Since its invention 100 years ago, plastic, the superstar of the technological age, has become ugly and ungreen. But that’s about to change. An exhibition at London’s Science Museum this week could put it back on the cutting edge of science.
Have you ever hesitated in donating blood? The invention of “plastic blood” might make you feel better.
British scientists are working on the artificial blood as a replacement for real blood in emergency situations. It is made of plastic molecules (分子) and can join oxygen and transport it around the body. As a red, honey - like glue, plastic blood can be carried around conveniently. You just add water to make as much blood as you need.
The cells of our body are strict about what molecules they let in and out. For example, if we inject protein or DNA directly into the body, our immune (免疫的) system will destroy it before it reaches the cells.
To get around this, a British scientist has created drug-carrying plastic balls that fool the body into thinking they are natural. Once inside the cell, their contents are spread out through a small controlled explosion.
Skin transplants are widely done these days. But removing a piece of skin from, say, the bottom to plant it on the face can hurt and be troublesome.
A British company, CellTran, is working on plastic skin. Using plastic, they plan to take a small piece of the patient’s skin and grow it into an extra layer of skin on top of the plastic.
The plastic feels similar to skin, so skin cells like to grow on it. The plastic then gradually disappears, without any reaction or infection.
What would be the best title for the text?
A.The superstar of technological age |
B.An exhibition at London’s Science Museum |
C.No more “white pollution” |
D.Plastic takes on a new life |
The phrase “get around” in Paragraph 5 means closest to _____________.
A.overcome | B.end | C.ensure | D.pass |
Which of the following is true according to the text?
A.Plastic blood will be injected into the body in drug-carrying plastic balls. |
B.The plastic skin will remain a part of the new skin. |
C.Plastic blood will take the place of real blood. |
D.The cells of our body will let in whatever molecules they get. |