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In July, 2024, Beijing Central Axis (中轴线) (add) to the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming China's 59th World Heritage Site. Rooted in the paradigm (范式) of ideal capital planning in traditional Chinese culture, the Central Axis in Beijing, governs the overall layout of the old city area of the Chinese capital, shows an ensemble (整体) of palaces, public buildings and gardens.

(stretch) 7.8 kilometers north-south through the heart of Beijing, the Axis consists of 15 components, with the Bell and Drum Towers at (it) northern end and Yongdingmen Gate at the southern end. Construction of the Axis began in the 13th century and took shape in the 16th century. It (undergo) constant refinement over the past seven centuries and continues to influence Beijing's urban development to this day.

Traditional Chinese philosophical (concept) of "zhong" (centrality) and "he" (harmony) are represented in the design of the Beijing Central Axis. For example, to emphasize the significance of imperial authority, the royal palace was placed in the central position while other key structures were (skillful) arranged.

Beijing was not the first city (use) a central axis. During the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), the city Yecheng had a street running from the east to the west. It separated the royal palaces from common people's living and business areas. In Chang'an, the capital the Tang Dynasty (618-907), there was a wide street from the north to the south, making the city symmetrical.

The central axis is more than material relic. It is also a continuation of the traditional Chinese city layout concept.

From the age of eight, I had to contribute my share of2 along with my parents and two elder brothers. On the hottest summer days when the air3 flowed, I knelt in a paddy field (稻田) with my knees deep in mud. The bugs and worms in the water4 into my skin, and the sun burned upon my5 back. Sweat streamed down; if a drop ran into the eyes, it would6 tears. So I always kept my face as low as possible.

I told myself, "Be7!" If my parents and brothers could go on taking it, so could I.8 I pulled myself together and dragged myself forward. I learned not to be afraid of difficulties and the meaning of "you reap (收获) what you9".

"Judge a man not by his face, but by his10," my mother used to say. The land is11, as long as you are willing to work on it. When the wind blew and the rice plants moved like12 in the sea, breathtakingly beautiful, a deep sense of satisfaction13 in me.

Although later I went into academic research, I shall always remember what working in the paddy fields taught me:14 your feet firmly on the ground, never give up and you will be15.

Resisting immediate rewards stimulates "cool" controlling strategies in the prefrontal cortex, while giving in to temptation involves emotional decision-making areas. Regular practice of these "cool" controlling strategies contributes to cognitive reserve, which highlights the importance of mental stimulation. This regular practice will potentially delay cognitive decline. It's not just about willpower, but the ability to plan for the future, which is essential to make healthier lifestyle choices that benefit brain health.

These skills can be developed at any age. While early childhood lays the foundation for delayed gratification, adults can strengthen self-control through consistent practice. Strategies like setting specific goals enhance these abilities. Studies show those who regularly practice self-control tend to maintain better cognitive functions as they age, demonstrating stronger problem-solving skills.

Physical activity matters in this relationship. Research shows that higher physical activity is linked to better cognitive function, especially in older adults. Delaying gratification helps maintain regular exercise habits, creating a positive feedback circle that supports brain health. The more we practice delayed gratification, the more we strengthen our brain's ability of self-control and protect against future cognitive decline.

To develop these skills, start with small delays and gradually increase the waiting period. Set achievable goals and practice mindfulness to manage emotional urges. It's never too late to start building cognitive resilience, and the small choices we make today can have a lasting impact on our mental health in the long term.

In a study published in the journal Nature Communications this week, a group of bioengineering researchers from the University of California have put forward an attractive solution. They have designed and tested a soft patch (小片) that can be stuck onto a person's neck, where it will pick up muscle movements and, with the help of machine-learning algorithms (算法) that process the signals, translate them into speech.

When a person loses their voice today, the easiest fix is to turn to typing, texting, or writing notes to communicate. Typing can be convenient but slow, says Jun Chen, the paper's lead author, and writing notes is only possible in good lighting. The new solution would therefore be able to clear all these hurdles.

Dr. Chen's device works based on something called the magnetoelastic (磁电的) effect. Essentially, when tiny magnetic (磁性的) bits are placed into soft materials, their magnetic properties can change as the material is stretched.

When the throat muscles move under the soft patch, the resulting magnetoelastic effect can be changed into electrical signals. In a test with eight participants, the variations can be changed by electrical signals.

Researchers recorded the signals as the subjects spoke and mouthed five different sentences. They then trained a machine-learning model which was then able to predict which of the five sentences the participants spoke — whether aloud or in silence — with more than 90% accuracy.

There is a way to go yet, for now the device can only recognize the five phrases it was trained on. Plus, to make it practical at scale, the researchers will need to collect a lot more data.

Then came the school career fair that changed everything. Dr. Eleanor Whitman from Harvard asked us to list our "hidden skills". My hand shook as I wrote "observing details", something I'd learned from painting flower petals. "That's medical research's most needed skill!" she exclaimed, sharing how a student turned microbiology notes into textbook illustrations. My lab partner whispered, "Remember our photosynthesis (光合作用) comic?" For the first time, my two worlds didn't feel so separate.

The real surprise came during hospital volunteering. Watching surgeries, I noticed something — the steady hands of doctors reminded me of my brushwork. When a boy struggled to describe his pain, I drew a fire-breathing dragon on his cast. "You made medicine speak," the nurse said. Slowly, my drawing pads filled with cells that looked like colored-glass art and X-rays arranged like abstract paintings.

Mr. Dawson, our career counselor, helped connect these dots. On his whiteboard, my medical knowledge and art skills overlapped in a bright yellow circle labeled "Medical Illustration". He showed me job listings I never knew existed — graphic designers for science apps, 3D modelers for anatomy (解剖) classes. "Your impractical skill makes you stand out," he said, pointing to my dragon drawing now used in pain management workshops.

Today, my microscope and paintbrushes share the same desk. The same hands that once hesitated between them now create 3D models of viruses for vaccine education. Sometimes I teach young patients to draw their feelings instead of describing them. My story isn't about heart and reality cancelling each other out — they just multiply possibilities.

Herbal medicine is an important part of Chinese culture and the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. The emperor Shen Nong is said to have tasted 100 herbs, allowed him to teach the Chinese people how to use them in their diet and (treat) for illness. These herbs help the body to stay in balance and goji berries are one of them.

Since 200 B.C., goji berries (use) in traditional Chinese medicine. In China, goji berries are known "wolfberry fruit" and they were once mentioned in the oldest book of Chinese herbs in existence, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. They are also known to act (positive) on the organs because of the detoxifying (解毒) properties, thus (contribute) to our qi and energy.

Goji berries are excellent source of antioxidants (抗氧化剂), amino acids and 20 other trace (mineral). The list of goji berry benefits is long, including (it) ability to promote healthy skin, protect eye health, adjust blood sugar levels and fight cancer.

In China, goji berries are commonly cooked and added to recipes like porridge, soups and dishes (make) with chicken, pork or vegetables. They are also used to make various teas, juices and wines.

The two were inseparable, because they were best friends. Chole always3 her face. But when Renae was 14, her father got a new job: He'd be working from home without4 . With no option, the family surrendered (被迫交出) noisy Chloe to a humane society although Renae didn't want to5 her dog.

In time, Renae had a child of her own. Remembering the6 that having a dog had brought her as a kid, Renae wanted her daughter to7 the same. Then one day, she saw a     8 on Facebook about a senior dog named Chloe that needed a new home.9 she decided to adopt this dog.

When Renae met Chloe, she was struck with a10 feeling. The dog ran up to her and started licking her face. Chloe11 Renae so much of her old dog that the12 overwhelmed her. She knew it was her Chole.13, ten years had passed since they last met, and her whole family thought she was crazy.

Luckily, there was a way to14 the theory: Her Chloe had a microchip with the ID number. Sure enough, the dog also had a microchip and the numbers were a15 . Renae was overjoyed to have her back.

Silent walking involves walking outdoors without distractions like music or conversations, focusing on the mind-body-nature connection. That's a slower, lower-impact way to relax and is great for fitness. Here's everything you need to know about the trend.

Select a natural setting and fully engage your senses. For reaping the mental health benefits, it is recommended to find a quiet and peaceful natural location. Meanwhile, consciously observing the sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations during the walk can significantly impact cognitive and emotional well-being.

To stimulate the mind, consider exploring different routes than usual. Without your favourite podcast or playlist, you might slip into boredom on your walk. And it might even be good for your brain. Scientists applaud the virtue s of boredom for brain health, believing that it boosts creativity and improves social connections. And if you do get bored, rest assured that it shows you've disconnected from external distractions. Go with it, and make sure you take a different route each time — it'll keep you motivated.

Start off with five-minute silent walks and eventually build up to thirty minutes. If you're usually a headphone wearer, it will feel super weird to walk without your go-to tunes, but give yourself a second to adjust. Chances are, once you're a few minutes into your silent walk, you'll feel the magic kick in.

Regular reflection and ongoing documentation are essential. After completing a silent walk, take time to reflect upon any emerging thoughts, feelings, or insights. Journaling about the experience can also solidify connections between thoughts and ideas, providing a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth.

A. But being bored won't hurt you.

B. Taking different paths can lead to exciting discoveries.

C. However, you'll start noticing the urban landscape around you.

D. Adjusting the routine gradually can help ease into the experience.

E. They can deepen understanding and serve as a record of personal growth.

F. Unlike exercise-oriented walking, it isn't about reaching certain speed or steps.

G. In such an environment, you can immerse yourself in the natural soundscape (音景).

Many bird species use different alarm calls for different predators(捕食性动物). Japanese tits, which nest in tree holes, have one call that causes their young to lower down to avoid being pulled out of the nest by crows, and another call for tree snakes that sends the young jumping out of the nest completely. And black-capped chickadees change the number of "dees" in their calls to indicate the size and threat of predators.

Besides alarm calls, many bird species use recruitment calls that gather other members of their species. Japanese tits add alarm calls to recruitment calls to create a sort of call to arm, gathering their partner members to attack and drive off a predator. When the birds hear this call, they approach the caller while scanning for danger.

Scientists led by Professor Toshitaka Suzuki of Kyoto University discovered that the order of the combined calls matters to the Japanese tits. When Suzuki's team played a recorded "alarm + recruitment" call to tits, it gets a much stronger response than a "recruitment + alarm" call. However, this could simply be explained by the birds responding to the combined calls without knowing the parts of the combination, but the scientists tried to clarify this question from different angles.

The idea of Google Doodle began in the late 1990s, when the company's founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, wanted to add a touch of fun and personality to their search engine. The first Google Doodle, created in 1998 to mark the Burning Man Festival, was the start of a tradition that has since become known for its creativity, diversity and user engagement.

Each Google Doodle is a masterpiece, designed and published by any doodler online to bring out the certain theme every year. From paying respect to literary greats like Mark Twain and Dickens to marking key moments in worldwide history, such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Google Doodles show the global influence of English and colorful cultural roots.

One of the most amazing things about Google Doodle is its ability to mix the English language with artistic expression. Many Doodles include clever wordplay, literary quotes, and historical references, encouraging users to explore the events and celebrities more deeply. For example, a Doodle celebrating the life and works of William Shakespeare might show famous quotes from his plays, inviting users to dive into the rich world of Elizabethan literature.

In conclusion, Google Doodle is more than just a visual delight. Through its charming designs, and interactive features, it invites us to explore, appreciate, and celebrate the diverse traditions that have shaped our shared human heritage. It serves as a bridge connecting the digital world with human emotions and memories, making every search a potential discovery of beauty and meaning.

Therefore, when I arrived, I couldn't have been more excited to be living in this huge historically and culturally rich country. The food, the landmarks, the big cities and everyday life — I couldn't wait to explore.

Yet despite my passion, learning Chinese hadn't even entered my mind. This wasn't laziness, but rather fear at the thought of trying to learn what is regarded as the most difficult language in the world. Besides this, I was living in Shanghai, an international city, with many people speaking English as a second language — I decided English would be enough.

However, after a year in China I began to observe that while many foreigners did not speak Chinese, there were plenty who did. Perhaps it was achievable after all? In addition, I felt uncomfortable with how many Chinese people could speak English and yet I couldn't even speak the most basic Chinese. With these factors in mind and a thirst for a new challenge, I decided to begin my language journey and my only regret is that I didn't start earlier.

Learning to speak Chinese isn't as insurmountable as I once thought. When I speak to native Chinese speakers in Chinese, they almost always understand me, I have also not found it too difficult to remember characters and I am now even able to write over 400 characters. The thing I find most challenging is listening since native speakers talk at such a speed. I can't always understand what's been said.

My biggest takeaway from learning Chinese is that it's not only achievable but can also be enjoyable. Learning Chinese not only helped me in day-to-day life, but deepened my cultural understanding of such a fascinating country. So, to all my non-Chinese friends I say this, take up the challenge and take the leap of faith.

Royal Academy of Arts (RA), London

Not your standard gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts is led by artists to promote not just the appreciation of art, but its practice. It is world-famous for hosting some exhibitions that get everyone talking. Besides, what sets the RA apart is its engagement with the public through participatory experiences, allowing visitors to not only view art but become part of it in innovative ways.

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich

Sitting on the edge of the University of East Anglia's campus, the Sainsbury Centre holds a collection of remarkable works of art spanning over 2,000 years. Inside the seminal Norman Foster building, you'll find artworks from around the world, including some stunning pieces of European modern art by Degas, Francis Bacon, and Alberto Giacometti.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Yorkshire

Tearing up the rulebook when it comes to how we traditionally view art, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park strives to break down barriers by showing works from British and international artists in the open air. Set in hundreds of acres of West Yorkshire parkland, you'll see sculptures by some of the leading artists of the 20th century.

Whitworth, Manchester

After a sky-high £15 million development, the Whitworth is becoming one of the premier galleries in the north of England. Making full use of its picturesque park setting, the gallery has a beautiful art garden and a sculpture terrace (露台), all waiting to be explored. Inside the gallery, you can view an exciting programme of ever-changing exhibitions.