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题型:阅读理解-阅读单选 难度:0.65 引用次数:204 题号:21055836

In a groundbreaking effort, scientists at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, leading to enhanced health and a longer lifespan for the mice.

Unlike many other species, the rats do not often contract diseases — including cancer — as they age. Vera Gorbunova, the Doris Johns Cherry Professor of biology and medicine at Rochester, along with Andrei Seluanov, a professor of biology, and their colleagues have devoted decades of research to understanding the unique mechanisms (机制) that the naked mole rats use to protect themselves against aging and diseases. The researchers discovered that HMW-HA is one mechanism responsible for the rats’ unusual resistance to cancer. Compared to mice and humans, naked mole rats have about ten times more HMW-HA in their bodies. When the researchers removed HMW-HA from the rat cells, the cells were more likely to form tumors (肿瘤).

“Our study provides a proof of principle that unique longevity mechanisms that evolved in long-lived mammals can be exported to improve the lifespans of other mammals,” says Gorbunova. The Rochester researchers report in a study published in Nature that they successfully transferred a gene responsible for making HMW-HA from a naked mole rat to mice. This led to improved health and an approximate 4.4 percent increase in the median lifespan for the mice.

By introducing a specific gene responsible for enhanced cellular repair and protection into mice, the researchers have opened exciting possibilities for unlocking the secrets of aging and extending human lifespan. “It took us 10 years from the discovery of HMW-HA in the naked mole rat to showing that HMW-HA improves health in mice,” Gorbunova says. “Our next goal is to transfer this benefit to humans.”

They believe they can accomplish this through two routes: either by slowing down the degradation of HMW-HA or by enhancing HMW-HA synthesis. “We hope that our findings will provide the first, but not the last, example of how longevity adaptations from a long-lived species can be adapted to benefit human longevity and health.” Seluanov says.

1. What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?
A.The beneficial effects of HMW-HA on humans.
B.The comparison between mice and humans in longevity.
C.The process of transferring genes producing HMW-HA.
D.The discovery of a unique mechanism for cancer resistance.
2. What can we learn about the Rochester researchers?
A.They have uncovered the secrets of humans.
B.They managed to end the weakening of HMW-HA.
C.They are planning to export longevity genes to humans.
D.They have spent 10 years trying to discover HMW-HA.
3. What does Seluanov think of the prospect of extending human lifespan?
A.Hopeful.B.Profitable.C.Doubtful.D.Uncertain.
4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?
A.Promise Shown in Control of Human Genes
B.Scientists Successfully Transfer Longevity Gene
C.Achievement Made in Extending Human Lifespan
D.New Breakthrough Paves the Way for Curing Cancer
【知识点】 科普知识 说明文

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【推荐1】“What beautiful music!”I shout loudly as my 9-year-old son practices playing the violin. He’s used to this praise; I give rewards like that most days. But every once in a while, I skip it, and when I do, I can see the disappointment on his face when he’s finished.

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【推荐2】PCs are no longer the only things that can be hacked(非法侵入). Anything with an electronic pulse, including cars, TVs and refrigerators, is now a target for hackers. Here are several strangest hacks that show where the future is headed:

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