相关试卷

Three minutes of looking at red light once a week may help our eyesight, new research suggests. The findings show that red light might be a cheap and easy treatment for declines in color vision as we get older.

Last year, researchers from University College London did a study on red light therapy (疗法). 24 healthy volunteers, aged between 28 and 72, were asked to look at red light for three minutes every day for two weeks. Tests later found that the eyesight of people over the age of 40 improved.

To test the possible weak points of their therapy, they did a new study this year. Instead of using the light every day, they used it once a week. The new study included 20 volunteers, aged between 34 and 70, all with healthy vision. Some received red light therapy in the morning, and others received it in the afternoon. They were then tested on their color vision up to a week later.

On the whole, those who got the treatment in the morning showed a 17% improvement in their color vision, even a week later. Those who got the treatment in the afternoon did not have any improvement.

"We've found that one single exposure (暴露) to red light in the morning can greatly improve declining vision," said lead author Glen Jeffrey.

The findings do support their earlier work, and they might make the treatment more practicable, since a once-weekly treatment is easier to stick to than a daily one. But the team's promising results are still drawn on small numbers of healthy volunteers. Larger studies would be needed to show the benefits of red light therapy.

"In the near future, a once-a-week three-minute exposure to deep red light could be done while making a coffee or listening to a song, and such a simple thing could change eye care and vision around the world," Jeffrey said.

Given its low cost (as little as $15) per device, and simplicity, the team is excited about the future of their therapy.

In the late 1990s, a family visited the school where I taught deaf students. They said they would be moving here and planned to send their deaf daughter to my school as a first grader. They were upset that their child's kindergarten teacher told them not to have high hopes for her academically. Based upon assessment results, the teacher painted a bleak picture for their little girl's future. Standing behind them was Katherine, a beautiful five-year-old with long hair and dark eyes. The whole time her parents were there, and she didn't make a sound or use sign language, even when her parents prompted her.

After a few weeks with Katherine, I discovered I was dealing with a very bright, very strong-willed child. Although I was able to engage her in a variety of learning activities, writing was a constant struggle. I tried all kinds of trickery to interest her in writing. Every time the pencils came out, she would shut down and refuse to write. 

One day Katherine got off her bus and stood in front of the school wailing. The staff members present did not know enough sign language to ask her why she was crying. Finally they quickly took her into the office where they handed her a pen and a notepad. Katherine wrote: "PAC BAK.". Immediately the office staff realized she left her backpack on the bus. They summoned (召唤) the bus back to school and soon Katherine was reunited with her backpack.

That day Katherine discovered the power of the pen. From then on she had a new appreciation for writing. She is a young woman now and has become an excellent writer, public speaker and student leader. In the summer of 2008 I traveled to the National Association of the Deaf Conference in New Orleans and watched her perform competitively as Miss Deaf Colorado. Kathy keeps in touch and I especially treasure her e-mails with term papers attached. This young lady wields a very powerful pen!

Festival of Light, Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

Longleat is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Giant lanterns take the shape of some of the park's animals, and there are also lots of characters in Beatrix Potter's book, such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck, Squirrel Nutkin, to mark the 150th anniversary of the author's birth. There is also a 20-metre-high birthday cake.

▲£27.85, adult/£20.65, child/under-threes, free.

▲15Dec. to 2 Jan.

Christmas Glow, RHS Wisley, Surrey

The garden is glowing with giant lighted flowers. Some of the trees are brilliant, too. The glasshouse is decorated like a gingerbread house, and displays seasonal plants. There are lanterns around the lake. The cafe serves hot chocolate and apple juice.

▲£9.90, adult/£3.60, child.

▲20 Dec. to 2 Jan.

Christmas at Kew Gardens, London

Kew is a special place to visit at any time of the day or year, but the festive light show gives it a magical twist, as the mile-long trail through the garden is decorated with 60,000 lights. Some of the garden's oldest and tallest trees are also beautifully lit along the way.

▲£l6, adult/£l0, child/£48, family/under-fours, free.

▲24 Dec. to 2 Jan.

注意：1.词数100左右；2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；3.提示词：保护生态环境，建设绿色家园 Protecting the Eco-environment；Building a Green Homeland

An English Speech Contest