1 . Harvard scientists have engineered a group of fish that swims autonomously. Researchers say the experiment could advance pacemaker(起搏器) technology and improve the development of artificial hearts for humans.

Researchers built the fish using paper, two parts of heart muscle tissue — one on the left side and one on the right — and a plastic fin. A contraction on one side caused the muscle on the other side to stretch. The stretching then caused those cells to contract, which moved the tail from side to side and allowed it to swim on its own. The muscle cells were from human stem cells. The researchers also engineered an autonomous pacing node, which acted like a pacemaker by controlling the rhythm and frequency of the contractions.

The fish moved autonomously for over 108 days, which is equal to 38 million beats, the study states. Because heart cells constantly rebuild themselves, which takes about 20 days, the fish cells rebuilt themselves a total of about five times over, says Kit Parker, a professor from Harvard University who led the research.

Years ago, Parker was disappointed with the state of heart treatment. “It occurred to me in 2007 that we might have failed to understand the fundamental laws of muscular pumps,” he said in a 2012 statement. Then, on a trip to the museum with his daughter, he spotted a special fish. “I’m looking at it, thinking, ‘It pumps, it looks like a heart pump, and I could build that thing.’” In 2012, his team created a fish that swam using rat heart cells, and then a ray fish with rat heart cells in 2016.

Though the researchers say the fish is a step forward for heart research, it could be years before it leads to the creation of an artificial heart, says Michael Schneider, a professor at Imperial College London, who wasn’t involved in the study. But that doesn’t dismay Parker. “I think other methods will be faster than us,” says Parker.   “But in the long run, creating tissue that relies on the patient’s own cells could offer unexpected benefits.”

1. What made the fish swim autonomously in the experiment?

A．The special paper.	B．The push of the fin.
C．Muscle contractions.	D．The support of the tail.

2. What result probably impressed the researchers most?

A．The power of the pacing node.	B．The swimming speed of the fish.
C．The fish’s lasting swimming time.	D．The rhythm of the fish’s movement.

3. Why is Parker’s trip to the museum mentioned in Paragraph 4?

A．It gave Parker a good memory.	B．It made Parker find inspiration.
C．It removed Parker’s disappointment.	D．It introduced Parker to a special fish.

4. What does the underlined word “dismay” mean in the last paragraph?

A．Depress.

B．Annoy.

C．Embarrass.

D．Relieve.

2 . The Forest Eye project aims to create the largest living forest feature in England by growing 5,000 alder, beech and maple trees into the shape of a child’s eye. The trees are being planted in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, with the help of local young people. The trees will form an eye 300 meters wide that will be visible from the sky in about six years, when they have grown.

The project hopes to focus on the importance of young people’s ideas for creating a health y natural environment. It was designed by a company called Sand in Your Eye and has been created by Forestry England, an organization that protects forests and woodlands.

Josephine Lavelle, director at Forestry England, says, “Having the gaze of a child growing in the heart of this beautiful and ever-changing forest is a powerful symbol of how we need to listen and respond to the needs and vision of future generations.”

The project also aims to highlight the important role that forests play in fighting climate change. As well as providing a home for wildlife, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and create oxygen that humans need to breathe. When the trees have grown, they will provide a place for lots of wild animals, like bats, birds and small mammals to live. The Forest Eye will also create a space for people to explore and connect with nature.

Jamie Wardley, artistic director at Sand in Your Eye, has plenty of experience creating pieces of “land art”. These are huge drawings and sculptures made from grass, ice and sand, including a 60-meter portrait of Swedish climate-change campaigner Greta Thunberg on a school field in Yorkshire. He says, “The trees are my paint.” “Our work is about prompting people to think deeply and respond emotionally to some of the biggest issues facing us, including the climate crisis.” Wardley also plans to develop the Forest Eye into an even bigger project. “It is our ambition to create the whole face of a young girl at the same scale, measuring 2,000 meters across. Those trees that are planted in the Forest Eye are the very beginning of this,” he says.

1. What can we know about the project?

A．It is planting trees to form an eye.	B．It is aimed at creating artworks.
C．It is proposed by the local youth.	D．It is carried out in the largest forest.

2. What does the fourth paragraph mainly talk about?

A．The argument for the project.	B．The benefits of tree.
C．The value of children’s ideas.	D．The fight against climate change.

3. Which of the following can best describe Jamie Wardley?

A．Ignorant.

B．Adventurous.

C．Emotional.

D．Creative.

4. Which is the best title for the article?

A．Land arts take off	B．Tree planting catches on
C．Giant eye planting kicks off	D．Environmental groups spring up

3 . Several art projects are on show to warn people of the climate change happening around us.

Video on the walls

Photographer Camille Seaman has traveled to both the North Pole and the South Pole, where she has captured the disappearing ice in photographs and video. Camille Seaman made a video with some of her most powerful photos of melting ice for people in four coastal cities to display on their buildings. The video ends with a prediction that sea level will rise by 2050 without relative action.

Mural (壁画)changing color

Temperatures in Austin, Texas, are on the rise, and climate change will put the city at higher risk of extended drought, wildfires, intense rain and flooding. Artist Lope Gutiérrez-Ruiz designed a unique mural that changes color as it gets hotter. This art work calls for people to change the world and change climate change, underlining the importance of individual actions to the collective future.

Public billboard   (广告牌)

Artist Christine Sun Kim released a public billboard on the 710 Freeway called The Sound of Temperature Rising. It points to the reality of climate disaster that has become all too clear on the West Coast and the need for significant change now. The illustration features a graph (图表) of music notes that get progressively longer and redder.

Anti-Extinction Library

Globally, species are disappearing at an unheard-of rate. In response, architect Mitchell Joachim created The Anti-Extinction Library in New York. The sculptural piece is not only beautiful but also functional. Their unique egg-shaped library has a special freezer storing test tubes with the frozen cells and DNA of rare animals and plants. It’s important for people to realize we must quickly work to protect the rights of different species in our area.

1. What is the key feature of the mural?

A．It lights up at night.

B．It moves with the wind.

C．It plays music when it rains.

D．It changes color with temperature.

2. Whose work contains frozen cells?

A．Camille Seaman’s.	B．Lope Gutiérrez-Ruiz’s.
C．Christine Sun Kim's.	D．Mitchel l Joachim’s.

3. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To praise artists’ participation.

B．To call for people to take action.

C．To show the severe result of climate change.

D．To facilitate the combination of art and climate.

4 . International ShakeOut Day This Year

This year’s International ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will take part in earthquake drills (演习) at work, school, or home! It is a great way for your family or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.

At 10:17 am (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world in practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage everyone to take part, you can sign up for your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in different locations through videos.

FIND YOUR REGION

· Most participants (参与者) are in one of the official ShakeOut Regions listed below the page (with current sign-up totals). People and organizations in other countries can also sign up.

· All regions take part in it on October 17, 2024, unless specified.

(As of Today)	Global Totals	US Totals
Oct.17, 2024 Drills	Over 270,000	Over 260,000
All 2024 Drills	Over 1.10 million	Over 950,000
All 2023 Drills	Over 57.3 million	Over 19.3 million

ShakeOut began in California and has also been organized in many other states and countries. Official ShakeOut Regions require special local or regional cooperation, typically by an emergency (紧急情况) management agency or a union of many organizations. If you are interested in establishing ShakeOut for your region, please contact us at https://www.shakeout.org. If your state, province, or country is not yet taking part, you can sign up for yourself or your organization as part of the global participation total.

1. What is the purpose of the activity?

A．To raise people’s safety awareness.

B．To stress the challenges of earthquakes.

C．To help people get ready for an earthquake.

D．To warn people of the danger of earthquakes.

2. How many people worldwide took part in the drills in 2023?

A．Over 270,000.	B．Over 950,000.
C．Over 57.3 million.	D．Over 19.3 million.

3. Where is the text from?

A．A website.	B．A book review.
C．A guidebook.	D．A diary entry.

5 . A carbon footprint is only one component of the broader ecological footprint. An ecological footprint compares the population’s consumption of resources and land with the planet’s ability to regenerate. The Earth’s ecological footprint is currently 23 percent over capacity. It takes about one year and two months to regenerate what we consume in a year.

Carbon footprints help people keep track of changes. Because footprints quantify an amount of carbon that increases or decreases based on energy use, they let people know that a new hybrid car or home insulation (隔离) helps. Transportation accounts for 33 percent of CO₂ emissions in the United States, so many people try to lower their mileage (里程). Some walk or bike whenever possible; others take public transport. Home energyuse accounts for 21 percent of U. S. CO₂ emissions, so it helps to have an efficient home. Setting the thermostat (恒温器) at a moderate temperature and installing double-paned windows lowers energy costs.

Of course, individual efforts can go only so far. Cutting CO₂ and other greenhouse gases down to safer levels requires significant government regulation. Lessening carbon footprints does let people see where they are and how they can change. Those who want to accept personal responsibility for their emissions can track their own reductions and change their habits.

Because carbon calculators ask for only rough estimates, it’s easy for investigators to approximate the footprints of celebrities and politicians. Analysts hope to uncover high-profile figures, especially those who promote environmentalism. Although performer Madonna and other celebrities have been accused of flying frequently, former vice president Al Gore has drawn the harshest accusations. The Gores’ spokesperson did not deny that but emphasized that the couple subscribes to green power.

1. How long can the Earth produce what we need in a year?

A．2 months.

B．12 months.

C．14 months.

D．23 months.

2. What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A．Why people are worried about CO2 emissions.

B．How individuals can help to lower CO2 emissions.

C．Where most CO2 emissions come from in the United States.

D．What measures have been taken to cut down CO2 emissions.

3. What is still needed to cut greenhouse gases down to safer levels?

A．The participation of the public.

B．The development of new equipment.

C．The changes of our living habits.

D．The powerful efforts of the government.

4. Why do investigators estimate the footprints of famous people easily?

A．Because they have mastered methods.

B．Because it doesn’t call for much accuracy.

C．Because famous people are easy to approach.

D．Because new technology has advanced greatly.

6 . Kruger National Park is, in a word, life-changing. One of the top attractions in South Africa, and one of the largest national parks in the world, Kruger National Park is a must for any wildlife lover.

Kruger National Park Animals

Nothing will prepare you for the huge volume of wildlife that you’ll be able to see in Kruger National Park. The park is home to 114 different species of reptiles; more than 500 species of birds; and 147 mammals. Not only will you have the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), but you’ll see tons of other mammals like zebras, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, impalas, and many more.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park?

The driest months being June, July, and August are the best time of year to visit the park, when the days are sunny and warm and the nights are cooler. Many trees and shrubs have lost their leaves, and water sources dry up, making it easier to spot game around the remaining waterholes.

Driving in Kruger National Park

What makes Kruger National Park unique from other parks is that it is accessible via self-drive. Many people who come to the park come with their own vehicle because it’s considerably more affordable than taking a guided tour. Doing a self-drive safari(游猎) also gives you more flexibility with your timing.

1. How does the writer show the diversity of animals in Kruger National Park?

A．By making comparisons.	B．By listing figures.
C．By using illustrations.	D．By classifying facts.

2. Which is the best season in South Africa to visit Kruger National Park?

A．Spring.

B．Summer.

C．Autumn.

D．Winter.

3. What’s special about Kruger National Park?

A．It has unique animals.	B．It offers a flexible time.
C．It allows self-drive.	D．It charges fairly low.

7 . Sometimes we only appreciate something when we realize we may lose it. That is the story of the Everglades. A shallow slow-moving river, the Everglades once covered about 18,000 square miles of southern Florida. Until the 1900s, few people lived in the grassy wetlands. Not much was understood about the unique balance of nature that existed there. Plants, creatures, and water had formed a remarkable ecosystem.

By the early 1900s, Florida’s pleasant winters attracted more people. Visitors became new permanent residents. They built homes and roads. The conditions looked good for farming, so the newcomers planted large agricultural crops. But South Florida’s cycle of flooding was a problem. To address that, developers attempted to drain (排水) the land. They also built structures to control water levels and flow.

Those changes made it easier for more people to live year-round in South Florida. However, they also disturbed life in the Everglades, which depends on freshwater regularly refilling the land. The area’s growing human population needed freshwater. And large farms consumed large quantities of freshwater. By the mid-1900s, water levels in southern Florida began to go down. Lack of freshwater wasn’t the only problem. As more and more land was developed for people and farms, the Everglades’ historic boundaries contracted. Loss of habitat and hunting threatened the survival of native species in the Everglades.

Some people hoped that the government’s recognition might save the Everglades. They fought for it. Everglades National Park was established in 1947. It became the first park in the United States created for its biodiversity.

Now, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres along the southern tip of Florida. An amazing variety of creatures live there. About 360 different species of birds have been sighted in the park. Nearly 300 different species of fish have been identified. About 40 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles inhabit the park. Nature still rules in the Everglades, a place worth understanding, appreciating, and protecting.

1. What was the Everglades like before the 1900s?

A．Naturally wild.	B．Partly explored.
C．Completely lifeless.	D．Thickly populated.

2. What problem did new residents cause for the Everglades?

A．A cycle of flooding.

B．Pollution of freshwater.

C．Possible extinction of native species.

D．The extension of historic boundaries.

3. Why are the figures mentioned in the last paragraph?

A．To attract visitors to the park.

B．To stress the great power of nature.

C．To call for more efforts to protect nature.

D．To show the successful conservation of the park.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．How people adapted to life in the Everglades.

B．How Everglades National Park was established.

C．How humans harmed and saved the Everglades.

D．How the ecosystem of the Everglades was formed.

8 . At The Rachael Ray Foundation^TM (RRF), we’re pretty big animal lovers. As a part of our work, we support a wide variety of organizations that do good for animals, from rescue to care and more. Get to know a few of them and the work we do together.

Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team

RRF helped enable Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART) to purchase a new and bigger plane for its rescue missions which bring animals from danger to safety. Whether it be flying dogs in overcrowded shelters to new homes, saving animals caught in the path of natural disasters, or bringing supplies to shelters in need, the brave PAART pilots are always ready to help.

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) works to find and train shelter dogs who have the talent and drive to become search and rescue animals. RRF supports SDF’s efforts to identify and transform rescued dogs into rescuers, to provide lifetime care for these dogs and to find homes for all dogs who enter the SDF training program.

Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants

This is a program administered by Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) to support Best Friends’ network partners in their lifesaving efforts. The money has been awarded to organizations across the country to fund initiatives such as adoption drives and shelter intake prevention efforts.

North Shore Animal League America Disaster Relief Grants

This program, administered by North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), provides money for animal welfare organizations impacted by disasters. RRF is proud to help NSALA in its efforts to identify needs in disaster situations and provide targeted, effective relief.

1. What is special about PAART?

A．It provides necessities for-animals in need.	B．It conducts animal rescue missions by plane.
C．It is supported by the Rachael Ray Foundation.	D．It assists in finding adopters for rescued animals.

2. Which organization is devoted to training shelter animals to do rescue work?

A．SDF.

B．BFAS.

C．PAART.

D．NSALA.

3. What do the last two programs have in common?

A．They both strongly promote animal adoption.

B．They are both in charge of Best Friends Animal Society.

C．They both provide financial assistance to animal welfare initiatives.

D．They are both administered by welfare organizations impacted by disasters.

9 . Find out some key words in Activity 2 of the book and guess what they will be talking about.

Ben Drake, an expert on air pollution, is being interviewed on the radio. He said that smog was a severe problem in the early 20th century in Britain. At that time, Britain was experiencing a boom in industry. Factories and homes used lots of coal, which created smog. He also mentioned the heavy smog in London was particularly bad and caused over 4000 deaths in 1952. Later the UK government restricted burning coal   in homes and forced factories to move away from city centers. As smog is harmful to everyone, the expert advised us to replace coal with cleaner forms of energy, use new energy-efficient vehicles and further develop green technology.

1. The expression “    1    ” originated in Britain and means a     2    of “smoke” and “fog”.
2. Smog became a severe problem in Britain because people at that time burnt lots of    3    .
3. The worst smog in British history happened in London in 1942.
4. The Great Smog of London claimed 5,000 lives.
5. Later, the UK government ordered people not to burn     4    in their homes.
    5    

10 . Keeping plants at home is a healthy and comfortable way of life. The following houseplants can create a most beautiful piece of green for your home.

Bird’s Nest Fern (蕨)

The bird’s nest fern is a good choice for anyone with a house that wouldn’t support sun-loving species. It’s a hardy fern variety adapting to living on forest floors, where the air tends to be cool and damp. It likes to be misted as well, but this doesn’t always mean you need a misting bottle—spraying (喷洒) it in the sink or hanging it near a shower often works as well.

Chinese Money Plant

This is a flowering species that might be most appropriate for experienced plant gardeners looking for a new challenge. It prefers a moderate amount of indirect light, and tends to dry out slightly between watering sessions. It produces new plants easily without any input, directly from its root system. These can coexist in the same pot for a time.

Resurrection Plant

This native of the Mexican desert has adapted to surviving in extreme drought by curling (蜷缩) into a ball and remaining in seemingly lifeless state for years, if necessary. In this form, it can be transported by the wind across the dry landscape to areas with water. It will revive within hours in a shallow bowl of water, unfolding and transforming into a fresh and green moss (苔藓).

Snake Plant

This is a striking houseplant that can be an especially good option for new plant owners who you might not trust to keep a plant alive. It grows happily in almost any condition. While it prefers bright light, it doesn’t mind shade or even artificial light. Plus, thanks to its thick, fleshy leaves, it stores water with remarkable efficiency, which makes it survive without water in the earth.

1. What is special about the bird’s nest fern?

A．It prefers shade.	B．It is sun-loving.
C．It tends to grow in the sink.	D．It can return to life after death.

2. Which plant will test its owner’s gardening skill most?

A．Bird’s nest fern.	B．Chinese money plant.
C．Resurrection plant.	D．Snake plant.

3. What do resurrection plant and snake plant have in common?

A．They demand attentive owners.	B．They are very drought-tolerant.
C．They will curl for self-protection.	D．They can store water for drought.