Scientists from China, Sweden and the United Stated have developed a high-producing rice that can reduce methane emission(甲烷排放), a major greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, from rice fields, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.

By inserting a barley(大麦) gene into rice, Sun Chuanxin and his colleagues created SUSIBA2 Rice, which stores more starch(淀粉) in the section of the rice above ground, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.This means the grains will have more starch while the root will exude less nutrients that will later be turned into methane by microbes(微生物) in the soil, Sun, who works with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, told Xinhua.

"It solves two major problems mankind faces at one time: environmental degradation and the need for increased grain output," Wang Feng, another scientist, said, adding that the rice can cut methane discharge by more than 90 percent during summer and more than half during autumn, as "the rice displays a greater emission reduction effect in high temperatures." Meanwhile, small-scale trials have also suggested an increased output: a single plant of the new breed has 300 more grains with a starch content 10 percent higher. Wang said the team is working on applications for the rice in different areas, seasons and using different farming techniques. "It's still far away from mass application, but at least we see the light of hope."

Human-induced methane, though less abundant than carbon dioxide in the air, is responsible for 20 percent of the global warming effect. Rice paddies are the largest single source of methane linked to human activity. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, China produces 209 million tons of rice in 2014, or 28 percent of the world's total of 734 million.

1.SUSIBA2 Rice will be a major breakthrough because _______.

A. it tastes with a barley flavor

B. it well balances environmental protection and grains increase

C. it contains more starch than the ordinary rice

D. it gives off less methane in summer than in winter

2.What can we learn from the text?

A. Scientists will soon grow the new rice in large areas

B. Human-related methane contributes most to global warming

C. China may contribute greatly to global warming reduction

D. Rice fields will be reduced all over the world

3.The purpose of this writing is to ________.

A. ask people to cut down on their dependence on rice consumption

B. draw people’s attention to the serious consequences of global warming

C. introduce a new kind of genetically-modified rice and its possible benefits

D. indicate human-related methane alone is to blame for global warming effects

Taking a trip to Philadelphia can be rewarding experience or absolute disasters---it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, Huffington Post Travel Series recommends attractions for those planning Philadelphia family vacations.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Located on 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art features more than 225, 000 pieces in its vast collection, dating back to the first century A.D. Guests can discover modern art exhibits, clothing collections gathered throughout time and classic posters. Audio tours are also available.

Price: adults, $ 16; children 12 to 17, $ 12; children 11 and under, free.

The Please Touch Museum

The Please Touch Museum on 4231 Avenue of the Republic offers kids the chance to explore, discover and learn in a fun environment. The museum features six interactive zones where kids and parents are encouraged to play and learn about science, the environment and more. Exhibits include Flight Fantasy, where kids learn about flying machines, and River Adventures, which teaches kids about science, nature and weather.

Price: adults, $15; children under the age of 1, free

The Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo sits on a 42-acre Victorian garden. The zoo features 1,300 animals, including a number of rare and endangered species. While visiting the zoo families can see big cats, zebras, giraffes, endangered turtle species and penguins. The zoo also includes rides for kids, such as a Rainforest Carousel and Camel Safari.

Price: Adults, $ 18; children 2 to 12, $15; children younger than 2, free.

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is Philadelphia’s major science museum, and one of the oldest in the United States. The museum offers guests the chance to experience flight simulator(模拟器)and sky bikes. The first floor offers a large Kid Science exhibit, where children discover science through a fictional journey. The second floor features air shows.

Price: Adults, $ 12; children 4 to 11, $12.

1.One of the features of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is that _______.

A. visitors have access to River Adventures

B. visitors can learn about exhibits using pre-recorded voice introductions

C. it has the cheapest admission fees for adults

D. it offers kids tour rides to see more endangered animals

2.The Please Touch Museum differs from the others mainly because _______.

A. it boasts a number of rare and endangered species

B. it has a large collection of clothing

C. it combines learning with pleasure

D. it includes a large kid science exhibit

3.Teenagers interested in aircraft will most likely to visit both_______.

A. the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Please Touch Museum

B. the Please Touch Museum and the Franklin Institute

C. the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute

D. the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum

4.Which group does the Travel Series mainly target?

A. Families with kids

B. Newly-married couples

C. Individual visitors

D. Museum lovers

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