1 . Even chess experts perform worse when air quality is lower, suggesting a negative effect on cognition(认知). Here’s something else chess players need to keep in check: air pollution.
That’s the bottom line of a newly published study co-authored by a researcher, showing that chess players perform objectively worse and make more suboptimal(次优的) moves, as measured by a computerized analysis of their games, when there is more fine particulate matter(颗粒物) in the air, notated as PM 2.5.
More specifically, given a modest increase in fine particulate matter, the probability that chess players will make an error increases by 2.1 percentage points, and the spectrum of those errors increases by 10.8 percent. In this setting, at least, cleaner air leads to clearer heads and sharper thinking.
“We find that when individuals are exposed to higher levels of air pollution, they make more mistakes, and they make larger mistakes,” says Juan Palacios, an economist in Sustainable Urbanization Lab.
“It’s pure random exposure to air pollution that is driving these people’s performance,” Palacios says. “Against comparable opponents in the same tournament round, being exposed to different levels of air quality makes a difference for move quality and decision quality.”
The researchers also found that when air pollution was worse, the chess players performed even more poorly when under time limitation. “We find it interesting that those mistakes especially occur in the phase of the game where players are facing time pressure,” Palacios says.
“There are more and more papers showing that there is a cost with air pollution, and there is a cost for more and more people,” Palacios says. “And this is just one example showing that even for these very excellent chess players, who think they can beat everything, it seems that with air pollution, they have an enemy who harms them.”
1. What effect does air pollution have on chess players?A.They make fewer good choices. | B.They perform subjectively worse. |
C.They suffer body discomfort. | D.They lose all games with computers. |
A.Magic. | B.Process. | C.Range. | D.Balance. |
A.His appeal for attention to chess players. |
B.His concern about air pollution. |
C.An example of chess players’ performance. |
D.Approaches to dealing with air pollution. |
A.Air pollution is a tough enemy chess players face. |
B.Chess players make more and more mistakes. |
C.There is a cost with air pollution for more people. |
D.Chess players perform poorly under time limitation. |
2 . Space is where our future is — trips to the Moon, Mars and beyond. Most people would think that apart from comets (彗星) and stars, there is little else out there.
The first piece of space junk was created in the year of 1964, when the American satellite Vanguard I stopped operating.
The major problem with the space trash is that it may hit working satellites and damage travelling spaceship. In addition to this, many pieces of junk may crash with each other and break into pieces which fall back to the Earth.
A.It lost its connection with the ground centre. |
B.To avoid this, scientists have invented several ways for clearing the sky. |
C.The junk floats slowly around the Earth. |
D.However, since our space journey started, we have left much trash in space. |
E.It is said that there are now over 500,000 pieces of man-made trash orbiting the Earth at speeds of up to 17,500 miles per hour. |
F.Future plans include a cooperative effort among many nations. |
G.It hasn’t resulted in any serious problems up to now. |
The total floor area of Chain’s green buildings has been over 6. 6 billion square meters with the country’s efforts to promote high-quality development in urban and rural areas.
The ministry will make continuous efforts
China issued a guideline
The ministry will state a 14th five-year plan on urban and rural living environment planning and take
4 . It’s no secret that inhaling (吸入) smoke is bad for your lungs. But now, scientists are suggesting smoke may also carry and spread infectious diseases. The theory, published in Science Magazine, is based on research that found wildfire smoke is crowded with thousands of species of microorganisms. Some of these microorganisms, including bacteria and fungal spores, are known to cause disease.
The new research suggests that when a wildfire burns plant or animal matter and disturbs soils, it exposes thousands of species of bacteria and fungi that otherwise might not easily become airborne (空气传播的). You might think the high heat from fire would kill these organisms, but one study mentioned in the article found that some bacteria even multiply post-fire. Scientists say the organisms attach to smoke particles, allowing them to travel thousands of miles across continents.
Dr. Peter Chen, director of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, is interested in the theory but somewhat skeptical that the microorganisms in smoke would actually cause infections. Many bacteria and fungi don’t cause lung infections, says Chen, but it’s certainly possible that a significant amount could worsen symptoms in someone with a preexisting lung condition. “I always thought it was the particles in smoke that were causing these issues,” says Chen. “But when I read this, I started thinking: Could it be the microorganisms that are also worsening existing illnesses?”
Whether the microorganisms in smoke actually cause infection or simply worsen potential respiratory (呼吸的) issues, the article raises a new health threat that is “certainly alarming”, says Kelsey Jack, an associate professor of environmental and development economics. This is especially true for lower-income populations, Jack says, because people with fewer means are often more exposed to the environment. If smoke is affecting the air quality in a certain area, the people who work outside, or who have to go to the office on foot or by bike will inhale more smoke than those who drive.
But until more research is done, Chen says the best thing people can do is just follow existing recommendations when air quality is poor—including staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed, using HEPA filters and running air conditioning.
1. What can we know about the microorganisms from paragraph 2?A.They could be killed by high heat. |
B.They could reproduce in large numbers after fires. |
C.They could possibly travel through air by themselves. |
D.They can easily attach themselves to smoke particles. |
A.They might worsen lung diseases. | B.They will cause lung infections. |
C.They will destroy living environments. | D.They might damage respiratory systems. |
A.They live in poor areas. |
B.They drive to and from work. |
C.They have suffered from lung disease. |
D.They are exposed to polluted air more frequently. |
A.Results of the new research. |
B.Suggestions on dealing with poor air quality. |
C.Disagreements between the author and Chen. |
D.Benefits of preventing smoke from polluting the air. |
5 . Commercial airlines alone contribute around 3% of total global carbon emissions. But the industry is actively looking for green solutions in the form of sustainable jet fuel, and in one case, that fuel may have had a previous life as your household food waste. In a study released this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers detail a method of transforming food waste into sustainable jet fuel that can be used in existing engines.
Biomass (生物质), such as manure (粪便) and food waste, can be transformed into bio-fuels, which are renewable liquid fuels made from organic matter. Derek Vardon, a senior research engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), says that their fuel worked as a mixture of 90% conventional petrol jet fuel and 10% alternative jet fuel required by the industry currently. They also show they could push it to a 70/30 mixture, which will be possible in real world with more time and testing.
Major airline companies are eager to get involved in sustainable aviation fuel because some sustainable solutions, such as battery-operated commercial planes, just aren’t possible yet with current battery technology. A battery-powered plane would be too heavy to fly long distances, so fuel that works in the same way as the fuel we have is a simpler way to trade out emission-heavy fossil fuels.
Vardon says that because the wet waste used in the process would normally go to a landfill (垃圾填埋场) and break down to release greenhouse gases, the process of making and using sustainable aviation fuel could actually have a negative carbon footprint when scaled up.
Commercial airlines are on board to find an affordable and sustainable solution to the carbon-intensive process of air travel. Airlines are looking to hit aggressive sustainability goals by 2050, including decreasing net carbon dioxide emissions by 50%.
1. Which of the following is used for sustainable airline power?A.Fossil fuel. | B.Liquid fuel. | C.Battery power. | D.Biomass. |
A.Fuel-powered planes are likely to travel lighter and farther. |
B.Biofuel is environmentally friendly and sustainable. |
C.It’s convenient to create the proper fuel mixture. |
D.Biofuel proves less costly and easier to produce. |
A.taking off. | B.holding a meeting. |
C.participating in. | D.appearing on stage. |
A.Alternative Energy to Fossil Fuel. |
B.How to Get Fossil Fuel Sustainable. |
C.Changing Food Waste into Airplane Fuel. |
D.How to Decrease Carbon Dioxide Emissions. |
6 . As an intense heat wave sweeps through China, residents are seeking relief in air raid shelters and swimming pools to stay cool, and dozens of cities, including Shanghai, Chongqing and Hangzhou, have issued their highest-level red alert warnings. Shanghai has issued three red alerts this year, with the temperature hitting 40.9 Celsius on July 13, matching the record set in 2017 since 1873. The fact that Shanghai has experienced only 16 days of 40°C-plus temperatures since the city began keeping records in 1873 should give us an idea about the seriousness of the situation.
Medical experts say extreme heat could cause nausea (恶心), fatigue, sunstroke and even death, with senior citizens and people with long-term illnesses particularly vulnerable to heat waves.
Extreme heat events, which began a month ago, have affected the lives of more than 900 million people in China. Between June 1 and July 12, the average number of days with temperatures above 35°Cwas 5.3, up 2.4 days over normal years, breaking the national record set in 1961, according to the National Climate Center.
Parts of Europe are also in the grip of heat waves and experiencing extreme weather events after the western part of North America faced extreme heat waves last year. In response to the exceptionally high temperatures, the United Kingdom has declared a national emergency and issued the highest-level red alert warning for Monday and Tuesday for the first time. More alarmingly, the average global temperature in June this year was 0.4°C higher than normal years and the highest since 1979, with temperatures in countries such as Spain, France and Italy exceeding 40°C.
Unfortunately, extreme heat, which is directly related to climate change, will become more frequent and intense in the next 30 years, setting new records for high temperatures. As global warming intensifies, losses and devastation will increase, forcing natural and human systems to raise their adaptation limits.
1. What can we know about the heat waves this year?A.It may cause more harm to the old and people with long-term illnesses. |
B.The number of days above 35°Cin June breaks the national record. |
C.Shanghai has experienced a higher temperature than that in 2017. |
D.The whole Europe as well as America are suffering from the heat waves. |
A.By analyzing and concluding. | B.By explaining and contrasting. |
C.By giving examples and quoting. | D.By giving figures and comparing. |
A.Becoming more serious. | B.Remaining stable. |
C.Staying unpredictable. | D.Getting controllable. |
A.The solutions to the climate change. | B.The economic losses from heat waves. |
C.The increase of severe heat waves. | D.The destructive effect of global warming. |
1. What are the speakers talking about?
A.Environment protection. | B.Public transportation. | C.A birthday party. |
A.By bus. | B.By car. | C.By bike. |
8 . The impact of the man-made climate crisis on Antarctica is scientifically undeniable: stable ice shelves are retreating, air temperature increased by 3 degrees Celsius. krill(磷虾)numbers are declining, melting ice is contributing to sea level rise, and polar bears and seals are getting displaced. “Antarctic biodiversity could decline substantially by the end of the century if we continue with business as usual.” Jasmine Rachael Lee, lead author of the University of Queensland study says.
Published in the journal PLOS Biology, the study finds population declines are likely for 65% of the continent’s plants and wildlife by the year 2100. The most vulnerable(脆弱的)species is the Emperor penguins. In October 2022, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed Emperor penguins as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act(ESA), as experts predict the flightless seabird will see a 26% to 47% dip in its population by 2050. “This listing reflects the growing extinction crisis and highlights the importance of the ESA and efforts to conserve species before population declines become irreversible(不可逆转).” said Service Director Martha Williams at the time.
Aside from Emperor penguins, other Antarctic specialists, like the Adélie penguin and dry soil nematodes, were also highly vulnerable. We urgently need a combination of global and local conservation action to best conserve Antarctic species. Global action and global voices to help relieve climate change—because the biggest threat to Antarctica is coming from outside of it. And then we need local actions to help protect biodiversity against local threats and give them the best chance of adapting to climate changes. This will help to save our iconic(代表性的)species like the Emperor penguins and all of Antarctica’s unique and highly adapted inhabitants. It will also help humankind, as we rely heavily on the priceless services the Antarctic provides in regulating our climate and capturing sea level in its ice sheets.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?A.The impact of climate crisis is usually denied. |
B.Conservation efforts are badly needed. |
C.Air temperature on Antarctic increases 3℃ annually. |
D.Sea level rise results in seabirds losing their habitats. |
A.To serve as a call to protect wildlife on Antarctic |
B.To reflect the growing population of wild species. |
C.To prove the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act. |
D.To highlight the severe impact of rising temperature. |
A.Reducing the chances of making a trip to Antarctic. |
B.Making joint efforts to relieve climate change. |
C.Attempting to provide essential nutrients to the ecosystem. |
D.Continuing to carry forward the Endangered Species Act. |
A.Plants and Wildlife on Antarctica Will Decline Quickly |
B.Antarctic Species Are Vulnerable to Human Threats |
C.More Action Should Be Taken to Protect Wildlife on Antarctica |
D.The Best Conservation Strategy Will Be Carried Out Soon |
9 . Now, a study proves that gardens are more than just a pretty place. The study, by researchers at Illinois State University, demonstrates that such constructed gardens can have a measurable and positive impact on water quality.
Floating gardens are essentially platforms built and wrapped in coconut husks (椰子壳), and filled in with native plantings. As plants grow, they extend their roots into the water. On the North Branch of the Chicago River, non-profit Urban Rivers and its partners are developing a mile-long floating eco-park called the Wild Mile. The re-development of this former industrial canal is Urban Rivers’ important project. As part of the park, floating gardens, attached to shore, are being fixed.
The primary aim of the floating gardens is beautification. But the Illinois State team, from the University’s Department of Geology, Geography, and the Environment, saw an ideal setup for a controlled experiment. “We joined it because it’s the perfect opportunity to see if there’s an influence on water quality,” explains lead author Abigail Heath.
The study is novel: previous studies have explored floating gardens’ influence on water quality over time, primarily in wastewater treatment ponds, but not over space, in moving water. The project also matches well with Urban Rivers’ broader goals. “The city is interested in bettering water quality,” says Phil Nicodemus, Urban Rivers’ Director of Research. “Happily, Illinois State took part in it later.”
Could this small human-made park improve water quality? An average of data collected over the course of the study shows middle but definitive improvement. For example, nitrogen (氮) dropped from 4.69 milligrams per liter in surface water to 4.43 milligrams per liter, a drop of about 1 percent.
“Despite how small this garden was, there was measurable improvement in water quality from upstream to downstream,” notes Heath. She and her colleagues see this as a model for how large floating gardens should be to help improve water in similar settings. “Even this tiny garden makes a difference,” she says.
1. What can be inferred from the second paragraph?A.The floating gardens are environmentally friendly. |
B.The floating gardens are fixed everywhere in the eco-park. |
C.The floating gardens can help fix the former parks. |
D.The Urban Rivers were once industrial canals. |
A.To reduce waste water. | B.To attract more visitors to the park. |
C.To make the surroundings brilliant. | D.To help researchers do the experiment. |
A.The floating garden. | B.The project. |
C.The treatment of ponds. | D.The quality of water. |
A.Floating Gardens: More than Pretty |
B.The Best Way to Better Water Quality |
C.A Practical Method of Improving Parks |
D.Floating Gardens Beautify the City |
10 . You’re out on a hike, snacking on an apple, a banana, or some nuts. When you’re finished, all that’s left is a core, a peel, or a shell. “It’s natural,” you tell yourself, throwing it into the woods.
After all, food waste is biodegradable (可生物降解的). It’s not like you’re littering by throwing away a plastic bottle.
Food waste doesn’t break down as fast as you think
Most people know food waste is biodegradable. But fewer people are aware that orange and banana peels can take up to two years to break down in the wild, meaning they’re going to be staying in nature for a lot longer than you might think. And even if they eventually biodegrade, they can lead to a lot of serious problems.
“ Animals have a super advanced sense of smell compared to us,” says biologist Jeff Marion. All human food can attract animals. This can then cause “attraction behavior”, which refers to human actions that cause animals to overcome their natural wariness(警惕)of people.
Attraction can mean aggression
When animals are routinely attracted to humans and their food, they often become habituated to human presence. “Once an animal reaches that point, it’s essentially game over,” Marion says. That’s the origin of the phrase: A fed bear is a dead bear.
A.Food waste can appeal to animals. |
B.Human actions result from attraction behavior. |
C.Keeping your food to yourself is the best solution. |
D.However, food left outdoors can have unexpected impacts. |
E.Here are the measures we should take to prevent food waste. |
F.This sort of attraction behavior can quickly become dangerous. |
G.Because when it comes to human-animal encounters; animals are often the losers. |