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2 . Elon Musk, a US tech mogul(大亨), founder of SpaceX and co-founder of electric car maker Tesla, has been working on this technology. On Aug 28, Musk gave a livestream(直播) demonstration of the chip which was implanted into the head of a pig named Gertrude.
The chip, developed by Musk’s company Neuralink, is the size of a coin. But don’t let its size fool you. The tiny chip has over 3,000 electrodes (电极) attached to flexible threads, which can monitor about 1,000 neurons (神经元). It collects neural signals from an area of the brain, and then transmits those signals wirelessly to nearby computers, according to MSN. In the livestream, Gertrude could be seen walking around her pen sniffing (嗅) the ground while a monitor showed her brain activity.
Though the technology is still in its early stage, it is encouraging for humans. “This technology would solve a lot of brain/spine injuries and is ultimately (最终) essential for AI symbiosis (共生), which allows the human brain to mix with an artificial intelligence.” Musk said in previous interviews.
When the device can be applied to humans, its main goal will be to help those who have mobility(行动) issues, such as those suffering from paralysis(瘫痪). Musk hopes this technology could also be used to help those with hearing and eyesight issues and one day lead to a cure for epilepsy(癫痫).
Although such a device could, in principle, repair those problems, putting it into practice is by no means a piece of cake. Currently, the device can transmit signals from about 500 neurons in the pig’s brain. Compared to 80 billion neurons in a human brain, this number is tiny. And to cover the whole human brain also means the electrodes have to be much smaller. Also, implanting the chip into the brain poses a potential danger. There is a risk of the immune system attacking this foreign body.
Right now, the hope of controlling the brain via controlling a few neurons seems overly optimistic. “There are many technological challenges to overcome before Neuralink can put its devices to the purposes,” Yuan Lanfeng, an associate professor of China, told China Daily.
1. What do we know about Elon Musk’s microchip according to the first three paragraphs?A.It is able to collect wireless signals. | B.It was inspired by sci-fi movie plots. |
C.It has no more than 1,000 electrodes. | D.It is tiny in size but powerful in function. |
A.To develop a cure for epilepsy. |
B.To monitor animals, brain activity. |
C.To help people who have mobility issues. |
D.To contribute to the research in AI technologies. |
A.Potential problems in applying the chip to humans. |
B.Key differences between pigs’ and humans’ brains. |
C.How the immune system is the major obstacle to the implant. |
D.The amount of time and money implanting the chip could cost. |
A.Excited. | B.Cautious. | C.Optimistic. | D.Worried. |
3 . This year Art-Collecting.com will continue to provide community art guides as we have been doing it for the past 24 years.
Halvorsen Fine Art GalleryEstablished in Houston Historic Art District, at Sawyer Yards, Halvorsen Fine Art Gallery with 2,000 square feet features amazing paintings of landscapes and seascapes by impressionistic artists. In addition to hosting artist exhibitions, it provides art consultation services for collectors, designers and art enthusiasts.
Art of the World GalleryThe gallery provides a contemporary, complex and rich cultural experience for art enthusiasts and collectors from all around the world. Directly representing some of the most important living artists from Asia, Europe, and Latin America, Art of the World Gallery is one of the most famous galleries in the state, located in Houston’s finest hotspot for locals and tourists.
Zatista Contemporary and Fine ArtWith over 4,000 works from the most talented emerging and established artists, Zatista provides access to the types of works previously only available to seasoned collectors. Buying online with Zatista is easy with their free art consultation, certificates of authenticity (真实性), and a buyer guarantee that allows you to try art in your home with free returns.
John Palmer Fine ArtIt’s located in the avenue in the Historic Heights. The combination of a saved 1930’s bungalow (平房) with museum-quality new construction is the perfect atmosphere to showcase the great works of artist John Ross Palmer. John Palmer Fine Art is open by appointment only. You can set an appointment by calling 713-861-6726. We look forward to showing you the beautiful world of John Palmer Fine Art!
1. What is the purpose of Art-Collecting.com?A.Collecting artworks. | B.Offering art information. |
C.Helping seasoned artists. | D.Founding art organizations. |
A.Hold personal exhibitions. | B.Obtain authentic certificates. |
C.Get a taste of different cultures. | D.Appreciate impressionist paintings. |
A.It is in Houston’s best spot. | B.It offers art consultation services. |
C.It exhibits the works of only one artist. | D.It can be visited without an appointment. |
4 . What will restaurants look like in the future? What would your dinner taste like if a robot cooked it? A robot restaurant in Tianjin may give you the answers.
Covering an area of over 400 square meters with a total of 112 seats, the X Future Restaurant is a robot restaurant that opened in November 2018. The restaurant has amazed customers with its fully-automated (全自动的) technology, which covers every step of the dining experience, from ordering to cooking to serving the dishes and even taking payment.
Entering the restaurant, one can order dishes by simply scanning the QR codes on the table. There are over 40 choices of dishes. After taking the order, “robot cooks” prepare dishes using fixed time, temperature and ingredients designed by famous Chinese cooks.
“As the cooking is controlled by a computer system, the taste and quality of dishes can be good,” said Li Xiaokui, manager of the X Future Restaurant.
Robots also complete the delivery of dishes. Without following any designed route, the robot waiters serve meals thanks to automated driving technology, which helps each robot timely change its route when something is in the way.
These eye-catching technologies have received wide praise from customers. “The dishes taste surprisingly good. I couldn’t believe that they were made by robots, especially dishes that were difficult to cook.” one customer said. “The application of robots has increased our efficiency and cut down our costs,” Li said, “I think robot restaurants will develop fast and have a bright future.”
1. What do we know about the X Future Restaurant?A.It covers over 112 square meters with 400 seats. |
B.Robot waiters deliver dishes following fixed routes. |
C.Customers could enjoy fully-automated services. |
D.Robot cooks design dishes by themselves. |
A.They are prepared by human cooks. |
B.They are not easy for robots to prepare. |
C.They are not accepted by customers. |
D.They are ordered by scanning QR codes. |
A.The choices of dishes are limited. |
B.It takes a long time for the robots to prepare the dishes. |
C.Customers are willing to dine in the restaurant. |
D.The delivery routes are designed by the waiters. |
A.Hopeful. | B.Doubtful. | C.Puzzled. | D.Worried. |
5 . We know it can be hard to put your phone to bed before you sleep. However, if you’re trying to improve your sleep, you really should ditch your phone at least an hour before bedtime. Luckily, our experts can help.
Scientific evidence suggests that the blue light emitted from your phone, tablet, computer, and TV suppresses (抑制) your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone (荷尔蒙) that plays an important role in your sleep cycle. Melatonin release in the evening helps you relax before bedtime. A 2013 study that analyzed technology use and sleep patterns with data from a National Sleep Foundation poll found that using devices like phones was tied to more sleep disruption than electronics that aren’t interactive.
Many of us use the excuse that our mobile devices serve as our wake-up calls, or keep them nearby to use meditation apps. If you want to use your phone as an alarm, consider setting it a couple of hours before you turn in for the night, and then setting the phone itself to bedtime mode for the rest of the evening.
Here’s another groundbreaking idea: You could get a real alarm clock. After reviewing them at Reviewed, we recommend the Sharp Dream Caster. Not only is it easy to set a wake-up time, the clock includes white noises and rain noises to help you sleep, plus a number of volume settings to pick what works best for you.
But an alarm clock won’t help you avoid doom-scrolling through social media. Take things a step further by avoiding using electronic devices. You can try reading a book (one made of paper), taking a bath or drinking a cup of chamomile tea.
Finally, if you want to keep up your meditation practice screen-free, consider the Morphée. It looks like a little music box and comes with a variety of breathing exercises and soundscapes to help you get to sleep.
1. What does the underlined word “ditch” in paragraph 1 probably mean?A.Set aside. | B.Pick up. | C.Show off. | D.Turn to. |
A.Relaxing yourself before bedtime. |
B.Sleeping less than you normally would. |
C.Adapting to your sleep cycle more easily. |
D.Reducing the pressure from screen use. |
A.It is sold at a lower price. | B.It can predict a heavy rain. |
C.It is controlled by cellphone. | D.It helps put your eyes together. |
A.Making the best of the eco-friendly products. |
B.Making a change according to circumstances. |
C.Establishing a bedtime routine without electronics. |
D.Keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. |
6 . In recent years advances in medical technology have made it possible for people to live longer than in the past. New medicines and machines are developing every day to extend life.
However, some people, including some doctors, are not in favor of these life extending measures, and they say that people should have the right(权利) to die when they want. They say that the quality of life is as important as life itself, and that people should not be forced to go on living when conditions of life have become unbearable. They say that people should be allowed to die with dignity(尊严) and to decide when they want to die.
Others don’ t agree and say that life under any conditions is better than death and that the duty of doctors is always to extend life as long as possible. And so the battle goes on and on without a definite(明确的) answer.
1. People can live longer than in the past. It’ s because________.A.medical technology develops | B.we have big hospitals |
C.there are many good doctors | D.we eat better than before |
A.the doctors | B.the surroundings |
C.his or his family | D.the patient himself or herself |
A.death is better than life | B.life is better than death |
C.neither life nor death is good | D.none of the above |
7 . Wildlife Volunteer Programs for Teens
Age: 14-17Duration: 2 weeks
Wildlife Orphanage Program, Zimbabwe
At one of the most successful wildlife care centers in Zimbabwe, volunteers work with wildlife ranging from monkeys to lions. These animals have been abandoned, injured, or rescued from illegal wildlife traders. Tasks include preparing food, cleaning out yards, and contributing enrichment ideas. Leisure time can be spent visiting Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.
Age: 13-15Duration: 4 weeks
Sea Turtle (海龟) Conservation Program, Greece
With this program, teens can help the endangered sea turtle while working alongside experts. Volunteers can expect long walks along the beach watching over sea turtles nesting areas or building fences to protect them from natural enemies. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins and sample delicious Greek cuisine.
Age: 17-19Duration: 3 weeks
Yucatan Peninsula Program, Mexico
With this program, volunteers will learn about the issues facing the marine (海洋的) ecosystem, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Teens will gain valuable skills on how to conduct deep sea research and identify fish species. During free time, participants can explore Mayan ruins set in tropical (热带的) jungles.
Age: 16-18Duration: 2 weeks
Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program, Galapagos
Volunteers joining this program help restore the natural habitat of native wildlife, which is in danger of losing its habitat. This program gives teens an experience of a lifetime where they can swim with sea lions and spot rare wildlife in one of the last untouched places on earth.
1. Where should teens go if they want to look after wounded animals?A.Zimbabwe. | B.Greece. | C.Mexico. | D.Galapagos. |
A.Visit a national park. | B.Enjoy tasty local food. |
C.Set foot in an untouched place. | D.Explore ancient ruins in tropical jungles. |
A.The Wildlife Orphanage Program. | B.The Sea Turtle Conservation Program. |
C.The Yucatan Peninsula Program. | D.The Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program. |
A.There aren’t similar apps at present. |
B.The app won’t be popular among people. |
C.She can’t decide on the charge for the app now. |
9 . Seasons in Lancaster, PA
Winter, spring, summer or fall—there’s something for every season in Lancaster! Lancaster, PA is wonderful for all four seasons. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Lancaster County, you’ll find plenty to fill your days and many memories to be made.
Spring
Time to shake off cabin fever (幽居症) and head outside to enjoy the warmer weather and beautiful Lancaster County countryside. From birding and biking to Amish Mud Sales and Easter events, Lancaster is full of things to do and experience during this season.
Summer
Summertime is a fantastic time to discover all the things to do in Lancaster County. The longer days, the warmer nights, and the magical hours at sunset make summer ideal for exploring more of the expected and unexpected here in this area.
Fall
As the air grows cooler and the leaves more colorful, it feels like Lancaster is made for this time of year. Walk around the garden rows to pick apples straight from the trees, hang about at a community fair or festival, and experience the bright leaves of fall in Lancaster. Fall in Lancaster County is also the best time to get local produce and seasonal goods, homemade crafts (工艺品) at roadside stands and farmers’ markets.
Winter
Brave the cold or enjoy the warmer climates of the great indoors—winter in Lancaster County is a wonderland filled with exciting things to do and see. Festive holiday events and shows are also plentiful in Lancaster, making for a pleasant holiday season.
1. Which season of Lancaster may bird watchers like best?A.Spring. | B.Summer. | C.Fall. | D.Winter. |
A.Build gardens. | B.Watch sunset. |
C.Buy farm products. | D.Experience various festive events. |
A.Travel. | B.Culture. | C.Education. | D.Environment |
10 . This is shaping up to be a big year for US theme parks — and we’re not just talking about Disney. From coast to coast, theme parks are opening exciting new rides for people.
Legoland New York Resort
Over Memorial Day weekend, Legoland opened its newest attraction: a Lego-themed water playground where families can play water, slide and beat the heat. There is also a nearby changing area so you can take off your wet swimsuit when you’re ready to head for the park’s land-based attractions.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Though the land has only one ride, Super Nintendo World has more than enough to keep you busy after you race to the finish. Throughout the land, there are interactive challenges where you can collect digital coins and try to secure a top score. You will also find all the souvenirs and clothing you need to complete your experience.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The Serengeti Flyer swing ride is currently the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind. You’ll rise rapidly above zebras, giraffes and other animals that reside in the park’s 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Because of its extreme nature, the ride has a 48-inch (英寸) minimum (最小的) height requirement.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s newest coaster (过山车) will have guests racing through the dark while attempting to escape a castle. DarKoaster is a fully indoor coaster with ride vehicles designed to look like snowmobiles. You’ll need them to travel through the strange snowstorm inside the castle.
1. What can visitors do at Legoland New York Resort?A.Play water. | B.Collect digital coins. |
C.Experience a snowstorm. | D.Take the world’s tallest ride. |
A.Great love for animals. | B.Wearing special clothes. |
C.The company of family. | D.Being at least 48 inches in height. |
A.Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. | B.Busch Gardens Williamsburg. |
C.Legoland New York Resort. | D.Universal Studios Hollywood. |