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(单词翻译:双击或拖选)

You're trying to exercise willpower—to avoid eating that second piece of cake or buying an electronic toy you don't really need. Try firming up your muscles. Any muscles. Now you can walk away—as long as walking away is truly in line with your overall goals.

Researchers created various tests of discipline. In one test, participants got a so-called health tonic¹ of diluted², but unpleasant tasting vinegar. Those committed to their long term health who also tensed their calf³ muscles were more likely to drink more of the vinegar.

In another test, subjects had to choose whether to look at disturbing images of post-earthquake Haiti as part of an effort to solicit⁴ donations. Half clenched⁶ their fists, half didn't. And a much larger percentage of those who clenched were able to watch the images and pledge to help.

Another test involved snack choices. Subjects who had health as a priority and who tightened⁷ their fingers were more likely to choose healthful snacks than non-clenchers. The study is in the Journal of Consumer Research.

So the next time you're faced with a choice that takes self-control, clench⁵ your fist or firm that bicep. Your will might firm up, too.

Thanks for the minute. For Scientific American's 60-Second Science, I'm Cynthia Graber.

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收听单词发音

1 tonic
n./adj.滋补品，补药，强身的，健体的
参考例句：
It will be marketed as a tonic for the elderly.这将作为老年人滋补品在市场上销售。 Sea air is Nature's best tonic for mind and body.海上的空气是大自然赋予的对人们身心的最佳补品。

2 diluted
无力的，冲淡的
参考例句：
The paint can be diluted with water to make a lighter shade. 这颜料可用水稀释以使色度淡一些。 This pesticide is diluted with water and applied directly to the fields. 这种杀虫剂用水稀释后直接施用在田里。

3 calf
n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮
参考例句：
The cow slinked its calf.那头母牛早产了一头小牛犊。 The calf blared for its mother.牛犊哞哞地高声叫喊找妈妈。

4 solicit
vi.勾引；乞求；vt.请求，乞求；招揽(生意)
参考例句：
Beggars are not allowed to solicit in public places.乞丐不得在公共场所乞讨。 We should often solicit opinions from the masses.我们应该经常征求群众意见。

5 clench
vt.捏紧（拳头等），咬紧（牙齿等），紧紧握住
参考例句：
I clenched the arms of my chair.我死死抓住椅子扶手。 Slowly,he released his breath through clenched teeth.他从紧咬的牙缝间慢慢地舒了口气。

6 clenched
v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句：
He clenched his fists in anger. 他愤怒地攥紧了拳头。 She clenched her hands in her lap to hide their trembling. 她攥紧双手放在腿上，以掩饰其颤抖。来自《简明英汉词典》

7 tightened
收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）变紧；（使）绷紧；加紧
参考例句：
The rope holding the boat suddenly tightened and broke. 系船的绳子突然绷断了。 His index finger tightened on the trigger but then relaxed again. 他的食指扣住扳机，然后又松开了。