原版英文小故事 33. Heal Yourself

Researchers are discovering more and more about the inner workings of the brain through MRI and PET scans. Both scans produce images of active, inactive, healthy, and unhealthy areas of the brain.

These images are helping¹ doctors treat brain dysfunction. In the US, drugs have been the most common treatment for people with brain dysfunction. While even better drugs continue to be developed, drug-free remedies are now thought possible because of new research with DNA² and stem cells.

But some scientists think that even these remedies might be unnecessary—they think that many people with brain dysfunction can fix themselves by simply “training” their brains. Computer software is helping people with Alzheimer’s practice repetitive memory games. These games improve their memory enough that many become functional³ again.

Other brain disorders⁴ may also be treatable by using repetitive exercises. Born with cerebral⁵ palsy, Sara had a useless right arm. Researchers immobilized her good left arm, thus forcing the 5-year-old to use only her right arm for a few hours a day. In less than a year, Sara’s right arm became functional.

“It sounds almost too simple and too obvious,” said one researcher. “For years, people have used repetitive training to become better at games, sports, and other activities. Why has it taken us this long to realize that we can also train the brain? Simple repetitive practice may restore normal brain function for many patients of all ages.”

 

1 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

2 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。

3 functional   

adj.为实用而设计的，具备功能的，起作用的

参考例句：

• The telephone was out of order,but is functional now.电话刚才坏了，但现在可以用了。
• The furniture is not fancy,just functional.这些家具不是摆着好看的，只是为了实用。

4 disorders   

n.混乱( disorder的名词复数 )；凌乱；骚乱；（身心、机能）失调

参考例句：

• Reports of anorexia and other eating disorders are on the increase. 据报告，厌食症和其他饮食方面的功能紊乱发生率正在不断增长。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The announcement led to violent civil disorders. 这项宣布引起剧烈的骚乱。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 cerebral   

adj.脑的，大脑的；有智力的，理智型的

参考例句：

• Your left cerebral hemisphere controls the right-hand side of your body.你的左半脑控制身体的右半身。
• He is a precise,methodical,cerebral man who carefully chooses his words.他是一个一丝不苟、有条理和理智的人，措辞谨慎。