In1996, Arthurc Clarke predicted that
A. biological power sources would be putinto use soon.
B. oil, gas and coal could be repeatedlyused in the future.
C. dependence on non-renewable powersources would be reduced soon.
D. the Chernobyl disaster would happen in two years.
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Ryan,with the help of others, is fulfilling his dream of help African peopleto____________
A. make new materials
B. preserve wetland and animals
C. have clean air
D. have clean water
E. collect cigarette butts
F. collect disposed oil
Global Cancer Rates to Rise by 50% by 2020
The number of new cancer cases worldwide is expected to increase by 50% by the year 2020. But a new report suggests that as many as a third of new cancers could be avoided by adopting healthier lifestyles and through public health action.
The World Cancer Report, released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, shows that cancer has now emerged as a major public health threat in developing countries as well as rich ones.
Overall, cancer was responsible for 12% of all deaths in 2000. But in many
countries more than a quarter of all deaths are caused by cancer.
The report shows that 10 million new cancers were diagnosed globally in 2000, and that number is expected to rise to 15 million by 2020. Researchers say most of that increase will mainly be due to steadily aging populations in both developed and developing countries and current trends in smoking and other unhealthy habits.
"Cancer has emerged as a major public health problem in developing countries for the first time, matching its effect in industrialized (工业化的) ountries," said researcher Paul Kleihues, MD, director of IARC, in a news release. "Once considered a 'Western' disease, the Report highlights that more than 50 percent of the world's cancer burden, in terms of both numbers of cases and deaths, already occurs in developing countries."
The risk of being diagnosed with cancer in developed countries is double that in less-developed ones. However, the risk of dying from cancer is much higher in developing countries, where 80% of cancer patients already have late-stage incurable tumors (肿瘤) at the time of diagnosis.
Researchers say cancer rates have traditionally been higher in developed countries due to greater exposure to tobacco, occupational carcinogens (致癌物); and an unhealthy Western diet and lifestyle. As less-developed countries become industrialized and more prosperous, they tend to adopt the high-fat diet and low physical activity levels typically seen in the West which increase cancer rates.
第 41 题 The report says that steps could be taken to reduce about
A. 50% of new cancers.
B. 33% of new cancers.
C. 12% of new cancers.
D. 80% of new cancers.
Sleeping
People who sleep for more than eight hours a night do not live as long as those who sleep for six hours, according to the biggest study yet into sleep patterns and mortality
Scientists have no explanation for the findings and do not know if they mean people who like a lie-in (睡懒觉) can extend their lives by sleeping less.
Although it is a common belief that sleeping for at least eight hours a night is vital for health and well-being, the six-year study involving more than 1.1 million Americans older than 30 found that those who slept for less than eight hours were far from doing themselves any long-term harm.
"Individuals who now average 6.5 hours of sleep a night can be reassured that this is a safe amount of sleep. From a health standpoint, there is no reason to sleep longer, said Daniel Kripke, a professor of psychiatry (精神病学) at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Kripke said, "We don't know if long sleep periods lead to death. Additional studies are needed to determine if setting your alarm clock earlier will actually improve.The scientists,who were funded by the American Cancer Society, found that the best survival rates were among the men and women who slept for seven hours a night. Those who slept for eight hours were 12 per cent more likely to die during the six-year period of the study, when other factors such as diet and smoking were taken into account.
Even those who spent a mere five hours a night in bed lived longer than those who slept eight or more hours. However, an increasing death rate was found among those who slept for less than five hours.
Dr. Kripke said, "Previous sleep studies have indicated that both short- and long-duration (持续时间) sleep had higher mortality rates. However, none of those studies were large enough to distinguish the difference between seven and eight hours a night, until now."
第 16 题 More than one million Americans participated in the six-year study.
A. Right
B. Wrong
C. Not mentioned
More Than a Ride to School
The National Education Association claims, “The school bus is a mirror of the community.” They further add that, unfortunately, what appears on the exterior does not always reflect the reality of a chosen community. They are right -- sometimes it reflects more! Just ask Liesl Denson. Riding the school bus has been more than a ride to school for Liesl.
Bruce Hardy, school bus driver for Althouse Bus Company has been Liesl's bus
driver since kindergarten. Last year when Liesl's family moved to Parkesburg, knowing her bus went by her new residence, she requested to ride the same bus.
This year Liesl is a senior and will enjoy her last year riding the bus. She says, "it's been a great ride so far! My bus driver is so cool and has always been a good friend and a good listener. Sometimes when you're a child adults do not think that what you have to say is important. Mr. Hardy always listens to what you have to say and makes you feel important." Her friends Ashley Batista and Amanda Wolfe agree.
Bruce Hardy has been making Octorara students feel special since 1975. This year he will celebrate 30 years working for Althouse Bus Company. Larry Althouse, president of the company, acknowledges Bruce Hardy's outstanding record: "You do not come by employees like Bruce these days. He has never missed a day of work and has a perfect driving record. He was recognized in 2000 by the Pennsylvania School Bus Association for driving 350,000 accident free miles. Hardy's reputation is made further evident through the relationships he has made with the students that ride his bus."
Althouse further adds, "Althouse Bus Company was established 70 years ago and has been providing quality transportation ever since. My grandfather started the business with one bus. Althouse Bus Company is delighted to have the opportunity to bring distinctive and safe service to our local school and community and looks forward to continuing to provide quality service for many more years to come."
Three generations of business is not all the company has enjoyed. Thanks to drivers like Bruce Hardy, they have been building relationships through generations. Liesl's mother Carol also enjoys fond memories of riding Bruce Hardy's bus to the Octorara School District.
第 31 题 The word "mirror" in the first line could be best replaced by
A. "vehicle".
B. "device".
C. "need".
D. "reflection".