【推荐1】What would you say if you had to eat no food for a whole season? It sounds like a conundrum for humans, but ground squirrels, a common species from North America, however, achieve this very easily every winter. A new discovery has revealed why, and the finding can really help astronauts with their physical health during long missions.

Long periods of inactivity are known to lead to muscle wastage in most animal species. But for hibernating (冬眠) animals, things happen in a different way. Not only can they survive without eating, but they also use minimal levels of energy while preserving their muscle mass and function during and after the whole winter.

It was Matthew Regan, an animal physiologist from the University of Montreal, who discovered why. In his research published in Science, he confirms a theory from the 1980s called “urea nitrogen salvage” (尿素氮回收) through the study of ground squirrels.

According to the theory, the gut microbes (肠道细菌) from these cute hibernators can recycle the nitrogen inure a and reuse it to build new proteins. In short, they can take advantage of waste, and turn it into something vital.

“Urea nitrogen salvage may help with the hibernating squirrels’ muscle function and contribute to their reproductive success during the mating season,” Regan said. “This way, when squirrels recover from hibernation, they are in good shape to deal with the intense physical activity that a successful reproduction demands.”

Regan’s findings could have a meaningful impact on the future of space travel. According to the researcher, if astronauts manage to copy the salvaging of urea nitrogen, they will be able to prevent muscle loss, a common issue among space travelers.

“Because we know which muscle proteins are prevented during spaceflight, we can compare these proteins with those that are enhanced by urea nitrogen salvage during hibernation,” Regan said. The researcher continued, “If there are the same parts between the proteins in spaceflight and the ones from hibernation, then it suggests astronauts can gain health benefits by learning this process.”

【推荐2】In the 1950s and 60s, scientists around the world launched many creatures into space. The idea was to calculate the effects of spaceflight on living creatures in the hopes that humans could follow.

The Soviet Union sent a stray Moscow dog named Laika into space, and subsequently, it was honored as a national hero. Ham the chimpanzee was famously buried at the International Space Hall of Fame in New Mexico following his contributions to the U. S. space program. And then there was France, which sent the first and so far only cat into space. So, who was this hero cat, anyway?

Félicette was one of 14 cats cited to the French space program. Each cat had electrodes implanted into their brain, and all were subjected to many of the same activities included in human astronaut training. French scientists decided to use cats as they already had a lot of neurological data on them. At the conclusion of training, the petite tuxedo Félicette got the green light.

On Oct. 18, 1963, Félicette, was strapped into a Véronique rocket and blasted from Algeria to nearly 100 miles above Earth. She experienced about five minutes of weightlessness followed by the terror of a turbulent, spinning descent via parachute.

Just 15 minutes later, the flight was complete. A helicopter crew dashed to the landing site, threw open the cabin, and found Félicette alive and well.

Two months later, scientists rewarded her heroism with euthanasia (安乐死) — they wanted to examine her body. Then, Félicette was all but forgotten.

So forgotten that in the 90s, when three former French colonies celebrated her story by issuing stamps with the cat’s likeness, they mistakenly turned her into a boy by using the wrong name — Felix.

But thanks to Londoner Matt Guy who came across the tale of Félicette that she wasn’t already properly recognized for her accomplishments, the story’s finally been set straight. His online pleas netted around $57,000 enough to fund a 5-foot tall bronze statue. On Dec. 18, 2019, the statue was finally unveiled at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France.

【推荐3】Owning a pet is a fun and rewarding experience. But every animal and their needs are different, so how can you make sure that you choose the right one for you? Here are some tips．

·Do your research.

    1     Every pet has its own personality and certain breeds (种类) of animals often have strong characters, so think carefully about what you want from your pet and do some research before you take one on.

·Think about your lifestyle.

For example, if you want to own a cat, will they have access to outside space while you’re out during the day?     2     Do some research on the size, temperament, and exercise requirements of different pets to make sure that they are the right choice for you.

·Do your sums.

From everyday things like insurance, food and toys to unexpected vet bills, having a pet is certainly a financial commitment.     3    

·Think about a rescue pet.

    4     Charities like Blue Cross (畜类保护协会) can offer support and advice about individual pets and help you find the right one for you. They will be vaccinated (打疫苗) so they offer great value compared to the cost involved in buying from a dog seller.

·Find a reliable breeder(培育者).

If you do want to buy a dog or cat, ask your local vet (兽医) or breed club to recommend a responsible breeder. Ask the breeder for all the relevant paperwork and see the pet’s parents, relatives, brothers and sisters to observe their nature and general health and welfare.

    5     Because these may well turn out to be puppy farmers or commercial dealers who have little interest in the welfare of the pets they sell.

【推荐1】Wendy the octopus (章鱼) only had seven legs.

“The last one will grow when Wendy turns eight years old,” the doctor told Wendy’s mother.

For seven year, Wendy’s sister Viola, laughed at her about her missing leg.

“Wendy only has seven legs because she isn’t part of our real family.” Viola told the other sea creatures one day. It was a lie, but everyone believed Viola.

Wendy went home and told her mother that she was sad. “Everyone treats me differently because I only have seven legs,” she said

“Don’t worry.” her mother said. “Tomorrow is your eighth birthday and you will finally grow another leg!”

That night Wendy dreamed that she grew another leg. But the next day, when Wendy woke up and counted her legs, there were still only seven. Wendy was so sad that she cried. Suddenly, a fairy (仙子) appeared.

“You are the lucky octopus I have been waiting for. You can make a wish,” the fairy said.

“I wish that Viola was honest,” Wendy said after thinking for a moment

“Your wish is granted (准予),” the fairy said.

Before the fairy left. she told Wendy that she was the kindest octopus in the sea.

When Wendy got home her family was waiting for her. “Happy birthday!” they said.

“I’m sorry. I don’t have a present for you,” Viola said. “I forgot it was your birthday“

“That’s okay,” Wendy said “You are honest. Thank you.”

Wendy’s mother swam over to her daughter with a birthday balloon.

“Look, you’ve finally grown your eighth leg!” She tied the balloon to Wendy’s new leg.

It was the happiest day of Wendy’s life.

Once upon a time, there was a tiger. His name was Kamau which means the quiet soldier. Kamau wondered, “Will I ever live up to my name?” Kamau is young and makes friends with everyone, but thinks low of himself. His leg disability makes it hard to walk. It makes him feel useless. But what he doesn’t know is that today will change it all.

One bright morning, Kamau spotted a bird in a tree, whose bright colors are so cheerful. She looked old. And he noticed one of her wings was cut. Kamau kept on walking towards the bird. “My name is Jelani,” she squawked as if she could read his mind. “I am Kamau,” he roared. “I know,” she said as if she had been watching over him his whole life. They spent a moment studying each other. At last, Kamau continued going past the tree.

“Do you know the meaning of your name?” she asked. Kamau stopped. The pain showed in his eyes. This is a question he has asked himself every day.

“My name means quiet soldier,” he said. Then he paused. “But I have been given the wrong name, for I am no warrior.”

“Do you know what my name means?” she asked. There was silence. “It means mighty. But as you can see, my body is not fit for it.” Then she looked up.

Kamau asked, “What are you looking at?”

“I am dreaming of flying free. Have you ever thought of running through the jungle, pride in your face?”

“We will never get that kind of life.” Kamau said angrily.

Jelani expected this. So, she explained why she didn’t care about it. “Sometimes, you have to let go of the things you don’t have and make do with what you have.”

“But even if I know this, I can’t be happy because I can’t do anything about my body. My mind knows it,” he said.

“I don’t know what you’ll be, but your mind tells you. It’s telling you that you’re useless, but if you ask your mind to stop, you will find your true self!” Jelani tells him.

Kamau realizes how lucky he was to have met Jelani. How fortunate he was to be able to change his mind.

Kamau finishes the story, making his sons think. It’s a year later and Kamau is a father. He hopes to teach his sons the same lesson that Jelani taught him. “Sons, we can’t always depend on physical abilities to show us who we are. First, think about what your mind can do to change your bad feelings into good ones.”