新视野大学英语视听说教程 4 Unit 8-2

III. Listening In
Task 1: Stem Cell Research
Script
Gregory: The Republican party in America is opposing stem cell research. I find it
       hard to believe that in this day and age, someone would do that.
Lillian: Stem cell research sounds pretty impressive, I’ll admit. But just what is it?
Gregory: Well, a stem cell is a special type of cell. It is a general cell that, when it
       devides, can become any specific type of cell.
Lillian: You mean, a stem cell can become a heart cell? Or a brain or a kidney cell?
Gregory: That’s about it. Stem cells are a part of the body’s maintenance and repair
       system. When they divide, they can become any cell type.
Lillian: I guess there would be some tremendous medical advantages in that sort of
      research.
Gregory: You’ve said a mouthful. Recently, scientists were able to help a man who
       lost a jawbone for cancer. They recreated bone material for his jaw¹ from stem cells. What it means is that since the new bone was created out of the person’s own cells, there was no problem with rejection² because the DNA³ was the same.
Lillian: I bet the person was delighted. Why would anyone oppose that sort of research? It would seem to have endless potential to benefit the human race.
Gregory: I agree, but there are people who think we should not interfere⁴ with nature and manipulate “what is natural”.
Lillian: It’s easier to hold such a narrow view if you’re not in a position to need the benefits of the research. If you’re missing a jawbone because of cancer, you probably support the research.

 

1. What is the passage mainly about?
2. Who is against stem cell research?
3. What is special about a stem cell?
4. When can a stem cell become another cell type?
5. According to the passage, why do some people oppose stem cell research?
Keys: 1.B  2.A  3.A  4.A  5.D

1 jaw   

n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训

参考例句：

• He delivered a right hook to his opponent's jaw.他给了对方下巴一记右钩拳。
• A strong square jaw is a sign of firm character.强健的方下巴是刚毅性格的标志。

2 rejection   

n.拒绝，被拒，抛弃，被弃

参考例句：

• He decided not to approach her for fear of rejection.他因怕遭拒绝决定不再去找她。
• The rejection plunged her into the dark depths of despair.遭到拒绝使她陷入了绝望的深渊。

3 DNA   

(缩)deoxyribonucleic acid 脱氧核糖核酸

参考例句：

• DNA is stored in the nucleus of a cell.脱氧核糖核酸储存于细胞的细胞核里。
• Gene mutations are alterations in the DNA code.基因突变是指DNA密码的改变。

4 interfere   

v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰

参考例句：

• If we interfere, it may do more harm than good.如果我们干预的话，可能弊多利少。
• When others interfere in the affair,it always makes troubles. 别人一卷入这一事件，棘手的事情就来了。