1 . Exposing living tissue to subfreezing temperatures for long can cause permanent damage. Microscopic ice crystals (结晶体) cut cells and seize moisture (潮气), making donor organs unsuitable for transplantation. Thus, organs can be made cold for only a few hours ahead of a procedure. But a set of lasting new antifreeze compounds (化合物)—similar to those found in particularly hardy (耐寒的) animals—could lengthen organs’ shelf life.
Scientists at the University of Warwick in England were inspired by proteins in some species of Arctic fish, wood frogs and other organisms that prevent blood from freezing, allowing them to flourish in extreme cold. Previous research had shown these natural antifreeze molecules (分子) could preserve rat hearts at -1.3 degrees Celsius for up to 24 hours. But these proteins are expensive to extract (提取) and highly poisonous to some species. “For a long time everyone assumed you had to make synthetic (人造的) alternatives that looked exactly like antifreeze proteins to solve this problem, ”says Matthew Gibson, a chemist at Warwick who co-authored the new research. “But we found that you can design new molecules that function like antifreeze proteins but do not necessarily look like them. ”
Most natural antifreeze molecules have a mixture of regions that either attract or repel water. Scientists do not know exactly how this process prevents ice crystal formation, but Gibson thinks it might throw water molecules into push-pull chaos that prevents them from tuning into ice. To copy this mechanism, he and his colleagues synthesized spiral-shaped molecules that were mostly water-repellent—but had iron atoms at their centers that made them hydrophilic, or water-loving. The resulting compounds were surprisingly effective at stopping ice crystals from forming. Some were also harmless to the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, indicating they might be safe for other animals.
“These compounds are really cool because they are not proteins—they are other types of molecules that nonetheless can do at least part of what natural antifreeze proteins do, ”says Clara do Amaral, a biologist at Mount St. Joseph University, who was not involved in the research. Gibson’s antifreeze compounds will still need to be tested in humans, however, and may be only part of a solution. “We don’t have the whole picture yet, ”do Amaral adds. “It’s not just one magical compound that helps freeze-tolerant organisms survive. It’s a whole suite of adaptations.
1. What will happen if organs are kept for a long time in temperatures below zero?| A．They will have ice crystal formation inside. |
| B．They will not suffer permanent damage. |
| C．They will have longer shelf life. |
| D．They will be fit for transplantation. |
| A．They look like Gibson’s antifreeze compounds. |
| B．They are composed of antifreeze molecules harmless to other species. |
| C．They are spiral-shaped and have iron atoms at their centers. |
| D．They can be found in organisms living in freezing cold weather. |
| A．By creating compounds both water-repellent and water-loving. |
| B．By extracting the proteins from some hardy animals. |
| C．By making synthetic alternatives like antifreeze proteins. |
| D．By copying spiral-shaped molecules mostly water-resistant. |
| A．Push-pull chaos might prevent water molecules from turning into ice. |
| B．The final solution to preserving donor organs has been found recently. |
| C．Chemicals inspired by Arctic animals could lengthen organs’ shelf life. |
| D．Gibson’s antifreeze compounds can do what natural antifreeze proteins do. |
2 . We should all let the sunshine in as much as possible--not just because it makes us feel good. Exposure to sunlight produces vitamin D in our skin. This is why we call vitamin D the “sunshine vitamin.”
Vitamin D is good for everybody. In fact, research shows this "sunshine vitamin" could help women with breast cancer live longer.
Breast cancer patients who have high blood levels of vitamin D have a better prognosis(/a)than women who don't. A prognosis is how quickly a doctor expects a patient to recover or how long a doctor expects a patient to live.
Researchers found that these women had less aggressive cancers. They were also 30 percent less likely to die from the cancer or to get it again.
Researcher Song Yao led the study for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He said the study showed that high vitamin D levels improved the patients' prognosis no matter what type or how advanced their cancer was
Besides fighting breast cancer, vitamin D helps the body in other ways. Most importantly, vitamin D controls how the body absorbs calcium. It also makes sure the body's immune system works normally.
Several studies show that vitamin D also strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight disease Vitamin D may help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, according to a 2008 study published in the journal Circulation. And it may also help protect you against getting the flu. Other studies have shown that vitamin D might help people suffering from depression.
Factors in the environment may limit our exposure to sunlight and, therefore, vitamin D. These factors include pollution, using too much sunscreen, spending too much time inside and living in areas with little sunlight.
So if you can't get enough sunshine, eat foods that are rich in vitamin D: egg yolks, cheese and fatty fish h as salmon, sardines, tuna or mackerel
How much vitamin D you need is a much-debated topic. The best way to know if you need more vitamin D is to get tested by a doctor.
1. According to the research, women with high blood levels of vitamin D ______.| A．live longer than women without | B．never get cancer again |
| C．have less aggressive cancers | D．can recover from cancer earlier |
a. strengthening the immune system
b. killing cancer cells
c. promoting the absorption of calcium
d. protecting against getting the flu
| A．abc. | B．acd |
| C．abd. | D．abcd. |
| A．eat more food and do more exercise |
| B．get exposure to more sunlight and eat foods rich in it |
| C．drink more water and eat more foods rich in it |
| D．eat more food and keep positive |
| A．By providing research results | B．By stating arguments |
| C．By explaining statistical data. | D．By giving examples. |
3 . Over a hundred years ago in 1911, something strange was found in the glaciers of Antarctica. Grilffith Taylor—an Australian geologist, had discovered a blood red steam pouring out of the ice cascades（瀑布）of Talor Glacier! Popularly known as the Blood Falls, scientists had not been able to find the reason behind the blood red liquid flowing through the ice---until recently. The mystery of the Blood Falls had finally been solved.
When these falls were first discovered, scientists had believed that the red colour came from a large amount of red algae（海藻）concentrated in the water. Red algae contain a pigment（色素）which reflects red light, making the algae appear red.
This theory made sense, until it was later found that algae do not play a part in the red color of the flowing liquid at all. What really causes Talor Glacier’s waters appear blood red, is the presence of iron oxide in the liquid. The waters of the blood falls are rich in salt and iron content, and when this water comes in contact with the air, it turns red—just like rust! The water in these falls is often referred to as “brine” by scientists because of the high salt content in the water.
This reasoning behind the red colors of the falls was found back in 2003. However, the entire mystery had not yet been solved. How is it then, that the Blood Falls are not frozen?
Researchers at the University of Colorado and University of Alaska found that inside the glacier, there was a network of channels and reservoirs that move the water around. Salt water has a lower freezing temperature. In addition, when any substance undergoes a change in state, it gives off heat. Therefore, the brine actually warm itself up while it’s freezing! How this works, is that when the brine is flowing through the Talor Glacier, some of it does freeze. As a result of changing state from liquid to ice, the brine gives off heat. This heat is enough to keep the rest of the rest of the brine in liquid form, which is why it flows out of the glacier.
Incredible new chemistry facts found, any mystery solved!
1. According to the text, the red algae theory was once considered ________.| A．ridiculous | B．reasonable |
| C．impractical | D．complex |
| A．Because there is too much salt and iron in its water. |
| B．Because its liquid is rich in red algae. |
| C．Because the following liquid reflects and sunlight |
| D．Because the air is thin and rare in Antarctica. |
| A．The water continued flowing constantly. |
| B．There is too much salt in the water. |
| C．The brine gives off heat while freezing |
| D．Temperatures aren’t high enough for flowing water. |
| A．The discovery of the blood glacier. |
| B．The birth of the Talor Glacier. |
| C．The flowing red water in Antarctica. |
| D．The mystery of the Blood Falls. |
4 . Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale
Young people are bursting with artistic energy. The Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale (CYSS) of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is a fun way for boys and girls to express themselves visually. It focuses on encouraging the creative growth of young people, believing they can develop their artistic potential through personal expression in individual original objects.
CYSS is a highlight of Children and Youth Day, Wednesday, July 12, 2018. This day features performances for and by young people, art and craft workshops and demonstrations. All artists must he between the ages of 8 and 18 and live or have relatives living in any of the centrally located Pennsylvania counties to participate.
All artworks must be original and age-appropriate for the event’s audience, most of whom are under 18. The sales of work made from small animals and the sales of food are prohibited. A complete listing of the rules can be found in the application. Please review the rules carefully as they may have changed since you last participated in the event.
Artists must personally be present during the entire clay. Representatives, including family members, may not attend in place of the artist.
How to Enter
1. Complete both sides of the entry form. A parent signature is required.
2. On a separate sheet, provide a brief description of the artwork and the materials used. Do not send samples; they cannot be returned.
3. Enclose at least one photograph of your work.
4. Mail application and photo of your work to P. O. Box 1023, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
1. What’s the aim of CYSS?| A．To teach young people to develop their interest in arts. |
| B．To help young people get some extra money for their work. |
| C．To get young people to develop their artistic potential. |
| D．To improve the performing skills of young people. |
| A．All the artworks are original and proper for young people. |
| B．Most of the artworks are focused on animal protection. |
| C．The participants must be residents of central Pennsylvania. |
| D．The sales of artworks about animals are not allowed. |
| A．A sample of the applicant’s artwork. |
| B．A return envelope with stamps on it. |
| C．Detailed description of the artwork. |
| D．The signature of the applicant’s parent. |
5 . When I recently revealed to my friends, colleagues, and family members that I would be moving my family to Israel, the reactions were numerous and varied. Some people said it was an expected thing while others asked: Why now? What will you do?
For me, making the move to Israel is the fulfillment of a dream that has lasted for my 47 years of life. I have always known that Israel is my home. Over the years Israel has been in my heart, but I have found a number of reasons to put off making it my permanent residence: kids, the economy, education… you name an excuse, and at some point I have probably used it.
Truthfully, I believe that I was always just a little bit scared. And of course I still am, with the fear factor that is reported by the press surrounding the Israeli military and economy. However, it has come to the point when I have realized that for over 2000 years we have longed for this land, and that for 47 years I have denied the opportunity to make it my home. I am finally ready to fully grasp this opportunity.
Over the years, I have always loved visiting Israel. I have traveled there with my family, and enjoyed introducing thousands of travelers to the country. I have come to love all of these things about Israel as a tourist because I get to love my home. And as far as waiting for the “perfect” condition under which to make aliyah, I believe the time is now!
I have been asked many times if I am nervous about moving to Israel. Before I answer, I remember that we have overcome the Greeks, the Romans, the Russian killings, Hitler and the Holocaust(大屠杀)，and the armies of seven countries.
How can I not feel confident that I , and my family, will overcome any difficulties that may come our way? I am not worrying, complaining, crying, or fearing as I prepare to make aliyah. I am proud and excited to say that I am fulfilling a 47-year-old dream: I am going home.
1. What does the author want to say in the passage?| A．His dream is to come true after 47 years. |
| B．It is a dilemma for him to return to Israel. |
| C．He didn’t live a happy life in Israel. |
| D．It is a latest trend to fulfill everyone’s dream. |
| A．his children mainly held him back |
| B．he failed to get determined |
| C．he didn’t save enough money |
| D．he hoped to finish his education |
| A．To return to Israel. |
| B．To make a decision. |
| C．To live happily. |
| D．To catch a chance. |
| A．the author will be happy to meet his relatives in Israel |
| B．Israel is a familiar word but a strange place for the author |
| C．the Israeli suffered a lot in the history |
| D．Israel is still a place between wars and chaos |
6 . Vinegar makes salad，fries and dumplings taste better， and you can even use it to clean your windows． And now， according to scientists， it may even the planet's population survive climate change．
Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science （CSRS） in Japan found that growing plants in vinegar makes them more resistant to droughts． This could mean that in the future， worries about climate change affecting the world's supply of food will be much lower． The discovery was made after the researchers studied the Arabidopsis， a plant known for its ability to survive in dry weather． It was found that when the plant was placed in drought﹣like conditions， it produced a chemical called acetate（醋酸盐）﹣the main component of vinegar．
After discovering this， the scientists experimented further by adding acetate to the soil of other plants， before they stopped giving them water completely． After leaving the plants for 14days， they found that the ones treated with acetate had survived， while the untreated plants had dried up and died．
It's hoped that this simple method of survival could soon be used to help farmers in dry countries keep their crops alive． "In the experiment， we targeted the staple foods of the world﹣rice， wheat and maize﹣and the basic plant of breeding species， rapeseed（油菜籽），" Jong Myong Kim， co﹣author of the study， told Popular Science magazine．
Kim also told the magazine he's already been in touch with people all over the world who are interested in trying this simple and cost﹣effective method out for themselves from flower growing companies to amateur gardeners． Although at this point keeping thirsty plants alive isn't as easy as just pouring vinegar over them， Kim said he and his team are working on making the process as simple as possible． "Now we are trying to cooperate with some farmers， and also some companies， to make a method to apply this system， "he said． And for those of us who always forget to ask our neighbors to water our plants when we goaway， hopefully this means the end of returning home from a trip to find our favorite flowers have died．
1. What is the article mainly about？| A．The world's food supply will be increased． |
| B．Plants better survive droughts． |
| C．The Arabidopsis is resistant to droughts． |
| D．Vinegar could be used to fight droughts． |
| A．be used by farmers to replace soil |
| B．only be produced by the Arabidopsis |
| C．help plants survive dry conditions |
| D．be used to improve poor soil |
| A．all breeding species． |
| B．wheat and Arabidopisis． |
| C．rice and maize． |
| D．rapeseed and Arabidopisis． |
| A．can make people's trips pleasant |
| B．turned out a worldwide success |
| C．is as simple as pouring vinegar over the plants |
| D．appeals to many flower growing companies |
7 . There is always something that happens in the world that everyone fears will happen to their town, city or country: natural disasters. The scariest part of it is that no one will ever see it coming. Though technology helps us prepare, but it never actually tells the people when it’s going to hit. It is always estimated but the result is never 100% accurate.
However, that is not the point of this article. Two different natural disasters in two different parts of the world have happened in the past few weeks. One was a major flood that has hit Louisiana in the United States. The other was an earthquake that hit Amatrice, Italy. However, there is a major difference in the news coverage of the two tragedies.
As for the flooding in Louisiana, it is reported that this disaster is the worst to hit the United States since Super-storm Sandy and it’ll cost at least $30 million. In only the first couple of weeks, 13 people had died. However, like me, many people did not hear about this tragic event. I did not learn about it until about three weeks after it happened.
In Italy, however, it covered all media instantly. The earthquake in Italy happened on Tuesday morning. That same day, I was on Twitter and that was all that was over the news feed. Every other post was about the earthquake. Some would have the opinion that Amatrice, Italy was one of the most beautiful towns in that country. I got in deep sorrow because there were more people killed in this quake than the flooding. So far, they have a total of 73 dead and over one hundred missing.
I understand that technically the earthquake in Italy was worse than the floods in Louisiana. However, I believe that if a natural disaster happens, they all should be equally covered and taken equally seriously. We are one world united and should be there for all of the people who are in need of help. We may not be able to accurately predict disasters but, we can surely lend a hand out for the needy.
1. What really concerns the author about the two natural disasters?| A．The death and the injured. |
| B．The media report. |
| C．The government’s responsibility. |
| D．Their economic loss. |
| A．He didn’t care about the flood. |
| B．He felt nervous about the news. |
| C．The media didn’t cover it in time. |
| D．The flood frightened the author a lot. |
| A．Italy isn’t good at predicting the natural disasters. |
| B．All natural disasters should be covered equally. |
| C．The world should be united into one instantly. |
| D．America should help Italy predict natural disasters. |
| A．By making a comparison. |
| B．By following the time order. |
| C．By listing some examples. |
| D．By analyzing the causes. |
8 . For centuries, elephants have played a big role in the world’s economies, culture and religion. The African elephant used to be found all over Africa and the Asian elephant moved from Syria to China to Indonesia. Nowadays, elephants are found in small groups in the south of the Sahara Desert and scarcely in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and India.
In the early twentieth century, there were close to ten million elephants, and now the elephant number is as low as 252,000 and expected to drop down to 160,000 by 2025. Between 2007 and 2014, the elephant population fell by at least 30%, or 144,000 elephants. As researchers have traveled over the African plains, they only spotted one herd of 36 elephants in an area like the size of Mexico. It is clear that these gentle mammals are disappearing right before our eyes.
There are many reasons why the elephant population has been decreasing, one of which is their habitat. Humans are competing with elephants for living space, and as more and more humans clear the land that is being used by elephants, the elephants have less space. Elephant hunting or “poaching” has been a major factor for the disappearance of this species, and they are killed only for their valuable ivory tusks. Although the trade of tusks is illegal, it is still a common practice in many places.
Often, all the local people living among elephants would be farmers, and found that they could make more money by selling the tusks of one elephant, than doing manual labor for twelve years. That alone makes it really hard to prevent them from killing the elephants.
Some places such as Botswana, have put in extra effort to protect their wildlife from poachers by founding their Botswana Defense Force, which is made up of around 700 specially-trained soldiers that are stationed in 40 different areas. You may feel worried about the present situations elephants are in, but there are ways to help. To find out how you can help elephant conservation, adopt an elephant, or donate, click here.
1. The numbers listed in Paragraph 2 show that .| A．humans don’t care for elephants |
| B．elephants have been next to extinction |
| C．elephants have become gentler than before |
| D．elephants have gained more attention |
| A．Less space. | B．A lack of food. |
| C．Suffering from a disease. | D．Elephant hunting. |
| A．Their tusks are profitable. |
| B．Elephants are destroying their fields cruelly. |
| C．Farmers hope to make a living by selling their meat. |
| D．Farmers practice their hunting skills by killing elephants. |
| A．To persuade readers to make a donation. |
| B．To guide readers how to protect elephants. |
| C．To encourage readers to help protect elephants. |
| D．To introduce the decreasing number of elephants. |
9 . Crossing your legs is an extremely common habit; most people don't even notice that they're doing it when they sit down. While you may find it comfortable to sit with one knee crossed over the other, it might be causing health problems that you are not aware of.
A study published in Blood Pressure Monitoring stated that sitting with your legs crossed can increase your blood pressure. The reason for this is that the blood in your legs has to work against gravity to be pumped back to your heart and that crossing one leg over the other increases resistance(阻力), making it even harder for the blood to circulate. This causes your body to increase your blood pressure to push the blood back to the heart. You won't feel any immediate effects, but repeated, drawn-out increases in blood pressure can cause long-term health problems. So, planning to sit for a long period of time? Don't keep your legs crossed.
Crossing your legs at the knee can also cause pressure on the major nerve in your leg that passes just below your knee and along the outside of your leg, explains Richard Graves, a medical expert. This pressure can cause numbness and temporary paralysis (麻痹) of some of the muscles in your foot and leg, preventing you from being able to raise your ankle—what we know as that “pins and needles” sensation. While the feeling of discomfort may only last a minute or two, repeatedly crossing your legs until they feel numb can cause permanent nerve damage.
So next time you sit down, try to get yourself in the habit of sitting with both of your feet on the floor. Not only will it help your posture and stability, but it will also save your health in the long run.
1. What can we learn about crossing one's legs?| A．It is a very bad social habit. |
| B．It is usually practiced on purpose. |
| C．It can do harm to people's health. |
| D．It can make others feel uncomfortable. |
| A．affect your blood pressure |
| B．resist gravity effectively |
| C．lead to heart attacks easily |
| D．improve the function of legs |
| A．slight sharp pains |
| B．being a little nervous |
| C．serious muscle injuries |
| D．being highly flexible |
| A．To compare common habits. |
| B．To give readers some advice. |
| C．To evaluate effects of an experiment. |
| D．To introduce research methods. |
10 . Check out some fun weekend activities from our friends at Arizona Parenting.
Walk in the Wild: Walk or run for wildlife at the Phoenix Zoo's Walk in the Wild 2016. Put on your favorite animal dress and take part in the one mile or 5K, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Zoo. Walk in the Wild includes a morning full of unique activities you won't find at any other valley walk, including all day zoo admission and a lakeside after party .
Register online. 6－10 am. Phoenix Zoo, 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602－286－3800.
Free Museum Day: It is hosted by Sesame Street and HBO at the Children's Museum of Phoenix. Kids can participate in activities, enjoy a performance by the Sesame Street Muppets and get to join the Everyday Heroes Club. An act of kindness is all it takes to become a member. Performances and activities will take place at 10：30－11：30 am and 1：30－2：30 pm.
9 am－4 pm. Children's Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix. 602－253－0501.
Sunday A'Fair: Sunday A'Fair features free outdoor concerts in Scottsdale Civic Center Park by top Arizona musicians, along with an artsandcrafts market, fun activities for children and families, guided tours of the sculptures in the park and free admission to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs or picnic baskets, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of great entertainment. Delicious foods, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are also available for purchase.
12－4 pm. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480－994－ARTS (2787)．
1. What can children do at Walk in the Wild?| A．Join in the 5mile walk. | B．Attend courses for free. |
| C．Wear animal shaped clothes. | D．Enjoy good company of wild animals. |
| A．Do a good deed. | B．Donate money to the club. |
| C．Be active in school activities. | D．Be ready to help protect wildlife. |
| A．The Phoenix Zoo. |
| B．Scottsdale Civic Center Park. |
| C．The Children's Museum of Phoenix. |
| D．Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. |
