Question

Researchers Jose Cordova and Erich Astudillo have discovered a new molecule(分子) that kills the bacteria Streptococcus Mutans, long known to be responsible for breaking down sugars in food in the mouth, which damages tooth leading to decay(腐烂). The new molecule they call “Keep 32” has been found to kill the bacteria.

The two have applied for a patent(专利) on their discovery and have also begun a marketing strategy aimed at both oral care products and food products. They say either product, if left in the mouth for just 60 seconds ,will kill all the harmful bacteria in the mouth and keep them at bay for several hours. If the new molecule passes health and safety tests, the two believe products using their new molecule should be on the market in as little as a year and a half. They expect the market for such a product to reach $300 million in just the first year.

The two have been working together since 2005 using money from the Founder Institute and say the aim is to approve the process for creating the molecule they’ve discovered for big companies like Procter & Gamble, Colgate even candy companies such as Hershey’s. In interviews, Astudillo has suggested that the two researchers are already heavily into discussion with several companies, some of which are interested in buying the patent once it is approved.

Over the years many products have come on the scene with announcement of reducing tooth decay and even the loss of teeth, but other than the introduction of fluoride(氟化物) into drinking water, not much progress has been made. If the announcement made by this new team proves true however, it could foresee a mark in saving the world of tooth decay as well as helping to improve the health for millions of people as tooth decay has been linked to many other health problems throughout the body including heart attacks.

1.The underlined word “them” in Para. 2 refers to _________.

A. oral care products B. food products

C. new molecules D. the harmful bacteria

2.The phrase “come on the scene” in Para. 4 is closest in meaning to __________.

A. performed B. occurred

C. existed D. arrived

3.What has been a way to reduce tooth decay and even the loss of teeth over the years?

A. Using the molecule “Keep 32”.

B. Killing the bacteria Mutans.

C. Introducing fluoride into drinking water.

D. Cooperating with some big companies.

4.This passage mainly tells us that ___________.

A. many health problems are closely connected to tooth decay

B. the discovery of a new molecule will greatly benefit health care

C. two researchers are discussing their patent with companies

D. researchers discover a molecule that can kill tooth decay-causing bacteria

Answer 1