【明報專訊】Have you ever walked home in the late evening when it is dark outside? In some fables or sci-fi films you may see trees that can glow (發光) like street lamps, and it might come true with the aid of science.
US scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (麻省理工學院) recently grew plants that can shine brightly enough to allow people to read a book in the dark for up to 4 hours. They injected an enzyme (蛋白?) extracted from fireflies into the leaves of watercress (西洋菜), kale (羽衣甘藍) and spinach (菠菜) without modifying them genetically. The enzyme was packaged with some tiny particles so that they could reach the right part of the plant.
Professor Michael Strano, who participated in the studies, said his team is working to create a lamp that relies on the energy metabolised by the plant itself. As lighting accounts for about 20% of the world's energy consumption, it is hoped that the research output can cut down electricity use for lighting and hence reduce carbon dioxide emission.
"Our work very seriously opens up the doorway to street lamps that are nothing but treated trees, and to indirect lighting around homes," said Professor Strano.
(Sources: The Daily Mail, NBC News)
■Photo Story
Bioluminescence (生物發光) is the production and emission of light by living organisms. Many living things, such as some species of mushrooms and jellyfish, convert chemical energy in their bodies into light.
■English highway﹕as
We use "as" to express the reason for an action. Do not use "so" in the same sentence.
(ˇ) As many facilities in the campus are old, the school organised a fund raising campaign.
(╳) As many facilities in the campus are old, so the school organised a fund raising campaign.
■Quiz
(Answers on next text)
1. Is the following statement true?
The light produced by the plants in the study can light the streets.
True/ Fasle
2. Find a word in paragraph 2 that means "take" to complete the sentence below: (you may need to use a different form)
The machine _____________ moisture from the air to make water.
3. Where do the scientists come from?
___________________________
4. Which of the following is the merit of the glowing plants?
a. The glowing plants are not genetically modified.
b. The glowing plants do not consume electricity.
c. The glowing plants can help cut down carbon dioxide emission.
d. All of the above.
■Glossary
genetically (adv) 基因上
particle (n) 分子、粒子
metabolise (v) 進行代謝作用
emission (n) 排放
[Smarties' Power English 第204期]
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