.
For our most gifted sports stars, however, it seems that the key to the good life is a faithful dog. Tennis champion Andy Murray said he badly missed Rusty and Maggie May when he was playing in tournaments around the world. Former England striker Gary Lineker agreed, saying, ''Walking my dog makes me happy. '' The joy at the word ''walkies'' never decreases. Such enthusiasm for something so simple is satisfying.
1.What is the function of the first paragraph?
A.To inform us what true happiness means.
B.To bring in the topic to be discussed.
C.To explain to us where we can get true happiness.
D.To tell us that celebrities are different from the ordinary.
2.According to the text, who claim that ''FOOD'' is the key to their pleasure?
A.Len Goodman and Andy Murray B.Rod Stewart and Paul McCartney
C.Paul McCartney and Len Goodman D.Sarah Fertguson and Nigel Farage
3.It can be inferred that Rusty and Maggie May are the names of_____.
A.judges B.dogs
C.fairies D.dandelions
4.Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?
A.The Actual Meaning of True Happiness
B.Simpler Ways to Obtain True Happiness
C.Celebrities Are Happier than the Ordinary
D.True Happiness Comes from Life's Simpler Pleasures
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
In1973,I was teaching elementary school. Each day,27kids_______“The Thinking Laboratory.” That was the __________ students voted for after deciding that “Room 104” was too________.
Freddy was an average_________,but not an average person .He had the rare balance of fun and compassion（同情）.He would________ the loudest over fun and be the saddest over anyone’s_________.
Before the school year________,I gave the kids a special ________, T-shirts with the words “Verbs Are Your________” on them. I had advised the kids that while verbs（动词）may seem dull ,most of the_______ things they do throughout their lives will be verbs.
Through the years, I’d run into former students who would provide _______ on old classmates. I learned that Freddy did several jobs after his _______ from high school and remained the same ______ person I met forty years before .Once, while working overnight at a store, he let a homeless man _______in his truck. Another time ,he _______a friend money to buy a house .
Just last year, I was________ a workshop when someone knocked at the classroom door. A woman________ the interruption and handed me an envelope. I stopped teaching and ________ it up. Inside were the “Verbs” shirt and a _______ from Freddy’s mother. “Freddy passed away on Thanksgiving. He wanted you to have this.”
I told the story to the class. As sad as it was, I couldn’t help smiling. Although Freddy was taken from us, we all________something from Freddy.
1.A. built B. entered C. decorated D. ran
2.A. name B. rule C. brand D. plan
3.A. small B. dark C. strange D. dull
4.A. scholar B. student C. citizen D. worker
5.A. speak B. sing C. question D. laugh
6.A. misfortune B. disbelief C. dishonesty D. mistake
7.A. changed B. approached C. returned D. ended
8.A. lesson B. gift C. report D. message
9.A. Friends B. Awards C. Masters D. Tasks
10.A. simple B. unique C. fun D. clever
11.A. assessments B. comments C. instructions D. updates
12.A. graduation B. retirement C. separation D. resignation
13.A. daring B. modest C. caring D. smart
14.A. wait B. sleep C. study D. live
15.A. paid B. charged C. lent D. owed
16.A. observing B. preparing C. designing D. conducting
17.A. regretted B. avoided C. excused D. ignored
18.A. opened B. packed C. gave D. held
19.A. picture B. bill C. note D. diary
20.A. chose B. took C. expected D. borrowed
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Artists might have sunk into a state where they forgot themselves, didn’t need to think and lost track of time, and inspirations would “just flow out”. Such a state of total involvement and effortless concentration is called “flow”. 1.. It is accompanied by physical changes such as deepened breathing and slow heart beats.
The benefits of being in the flow state stretch beyond the experience itself. Flow is associated with subjective happiness, satisfaction with life and inner peace. At work, it’s linked to productivity, motivation and responsibility. 2.. In fact, we all can experience flow whenever we are fully devoted to our work or hobbies or relationships, in mountains and cities alike. If you don’t experience flow every day, here are ways to trigger (触发) it.
Create best conditions
Avoid noisy environments and opportunities for interruptions. 3., so you’ll need to experiment to find what works best for you.
4.
You need to engage in activities that are meaningful, that you find challenging and for which you have the skills required to come out as winners. The level of difficulty should also be just right — not so easy that you find yourself bored, but not so hard that you get stressed.
Stay highly aware of yourself
Practice staying highly aware of your breath, your presence, your thoughts and your actions, and you will live fully each second of the present and be completely yourself. Gradually the world around melts away and what you are doing becomes worth doing for its own sake. 5..
A.Decide on a proper activity
B.Flow is more than a state of mind
C.Fortunately, flow is not unique to artists
D.Flow is a happy accident when it happens
E.Then you will be already in the flow state before you know it
F.The most desirable environment varies from person to person
G.Take whatever calm you can get, be yourself and the observer of yourself
难度: 中等查看答案及解析