When a laptop or smartphone battery starts losing its power, the only options are to buy an expensive replacement, or just keep it plugged in all the time. But a woman Mya Le Thai may have found the answer to this problem.
Thai was frustrated that the batteries for her wireless devices degraded over time, until they failed to charge fully. She did not like having to keep her laptop connected to an electrical outlet to keep it powered on. So, she decided to do something about that problem. At first, she and her team at UC Irvine thought about inventing a new battery. But as they experimented, Thai discovered something that might permit lithium-ion(锂离子) batteries to last forever.
Lithium-ion batteries power most wireless devices. Over time, the batteries lose the ability to hold a charge. Most of these batteries have a life span of about 7,000 charging cycles before they die. One of the reasons lithium-ion batteries degrade is their use of nanowires to carry electricity. Nanowires are extremely thin. A human hair is thousands of times thicker, for example. Nanowires are extremely efficient carriers of electricity, which makes them useful in batteries.
But, Thai had a theory-the nanowires might last longer if covered with a gel(凝胶). She and her team tested this theory. “It was a long process and a lot of work,” Thai said. The team tried many coverings for the wires. PMMA, a type of plastic, was one of them. The nanowires were coated with PMMA and cycled through charges 200,000 times. The PMMA-coated nanowires showed no evidence of damage. The results suggest that batteries could last forever, without losing charging ability.
Thai hopes to continue her research to understand why this gel works so well and to see if any other gel could create better results and she is enjoying the publicity about her discovery. She said she never expected her research to get media coverage. “It’s kind of cool,” she said. “I’m really glad people are showing interest in my work and not just in the work itself, but also in technology and energy.”
1.What can we infer about nanowires?
A.They last only 7,000 charging cycles. B.They are too weak to carry electricity.
C.They are not suitable to use in batteries. D.Their thinness is a cause of batteries degrade.
2.What might be Thai and her team’s breakthrough?
A.Coating nanowires in gel. B.A new kind of battery.
C.New materials for batteries. D.A new way of charging batteries.
3.What may be the best title for the passage?
A.The options of batteries for wireless devices B.A woman invents a life-long battery.
C.Mya Le Thai discovered Nanowires D.The reasons for batteries degrading
Enjoy an amazing time in Lake Tahoe, CA with the fantastic show, Magic Fusion! This fantastic display features a variety of talented magicians who each take to the stage with their own flare, tricks, and illusions(视觉幻想) that will have the audiences who witness the show on the edge of their seats.
Presented by the amazing Loft Theatre, this show has seen the likes of famous magicians such as Robert Hall and Chipper Lowell. Each evening stars a different magician as well, so you can enjoy a variety of talented performers all on the same stage. It is great for all ages, so you can bring the entire family along to be excited and entertained during this 75-minute performance. You never know what you may see, so do not miss out!
The Loft Theatre is Lake Tahoe’s premier place for entertainment and delicious food. Not only is it home to amazing shows that will entertain and thrill, but it is also home to a dining experience that serves up some mouthwatering meals. Before your show, be sure to grab a bite to eat before heading over to enjoy the Loft. It is located in the extremely popular Heavenly Village area of Lake Tahoe next to sparkling fountains and the famous Heavenly Toy Shop. It also features a lounge(休息室) and guests who arrive early can enjoy food, fun, and magicians who will wow you with tricks for that extra dose(量) of entertainment!
For an amazing experience that you will not soon forget, be sure to enjoy this fantastic performance at the Loft Theatre!
Enjoy this amazing show that will keep you guessing with tons of great tricks and illusions to keep you and your whole family entertained. You can be on the edge of your seat with this option of regular seating to witness this fantastic show, or experience the Magic Fusion show in the best seats possible. Order your tickets today!
1.What can we learn about Magic Fusion?
A.It is intended for all the family members.
B.The display will last for one and half hours.
C.Different performers will be performing together.
D.Audiences will be invited onto the stage during the show.
2.The Loft Theatre .
A.lies in a famous largely populated area
B.is well-known for the surrounding scenery
C.serves food before and after the performance
D.provides those who come early with extra show
I landed at the Toronto airport a day late. To my surprise and ____, the rental car service I found on the internet was ____! With the help of other travelers and airport workers who clearly ____ the “lost puppy” look on my face, I found the area with several rental car companies. I started at the end of the ____ and walked my way down as each employee said “sorry, we are ____ “. All I could do was to fight back the ____. The lovely young woman at the last counter, ____, really took pity on me and went around to the back office and ____with a set of car keys and a smile!
Things got tricky on the way. The GPS on my phone would not ____, and there was no highway lighting and no overhead ____for miles and miles. Finally, I found an exit and saw the first signs of ____-a neighborhood! Just about a mile down the road, I found hope-McDonalds! Not my usual dining ____, but at the time I would have eaten ___! So, it’s about 8:30 p.m and I should have happily arrived at my final destination by now. I walk in to get food and more directions; and it’s full of teenagers.
Ironically, I am a Life Coach for Teenagers, but wasn’t “feeling the love” at this moment. My hopes for anyone taking sympathy on me was ____ fast, until I saw Mary. She was standing next to me waiting for her ____. I asked for help. “Don’t worry. I’ll drive you to the ____ that will take you to your destination. Just follow me” she said. I felt ____in my heart because she drove ____ her way for many miles to help me find my way.
I will never forget her ____ and determination to make sure I was going to be OK. My forever McDonald’s ____ , Mary.
1.A.pleasure B.excitement C.terror D.sorrow
2.A.extended B.closed C.improved D.guaranteed
3.A.exchanged B.liked C.shared D.recognized
4.A.row B.room C.office D.airport
5.A.given out B.made out C.sold out D.left out
6.A.tears B.fear C.trouble D.campaign
7.A.therefore B.however C.thus D.besides
8.A.recalled B.negotiated C.withdrew D.returned
9.A.last B.stop C.work D.fail
10.A.signs B.lights C.wires D.clouds
11.A.friendship B.life C.migration D.nature
12.A.habit B.area C.option D.experience
13.A.some B.that C.nothing D.anything
14.A.abandoned B.raised C.growing D.fading
15.A.table B.order C.turn D.offer
16.A.highway B.subway C.station D.company
17.A.comfort B.pain C.warmth D.cold
18.A.beyond B.via C.off D.on
19.A.motivation B.kindness C.patience D.responsibility
20.A.restaurant B.food C.figure D.angel
—Hello, would you please put me through to Mr. Smith?
—OK, ________ a minute, and I’ll check if he’s in his office.
A.excuse me B.bear with me C.forget it D.get it
Allen is good at seizing every opportunity ____ he thinks he can show his best self to others.
A.when B.that C.where D.which
— Were all the villagers inspected for the suspected disease?
— No. ________ only 10 people who were exposed to the animals infected by the virus.
A.There were B.There are C.It were D.It was