1 . Dozens of scientists are ready to delight, provoke, and shed light on global scientific issues. Hosted by different columns on New Scientist, they’re here to engage with latest discoveries. Read on for what New Scientist has offered this week.

NS Live

Why do we need more women in science? Physicist Athene Donald will be at New Scientist Live on & January to explore the disadvantages that women in science face. Her talk will erase myths (传言) about “gendered” brains and what attributes are needed to become a successful scientist. Now, more than ever, there is a moral and business case for greater diversity in research, she says.

Weekender

From black holes to Big Bang, explore the space in this getaway featuring talks from some of the brightest minds in astrophysics. Visit the Lovell Telescope at the Jodrell Bank UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, go stargazing with New Scientist features editor Abigail Beall. This weekender runs from 19 January to 1 February and costs £959.

Essential Guide

What drives the ageing process? What can science tell us about the stages of life? And how can we use the latest research to live healthily into old age? This Essential Guide offers some fresh insight. Available to download on the website or to purchase in print from our shop.

Newsletter — Wild Wild Life

In an act of companionship, an African bird called the greater honey guide may get a badger to help it break into a beehive so the two can share the honey. Michael Marshall finds that there are many surprising truths in his reports, which lie behind the fables (寓言), though these animals’ behavior seems unusual in real life.

1. What’s the purpose of NS Live?

A．To set moral and commercial rules for the study.

B．To encourage more women to devote to science.

C．To demonstrate the vital elements to be a scientist.

D．To reveal the existence of gender differences.

2. Which will attract the amateur astronomers most?

A．NS Live.

B．Weekender.

C．Essential Guide.

D．Newsletter — Wild Wild Life.

3. What does Michael think of the animal companionship?

A．It exists indeed in wild world.	B．It happens only in the fables.
C．It is widely accepted by humans.	D．It reveals the truth behind the lie.

2 . In the field of marine (海洋) conservation , there exists a true hero of the seas whose story of preserving our oceans is nothing short of inspirational. Dr. Lisa Anderson, a marine biologist, has devoted her life to protecting our underwater ecosystems and the countless species that call them home.

Growing up near the coast, Dr.Anderson’s childhood was filled with visits to the beach and established a profound connection to the sea. She always had a passion for marine life and a deep curiosity about the creatures beneath the waves. She said, “As a kid, I used to dream about the ocean. It was this wild place full of color and life and home to these fantastic creatures. I pictured big sharks ruling the food chain and saw graceful sea turtles dancing across coral reefs. But the first time I truly went underwater, I was about 10 years old. And I can still vividly remember I was instantly surrounded by fish in all colors of the rainbow. That was the day I fell in love with the ocean. ” It’s no surprise that she pursued a career in marine biology.

Dr. Anderson’s extraordinary work has spanned decades, from conducting vital research on endangered coral reefs to leading educational initiatives about marine conservation. Her tireless efforts have led to the creation of marine protected areas that ensure the safety of critical habitats for countless species. “In my 40 years on this planet, I’ve had the great honour to explore some of its most incredible seascapes for the Save Our Seas Foundation,” she said.

One of Dr.Anderson’s most notable accomplishments is her work in raising awareness about the destructive effects of plastic pollution in our oceans. Her research on plastic waste and its impact on marine life has stimulated global initiatives to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling.

Dr. Anderson’s dedication to marine conservation serves as a light for our oceans and their future. Her work reminds us that by protecting our seas, we not only preserve incredible biodiversity but also secure a healthier planet for generations to come.

1. What sparked Dr.Anderson’s interest in marine biology?

A．Her curiosity about marine life.	B．Her passion for global ecosystems.
C．Her visits to the beach as a scientist.	D．Her profound connection to childhood.

2. What significant issue has Dr.Anderson devoted her life to?

A．Plastic pollution.

B．Biology species.

C．Ocean waste.

D．Marine protection.

3. How has Dr.Anderson contributed to the fight against plastic pollution?

A．She promoted the speed of making plastic recycled.

B．She ensured the safety of the use of plastic products.

C．She invented a new kind of recycled plastic material.

D．She raised global awareness and conducted research.

4. What can be learned from the last paragraph?

A．Reducing plastic consumption is a light for our oceans.

B．Dr. Anderson’s dedication inspired people to become scientists.

C．Protecting our seas ensures a healthier planet for the future.

D．Preserving biodiversity is a must for new generations.

3 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

“Anybody have a bandage (绷带)?” a voice echoed down the dorm hallway. That was a common scene frequently happening in our first week at college when we were all experiencing “forgot-this-or-that.” I had forgot to bring snacks for late-night hunger. Some poor girl in the dorm had apparently forgotten bandages. We all felt a little displaced.

Several months before, I sat at my high school graduation party admiring my gifts and battling waves of post-high school emotions. The usual and beloved inspirational books were lying in disorder around my feet, silently announcing the wealth of wisdom they wished to share. A small pile of personal checks lay nearby. Laundry items, desk supplies, sewing things - all well-intentioned and well-received. They would demonstrate their givers’ thoughtfulness over and over during my college career.

But one gift struck me as strange. I frowned when I opened it. A first aid kit? Inside it were a small packet of pills, pain-killers, creams, ointments (药膏), an insect sprayer (喷雾), a tape, pads of gauze (纱布)and bandages. Who would give that as a gift? “You’ll need that once you’re at school,” Mom pointed out. “You won’t have to chase down the campus nurse for every cough. ”I shrugged at this thought.

Not long after, in August, I packed my life into a borrowed truck and slipped the first-aid kit in with my luggage. I barely thought about it once I reached campus, busy unpacking, book-buying, scheduling and meeting new friends.

One day, I was peacefully sitting in my room, absorbed in preparing my studies. The quiet atmosphere was suddenly broken by a sharp scream, “Anybody have a bandage? Emily got her arm burnt!” The voice echoed through the dormitory hall, instantly throwing residents into a state of confusion and alarm.

注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右;                    
2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:

I remembered my little first-aid kit.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:

Years later, I received a party invitation from a young friend who was graduating from high school.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . 语法填空

The earliest written record of noodles is found in a book dating back to the Eastern Han period (25-220). Noodles     1     (make) from wheat became a famous food for the people. The oldest     2     (evident) of noodles was from 4,000 years ago in China. A team of archaelogists reported finding an earthenware bowl     3     contained 4,000-year-old noodles at the Lajia archaeological site. These noodles     4     (say) to resemble lamian, a type of Chinese noodle.

There are over 1,200 types of noodles     5     (common) consumed in China today. Wheat noodles in Japan were adapted from a Chinese recipe as early as the 9^th century. Innovations continued, such as noodles made with buckwheat were developed in the Joseon Dynasty of Korea (1392-1910). Ramen noodles, based     6     southern Chinese noodle dishes from Guangzhou but named after the northern Chinese lamian,     7     (become) common in Japan in the 1900s.

The first concrete information on pasta products in Italy dates back to the Etruscan civilization, the Testaroli. The first noodles appear much later, in the 13^th or 14^th centuries, and there is     8     popular legend about Marco Polo     9     (bring) the first pasta back from China. Modern historians do not give much credibility to the story and rather believe the first noodles were imported earlier from the Arabs. Pasta has taken on a variety of shapes, resulting from     10     (region) specializations.

5 . Dear readers,

“Persist.” — Viet Thanh Nguyen

“Success is no accident.” — Chris Bohjalian

“Keep writing and it’ll get easier.” — Lisa Jewell

“Be patient with yourself.” — Min Jin Lee

These are words of advice taken from our interviews with award-winning and bestselling authors. Notice, though, not a single mention of their status, prizes, or advances—in other words, their success. And while status, literary awards, and money can be indicators of a successful writer, one must actually sit down and write for any of those things to happen. That’s what all of these pieces of advice have in common: putting words on the page.

In this issue, you’ll find articles to help you succeed, no matter your goals. If it’s to figure out whether that mess of a novel you’ve got sitting in a drawer can be rescued or if you need to move on, Andromeda Romano’s article will offer questions to ask yourself. Michael La Ronn’s essay will give you an example of how an unexpected opportunity might be just the push you need. Or, if you’ve had trouble finding an agent, Ryan Van Cleave’s collection of tips and advice from 22 literary agents on every aspect of the business might change your luck. Matty Dalrymple shares ways to reach more readers and build a community with them.

Wish you success and happy new year!

1. The advice mentioned at the beginning highlights the importance of ______.

A．a big dream

B．constant practice

C．earning money

D．achieving success

2. Whose article may help those who are unsure whether to save an unsuccessful novel?

A．Matty Dalrympl.	B．Michael La Ronn.
C．Ryan Van Cleave.	D．Andromeda Romano.

3. Who might be the target readers of this issue?

A．Writers.

B．Businessmen.

C．Booksellers.

D．Literary agents.

6 . A fisherman from Portland, Maine, the US, caught a very rare bright blue lobster (龙虾) off the coast of Maine but chose to set it free back into the ocean. The photo of the blue lobster was shared by tech enterpriser Lars-Johan Larsson. “This blue lobster was caught off the coast of Portland yesterday and returned to the water to continue to grow. Blue lobsters are one in two million,” he wrote.

While the shells of lobsters are generally red or brown in color, the blue shell is a result of gene mutation (基因突变), which causes the lobster to produce more of a particular protein than other lobsters, leading to the rare blue color, as reported by the Toronto Sun.

Yellow, orange and crystal-colored lobsters are considered even rarer than bright blue ones. According to the Lobster Institute, yellow lobsters account for about one in 30 million of the total population. Two fishermen in Dorset caught a crystal-colored lobster in 2011.

“Whatever the odds of catching different-colored lobsters, there’s no denying that bright blue ones are truly beautiful creatures,” said Rob Bayer, executive director of the University of Maine Lobster Institute. “They might not be the most unusual, but they’re undoubtedly the best to look at.”

It’s become something of a trend for restaurants to spare blue lobsters. Austin Hopley, a chef at “The Hare” in Rochdale, the UK, made the news for sparing a bright blue lobster. He gave it to Sea Life in Manchester, as reported by the BBC.

“Now it’s there for people to enjoy,” said Hopley. “I felt responsible. Something so rare didn’t require a place on the menu. Every species deserves a fair chance at survival.”

Expert Brendan Malone from Sea Life said, “It is certainly an extraordinary find and worth saving to try to educate the public about these amazing creatures in the ecosystem.”

1. What is the root cause for the color of blue lobsters?

A．Gene variation.	B．Adaptation failure.
C．A specific protein.	D．A mix of red and brown.

2. What does Rob Bayer think of blue lobsters?

A．They are the rarest.	B．They are easy to catch.
C．They are delicious to eat.	D．They are most beautiful.

3. Why was Hopley unwilling to cook the blue lobster?

A．It wouldn’t make a good dish.

B．He wanted to follow the trend.

C．He took on responsibility to save it.

D．It would bring him fame and profits.

4. Which can serve as the best title?

A．Blue Lobsters Rebound Suddenly

B．Chefs Take Action to Protect Lobsters

C．Gene Mutation Has an Effect on Lobsters

D．Man Catches a “One in Two Million” Blue Lobster

7 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

My journey to China began in 2009 when I decided to study in a university in China. As an international student, I     1     (expose) to a whole new world of culture, language and customs. In addition to learning about my     2     (choose) field, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Chinese traditions, sample the country’s delicious cuisines and explore the country’s many     3     (history) landmarks and attractions.

After graduation, I stayed in Dongying, Shandong Province,     4     I’ve worked since. I gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and customs. Despite Dongying being a     5     (comparative) new city among others, it has a rich history with a     6     (diverse) of cultures, and there is always something new to learn or explore. Known as an oil city with     7     second largest oilfield in China, it also has avast wetland park, which is a major landmark and attraction to visit.

As an international student and now a professional,     8     (work) away from my homeland, I have plenty of opportunities here in Dongying. Life and work in China can be a unique and fulfilling experience for those who are willing to embrace the challenges and lose     9     (they) in the culture. As I continue to grow, I would sum up     10     saying I’m very fortunate to learn, experience, contribute to and share this unique place that I’ve decided to live and work in.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Where are the speakers looking for information?

A．Online.

B．At the ticket office.

C．In the daily newspaper

2. What is Josh Goldberg?

A．A pianist.

B．A jazz lover.

C．A pop singer.

3. Which singer does the man prefer?

A．Josh Groban.

B．Alan Jackson.

C．Lee Ann Womack.

4. How much will the speakers spend on the tickets?

A．$14.

B．$50.

C．$100.

9 . The human voice is delicate. The vocal cords (声带) can easily get damaged by stress, infections, or overuse. According to a 2005 study, 30%of the population will experience a voice disorder at some point in their life.

In a study published in the journal Nature Communications this week, a group of bioengineering researchers from the University of California have put forward an attractive solution. They have designed and tested a soft patch (贴片) that can be stuck onto a person’s neck, where it will pick up muscle movements when speaking, process the signals and translate them into speech.

Even though the team’s device is an early prototype, it has the potential to offer a great improvement on current alternatives. When a person loses their voice today, the easiest fix is to type, text, or write notes to communicate. Typing can be slow and inconvenient, says Jun Chen, the paper’s lead author, and writing is only possible in good lighting. A patch would theoretically clear all these hurdles.

When the throat muscles move under the silicone (硅酮) patch, the resulting magnetic-field variations can be converted into electrical signals. In a test with eight participants, the researchers captured the signals arising as the subjects spoke and lip-sounded five different sentences. They then trained a machine-learning model to recognize the distinct shapes of the electrical signals associated with each sentence. This device then predicted which of the five sentences the participants spoke with more than 90%accuracy, whether aloud or in silence.

In addition to stretchiness, the patch remains sticky on sweaty skin, and can be used continuously for 40 minutes without heating up.

For now the device can only recognize the five phrases it was trained on. Plus, individual difference in vocal cords means the algorithm has to be personalized to each user. To make it practical at scale, the researchers will need to collect a lot more data.

1. What is the attractive solution to voice disorder?

A．Transplanting a patch into the human throat.

B．Strengthening the muscle through exercise.

C．Sticking a patch on the neck to produce sounds.

D．Reproducing sound through an artificial throat.

2. What does the underlined word “hurdles” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Barriers.

B．Conveniences.

C．Devices.

D．Memories.

3. What was the machine-learning model trained to do?

A．To turn the words on the patch into sound.

B．To predict the meaning of the sentences.

C．To produce an answer from its word banks.

D．To predict the sentences from electric signals.

4. In which direction will the research on the patch go?

A．To improve its work efficiency.

B．To get it to work automatically.

C．To expand its scale of coverage.

D．To seek its possible alternatives.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is the Children’s Code about?

A．Kids’ ability to go online.

B．Children’s coding ability.

C．Online safety for children.

2. What does YouTube do about hate speeches online?

A．Delete them.

B．Label them.

C．Send an email.

3. What’s the suggestion to parents?

A．Waiting for the changes.

B．Talking with their kids.

C．Accompanying kids online.