1 . Olympic Games organizers in France presented the 2024 Olympic torch (火炬) that will light the Summer Games in the country a year from now. In the Olympic torch tradition, many people carry the torch in turn from Greece to the current location of the Games. After it has traveled thousands of kilometers. The torch will light the Olympic cauldron (火炬台) at the Opening Ceremony of the next Olympic Games.

French designer Mathieu Lehanneur created the torch, which is 70 centimeters long and made of lightweight steel. Lehanneur said its shape is inspired by the famous Seine River, which flows through Paris. He said the torch is equal from top to bottom and all around the middle, which stands for equality between athletes. The twisting shape of the torch represents peace.

The torch was made with lightweight steel. Its lower half copies the movement of the Seine, along which the opening ceremony will take place for over 500,000 viewers.

Lehanneur said he wants the torch to represent the kind of event that Paris 2024 hopes to be. “I wanted to move away from the torch appearing as an object of conquest (征服), ” Lehanneur said. He also told reporters that designing the torch was much more technical than he thought it would be. “The magic is not the torch itself, but the flame,” Lehanneur said.

The torch will be lit up in Olympia, Greece on April 16,2024, followed by a nine-day torch relay before sailing across the Mediterranean Sea from Athens to Marseille in France on May 8. It will then pass through several important laces, which include Strasbourg, the Pantheon in Paris, the Mont Saint-Michel and multiple French territories.

Tony Estanguet, the Paris 2024 chief, said that the torch is very, very beautiful. He also said, “It is very pure. It’s perfectly balanced in the hand.”

2 . 15 years spent in the field of education has provided me with treasured moments. One of the most priceless happened when I was teaching second grade, 10 years ago.

In May of the fourth quarter, I decided to _________ something special for the children: A Mother’s Day tea. We put our _________ together to come up with ideas of how to _________ our mothers. We decided to hold our tea the Friday before Mother’s Day. Each child took home an invitation and I was _________ to see that every mother was planning to attend. I even invited my own mother.

Finally the _________ day arrived. At 1:45 that afternoon, each child lined up at our classroom waiting for the _________ of his or her mom. As it got closer to starting time, I looked around and my eyes quickly found Jimmy. His mother hadn’t _________ and he was looking anxious.

I took my _________ by the hand and walked over to Jimmy. “Jimmy,” I said. “I have a bit of problem here and I was wondering if you could _________. I’m going to be really busy. I was wondering if you could keep my mother company while I’m busy.”

My mom and Jimmy sat at a table with two other mother-and-child ______________. Jimmy served my mom her treats, presented her with the gifts I had made, and pulled out and pushed in her chair, just as we had practised the day before. ______________ I looked over, my mom and Jimmy were in ______________ conversation.

Now, 10 years later, I work with students of all ages, educating them about the environment. Last year, I was at a high school to ______________ a senior class on a field trip, and there was Jimmy. When Jimmy made sure we were the last two, he said, “Remember our Mother’s Day ______________ we had in second grade? Thanks for all you did for me, and thank your mother, too. No one knew my mom didn’t make it!” I ______________ my work with a hug from a teenage boy who had probably stopped hugging teachers years ago.

3 . "The Art Newspaper," a dual-format publication encompassing both digital and print mediums, which comprehensively reports on the intricate tapestry of the global art scene, has recently unveiled a compilation of the four most frequented art museums, as determined by attendance statistics. Have you had the privilege of venturing to any of these esteemed venues?

One such locale, nestled in the heart of Paris, France, is the Musée du Louvre, a colossal repository of artistic treasures and a cherished historical monument of the city. Since its inception in 1793, this museum, situated within the Louvre Palace, has undergone numerous expansions to accommodate its ever-growing collection. Its iconic glass pyramid, positioned prominently in the central courtyard, was the ingenious conception of the renowned Chinese American architect, Ieoh Ming Pei, and has since transformed into a symbolic hallmark of the museum, even gracing the silver screen in the blockbuster thriller "The Da Vinci Code," starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou.

Another noteworthy destination, situated proximate to the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, is the National Museum of China. Boasting a colossal size that ranks it among the largest museums worldwide, it holds the distinction of being the second most visited art museum globally, trailing closely behind the Louvre. Spanning an epoch from the ancient Yuanmou Man, dating back 1.7 million years, to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), this museum showcases an extensive collection of approximately 1.05 million artifacts, many of which are exclusive to its own walls.

Shifting our focus to the United States, we find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially known as 'The Met,' standing tall as a mandatory stop on any itinerary exploring the vibrant city of New York. Perched elegantly on the eastern fringe of Central Park, within Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side, the Met harbors a vast and diverse collection encompassing the art of Africa, Asia, Oceania, Byzantium, and the Islamic world. Furthermore, every May, the museum hosts the prestigious Met Gala, an event that captivates the world's attention akin to the Oscars, showcasing the finest in fashion and philanthropy.

Lastly, for those enamored with Roman history and the splendor of Renaissance art, the Vatican Museums, nestled within the sovereign city-state of Vatican City, present an unparalleled experience. Tracing a path through the exhibitions, visitors are treated to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, adorned by the masterful brushstrokes of Michelangelo, as well as the exquisite Stanze di Raffaello, beautifully embellished by Raphael.

4 . Handwriting notes in class might seem old-fashioned as digital technology affects nearly every aspect of learning. But a recent study in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that taking notes with pen and paper is still the best way to learn, especially for young children.

The new research builds on a 2014 study that suggested people may type notes quickly, without thinking much about what they’re writing-but writing by hand is slower and makes them actively pay attention to and process the incoming information. This conscious action of building on existing knowledge can make it easier for students to stay engaged and grasp new concepts.

To understand specific brain-activity differences during the two note-taking approaches, the authors of the new study sewed 256 electrodes (电极) into a hairnet. These sensors let the scientists record 36 students’ brain activity as they wrote or typed words displayed on a screen. When students wrote by hand, the sensors picked up widespread brain connectivity throughout visual regions that receive and process sensory information, and the motor cortex (运动皮层) that helps the brain use environmental inputs to inform a person’s next action. Typing, however, resulted in minimal activity in these brain regions.

Vanderbilt University educational neuroscientist Sophia Vinci-Booher says the recent study highlights the clear tie between physical actions and concept understanding, “As you’re writing a word, you’re taking this continuous understanding of something and using motor system to create it.” That creation then affects the visual system, where it’s processed again-strengthening the connection between an action and the words associated with it.

Vinci-Booher notes that the new findings don’t mean technology is always a disadvantage in the classroom. Digital devices can be more efficient for writing essays and offer more equal access to educational resources. However, there’s a growing trend of relying on digital devices to perform cognitive (认知的) tasks, such as taking photos instead of memorizing information. Yadurshana Sivashankar, an researcher at the University of Waterloo says, “If we’re not actively using these areas, then they are going to become worse over time, whether it’s memory or motor skills.”

5 . A significant proportion of the American populace within the working-age demographic are encountering challenges in meeting the financial demands associated with health care, as per a recent comprehensive evaluation.

This study, which is the inaugural edition of the Health Care Affordability Survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, reveals that a substantial 51 percent of adults falling within the age bracket of 19 to 64 years have expressed that affording health care for themselves and their family is either exceedingly challenging or moderately difficult. This observation encompasses 43 percent of individuals who are beneficiaries of health insurance provided by their employers and an even higher 57 percent who have secured health insurance through a marketplace or have opted for an individual plan.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that nearly one-half of the working-age adults who are under the Medicare program and 45 percent of those who are recipients of Medicaid also admit to facing hardships in covering their health care expenses. It is particularly striking that a majority, specifically 65 percent, of working-age adults have indicated that the escalation in the cost of various goods and services over the past year has had a detrimental impact on their capacity or that of their family to manage health care expenses.

The aforementioned survey, which is based on a sample that is representative of the nation and comprises nearly 7,900 individuals who are 19 years of age or older, was carried out from the mid-point of April through the month of July in the current year. This survey follows on the heels of another analysis conducted by the research entity known as KFF, which demonstrated an upward trend in the costs associated with health insurance for employer-sponsored plans as well as an increase in the contributions made by workers towards these plans in the year 2023.

The newly disseminated analysis has further unearthed that 38 percent of the individuals who participated in the survey identified cost as the primary factor that led them or a family member to either forgo or postpone the receipt of necessary health care services or the procurement of prescribed medication within the last 12 months. This includes 29 percent of those who are under the protection of employer-based coverage, 37 percent who are insured through individual and marketplace health plans, 42 percent who are covered by Medicare, and 39 percent who are recipients of Medicaid.

Furthermore, it is observed that more than six-tenths of the individuals who are devoid of any form of health insurance have reported that they or a family member have had to delay or forgo medical care due to financial constraints. Among all those who have reported such instances of skipping or delaying care, a considerable 57 percent have stated that a health issue has consequently deteriorated.

6 . Embark on an exhilarating expedition across the ancient trade routes, commencing your 5-day odyssey from the heart of China to the vibrant lands of Central Asia.

Day 1 in Turpan, China: Commence your journey in the oasis city of Turpan, where you will delve into the intricate Karez Well System — a testament to the ingenuity of ancient irrigation techniques that persist in their operational capacity to this day. As the sun sets on your inaugural day, retreat to the tranquility of a family-owned vineyard, where you can meander through the verdant vineyards, engaging in conversations with the hospitable locals to gain insights into their customary way of life.

Day 2 in Urumqi, China: With the first light of dawn, set forth from Turpan to the bustling metropolis of Urumqi, the political epicenter of Xinjiang. Post a nourishing breakfast, immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of the Xinjiang Museum, a treasure trove of diverse artworks, meticulously crafted handiworks, and historical artifacts. As you prepare to wing your way to Kashgar, seize the opportunity to amble through the vibrant Erdaoqiao Market, the most expansive marketplace in Xinjiang, teeming with a medley of goods.

Day 3 in Kashgar, China: Devote this day to the leisurely exploration of Kashgar, commencing with a visit to the bustling Handicrafts Street, a cornucopia of artisanal treasures ranging from copper wares to metal and porcelain masterpieces. Pause for refreshment in a time-honored teahouse, where you can mingle with the convivial community, partaking in their animated dialogues and spirited dances. As the day draws to a close, retire to your lodgings for a rejuvenating night's rest in anticipation of the forthcoming voyage to Osh.

Day 4 in Osh, Kyrgyzstan: Upon reaching the second city of Kyrgyzstan, Osh, immerse yourself in the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex, a repository of cultural artifacts, handiworks, and sculptures that narrate the region's storied past. Subsequently, venture to the Jayma Bazaar, the most expansive marketplace in Central Asia, whose origins are rooted in the bygone era of the Silk Road. Should your interest lie in the silken threads of history, inquire of your guide to lead you to the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, a sanctuary where the age-old manual silk-making process is preserved.

Day 5 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: Conclude your journey with a serene morning train excursion, culminating in your arrival at Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Dedicate the day to the exploration of the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a pivotal city from the Parthian Empire's early annals. As evening descends, return to the city to savor a meal and embark on an evening sojourn to the Ashgabat National Museum of History, where the chronicles of the nation are enshrined.

7 . There are many scientific breakthroughs made by women in the Antarctic. Here are four landmarks in Antarctica and the female pioneers they’re named after.

The ice-free terrace in eastern Antarctica’s Victoria Land bears Jones’ name. In 1969, geochemist Lois M. Jones led the first all-female research team from the U. S. to work in Antarctica. Jones and her team studied chemical weathering in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, an ice-free area of Antarctica. Through chemical analyses of rocks they had collected, Jones and her team discovered many geochemical characteristics of the valley’s ice-covered lakes.

8,202-foot-high Mount Fiennes, located on Antarctica’s largest island — Alexander Island — is named after Ginny Fiennes. She established and maintained 80-foot-tall radio towers in the Antarctic with her colleagues. In 1985, Fiennes became the first female invited to join the Antarctic Club, a British supper club open to individuals who have spent extended time in the Antarctic region.

The 3,727-foot-tall peak on Antarctica’s Adelaide Island is named after Dame Jane Francis, who is the first female director of the British Antarctic Survey, the national polar research institute of the UK. Her collection of fossils on Seymour Island helped conclude in a 2021 paper that Antarctica’s abundant plant fossils indicate the continent once had a much warmer climate than it currently does.

Peden Cliffs near Antarctica’s Marie Byrd Land are proof of the labor of Irene Peden. She was the first American female scientist to both live and work in the Antarctic, where she used radio waves to study ice sheets. Peden and her team determined how very low frequency radio wave spread over long polar distances by measuring pathways in the ice. They also used varying radio wave frequencies to measure the thickness of Antarctica’s ice sheets.