1 . We normally think of bacteria as our enemies. But they aren’t all bad. Our bodies are full of them and it turns out we can’t live without them. From the moment we’re born, we acquire, and develop an internal ecosystem of symbiotic bacteria and other microbes (微生物) — they are interdependent players in our body. In fact, there are roughly as many microbial cells in our bodies as human cells. This microbial world is called our microbiome (微生物组).

While some microbes can make us ill, we need our microbiome to survive. Combined, they are every bit as essential as our heart, our lungs, or our brain. Most of the microbiome is found in our gut (肠道). They are essential for digestion and help regulate hormones and boost our immune system.

A healthy collection of microbes seems to be vital for our well-being, protecting against some of the biggest health threats. On the other hand, having an unhealthy microbiome may be a contributing factor for many common diseases. Our modern lifestyles, western diets and overuse of antibiotics might all be having a harmful effect on our internal ecology.

So how do you develop a healthy microbiome in the gut? Well, it seems that the more diverse your microbial population is, the better. And the best way to increase your diversity is to eat a wide range of plant-based foods. Research shows that people who have at least 30 plant-based elements in their diet every week have a wider range of bacteria in their gut, and that’s linked to better weight management, better heart heath and better mental health. One easy way to boost your numbers is to add a teaspoon of mixed seeds to your breakfast.

The influence of your gut microbes goes a lot further than you might think. In the last 20 years, we’ve learned that they communicate constantly with the brain, perhaps even having control over your mood and emotions.

2 . Three cute brown bear cubs who got lost after getting separated from their mother gripped the hearts of netizens.

The fuzzy cubs were spotted by Gelek Gyatso, an ecological protection officer, when he was patrolling a riverbed at an altitude of nearly 4,500 meters in Qumarleb county in Qinghai province’s Yushu.

The little cubs eagerly ran toward the ranger on the snow-covered riverbed, then stopped short at a safe distance to stare at him curiously. After realizing that the man was not their mother, the bear cubs turned around and ran along the river calling for mom.

This was Gelek Gyatso’s first encounter with bear cubs separated from their mother. With his knowledge of wild animals, he drove the cubs towards an area near their cave in the hope of a safe reunion. Thankfully, later that day, other patrol officers found that the mother bear had reunited with her cubs and that the family was happy and healthy.

This year marks Gelek Gyatso’s tenth year as an ecological protection officer. He patrols the area every day, diligently records the animals he sees, carefully checks on the vegetation, and helps clean up litter.

Over the decade, Gelek Gyatso has witnessed great changes in the ecological environment of his hometown. There has been an increase in the number of wild animals, and everyone is participating in the protection of these species, making coexistence between humans and animals more harmonious.

He also reminds people that if they encounter wild animals in the wild, they should keep their distance, not disturbing or feeding them. and that if they find an animal that needs to be rescued, they should call the fire or forest department in time.

Zigong, a city in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, is known     1     the City of Lanterns Chinese people     2     (appreciate) the beauty of lanterns for years, but the custom of enjoying lanterns on festivals began in Zigong as early as the Tang Dynasty. Most Chinese lanterns are made with wire structures and fabric coverings.     3     (add) to their beauty, Zigong craftsmen also use a variety of materials     4     (flexible), such as silk, paper, bamboo, straw, cocoon and even porcelain.

Lantern production is now     5     driving force for the local economy, as most of the large-scale lanterns     6     (use) in festive shows are produced in Zigong. The annual Zigong Lantern Show is also a major attraction for the city’s tourism. Visitors flock to Zigong to enjoy lanterns, as well as various other entertaining     7     (activity).

The excellent skills of Zigong craftsmen have also taken this national intangible heritage abroad,     8     (contribute) to spectacles of color and delight at lantern shows in more than 70 countries and regions worldwide. Zigong lanterns are now a name card for     9     (they) hometown.

For the Chinese, lanterns have not only lit up the night, but also illuminated hearts     10     are anxious to go home to celebrate festivals with families.