Scientists have discovered a special biological behavior in dolphins（海豚） that could lead to a treatment for late-onset diabetes（晚發(fā)的糖尿�。� in humans. Studies on dolphins found that healthy dolphins switch into a diabetic-like state overnight when they are not feeding, but return to normal when they eat the following morning.

The extraordinary finding has led scientists to suggest that dolphins have “genetic switch” that allows them to imitate diabetes while they are not feeding for a night, without suffering any ill effect.

If researchers can identify a similar genetic pathway in human, they may be able to develop drugs to effectively switch off diabetes. Some 2.2 million people in Britain have type 2 (or late-onset) diabetes, a figure that is expected to reach 4 million by 2025 as a consequence of rising levels of obesity（肥胖）.

The tissues of people with type 2 diabetes have become resistant to insulin（胰島素）so they lose the ability to control sugar levels in their blood. The condition can damage the heart, eyes, kidneys（腎臟） and nerves and contribute to 5% of all deaths, according to the World Healthy Organization.

Dolphins appear to imitate diabetes to keep high levels of blood sugar when food is rare. Like humans, dolphins need some sugar in their blood for their brains to function normally. Venn-Watson’s team analyzed 1,000 blood samples（樣本） from 52 dolphins while they didn’t eat anything overnight and fed in the morning. At night time, the dolphins’ metabolism（新陳代謝）changed greatly and showed similar characteristics to that seen in people with type 2 diabetes.

“It is our hope that this discovery can lead to new ways to prevent, treat and maybe even cure diabetes in humans,” said Stephanie Venn-Watson, director of clinical research at the National Marine Foundation in San Diego.

1.What’s the main idea of the passage?

A. Humans get some idea of treating diabetes from dolphins.

B. Dolphins can switch into a diabetic-like state overnight.

C. Humans can suffer the same disease as dolphins.

D. Dolphins should be fed regularly to avoid diabetes.

2.The key to applying the finding to curing human diabetes lies in ____________.

A. producing insulin in a larger amount

B. developing drugs from healthy dolphins

C. identifying a similar genetic pathway in human

D. analyzing more blood samples from hungry dolphins

3. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Scientists have found a similar genetic switch in humans.

B. More British people will suffer type 2 diabetes due to obesity.

C. 2.2 million people with type 2 diabetes die in Britain every year.

D. Dolphins imitate diabetes to avoid a high blood sugar level.

4.What will happen to dolphins if not fed for a night according to Venn-Watson?

A. Their metabolism breaks down.

B. They become resistant to insulin.

C. Their heart and kidneys are damaged.

D. They keep high levels of blood sugar.

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Long ago, in a far-away place, an old tribal chief found himself terminally ill. So he called three most promising young villagers to his bedside and said, “As I 1. (leave)you soon, I hope you can do one more thing for me. Young men, you three are all 2. (usual)strong and resourceful, so I’d like you to strive to climb that high mountain we have always been worshipping 3. a sacred place. Try to reach the top and then turn back to tell me about your findings.

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The old tribal chief replied with a smile, “Son, I’ve been there before. It’s not the mountaintop 6. the foot of the mountain. You can leave now. ”

A week later, the second young man also returned. “Lord, I’ve been to the mountaintop 7. a forest of tall pine trees and vultures circling in the air. That’s a really nice place. ”

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A month later, the third young man showed up in rags, his hair off-colored but his eyes clear and bright.

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Today, sustainable development is a popular trend in many countries. According to a recent study, the global market for low-carbon energy will become three times bigger over the next decade. China, for example, has set its mind on leading that market, hoping to seize chances in the new round of the global energy resolution. It is now trying hard to make full use of wind and solar energy, and is spending a huge amount of money making electric cars and high-speed trains. In addition, we are also seeing great growth in the global markets for sustainable products such as palm oil(棕櫚油), which is produced without cutting down valuable rainforest. In recent years the markets for sustainable products have grown more than 50%.

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The major challenge of this century is to find ways to meet the needs of a growing population within the limits of this single planet. That is no small task, but it offers abundant new chances for sustainable product industries.

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A. To introduce a new business model

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The main street is lined with small stands and shops _____ sell almost anything you can imagine.

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It was reported last week that developers could take photos from Apple mobile and Google Android devices without the phone owners knowing that the images were being taken. In Apple’s case, developers can also obtain the location information for each photo.

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On Sunday, Mr. Schumer said that he planned to send a letter to the Federal Trade Commission asking the agency to investigate Apple and Google after the privacy concerns came to light. Claudia Bourne Farrell, an F.T.C. spokeswoman, said the agency had received the letter but she could not comment further.

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1.The senators spoke with officials at both Apple and Google_______.

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B. to discuss whether it is illegal to have access to private information.

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D. causes personal information to be posted online without permission.

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5.A. gives B. escapes C. pays D. requires

6.A. compared with B. covered with C. attached to D. devoted to

7.A. story B. matter C. game D. view

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15.A. Meanwhile B. Otherwise C. Thus D. Besides

16.A. make B. kill C. save D. treat

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