4 . Tiny traces of protein remaining in the bones and teeth of ancient humans could soon transform scientists’ efforts to uncover the secrets of the evolution of our species. Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute and the Natural History Museum believe a new technique—known as proteomics—could allow them to identify the proteins from which our ancestors’ bodies were constructed and bring new insights into the past 2 million years of humanity’s history.

The consequences of the technology would mirror the impact of the recently developed technology of ancient DNA analysis which, over the past 20 years, has helped uncover dramatic secrets about humanity’s past. The development of proteomics follows scientists’ success in analysing DNA from ancient human fossils. But the analysis of ancient DNA has limitations. “DNA is fragile and rots fairly quickly, especially in warm conditions,” said Pontus Skoglund. “So it is mainly useful for studying fossils less than 100,000 years old and found in moderately cool or cold places.” So scientists have begun to look at other methods to study the biology of ancient humans and have turned to proteins as a key target.

Our bodies are made of proteins whose manufacture(生成) is controlled by our DNA and so, by uncovering their structure, insights can be gained into the make-up of ancient individuals. Crucially, proteins survive longer in warm conditions. However, there was a downside to the use of proteins, added Skoglund. “Proteins do not carry nearly as much information as DNA. They only contain about 1% of the maximum information we could get from a DNA sample. That means that we will need a lot to be able to generate enough data. That may not be easy.”

Nevertheless, proteomics has already produced early promising results. Studies have shown that collagen proteins (胶原蛋白) found in a piece of hominin jaw-bone at Baishiya Karst matches those of Denisovans. “This is the first hint (提示) at what a Denisovan might have looked like and suggests that proteomics has a lot to offer our understanding of human evolution,” Welker told the Observer last week.

5 . I take cold showers. Several years back, the water heater in my house broke, and for weeks, bathing in freezing water was my ________. Although it took some getting used to, I discovered that there was something ________ and energizing. Moreover, the cold shower has changed the way I ________ life.

The worst part about showering in cold water is the moment right before ________ into the water. As soon as you hop in, though, your body quickly ________ to the temperature, and it’s not so bad the rest of the way. For me, stepping into the cold water means ________; it’s getting over the hesitation that comes from knowing I’m about to do something ________.

One of my first “cold shower'” moments came one day in my high school, when I ________ an internship after a career day presentation. One of the speakers was a manager at a large Silicon Valley venture capital firm. The more she talked about her job, the more I became ________. Since I had an interest in economics as well as technology, working at a venture capital firm seemed like the ________ place for me. So, I decided that I was going to ask the speaker if her company hired interns.

As I approached her, however, I was a bit upset. After all, why would a successful business woman offer a job to an ________ high schooler? Still, gathering up my ________, I walked up to her, and introduced myself. We ended up having a wonderful conversation, and even better, she ________ to interview me for an internship. That summer, I ended up having the ________ to work for her firm. My “cold shower” experiences these years have ________ me that good things happen to those who are willing to step out of the comfort zone and challenge themselves for more possibilities.

6 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.

Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.

It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.

Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.

7 . Many retirees spend time playing games like crossword puzzles, and social games like chess. These games keep people thinking and give their brains a good workout. But can they really help improve memory?

The idea of using games that are specifically designed to brain training is very complicated, but research published in The Cambridge University Press has found that brain games certainly make people think and use acquired skills.

Brain games sharpen certain thinking skills like short-term memory decision making, planning skills, and reaction time according to Dr. Julie Brody-Magid, clinical director of the Memory Disorders Assessment Clinic at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital. Many of these skills decrease as people age,especially after retirement,

“Learning to use your brain in response to other forms of stimulation can help strengthen valuable mental skills, which older people continue to need and rely on every day,” Brody-Magid said. The best way to build up cognitive (认知的) reserve is to stay physically active, especially when you age, by taking care of your health by eating right and managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure, and diabetes. All of these go hand-in-hand with playing brain games.“In this way, participating in brain games actually can help with cognition, but it’s a team effort,” said Brody-Magid. “You can’t do it by doing crossword puzzles alone.”

So, if you want to mix it up and combine different types of brain boosting games, here’s a selection from Very Well Mind. Sudoku, a number placement game, relies on short-term memory and concentration. Crossword puzzles are the classic brain game that revolves around long-term memory and knowledge. You can also find them in newspapers and books. If you prefer online games, you can check out Braingle, a free site that has over 15,000 puzzles, riddles, and more. You can even create your own puzzles to get your creative juices flowing too.

So, play some brain games to exercise your brain cells and harvest all of the benefits.

9 . Many people have the desire to travel when summer approaches. The following is to help you narrow down your options.

San Diego

San Diego, located on the Pacific, offers enough outdoor attractions to satisfy all kinds of summer travelers. Families will enjoy exploring San Diego Zoo. No matter what type of traveler you are, the eye-catching architecture and beautiful gardens that make up Balboa Park won’t disappoint. And as for the beaches, San Diego’s variety of shorelines means you’11 never be bored.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, Maine’s proximity (临近) to Acadia National Park makes it an impressive spot to hang your hat in summer. While the distance to the park is undoubtedly one of Bar Harbor’s selling points, you should save room on your route to explore this charming coastal town. Book a boat or whale watching tour on the bay or take a walk along the scenic Shore Path for inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Bermuda

If all you care about is being at the beach during your summer vacation, choose Bermuda. Temperatures during this time of year make summer the best time to catch rays on the sand and swim in warmer Atlantic waters. Chill out along beautiful shorelines such as Horseshoe Bay Beach (the most popular beach), Elbow Beach (the pinkest) and Warwick Long Bay (the longest).

Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s northern U. K. location means that warm weather is rare. Each summer, the city hosts the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the world’s largest arts festival), drawing visitors from around the planet. Aside from this fun summer event, travelers can experience Edinburgh’s green, sun-bathing landscape.