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Wilberforce Tushemereirwe holds up a genetically-modified banana that took millions of dollars and 20 years to make. It contains a large amount of provitamin A, a substance that transforms into vitamin A in the body. This "super banana" was created at Uganda's National Agricultural Research Laboratories for the noblest of causes: to save the lives of thousands of children who die in Uganda every year from a lack of vitamin A.

Vitamin A shortage remains a serious global public health problem. The World Health Organization estimates that 190 million preschool children suffer from vitamin A shortage today, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. It is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. It also inhibits children's growth and weakens their resistance to illnesses so that many die from treatable diseases such as diarrhea and measles. In Uganda, one of the world's poorest countries, it remains high on the list of health risks, which makes it urgent to find ways to deal with the condition.

The Ugandan government has tried for decades to solve the problem — with limited success. Distribution of vitamin A capsules, for example, worked well in urban areas but failed to reach those most in need in rural areas. Increasing corn and wheat flour and eatable oils with vitamin A proved more effective. But those foods are not consumed in large enough amounts to make a meaningful difference. Bananas, a main staple of the Ugandan diet, seemed to be a better option. 

Yet, one problem still remains. Fred Wanyu, a Ugandan tribal leader and linguist, says his ancestors considered the banana "the mother of society". Farmers worry that a new super banana will distort (扭曲) Ugandan banana culture dramatically. Though he respects the ancestors, Wanyu also believes that if a little piece of banana is added to a sister banana, developing into something better, "I think we will live in a better world. " "That's what many Ugandans wish for as they struggle their way out of malnutrition and extreme poverty. " "Culture is dynamic," Wanyu said. "Otherwise, we would continue writing on stones. "

International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is seen as a window into the inventions that will change our lives in the years ahead. Here are some of the best inventions making the headlines from this year's show.

The virtual fence for your wandering dog

This $1,495 GPS-enabled dog collar lets you "draw" a boundary anywhere, including your home, the houses of friends, a campsite or a park. If the dog escapes, the GPS alerts you via a mobile phone app and helps you track and find it, even in remote areas like woodland.

The robot that brings you toilet paper

Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble's toilet paper brand, Charmin, has shown a two-wheeled robot designed to save its owner at the most important moment. The "RollBot" is ordered by a smart phone using Bluetooth and uses technology similar to a robot cleaner to navigate to its owner, carrying a precious spare roll.

Wearable camera boosting hearing aids

Hearing aids can struggle to isolate (分离) sounds, often strengthening background noise as well as a person's voice. The Hear, a wearable camera made by Israeli tech company OrCam, uses artificial intelligence to identify the person who is speaking and then employ lip reading technology to isolate the sound of their voice, making it easier for those with hearing difficulties to understand them.

Solar-powered electric tricycle

French start-up Wello has displayed a vehicle that lies somewhere between an electric car and a bicycle, showing a solar-powered electric tricycle. The vehicle is pedal-assisted, so it doesn't need a driving license and can travel in bike lanes, but can reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

"An everyday miracle," the radio commentator began, "is a wonderful or amazing event that occurs." That attracted my attention. Although I was anxious to hear more, I had to turn off the car radio as I was next in line to pick up fast food.

Because I stopped at the drive-through (免下车餐馆) every morning on my way to work, I knew the elderly clerk, Mary. So it wasn't a surprise when she stuck her head out of the window while handing me my Diet Coke and began talking. "The traditional holiday is coming. But my family won't have the traditional holiday dinner this year," she said sadly. "We canceled it this year. I can't afford it anymore."

I tried to say something comforting, but my mind was blank. Embarrassed, I said goodbye and began my forty-five-minute drive to work. On the way, I couldn't get Mary's depressed expression out of my mind. Then I thought about the local annual auction that I took part in every year. The activity was yearly held to raise money for the local food bank, a place where poor people could go to get free food.

I hope the food bank could help Mary. But because of the COVID-19, the food bank was struggling this year. I hoped the upcoming auction would raise much money for the food bank. When the day of the auction came, the organizers sent an e-mail to its usual participants, "Guys, take your second-hand things to be auctioned off and come!"

Two days later, I arrives at the auction site, the local park, with my "treasures". Just seeing each other was exciting. The sun came out. Everyone was laughing and talking. But when I looked around, there were only 22 people. "We won't make any money today," I whispered to my longtime friend Sandy. Always optimistic, she quickly reminded me, "Every little bit will help this year."

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；2. 请按如下格式在相应位置作答。

After we took out the second-hand objects, the auction began. 

Upon seeing me, Mary nearly jumped out the window, saying excitedly, "You won't believe it!"

注意：1. 词数80左右；2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。