1 . A brain implant allowed people with head injuries to function again. The deep brain stimulation implant, developed by researchers at Stanford University, aims to boost activity between the regions responsible for consciousness learning, memory, thinking and problem solving.

During the early trial, five people with brain injuries reported they were able to concentrate, read, remember and drive properly. The trial proved so effective that researchers had trouble completing the final stage, which was to switch off the device for three random participants after two of the patients declined.

Gina Arata, a trial participant, said, “I couldn’t remember anything. My left foot dropped, so I’d trip over things all the time. I was always in car accidents. Since the implant, I haven’t had any speeding tickets. I don’t trip anymore. I can remember how much money is in my bank account.”

Researchers selected patients for the trial who had recovered from comas (昏迷) with brain systems believed to be still well preserved, but not functioning as well as previously. “In these patients, those pathways are largely complete, but everything has been down-regulated (下降),” said Dr Jaimie Henderson, a professor of neurosurgery. “It’s as if the lights had been darkened and there just wasn’t enough electricity to turn them back up.” The researchers hoped that precise electrical stimulation of specific areas could turn the “lights” back up, and created a virtual model of each participant’s brain so they could trial stimulation at different locations ahead of surgery.

Guided by the theory, Dr Henderson implanted the device in the five participants who had sustained injuries between three and 18 years earlier. After allowing the device to bed-in for two weeks, the participants spent 90 days with it turned on for 12 hours a day. At the end of the 90-day treatment period, the participants had improved their mental processing speeds by an average of 32 percent.

“This is a pioneering moment,” said Dr Nicholas Schiff, co-senior author of the study. “Our goal now is to try to take the systematic steps to make this a therapy (疗法). This is enough of a signal for us to make every effort.”

1. What made it hard to end the last stage of the trial?

A．Researchers’ wrong solution to problems.

B．Participants’ refusal to turn off the device.

C．The decrease in the number of participants.

D．Patients’ unwillingness to pay for the trial.

2. Why does the author mention Gina Arata?

A．To present the patient’s urgent need.

B．To warn about the dangers of speeding.

C．To prove the effectiveness of the device.

D．To show the difficulty of conducting trials.

3. What does the author intend to do by referring to the “lights” in paragraph 4?

A．Prove a finding.

B．Explain a theory.

C．Draw a conclusion.

D．Present a new topic.

4. What do Dr Nicholas Schiff’s words suggest?

A．The result of the trial is very encouraging.

B．He needs more evidence to support the trial.

C．The process of the trial is far from scientific.

D．The therapy has already been widely received.

2 . Household chores (家务活) may contribute to healthy aging, according to a study published in the journal BMJ Open. Researchers from Singapore found that regular physical activity, including tasks like dusting, scrubbing floors, and washing windows, can improve physical and mental health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and decrease falls, immobility, dependency, and mortality among older adults.

The study involved 249 participants aged 21 to 64 and 240 participants aged 65 to 90. Participants completed cognitive (认知) function tests and physical capability assessments. They were asked about their levels of physical activity, including light housework (such as dusting) and heavy housework (such as floor-scrubbing). The researchers found that older adults who engaged in high amounts of heavy housework had higher cognitive and attention scores compared to those who did low levels or no heavy housework at all. These participants also had lower sit-to-stand times and were at a lower risk of falling. Similarly, older adults who reported high levels of light housework had higher cognitive and memory scores compared to those who did low levels of such tasks.

Dr. Shiou-Liang Wee, co-author of the research, emphasized that health messaging on staying active should not only focus on recreational physical activities. He highlighted that housework is a purposeful activity performed by many older adults and is linked to sharper memory and better fall protection.

However, experts urge caution when interpreting the study’s findings. Professor Gill Livingston from University College London noted that people who are not well may be expected to do less housework, and the study did not establish a causal relationship between housework and health outcomes. Professor Charlie Foster from the University of Bristol highlighted that the study relied on self-reported levels of household chores, which may be inaccurate, and did not fully consider other factors that could influence the results. While the study suggests that household chore may have benefits for older adults’ health, further research is needed to better understand the relationship between housework and healthy aging.

1. How did the researchers measure the participants’ levels of physical activity?

A．By analyzing the participants’ daily routines.

B．By doing household chores with the participants.

C．By carrying out a test on the participants.

D．By listening to the participants’ spoken reports.

2. What can we know about the study?

A．Household chores, heavy or light, do help.

B．The more housework for the elderly, the better.

C．The subjects are of similar age.

D．Light housework improves health better.

3. What do Gill Livingston and Charlie Foster think of the result of the study?

A．Objective.

B．Meaningless.

C．Partial.

D．Successful.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Definite limitation of a study on healthy aging.

B．The introduction to a study on household chores.

C．Housework arguments among different experts.

D．Possible function of household chores for healthy aging.

3 . Scientists have discovered a new way of administering oxygen to the blood which could allow people to stay alive without breathing. The procedure, which works by injecting oxygen molecules enclosed in fatty molecules directly into the bloodstream, could extend an extra 30 minutes of life when they cannot breathe.

John Kheir, a doctor of the Boston Children’s Hospital, was inspired to begin his groundbreaking research after he experienced a patient’s tragic death, according to Science Daily. He was operating on a young girl whose pneumonia led to deadly brain damage after doctors were unable to place her on a breathing machine in time to save her.

In response, Dr Kheir started working on the idea of inserting oxygen directly into the blood. Early experiments showed that the intervention could in theory be very successful, he said, “We drew each other’s blood, mixed it in a test. tube with the microparticles, and watched blue blood turn immediately red, right before our eyes.” However, injecting pure oxygen into the bloodstream in gas form failed miserably when it was attempted 100 years ago, as it formed dangerous bubbles in the veins.

Much of Dr Kheir’s research therefore involved finding a substance which could surround the oxygen and allow it to be suspended in a liquid for injection into the body. He found that using fatty molecules was the best way to keep oxygen after using sound waves to trap the two substances together into small particles that can only be seen with the help of a. microscope. The particles were then made up into a liquid which is very heavily oxygenated—carrying “three to four times the oxygen content of our own red blood cells”, according to Dr Kheir.

When used on humans, the oxygen could probably last for up to 30 minutes, though injecting it for any longer could damage the patient’s blood. “This is a short-term oxygen substitute—a way to safely inject oxygen gas to support patients during a critical few minutes,” Dr Kheir said. He added that he thought the technique could become routine for doctors dealing with emergency situations.

1. What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A．John Kheir made a mistake in an operation.

B．An incident enlightened John Kheir’s research.

C．John Kheir failed to inject oxygen to a girl’s blood.

D．A young patient died tragically in John Kheir’s research.

2. What problem may lead to the failure of previous trials?

A．The blue blood can turn red only in theory.

B．The microparticles fail to mix with oxygen.

C．Administering oxygen to the blood is difficult.

D．Oxygen gas inserted may cause more serious problems.

3. How did Dr Kheir solve the problem to successfully inject oxygen to the blood?

A．To surround oxygen molecules with fat.	B．To use sound waves to turn gas into liquid.
C．To involve more oxygen into red blood cells.	D．To find a liquid with the aid of a microscope.

4. What is Dr Kheir’s attitude towards the new way?

A．Unclear.

B．Doubtful.

C．Subjective.

D．Hopeful.

4 . Nowadays, poor sleep and anxiety are common among young people, causing too much pain and even severe physical and mental problems.     1    .

Wind down

Reading a book can help slow breathing and relax muscles, while yoga stretches or even a gentle walk can reduce anxiety.     2    . Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that bathing in water of 40-42.5℃ one to two hours before bedtime was related to better sleep.

Protect the bedroom

Keep the bedroom as a place for sleep. Blackout blinds or an eye mask (眼罩) can help block out light,     3    .

Go to bed at regular times

Going to sleep and waking up at regular times — even on weekends — will strengthen your body clock. Regular mealtimes are also an important reminder for your circadian rhythm. Avoid exercise too close to bedtime, as it can cause restlessness and an elevated body temperature.

    4    

If your mind is buzzing from the day, try keeping a journal or worry book. The experts also recommend writing to-do lists for the next day in order to organize thoughts and clear the mind.

Get ahead on the next day

    5    . Choose your clothes for the next day when you reach for your pyjamas or pack your bag while brushing your teeth.

Some habits will help you more than others, but when all of them are combined, the real magic happens.

A．Have a sleep schedule

B．Write down your worries

C．because you are happy and warm

D．A warm bath or shower can also help you relax

E．while keeping electronic devices (设备) out of the bedroom is highly recommended

F．Your night-time routine is an opportunity to make mornings run a little smoother

G．Here are five ways to get a better bedtime routine to help take a turn for the better

5 . When it comes to protecting your mental health, you can take steps to adjust your daily routine to be a bit kinder to yourself. Here’s some of the advice some experts offered.

    1    

Stephanie Roth-Goldberg, a licensed clinical social worker, says this could mean allowing time to relax with your coffee for a few minutes before leaving the house or getting some physical activity before work. See how long you need to accomplish something good for yourself.    2    !

Take breaks during the workday

    3     — it can do wonders for your concentration and overall mood. If you don’t have a lot of opportunities to take breaks, Goldberg recommends going for a short walk or even visiting a friend at their desk to help break up the day.

Designate a screen-free time during the day

Goldberg explains that designating a time during the day when you completely disconnect from screens is “a great mental health tool that people don’t make use of.”    4    It’s commonly recommended to disconnect before bed, though. “Spending time away from screens allows for creativity, connection and feelings that otherwise would not happen,” she says.

Set up a bedtime routine

Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential to our mental and physical health. Katie Leikam, a licensed clinical social worker, recommends setting up a nighttime routine to ensure you get the shut-eye you need.     5    and turn off your lights at the same time every night. “This will help you obtain better sleep, which is one of the best things you can do for your mental health,” says Leikam.

A．Start the day off on a positive note

B．Keep it cool for a good night’s sleep

C．Wash your face, put down your phone

D．It’s healthy to do this at any time of day

E．Dance around while you do your housework

F．Sometimes it’s just three to five minutes of letting your brain do nothing

G．Get away from your computer screen by stepping outside for some fresh air

6 . 听下面一段长对话，回答下列各题。
1. What’s the woman’s new problem?

A．She has a sore throat.

B．She has a toothache.

C．She has an earache.

2. How often should the woman take the medicine?

A．Once a day.

B．Twice a day.

C．Three times a day.

3. When does the woman need to see the doctor again?

A．Next Monday.

B．Next Tuesday.

C．Next Thursday.

4. What does the doctor suggest the woman do finally?

A．Make an appointment.

B．Buy medicine outside.

C．Write down the date.

7 . Wonder how you can boost your mood and stay happy? Here is a list of top 5 habits that can help you tune into a happy mood and attitude.

Be grateful for what you have.     1    . You must have seen pictures of people in poverty-ridden areas smiling next to one another. How do these people manage to keep their genuine smiles stretched? They learn to be happy with what they have and find happiness in little things. You can reproduce this, too, and lead a better life.

    2    . Are you a passionate painter or someone who enjoys sewing? Or do you sing and play the guitar? Whatever hobbies you have, continue following them. Most people abandon their hobbies as they get older and busier. This is also one reason why happiness becomes scarce for them.

Get physically active. Exercise is a great way to support your physical and mental health. Working out wouldn’t only help you lose and maintain weight which will boost your confidence, but it will also make your brain feel better.     3    .

Hang out with good people. Bad company can be worn out.     4    . Instead, surround yourself with loved ones who genuinely care about you. Good people who support you in your bad times and good times should be your circle.

Remember, you don’t have to be friends with everyone.     5    . Avoid following influencers and celebrities who have nothing special to offer to your feed. The kind of lifestyle they show on these apps can induce feelings of complexities.

A．Follow your hobbies

B．Gratefulness matters a lot

C．Try earning by doing something you love

D．Exercise can reduce anxiety and stress after all

E．You cannot buy happiness, but you sure can create it

F．Avoid bad people who make you feel bad about yourself

G．Even on social media, only keep around friends whom you want to and are good to you

8 . How satisfied are you with your life? How good do you feel every day? Your answers to those two questions can show how happy you are.

It’s true that your happiness is partly affected by your genes.     1     According to experts, happiness is a choice. It’s something that you can develop with continuing practice. Following these tried-and-true tips can help you find happiness.

Be kind to yourself.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has different talents and abilities. It’s OK that you’re not like someone else. Comparison has been called “the thief of joy”. In addition, forgive yourself often.     2    .

Take breaks from social media.

    3     Yet much of what appears on social media is not real. Many people compare themselves with those images, resulting in feelings of discouragement.

    4    .

Spending time with people you love and that love you is necessary for building strong connections and developing a sense of belonging. By devoting time and attention to those who matter most to you, you can create lasting memories, deepen understanding, and strengthen bonds with each other happily.

Get outside for exercise.

Nature helps to reduce stress. Exercise and put your health in the first place.     5     Just going on a walk can make a difference.

Limit time you spend on news.

Stay aware of recent events. But don’t spend hours consuming news, which usually includes negative stories and events.

Since happiness is a choice, why not choose it? Life will look brighter filled with love and joy!

A．You are not perfect.

B．Invest in your relationships.

C．Determine happiness through actions.

D．You could perhaps lead a happier life and feel more satisfied.

E．But even if you’re not usually a happy person, you can change that.

F．People who get up and move are usually happier than those who don’t.

G．The Internet is full of people who look beautiful and seem to lead exciting lives.

9 . A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Victoria has shown that common levels of traffic pollution can damage human brain function in only a matter of hours.

“For many decades, scientists thought the brain may be protected from the harmful effects of air pollution,” said senior study author Dr. Chris Carlsten. “This study, which is the first of its kind in the world, provides fresh evidence supporting a connection between air pollution and cognition.”

For the study, the researchers briefly exposed 25 healthy adults to diesel exhaust (柴油废气) and filtered air at different times in a laboratory setting. Brain activity was measured before and after each exposure using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The researchers analyzed changes in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a set of inter-connected brain regions that play an important role in memory and internal thought. The fMRI revealed that participants had decreased functional connectivity in widespread regions of the DMN after exposure to diesel exhaust, compared to filtered air.

“We know that altered functional connectivity in the DMN has been associated with reduced cognitive performance and symptoms of depression, so it’s concerning to see traffic pollution interrupting these same networks,” said Dr. Jodie Gawryluk, a psychology professor at the University of Victoria and the study’s first author. “While more research is needed to fully understand the functional impacts of these changes, it’s possible that they may impair (损害) people’s thinking or ability to work.”

Notably, the changes in the brain were temporary and participants’ connectivity returned to normal after the exposure. Dr. Carlsten assumed that the effects could be long lasting where exposure is continuous. He said that people should be mindful of the air they’re breathing and take appropriate steps to minimize their exposure to potentially harmful air pollutants like car exhaust.

1. How does traffic pollution affect people according to the study?

A．Exhausting their body.	B．Decreasing their income.
C．Endangering their safety.	D．Harming their brain function.

2. What may the DMN be responsible for?

A．Growth.

B．Sport.

C．Memory.

D．Behaviour.

3. What can people do to reduce the impact according to Dr. Carlsten?

A．Avoid being exposed to the polluted air constantly.

B．Be mindful of the air quality in a new city.

C．Measure the brain activity in laboratories.

D．Stay inside a house as often as possible.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．A Role Of Brain Will Be Ruined

B．Traffic Pollution May Impair Brain Function

C．A Famous UK University Did A Vital Study

D．A Source Of Pollution Has Drawn People’s Attention

10 . Benefits of Walking in Cold Weather

As winter blankets the world in a coat of ice and fresh cold air, the idea of going outdoors fora walk might seem less attractive.     1     Walking in cold weather comes with a lot of health benefits that might just make it the perfect season to put on your shoes and hit the roadway.

Strengthened Immune System

Remaining in colder temperatures can actually improve your immune (免疫的) system. As your body adapts to the cold, it produces more white blood cells.     2     Regular cold-weather walks might help make a strong er immune reaction, letting you stay healthier throughout the winter season.

High Spirits

The winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can affect many individuals during the colder months. Fortunately, walking in cold weather has been linked to improved emotion and reduced signs of sadness. The fresh air and physical activity inspire the production of endorphins, the body’s natural emotion enhancers (增强剂).     3    

Improved health and energy level

Cold-weather walking can provide an excellent heart workout. The combination of light movement and the body’s reaction to the cold increases heart health by improving circulation (血液循环) and lowering blood pressure. Over time, this can make your blood system healthier.

    4     Instead, walking in the fresh air can make your senses energetic and increase overall energy levels. The physical activity and stay in natural light work together to reduce feelings of tiredness, leaving you feeling more active and ready to deal with the day.

So, as the winter winds blow and snowflakes fall, consider wearing your warm clothes and taking a walk outside.     5     It is also helpful to mental wellbeing and overall energy.

A．The cold weather does not cost energy.

B．They play a key role in fighting off diseases.

C．Winter, especially, is an opportunity to go slowly.

D．They leave you feeling more positive and excited.

E．However, don’t let the cold temperatures prevent you.

F．Let each walk be a big step towards a healthier, happier you.

G．The benefits of walking in cold weather go beyond physical health.