1 . According to a recent study,a new genetically modified(转基因的）rice can prevent infections of HIV,the virus responsible for the disease AIDS.

The study reports the newly-developed rice produces proteins(蛋白质）that attach directly to the HIV virus. This process keeps the virus from mixing with human cells. The scientists say it can remove the effect of the virus and block its spreading.

The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS reports that worldwide, nearly 37 million people were living with HIV in 2017. The organization says the largest number of those are in ·developing countries. Nearly two-thirds of HIV cases are in Africa. Now there is no cure for HIV/AIDS though there have been developments in oral drug treatments to slow the progression of the disease.

The new study predicts the rice-based method will lead to long-term use of the anti-HIV treatment across the developing world. Researchers said the "groundbreaking" discovery is “realistically the only way" that anti-HIV combination treatments can be produced at a cost low enough for the developing world.

They say the easiest and most cost-effective way to use the rice will be to make it into a cream to be put on the skin. The HIV-fighting proteins can then enter the body through the skin. People all over the world could grow the rice and make the cream themselves. This would prevent the cost and travel required for many patients to receive treatments and medicine.

The process of changing the genetic structure of food crops has been debated for some time. Critics of genetically engineered crops believe they can harm people. The scientific team says further testing is needed to ensure that the genetic engineering process does not produce any additional chemicals that could be dangerous to people.

1. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The terrible situations of HIV infections.

B．The rapid development of Africa.

C．The practical ways to cure AIDS.

D．The efforts made by the United Nations.

2. In which way will the rice be used at the lowest cost?

A．By transforming it into proteins.

B．By processing it into a cream.

C．By attaching it to the HIV virus.

D．By adding it to an oral drug.

3. What can we infer about the genetic engineering process?

A．It can prevent infections of HIV.

B．It has produced dangerous chemicals.

C．It is intended for the developed world.

D．It requires further testing to ensure the safety.

4. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A biology textbook.

B．A first aid brochure.

C．A social web page.

D．A health magazine.

2 .
Innovative Designs for Accessibility
Deadline: 2020-04-30
Award: $ 7,500 CAD
Open to: University students

The Innovative (创新的) Designs for Accessibility student competition challenges students across Canada to use their creativity to develop innovative, cost-effective and practical solutions to accessibility barriers for people with disabilities. (Read more)

Clean Tech Competition
Deadline: 2020-04-13
Award: $ 28,000
Open to: Students 13-15 years old

The Clean Tech Competition is a unique, worldwide research and design challenge for pre-college youth. The competition is designed to build a deeper understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related concepts, recognize outstanding talent, and prepare the next generation of globally competitive innovators. (Read more)

Agile Robotics Competition
Deadline: 2020-04-10
Award: $ 17,500
Open to: Adults

Agile Robotics Competition is a simulation-based (仿真) competition designed to promote agility(灵活) in industrial robot systems by employing the latest advances in artificial intelligence and robot planning. The competition will be held virtually (虚拟的), so there is no need to travel to compete. The competition will use the Gazebo simulation tool. (Read more)

Wearable Robotics Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 2020-04-24
Award: $ 5,000
Open to: Everyone

The Wearable Robotics Association is inviting entries that represent the most innovative new ideas in wearable robotic technology. The review committee will select as many as ten finalists. The one considered to be the most innovative will be announced at the conference and will receive $ 5,000 to accelerate the new technology. (Read more)

1. Which competition favors competitors with a creative mind in helping the disabled?

A．Innovative Designs for Accessibility.	B．Clean Tech Competition.
C．Agile Robotics Competition.	D．Wearable Robotics Innovation Challenge.

2. What’s the aim of Clean Tech Competition?

A．To make a research about STEM.

B．To encourage university students to be innovators.

C．To help students prepare for the university.

D．To find talented teenagers and develop their ability to innovate.

3. What can we know about the four competitions?

A．They are open to everyone.	B．Every competitor can get an award.
C．They are held in April.	D．They are held virtually.