It seems that we are one step closer to finding alien life and maybe a future home for humanity. Scientists from NASA have found a new solar system filled with planets that look like the Earth and could even support life.
The group of seven planets, which orbits a star called Trappist-1, is 39 light years away from the Earth in the constellation of Aquarius(水瓶座). And three of them are in the “habitable zone” - the area around a star where water is most likely to be found. This is important because water is necessary for life.
“This is an amazing planetary(行星的) system - not only because we have found so many planets, but because they are all surprisingly similar in size to the Earth”, astronomer Michael Gillon from the University of Liege in Belgium told The Independent.
Trappist-1 is a “dwarf star(矮星)” which is colder and shines dimmer than our sun. If a person were on one of the seven planets, everything would look a lot darker than usual. The amount of light heading toward our eyes would be about 200 times less than we get from the sun, according to The Independent.
Because of that, Trappist-1, together with many other dwarf stars, was never on the list of places where scientists looked for alien life. But Michael Gillon, lead researcher behind the discovery, decided to give dwarf stars a chance. He built a telescope in Chile to observe 60 of the closest dwarf stars, and it turned out that Trappist-1 was worthy of the effort.
The researchers hope that they can spend more time watching the newly found planets to learn more about them. Even though more research is needed before determining whether these planets could really support life, the discovery is still encouraging. It shows just how many Earth-size planets could be out there.
“[The discovery] gives us a hint that finding a second Earth is not just a matter of if, but when,” NASA scientist Thomas Zurbuchen told The Telegraph.
1. What can be learned about the new solar system from the text?| A．It contains a sun and planets like the Earth. |
| B．There are aliens on the planets. |
| C．Water can be found on all of the planets. |
| D．Seven planets move around Trappist-1. |
| A．Trappist-1 and other dwarf stars don’t provide as much heat and light as our sun can |
| B．Scientists did not find a good place to observe dwarf stars according to the passage. |
| C．It is impossible to find alien life on the planets of Trappist-1 and other dwarf stars. |
| D．Scientists have observed dwarf stars, but they failed to find the possibility of survival. |
| A．Less bright. | B．More powerful. |
| C．Stronger. | D．Less beautiful. |
| A．Scientists have found a second Earth. |
| B．A new solar system may become home for humans. |
| C．Scientists are planning to explore another planet. |
| D．People will move to another Earth soon. |
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The musician Moby once said, “Music has no form whatsoever — all it is air moving just a little bit differently. It’s the only art form that you can’t touch.” It is true that we cannot touch music, but that does not mean that music is an invisible art form. There is, in fact, a way to “see” music.
How can we see music? Neuroscientists, people study the human brain, use MRI machines (magnetic resonance imaging machines) to look inside the brain. These tools let them see what actually happens in the brain when people are doing things. For example, the tools let them see the neurons (神经细胞), or brain cells that are in use when people are listening to music. Computer screens linked to MRIs show neurons lighting up when they are in use. And when people listen to music, neurons light up in many parts of the brain.
Neuroscientists have discovered that it isn’t necessary to hear music for the neurons to light up. Even when you just think about a song, these neurons light up. In addition, the same neural activity in the same part of the brain happens when people experience other pleasurable activities. For example, some of the same neurons light up when we eat something delicious or hug a loved one. This is because these neurons are in the areas of the brain that reward us by making us feel good. Negative feelings such as fear or anxiety make neurons in a different area light up. However, when an anxious or frightened person listens to pleasurable music, these neurons stop lighting up.
Now that neuroscientists can “see” the, effects of music on the brain, they want to know what the benefits of music are. It turns out there are many benefits. Neuroscientists have discovered that music can help memory and may keep our brain young. Recent studies show that an elderly musician often has a better visual memory than an elderly non-musician. For example, elderly musicians are better at memorizing a written list of words than their non-musician peers.
Why does music have so many benefits? The answer may be because it uses so many different parts of the brain. According to neuroscientists, using many parts of the brain at one time gives your brain a good “workout.” In fact, one of the best brain “works” is to read music and play a musical instrument at the same time. Reading music while playing an instrument is a challenging task. It uses more parts of the brain simultaneously than most other activities and requires excellent coordination (协调性). It involves both physical movement and mental activity, much like playing a sport such as soccer.
So, although Moby is completely correct that we cannot touch music, it is possible to “see” the effect of music on our brains. There is still a lot to learn about the effects of music on our brains. However, there is no doubt that scientists have shown that music is an extremely powerful art form with many positive effects.
1. How do MRIs help people “see” music?2. Why did the author mention the elderly musician in paragraph 4?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Pleasurable activities and negative feelings activate neurons in the same part of the brain, but in a different way.
4. Now that you know the many benefits of music, how do you think, music may be able to help you solve your problems in your life? (in about 40 words)
【推荐2】In India, one elegant live-work space by architecture firm Koshy shows how architects and designers can keep a measured balance between using new and recycled materials. Located in Kochi, in the southern state of Kerala, the Koshish building features repurposed materials like Mangalore tiles (瓷砖), steel, and windows—all from an abandoned textile factory situated about 5 miles away.
As the architect Charles Loeway explains, the inclusion of over 14,000 of these tiles not only refers to the storied history of this locally made material, but also underlines how there are still plenty of ecological benefits of using these more traditional components. “With much of Kerala giving up traditional terracotta tiles in favour of more contemporary materials, the significance of the age-old Mangalore tiles has been overlooked of late. Cooler temperatures, breathability (透气性) and a timeless appearance that’s easy on the eye are just few of the many advantages that the core material of the structure possesses,” he adds.
Mangalore tiles are named after the city of Mangalore in the neighboring state of Karnataka. This type of terracotta tile was first introduced to the subcontinent in the 1860s, by way of a German. Since then, these tiles have been manufactured (制造) locally and used extensively in India’s older government buildings, or exported off to Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Europe, Australia, and East Africa. They remain a popular choice for roofing, preferable over concrete due to their quality.
Obviously, Indian architects had all this in mind when making the decision to build many of the project’s walls with these distinctive tiles. Ultimately, this modern, yet down-to-earth project shows us that old can indeed become new and beautiful again.
1. What can be learned about the buildings designed by Koshy?| A．Recycled materials are added to them. | B．They totally use traditional materials. |
| C．All of their designers are from Germany. | D．An abandoned factory is similar to them. |
| A．The goal of the architecture firm. |
| B．The benefits of traditional materials. |
| C．The feature of modern architecture. |
| D．The reasons for using modern materials. |
| A．An Indian first introduced Mangalore tiles. |
| B．The origin of the name of Mangalore tiles is unknown. |
| C．Mangalore tiles are of better quality than concrete for roofing. |
| D．Mangalore tiles are not allowed to be manufactured in India. |
| A．Traditional Recycled Materials Used in India |
| B．The Problem With Many Modern Buildings |
| C．A Family Keen on Environmental Protection |
| D．New Exploration on Recycling Building Waste |
【推荐3】Some people often wonder whether they are fighting a battle with their genes to maintain a healthy weight. In fact, researchers have provided plenty of evidence that people are born with tendencies to be lighter or heavier. For example, studies of identical twins have revealed great similarity in their overall weight. Part of this similarity may be explained by the finding that some people are born to burn a lot of calories just through ordinary day-to-day activities while others are not. Those who are not are more at risk for weight gain.
Researchers have discovered some of the actual genetic mechanisms (机制) that may make some individuals more likely to be obese (肥胖的). For example, a gene has been found that appears to control signals to the brain that enough fat has been stored in the body in the course of a meal — so the individual should stop eating. The gene influences the production of leptin (瘦蛋白), which keeps appetite under control. If leptin doesn’t work well, it is likely that individuals will continue to eat. Thus the gene that controls leptin appears to have a critical influence on the potential for obesity.
The confirmation that leptin plays a role in weight control has encouraged researchers to identify and understand other weight-related genes. Recent attention has focused on a gene called GAD2. GAD2 helps control the amount of the neurotransmitter (神经递质) GABA. In general, when more GABA is available, appetite is increased. For that reason, people who have a form of GAD2 that allows more GABA to be available may be at risk for overeating. You can see that GAD2 is not directly an obesity gene. Rather it has an indirect influence on obesity through its direct influence on GABA.
Genetic research holds out the promise of innovative solutions to obesity. Researchers hope that an understanding of the link between genus and weight control will enable them to provide new drug treatments. Nonetheless, even the most optimistic researchers provide a warning: “Innovative drugs will be effective only when they are used along with lifestyle changes.”
1. What does the author want to explain by giving the example of twins?| A．It is hard to maintain a healthy weight. | B．Being fat or thin is genetic ally related |
| C．The twins are usually of similar weight. | D．An individual ‘ body can burn calorie. |
| A．Poor appetite. | B．All varieties of GAD2 |
| C．Effective leptin. | D．Extra amount of GABA. |
| A．Adopt advanced means. | B．Learn more about genetic effects. |
| C．Keep good living habits. | D．Change the weight-related gene. |
| A．How does genetics contribute to obesity? | B．What impact does eating have on weight? |
| C．How many genes determine who is obese? | D．Why do many people become overweight? |
【推荐1】Imagine a world where we can succeed by being nice, where we all look out for each other, and where kindness is the norm. Try to start spreading kindness today to create that world and fill in the heart chart by doing acts of kindness!
For each of the small acts of kindness you do below, fill in one heart on your chart.
Leave a nice comment on someone’s post.
Put down your phone during meals.
Help a teacher clean up.
Do a chore around the house without being asked.
For each of the small acts of kindness you do below, fill in 2 hearts on your chart.
Listen to a friend and don’t judge.
Share with someone why they are important or special to you.
Donate old toys, bikes, or sports equipment to a nonprofit or youth organization.
Write a thank-you note to someone who has given you help.
For each of the small acts of kindness you do below, fill in 3 hearts on your chart.
Cook something yummy for your family and neighbors.
Stand up for someone who is being teased or bullied.
Allow someone to help you, even if you don’t like being or asking for help. (It makes others feel good).
Practice self-care by engaging in exercise, meditation, or by talking to someone about how you feel.
When you’ve filled in all 15 hearts, share your completed heart chart and one of your unforgettable experiences at info@randomactsofkindness. org, and your story may be posted on our website!
1. How can you help a teacher according to the text?| A．Leave a nice comment. | B．Help sweeping the floor. |
| C．Cook something yummy. | D．Write a thank-you note. |
| A．Two hearts. | B．Three hearts. | C．Four hearts. | D．Five hearts. |
| A．Email their experiences. | B．Have a talk with someone. |
| C．Start a new heart chart. | D．Post their photos on social media. |
【推荐2】What would you do when you find some special souvenirs that perfectly combine the rich elements of the Forbidden City and the functional creativity of daily life with funny and cute images? Buy them!
The Forbidden City has always shown its solemnity to the public over the centuries. But since it publicized its creative souvenirs for the first time in 2013, it made a big hit and attracted people's attention for not only its ancient heritage but also its various stylish cultural products.
For most travelers, bringing home something as souvenirs of a visit or as gifts to family and friends marks a meaningful end of the journey. As a result, the Forbidden City always sells cultural items that are creatively designed and present high functionality and great quality at reasonable prices.
From the window to the roof, from the emperors' clothing to the empress' jewelry, the Forbidden City explores its abundant elements to get inspiration for its cultural products, trying to make its ancient culture into people's daily life.
It is recommended to go to the row of small houses next to the east of Shenwumen, where there are Culture Products Exhibition and stores with an official permit.
Curious visitors may be interested in their top sellers, including Court Beads earphones, Qing Official Headwear umbrellas, Mini Imperial Cat fridge magnets, Dragon-Phoenix Robe protective cases for mobile phones, emperor series tapes, Qing Dynasty princess bookmarks, and more.
Online stores on T-mall and Taobao, two e-commerce platforms under the Alibaba corporation are also available for buying creative cultural products from the Palace Museum.
From varieties of souvenirs to food service, some people worry that businesses may make the Forbidden City money-centered and damage its original culture. In fact, the Palace Museum has gained benefits through cultural creativity products by making billions of dollars over the years, but all its income is used for the management of the museum and repair of relics, as well as charity work.
Although there are some arguments against too much business, you can't deny that the 600-year-old Forbidden City is becoming younger and more energetic through these museum products.
1. What does the underlined phrase "made a big hit" most probably mean?| A．Made money. | B．Became popular. |
| C．Experienced failure. | D．Suffered criticism. |
| A．To make money. | B．To follow the tradition. |
| C．To satisfy tourists. | D．Unknown. |
| A．Shenwumen | B．Culture Products Exhibition |
| C．stores with official permission | D．T-mall and Taobao |
| A．Objective | B．Opposed | C．Positive | D．Neutral |
【推荐3】On the side of a busy road leading into Dundee, on the east coast of Scotland, the blades (叶片) of a small wind turbine (涡轮机) move in the wind of passing cars and trucks. It is charging a battery that is below the ground. This is an invention by Sanwal Muneer, a young engineer from Pakistan.
Muneer was inspired to create the turbine as he stood on the side of a racetrack several years ago. “At first, the light wind from the cars was just a welcome relief from the heat,” he says. “Then I started to think about how we could use that energy.”
The turbine stands two-and-a-half metres tall. Made of recyclable carbon fibre, it weighs just nine kilogrammes, making it easy to transport and set up. The fully-charged battery can hold a kilowatt of electricity, enough to run two lamps and a fan for around 40 hours. The idea is that this could be a source of electricity for rural communities in developing countries, or could power traffic lights or road signs in urban areas.
Dundee City Council is the first local authority to allow Muneer’s company, Capture Mobility, to test the turbine beside its roads. “We want to help engineers create something inventive which is also beneficial to the city.” says Neil Gellatly, head of roads and transportation for Dundee City Council. Capture Mobility moved to Scotland from Pakistan in 2015. The Scottish government is investing (投资) in cleaner-energy technologies. Wind is also strong and plentiful all year round here. This made it a good location for Muneer’s company.
Production costs remain the company’s biggest challenge. The turbines must be affordable in developing countries, but achieving this will depend on commercial (商业的) scale (规模). Capture Mobility is now analysing data from the turbine. Later this year, the company plans to send the next stage of the design to the producers. “I am passionate about engineering,” Muneer says. “But engineering is only a success if it improves lives.”
1. How does the author introduce the topic of the text?| A．By sharing opinions about turbines. | B．By offering the definition of turbines. |
| C．By introducing the inventor’s experience. | D．By describing the scene of a turbine at work. |
| A．It is fixed to the ground. | B．It turns traffic into energy. |
| C．It has been used to power traffic lights. | D．It is inspired by a rechargeable fan. |
| A．To make full use of its wind with the Scottish government’s permission. |
| B．To work with its inventive engineers. |
| C．To help solve its energy shortage. |
| D．To answer its government’s invitation. |
| A．Make the turbine out of recyclable materials. | B．Invest in cleaner-energy technologies. |
| C．Test the turbine in Dundee. | D．Mass-produce the turbine. |
