Gene therapy (基因治疗) is a revolutionary new technique for treating people with health problems. Up until very recently, the most commonly available methods for treating patients were either through drugs or operations. Gene therapy provides a third option for treatment by transforming or replacing cells with new genetic materials and instructions. Scientists can be very precise in the kinds of changes they make in patients.
Gene therapy works by using a delivery system, such as a virus, to enter a patient's body. Once inside the body, the virus combines with a host cell and delivers the new DNA. The proteins then begin to repair the affected cells. New techniques have focused on removing cells from the patients and transforming them outside the body before reintroducing them to the patients.
The two types of gene therapy are called somatic and germline. Somatic therapy refers to changing or replacing a body cell. In this case, the treatment is restricted to the patient only. This will not affect the patient's future children because the patient's germ (生殖) cells are unaffected. In germline therapy, the patient germ cells are treated, which may affect the patient's future generation.This is highly controversial (有争议的) because it is not clear exactly how this might affect them and further generations. For this reason, many countries have passed laws that prohibit this kind of treatment.
Despite the promise of gene therapy, there are still many barriers that need to be overcome before it comes into widespread use. One of the issues is that the use of viruses to deliver DNA may actually cause unexpected problems in patients if the virus grows and attacks the body. Another problem is the nature of many diseases is very complex and spread throughout multiple genes. The use of gene therapy to change a single gene in the body would probably not be sufficient as a cure. Finally, the costs of gene therapy are high. Some gene therapy procedures may cost over$1 million to undertake and require specialized doctors and equipment.
1.What does the underlined word ''them'' in paragraph 2 refer to?
A.Techniques. B.Cells. C.Patients. D.Proteins.
2.What can we learn about gene therapy?
A.Gene therapy has been put into practice widely.
B.The cells of patients are developed in healthy people.
C.Viruses entering the body can mix with host cells and form new DNA.
D.Both somatic and germline therapy have side effects on later generations.
3.What's the last paragraph mainly about?
A.The disadvantages of gene therapy.
B.The promising future of gene therapy.
C.The high costs of treatment procedures.
D.The issues related to viruses and complex genes.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Why Gene Therapy Procedures Are Extremely Expensive
B.Gene Therapy: A Dangerous New After-operation Treatment
C.Gene Therapy: A Contemporary Progressive Treating Method
D.Scientists Are Accurate in Performing the Categories of Surgery
Jazz guitarist Joel Harrison came of age in 1960s and 70s' Washington, but he never saw it as a place to build a career as an adventurous, progressive musician. Everywhere he's gone, however, he's taken the sounds of the city with him.
''Growing up in that area allowed me access to a lot of different kinds of music,'' says Harrison, 61, who's now based in New York after living in Boston and San Francisco. ''Southern music traditions-old-time music, bluegrass, country as well as jazz and R&B.''
All of those appear to some degree in Free Country, a project Harrison began in 2003 as a means of filtering (渗透) country and bluegrass compositions through a up-to-date jazz sound and sensibility. On his new album, ''Angel Band: Free Country Vol.3, ''Harrison, on guitar and vocals (演唱), and his band take on many traditional bluegrass songs. Each cut is really kind of its own, distinct sound world. Since Harrison released the first two Free Country albums, he has produced 14 other albums. The Free Country releases, though, have been his most successful, and established his reputation.
In particular, Harrison drew inspiration from Danny Gatton, a D.C. guitar hero who similarly combines the local musical currents. Harrison was a self-described adorer of Gatton, going to attend his countless performances.
Harrison is also a composer. His work, rooted in progressive Jazz but exploring multiple types, is often through-composed and highly complex. He received a Guggenheim scholarship in2010 to compose and record an, eight-movement piece. The tunes he plays with Free Country are simpler, based on conventions of folk and pop music — which, for Harrison, is a large part of their appeal.
The music that he's covering timeless, and he aims to find endless currency in its timeless simplicity by maintaining me soul of the compositions and also adding a modern context and a modem language to it.
1.What exposed Harrison to various music?
A.His growth environment.
B.His current place of residence.
C.His family background.
D.Touring the country.
2.What do we know about Joel Harrison?
A.He has released 14 albums in total so far.
B.He showed a new jazz style in Free Country.
C.He earned large profits by releasing Free Country.
D.He was inspired to hold many performances by Gatton.
3.What's Harrison's goal of creating music?
A.To put modern elements into the languages.
B.To develop different styles based on previous jazz.
C.To compose more pieces and release more albums.
D.To seek great popularity in its permanent simplicity.
Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) is the only show in the world to gather the world's top award-winning garden and flowery designers under one roof. This ''must-see'' event will impress you with a wide range of displays and activities that have been planned specially for you. An experience of a lifetime awaits at the Singapore Garden Festival for you and your family. Mark your calendar today!
Jacob Ballas Children's Garden
Worry that your child is bored? Sign him or her up for a guided tour in Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. It will stimulate a sense of wonder in your child as it promises a unique discovery and provides interesting learning experiences in a garden setting. Let your child explore and play so that they will learn to take care of plants and the environment while you admire the exhibits with a peace of mind.
Far East Organization Children's Garden
Your child can have a fun-filled day with interactive games, water play features and educational programs in an abundant natural setting at Far East Organization Children's Garden! The play zone contains play such as a sway (摇摆) bridge and stepping springs, and the Fish Fountain with an interactive landscape of water tunnels and different fish-Shaped sculpture.
Marine Cove Children's Outdoor Playground
Come and bring your child to the 3500-square-metre playground suitable for children of various ages! It is located next to the beach, offering users open spaces and a good view of the sea. Your child can also join in the fun at a play area with talking tubes, fun mirrors and a drum set! The playground also has play equipment for children who have disabilities to play together. This includes special needs equipment such as sensory play panels.
1.Why is Singapore Garden Festival a ''must-see'' event?
A.It is the only show to gather different roofs.
B.It is a grand awarding ceremony for designers.
C.It attracts flowery designers to the competition.
D.It brings together the world-class garden and flowery designs.
2.What can the children do in Jacob Ballas Children's Garden?
A.Have a good view of the sea.
B.Participate in interactive games.
C.Learn to look after the plants.
D.Know about ways to design gardens.
3.Which of the following venues suits disabled children most?
A.Marine Cove Children's Outdoor Playground.
B.Far East Organization Children's Garden.
C.Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
D.The Fish Fountain.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.When will the School Open Day be held?
A.Before Christmas. B.During Christmas. C.After Christmas.
2.Who is Miss Donna Eaton?
A.A graduate of the schoo1.
B.A music teacher.
C.A dancer.
3.What can students do at the School Open Day?
A.Attend a dance party. B.Watch a magic show. C.Show their talents.
4.How long Will the School Open Day1ast?
A.Seven hours. B.Eight hours. C.Nine hours.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Where will the man put his bookshelves?
A.By the window of the bedroom.
B.Under the window of the kitchen.
C.Under the window of the living room.
2.What did the man do?
A.He painted his living room white.
B.He painted his kitchen brown.
C.He bought some new books.
3.What does the man say about his apartment?
A.It was very bright. B.It was too dark. C.It had too many colors.
4.Why does the man choose brown for his bedroom?
A.It's full of life.
B.It's his favorite color.
C.It will help him sleep in on weekends.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What are the speakers mainly discussing?
A.The food. B.Different customs. C.The health.
2.How does the host know the guest is full according to the man?
A.The guest eats out all the food.
B.The guest refuses the offered food.
C.The guest leaves some food on the plate.
3.Where does the woman come from probably?
A.The USA. B.The UK. C.China.
