In South America, the rich soil of the Amazon River basin（流域）in Brazil is known as “black gold”. Scientists found that the secret of this rich soil was charcoal（木炭）. Local people made it from animal bones and tree branches. They mixed the charcoal with the soil about 1.500 years ago.

Now, scientists in the United States have done a modern demonstration. They say charcoal fertilization offers a revolutionary way to improve soil quality for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Mingxin Guo and his team at Delavare State University heated tree leaves, corn stalks（茎）, small pieces of wood and poultry waste into “biochar”（生物碳）. They reported their findings at a recent meeting of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans.

Biochar could be good news for farmers with poor soil and hungry populations to feed. Professor Guo says it could even help against global warming. Intensive（集约的） farming and overuse of chemical fertilizer give out carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Biochar does the opposite, he says. It traps carbon in the ground.

The researchers planted winter wheat in containers of soil in a greenhouse — some with biochar, some without. Professor Guo says the wheat grows much better in the pots with biochar. The soil was added two percent charcoal to. But he says even a one percent treatment will increase productivity.

The results demonstrated that biochar can increase organic matter in soil. Loss of nutrients in soil is an increasing problem worldwide as farmers try to grow more food for growing populations.

Next, the team will carry out a five-year study of biochar with spinach（菠菜）, green peppers and tomatoes.

Mingxin Guo says he learns about the “black gold” in Brazil from a magazine story. He explains that it was discovered in the jungle, in the area where waters flow to the Amazon, in the 1960’s. But it was not until recent years that scientists began to bring public attention to it.

1.According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A．The researchers will go on proving their theory.

B．The leading researcher learns the theory from the magazine.

C．Charcoal was discovered 1,500 years ago.

D．Common farming can produce more carbon dioxide.

2.Biochar has the following advantages EXCEPT that ________.

A．it can improve the condition of the soil       

B．it can be used as a kind of energy

C．it can help against global warming 

D．it can increase productivity of the corn

3.According to the research, the biochar can help against global warming because it can ________.

A．reduce the carbon dioxide

B．keep the carbon in the soil

C．reduce the loss of nutrients in the soil

D．absorb the carbon dioxide

4.Which of the following can be the best title of the passage?

A．Using Charcoal to Make soil into “Black Gold”

B．Using Charcoal to Reduce the Carbon Dioxide

C．How Amazon River Basin Produces “Golden Black”

D．Guo’s Research on Producing Biochar

A healthy amount of sunshine may be the secret to staying young. British scientists have discovered.
Vitamin D is produced naturally by the skin in response to(对…的反应) sunlight and may help to slow the ageing process and protect against heart disease, according to the study.
Researchers from King’s College London studied 2,160 women aged between 18 and 79, looking at their telomeres--- a biological marker of ageing found in DNA. As people get older, their telomeres get shorter and they become more susceptible(易受伤害的) to certain illnesses.
But the study found women with high levels of vitamin D had comparatively longer telomeres--- a sign of being biologically younger and healthier.
The study suggests vitamin D may help to slow down the ageing process of DNA, and therefore the ageing process as a whole.
Lead researcher Dr Brent Richards said, “These results are exciting because they show for the first time that people who have higher levels of vitamin D may age more slowly than people with lower levels of vitamin D.” This could help to explain how vitamin D has a protective effect on many ageing related diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.”
Professor Tim Spector, a co-author of the report, added, “Although it might sound absurd
(荒唐的), it’s possible that the same sunshine which may increase our risk of skin cancer may also have a healthy effect on the general ageing process.”
Vitamin D made by the action of sunlight on the skin accounts for 90 percent of the body’s supply, but lower levels can also be got through food such as fish, eggs and breakfast cereals(粥).
Other studies have suggested the vitamin plays a key role in protecting against cancer and heart disease.
【小题1】 A certain amount of sunshine helps people stay young because _____.

To my mind, the secret to happiness__________ your successful work and your contribution towards others’ happiness.

A．results in          B．consists in         C．brings in          D．takes in

---You are always full of ______. Can you tell me the secret?

---Taking plenty of exercise every day.

A. power            B. strength          C. force                     D. energy

A. 20 Years Younger

The book details easy and effective steps we can all take to rebuild the foundation of youth and enjoy better health, improved energy, and a positive outlook on life. The four basic programs are: an exercise system for fighting muscle and bone loss, a longevity-focused diet, sleep rejuvenation, and wrinkle-fighting skin care. Woven throughout the text is practical advice on changing appearances, controlling stress, staying mentally sharp, navigating medical tests, and much more.
B. Born To Run

Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.
C. Natural Running

In Natural Running, Abshire explains how modern running shoes distort the efficient running technique that humans evolved over thousands of years. He reviews the history of running shoes and injuries, making the case for barefoot running but also warning about its dangers.
D. Woodworking

This book includes excellent instruction from a best-selling woodworking author on all aspects of woodworking with hand tools. He approaches setting up the all-hand tool shop, explains how the tools work in wood, addresses the joinery, and finishes with instructions on building a workshop accessory to use with hand tools. Also included are other sample projects and information on finishing the hand worked projects.
E. Whittling Little Folk: 20 Delightful Characters to Carve and   Paint

At the beginning of the book, readers will find step-by-step carving and painting instructions for a Scandinavian inspired man and woman. Once they have learned to carve these two projects, readers will find an additional 18 patterns that can also be created with the same technique and some subtle changes.
F. Quick and Easy Meals

The book offers healthy, low-carbon Primal-approved recipes that can all be completed in under half an hour and, in many cases, in just a few minutes. Sisson and Meier show you how to delight your family or guests every time with quick, delicious meals using local produce, CSA meats, healthy fats (yes, and real butter) and common herbs and spices.
请阅读以下购书者的信息，然后匹配相关的书籍。
【小题1】Carina is fond of art and likes carving very much. In order to make something for the coming Mothers Day, she is searching a new idea.
【小题2】Daisy is a busy salesgirl, who is difficult to find time to cook. She likes home meals.
【小题3】 Alexander is a college student. He likes running. He wants to know more about the secret of shoes and running.
【小题4】Sammy majors in PE. He will do a research on how to train long distance runners.
【小题5】Nancy is looking for a book about advice on controlling stress, changing appearances, and enjoying a better health