a Locals Care for Natural World Grasslands and lakes in Sanjiangyuan have taken on a new look and many wild animals have come back. On January 24, 2003, China set up Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve to protect the area and the wildlife. Local people joined in the project, picking up waste and protecting the animals. |
b China Successfully Grows Rice in Space How to grow food in space if humans live there one day? For nearly 40 years, China has developed over 260 new types of seeds (种子) in space. Recently growing rice at Tiangong Space Station makes a big step forward. It can also solve food problems on Earth. |
c Doctors Sent to West Africa Doctors are flying to an island off the coast of West Africa after a new flu broke out. They will test different medicines to find a way to deal with it. To get things better, they will also offer medical care and help train local nurses there. |
d ▲ A strong earthquake hit Turkey on February 6. More than 8,000 international rescuers (救援人员 ) around the world went to help, including the Blue Sky Rescue Team from China. They helped save lives and rebuild homes. |
e Scientists Fight against Plastic Pollution A natural material, fungi (真菌), used to break down a type of plastic called polypropylene turned out to be useful. Scientists at the University of Sydney found that after 90 days, between 25% and 27% of polypropylene broke down and after 140 days, polypropylene became completely safe. |
