1 . Winners of the Broadcom MASTERS
Girls took the top prizes at the Broadcom MASTERS, a science competition for middle school students.
Alaina Gassler
Alaina won the $25,000 Samueli Foundation Prize for the project of reducing blind spots in cars. She was inspired to solve this issue by her mother who didn’t like driving her vehicle because its large A-pillar (A柱) design made her feel in danger. “I started to think about how blind spots were a huge problem in all cars,” said Alaina. So she worked on and solved it.
Sidor Clare
Sidor won the $10,000 Marconi/Samueli Award for Innovation, an honor made by Samueli’s generous donation of his 2012 Marconi Society Prize Award. She developed bricks that could one day be made on Mars, so that humans wouldn’t be required to carry building materials with them in order to build there.
Alexis MacAvoy
Alexis won the $10,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Health Advancement, which recognized the student whose work and performance showed the most promise in health-related fields and demonstrated an understanding of the many social factors that affect health. She designed a water filter (过滤器) by using carbon to remove heavy metals from water.
Rachel Bergey
Rachel won the $10,000 Lemelson Award for Invention, awarded by The Lemelson Foundation to a young inventor creating promising solutions to real-world problems. She developed a trap made of tinfoil (锡纸) and netting for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species causing damage to trees.
1. What is the purpose of Alaina Gassler’s invention?| A．To beautify vehicles. | B．To improve the safety of driving. |
| C．To decorate the sidewalk for the blind. | D．To reduce the carbon released from cars. |
| A．Alaina Gassler’s. | B．Sidor Clare’s. |
| C．Rachel Bergey’s. | D．Alexis MacAvoy’s. |
| A．Art. | B．Sport. | C．Technology. | D．Education. |
2 . When you eagerly dig into a long-awaited dinner, it’s traditionally believed that signals from your stomach to your brain stop you eating so much. However, a research team recently discovered that it’s our sense of taste that immediately pulls us back from eating food overly on a hungry day. Stimulated by the perception of flavor, a set of brain cells become active to quickly curtail food intake.
Previous studies have suggested that the food taste may control how fast we eat, but it’s been impossible to study relevant brain activities during eating because brain cells that control this process are located deep in our brains, making them hard to access or record in an awake animal. New techniques developed by the team allowed for the first-ever imaging and recording of a brainstem structure critical for feeling full, called NTS, in an active mouse.
The new study found that when researchers put food directly into the mouse’s stomach, brain cells called PRLH were activated by signals from the gut (消化道), in line with traditional thinking. However, when they allowed the mice to eat the food as they normally would, those signals from the gut didn’t show up. Instead, the PRLH brain cells switched to a new activity pattern that was entirely controlled by signals from the mouth. “It’s astonishing that these cells were activated by the perception of taste,” said researchers. “It shows that there are other components of the appetite-control system that deserves our attention.”
The PRLH-activated slowdown also makes sense in terms of timing. The taste of food allows PRLH to switch their activity in seconds. In contrast, another group of brain cells, called CGC, takes several minutes to respond to signals from the gut. The good thing is that CGC can hold back hunger for a much longer time. These two sets of brain cells interact to work together: one uses taste to slow down eating, while the other signals that you are full.
Understanding how body signals regulate appetite could improve weight-loss programs for the overweight by making use of interactions between signals from different brain cell sets.
1. What does the underline word “curtail” in paragraph 1 probably mean?
| A．Activate. | B．Limit. | C．Expand. | D．Assist. |
| A．Inadequate technologies. |
| B．Inefficient funds. |
| C．Unqualified professionals. |
| D．Improper methods. |
| A．They helped stimulate the mice’s appetite. |
| B．They encouraged the mice to speed up eating. |
| C．They were activated by signals from the mouth. |
| D．They were controlled by signals from the stomach. |
| A．To slow down eating speed. |
| B．To improve the digestion system. |
| C．To extend the feeling of fullness. |
| D．To interact with signals from taste. |
3 . After the death of her nature-loving mother, Margaret Renkl tenderly placed in an antique jar the “soft white hair” left behind in her mother’s hairbrush. Years passed. When it no longer carried the scent (气味) she treasured, Renkl laid the hair across a tree branch in her yard. This act was meant as a direct invitation to the birds in her yard, and it was accepted: A bird used the hair for the nest it was building.
Renkl devotes only a half-page to this story, but it conveys the beautiful interaction of human and other animal lives at the heart of The Comfort of Crows. Starting in winter and continuing through the seasonal round, Renkl brings alive in 52 chapters her love for the animals and plants in her half-acre (半英亩) yard in Tennessee and in nearby parks. Equally moving, she admits her desperation at the human-caused crisis the natural world faces, and her determination not to back off.
Her determination is more than lip service. She cures a neighborhood fox against a skin disease, with the help of a trap, a bit of bacon, and advice from an animal doctor; ensures that leaves from the trees in her yard are not gathered so that insects overwinter and hungry birds can dine there; fills a garden with milkweed in support of monarch butterflies.
With these steps, Renkl refuses to give up in the face of human-caused global warming that is changing our environment and harming other species. In these days of climate crisis, the phenomenon of ecological anxiety is real. In order to seize opportunities to help, many of us do require fuel to restore our spirits. Find that fuel in Renkl’s chapters of The Comfort of Crows. The animals and plants so cherished by Renkl need us now more than ever.
1. What is the central theme of Renkl’s The Comfort of Crows?| A．Personal preference towards country life. | B．Fond memories of close family members. |
| C．Profound disappointment at climate crisis. | D．Amazing interactions between man and nature. |
| A．Renkl’s efforts in protecting animals. | B．Renkl’s service in the neighborhood. |
| C．Renkl’s attempts to treat an injured fox. | D．Renkl’s determination to preserve the yard. |
| A．Indifferent yet realistic. | B．Concerned yet active. |
| C．Pessimistic yet tolerant. | D．Regretful yet hopeful. |
| A．To introduce the beauty of rural life. | B．To present the daily routine of Renkl. |
| C．To recommend an inspirational book. | D．To provide advice on nature protection. |
4 . Calling All Science Lovers
PacSci is always seeking exceptionally talented people who believe deeply in our mission and reflect our diverse community. PacSci offers a variety of job opportunities, from entry-level positions to management roles, all with opportunities to learn, and grow.
Is this you?
·Intensely curious and motivated
·Passion for science and science education
·Team player
·Service-oriented
You might find yourself
·Interpreting exhibits
·Running planetarium (天文馆) shows
·Rowing down River Mercer Slough with summer campers
·Tending to the tropical tree leaves in our Butterfly House
·Managing details for private event sales
·Making things run smoothly behind the scenes
Benefits and bonus
·Exciting location in Seattle Center
·Easy access to public transportation (take the Monorail to work!)
·100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision benefit options
·Approximately 4 weeks of paid vacation plus 12 paid holidays annually
·Annual membership including unlimited admission and other great benefits
·Regular opportunities to learn, grow, and develop new skills across departments and projects
Each PacSci team member plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission: to stimulate curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. Join our team to help expand access to science, in the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
1. What is required of a PacSci member?| A．Prior experience. | B．Language skills. |
| C．Cooperative spirit. | D．Academic background. |
| A．Hosting talent shows. |
| B．Holding science exhibitions. |
| C．Planting tropical trees. |
| D．Accompanying summer campers. |
| A．unlimited vacation days |
| B．self-improvement opportunities |
| C．free public transportation |
| D．discounted annual membership |
5 . One morning, Lindsey Sheely ordered delivery from her favorite restaurant. After
The
Then, she received a
“After losing my daughter this past week, Cohen’s gesture
| A．asking about | B．paying for | C．listening to | D．figuring out |
| A．removing | B．transforming | C．holding | D．purchasing |
| A．hesitated | B．promised | C．forgot | D．stopped |
| A．pizza | B．ride | C．supper | D．house |
| A．ordinary | B．odd | C．adorable | D．daily |
| A．sweet | B．real | C．stylish | D．curious |
| A．lesson | B．laugh | C．topic | D．inference |
| A．warning | B．title | C．diary | D．message |
| A．registration | B．strategy | C．order | D．emergency |
| A．shared | B．rescued | C．rejected | D．replaced |
| A．unavoidably | B．unexpectedly | C．unsteadily | D．uncertainly |
| A．challenged | B．persuaded | C．confused | D．touched |
| A．meant | B．cost | C．brought | D．amazed |
| A．girl | B．author | C．chance | D．boy |
| A．found | B．made | C．sent | D．credited |
6 . Whether you want to broaden your horizons, entertain the family or are simply looking for something to do on a rainy day, a trip to a free museum might be just the ticket.
Science Museum
At the Science Museum, you can enjoy award-winning exhibitions and collections spanning the sciences. From Helen Sharman’s iconic space suit to Amy Johnson’s Gipsy Moth airplane, explore the extraordinary stories of human achievements and the challenges we have overcome. You can book your free admission ticket on its website.
Natural History Museum
London’s world-famous museum is home to over 80 million objects and specimens including plants, creatures, dinosaur fossils, rare bugs and more. Billions of years of natural history is all open to visitors, completely free of charge. You can even get up close to collections made by Charles Darwin.
Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum offers a great selection of exhibits to the whole family. Here you can stand in awe at the world’s first steam turbine-powered ship Turbinia which stands proud in the central hall. It also offers educational workshops and also provides a wealth of online content for virtual learning opportunities. The museum is free of charge.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
For art and design lovers, the Victoria and Albert Museum is the perfect free-to-visit attraction in Britain’s capital. Named after Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, who laid the building’s foundation stone in 1899, the V&A has an impressive collection of original masterpieces, contemporary art, architectural marvels and even a fantastic fashion gallery.
As well as dozens of free permanent exhibitions available in-house and online, the V&A also hosts temporary collections and events throughout the year, many of which are also completely free!
1. What can visitors do at the Science Museum?| A．Explore the world’s first ship. |
| B．Enjoy some contemporary art. |
| C．Admire Charles Darwin’s collections. |
| D．Learn about the great people and their achievements. |
| A．Science Museum. | B．Natural History Museum. |
| C．Discovery Museum. | D．Victoria and Albert Museum. |
| A．They offer free visits. | B．They are world-famous. |
| C．They show diverse ships. | D．They are in the same city. |
7 . There is some truth to the old belief that achy joints are a sign that bad weather is on the way. Research shows a relationship between pain levels and changes in weather, particularly for people who suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis (关节炎).
A2019 UK study analyzed the daily pain logs of 13,000 residents with arthritis. Using GPS data from participants’ smartphones, the researchers found connections between pain and humidity (湿度), air pressure and wind speed. Participants were more likely to experience pains on stormy, windy days and least likely to do so when conditions were dry and calm.
It’s unclear why changes in weather may influence pain severity for some people and not for others. “Everyone experiences pain differently,” says Sin Bevan, chief science officer at Arthritis Society Canada. “There are a lot of factors that could impact pain tolerance, including sleep, stress and depression.”
“It’s a good idea to track your symptoms and how certain weather conditions may affect your pain levels,” says Bevan. “From there you can manage expectations for what can be done on days when symptoms are worse.”
Not surprisingly, there’s evidence that the weather may also impact your mood. There are multiple reasons for this connection, according to Dr Max Pemberton, a UK-based psychiatrist. “Less sunlight affects your levels of melatonin, a hormone (激素) directly involved in mood regulation.”
Besides, bad weather may contribute to social isolation and loneliness because we can’t go outside and do things we enjoy with friends and family, explains Pemberton.
Once you understand how the weather impacts you physically or mentally, there are strategies you can try. For example, if you’re sensitive to cold and damp weather, a hot bath could provide relief for achy joints. Regular exercise — even if it has to be indoors — is also known to improve mood and is an important part of pain control.
1. What kind of weather is more likely to cause pain?| A．Windy and cloudy weather. |
| B．Rainy and windy weather. |
| C．Rainy and calm weather. |
| D．Calm and dry weather. |
| A．There is little to do when pain is severe. |
| B．Everyone is affected by weather changes. |
| C．A lack of sleep may affect people ‘s mood. |
| D．People differ in their ability to suffer pain. |
| A．Have a hot bath. | B．Stay in bed. |
| C．Hang out with friends. | D．Take some pills. |
| A．A biology textbook. | B．A news report |
| C．A health magazine. | D．A weather report. |
8 . One of China’s greatest resources is no doubt its diverse food. One of the most popular foods to be found is no doubt the street snacks that make up a large part of everyday life. “Compared with A Bite of China, which show eases chefs’ cooking processes and delicious food on air, Chinese Barbecue (烧烤) is more down-to-earth in describing the people,” commented a viewer.
A new documentary series, called Chinese Barbecue, tells the story of this popular food option that sizzles over hot coals on just about every street corner in cities and towns across the country. Barbecued meat shining over hot coal containers, while not as elegant as some of the fine dining options in China, are an essential part of people’s night life. The pleasant smell and atmosphere surrounding the grilled (烤的) street food are “something that could entice a girl to fly downstairs at night wearing her pajamas,” the documentary claims.
In many Chinese’s eyes, barbecue, regarded as the most ordinary and common night street snack, is different from homemade food by mothers as that is a symbol of kinship (亲情). Barbecue is where you go to become connected to people in society. And unlike official business lunches, during which people are rather reserved and polite, barbecue lets people cut loose and relax with old friends and newly made friends, leaving a lasting impression (friendship).
On the other side of the world, in the United States, BBQ, well received by all ages, demonstrates the even more enthusiastic personality of Americans, who grill large steaks on their outdoor stoves at home and enjoy competing to see who has the better cooking skills. It’s safe to say that the world, as a whole, holds deep-rooted good feelings toward barbecue, either for the taste or the warmth generated by fire.
1. What is probably A Bite of China?| A．A popular documentary. | B．A commercial programme. |
| C．A cuisine radio programme. | D．A soap opera of chefs. |
| A．Force. | B．Inform. | C．Remind. | D．Attract. |
| A．Close family bonds. | B．Quality food. |
| C．Unique atmosphere. | D．Beautiful cooking style. |
| A．To indicate the popularity of BBQ. | B．To present special American culture. |
| C．To show friendship between countries. | D．To make a comparison with Chinese BBQ. |
9 . Michael and his wife, new residents in a San Francisco apartment, learned about their neighbor Jeff Dunan’s volunteer work for Bangladesh Relief, an organization that provides food, clothing and essential supplies for disadvantaged people in northern Bangladesh. Inspired, Michael donated $150 to Dunan’s GoFundMe campaign. However, a credit card notification alerted him to an unintended $15,041 charge.
When he saw the five-figure number, he was confused. Soon, it all made sense. Michael’s credit card number started with four and one. Clearly, he accidentally began typing his credit card information while his cursor (光标) was still in the donation box.
Michael planned to call Dunan to explain, but before he had the chance to do that, he started receiving Facebook messages from Shohag Chandra, the charity’s Bangladesh-based program manager, thanking him for his generous donation. After he looked through the photos of people holding thank-you signs that read his name, Michael’s heart sank. He felt terrible that he had to withdraw his handsome donation. Once his original contribution was refunded, he decided to donate $1,500.
Although Michael had told his family and friends about the tale, he decided to share it publicly on social media, after Dunan told him the organization was desperately in need of funds. “The least I could do was take the time to post this story online and see if I could inspire other people to donate to the cause,” Michael said.
Little did he know, though, that the story would be seen far and wide, ending up raising more than $120,000 for Bangladesh Relief in the span of only a few weeks—about eight times Michael’s mistaken donation. According to Dunan, more than 3,700 people have contributed because of Michael’s post. Michael has been stunned (震惊) by the ongoing outpouring of support. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this reaction,” he said. “People can be amazing when they come together for something like this.”
1. How did Michael make the large donation?| A．He input an incorrect amount. | B．He encountered a system error. |
| C．He was greatly inspired by Dunan. | D．He entered wrong credit card details. |
| A．He saw people in despair. | B．He failed to offer enough money. |
| C．He didn’t receive the full refund. | D．He realized the scale of his mistake. |
| A．Dunan’s request for publicity. | B．A desire for personal recognition. |
| C．The organization’s urgent need for funds. | D．Pressure from his family and friends. |
| A．Actions speak louder than words. | B．Many hands make light work. |
| C．Always prepare for a rainy day. | D．A good beginning is half of victory. |
10 . Career hunt hits pavement
When it comes to job hunting, few consider holding a cardboard sign on the pavement a
After
Yan had been searching for a job since she graduated early last year. “I have posted hundreds of job applications but wasn’t getting any
By December she
She held the cardboard and
Joseph McConnellogue, Reprise Media’s managing director,
“We were very impressed with her
| A．complicated | B．random | C．plain | D．worthwhile |
| A．choice | B．reward | C．solution | D．answer |
| A．selling | B．persuading | C．refreshing | D．practising |
| A．left | B．introduced | C．landed | D．changed |
| A．bites | B．requests | C．forms | D．challenges |
| A．pretended | B．hesitated | C．continued | D．decided |
| A．unconditional | B．unconventional | C．unchangeable | D．unacceptable |
| A．reached out | B．put up | C．made up | D．gave out |
| A．took | B．copied | C．laid | D．created |
| A．Originally | B．Unfortunately | C．Apparently | D．Eventually |
| A．evaluated | B．arranged | C．sponsored | D．declined |
| A．displayed | B．motivated | C．recalled | D．compared |
| A．prepared for | B．worked out | C．went through | D．turned to |
| A．loyalty | B．initiative | C．politeness | D．knowledge |
| A．approach | B．attitude | C．reaction | D．preference |
