【推荐1】The history of writing instruments, with which humans have recorded and conveyed thoughts and feelings, is the history of civilization itself. This is how we know about our ancestors and their life.

The handy sharpened-stone was adapted into the first writing instrument. Around 24,000 BC, the cave man started drawing pictures with the stone onto the walls of his cave.    1    Walls at the Apollo site in Namibia are believed to be the oldest rock paintings to date.

Before paper came along, people used clay or wax tablets on which they wrote with sharp objects such as metal sticks or bones. Around 6000 years ago, the Egyptians invented the first paperlike material called papyrus. The word “paper” actually comes from the word “papyrus”.

    2    Bones or metal sticks were no longer useful as the papyrus could not be scratched. So the Egyptians created a reed-pen perfect for the papyrus.    3    And thus, ancient Egyptians transformed bamboo stems (茎) into an early form of a fountain pen.

Another writing instrument that remained active in history for a long period was the quill (鹅毛) pen. Introduced around 700 AD, the quill was a pen made from a bird feather. Goose feathers were most common.    4    For making fine line drawings, crow feathers were the best.

When writers had better inks and paper and handwriting had developed into both an art form and an everyday occurrence, man’s inventive nature once again turned to improving the writing instrument.    5    

【推荐3】Researchers say a new electrical device placed in three paralyzed patients has helped them walk again. The lower bodies of the three patients were left paralyzed after they suffered spinal (脊柱的) cord injuries. But a device implanted in the spinal cord was able to send electrical signals to the muscles to permit them to stand, walk and exercise.

Scientists have discovered that neurons—which receive and send signals for muscle movements—often still work in injured patients with serious spinal cord injuries. However, past research into spinal cord injuries has centered on the stimulation of neurons. Now in the latest experiment led by Gregoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, three paralyzed men were implanted a new electrical device designed to copy an action of the brain, in which it sends signals to the spinal cord that result in muscle movement. When the spinal cord receives the brain signals, it stimulates a collection of nerve cells that can activate different muscles.

The researchers reported that all three patients who got the spinal cord implants were able to take their first steps within an hour after receiving them. Over the next six months, the patients regained the ability to take part in more advanced walking activities, the study found. They were also able to ride bicycles and swim in community settings.

Unlike other attempts to help paralyzed patients walk by stimulating nerves through the back of the spine, Courtine said that his team redesigned the devices so signals would enter the spine from the sides. This method permits more direct targeting and activation of spinal cord areas, he said.

The team then developed artificial intelligence (AI) systems linked to the device. The AI controls electrodes on the device to send signals to stimulate individual nerves that control muscles needed for walking and other activities. However, because the patients muscles were weak from not being used, they needed help with supporting their weight, the researchers said. It also took some time for them to learn to work with the technology. Still，Bloch said, “The more they train, the more they start lifting their muscles, the more fluid it becomes.”

【推荐1】Growing up, Danielle Belleny was “always outdoorsplaying with plants and picking up insects and investigating the world on my own,” she told TIME for Kids. She hadn’t yet heard of wildlife biology, but that’s what she was learning about. “I wanted to be a veterinarian(兽医), at first,”she says.“I always knew I wanted to work with animals. That was the only job I knew where you could do that.” But when Belleny was in college, her dad mentioned wildlife biology as an alternative.

Later, Belleny started working on research projects. She spent a lot of time with animals in their natural environment. One project was about placing trackers on a bird called the northern bobwhite. For another, she spent time herding goats. It was a way to maintain a grass habitat for endangered box turtles without hurting them.

Belleny’s current job is at Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, in Hays County, Texas. “In the morning, I’m usually out the door by sunrise,” she says. She surveys birds. She keeps track of different species. And she searches for signs of what other animals in the area are doing. “It’s basically knowing how to read the landscape,” she says, “based on what plants and different characteristics are there.”

Around lunchtime, she’ll return home and write up a report. In the afternoon, she leaves for another site visit. Landowners can request her services. She advises people on how to accommodate the wildlife that lives on their property. “It’s a lot of meeting new people, a lot of quick introductions, and then talking for long periods of time.

Outside of work, Belleny has been birding, or bird-watching, for seven years. Her first book, This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds, was published in May. It allowed her to share her love of the activity. Now she’s working on a children’s book about birding. It’s scheduled to come out in fall 2023.

Belleny has some advice for young people who are thinking about careers. “Try everything you’re interested in. And if you’re interested in working with animals, go to a library and find some field guides.” There’s a lot of information about animals out there. Books are always a good place to start.

【推荐2】Terry Evanshen, one of Canadian football’s greatest players, has completely lost his memories of his playing days, though he ever made great achievements.

It was in the summer of 1988 after he stopped playing in competitions that he succeeded in his business. One day in July, Terry, on his way home from work, had a terrible car accident. He was knocked unconscious, and within minutes he was rushed to the nearby hospital.

Three weeks later, he woke up. However, it became obvious that Terry’s injuries were far more serious than whatever damage had been done to his body. A lifetime of memories had been completely wiped clean.

At age 44, Terry Evanshen would be starting all over again. Luckily he had the support of his family, helped by small victories and a renewed bond between him and his three daughters like when they taught him how to play football again.

In 1992, his recovery really began to pick up steam. It has taken more than 20 years to rebuild his shattered (破碎的) life. Today Terry is a popular public speaker. He tells his story of never giving up and taking up your courage to do what you are afraid of. “Never forget, we’re all in this game of life together. We will get to the finishing line, one day at a time, one moment at a time, but celebrate the journey. Seize today, because yesterday is gone and is never coming back.” As the subject of the most watched Canadian movie of 2005, The Man Who Lost Himself, Evanshen says his family has been his most important treasure. He refuses to be a victim, saying he is a survivor.