第六周　热考话题集训--科普知识与现代技术

　　阅读理解

　　A

　　◆The Necomimi

　　This is basically a pair of brain­controlled cat ears that allows users to express emotional states: relaxed, mild interest, strong interest and focus. This is made possible by a built­in machine that reads and translates emotions. It's a kind of technology that can also be useful for athletes to determine the best state for performance. The Necomimi can be bought for $49 through maker Neurosky's website.

　　◆The ostrich pillowThere are times when you're so tired that nothing is better than taking a short sleep. Whether it's being stuck at the office or on a long bus ride or at the library, the pillow is designed to put the wearer in soft supportive cushioning (缓冲垫) in any resting position. The strange­looking pillow has a hole in which to put your head, and a mouth hole designed to allow its wearer to breathe easily. It also has two side holes where you can store your hands. It is now being sold online for $99.

　　◆The Hovding : bike helmet (头盔)The Hovding : allows riders to get around easily. It's actually an airbag system that's worn around the neck, working only when there's a sudden shake or the unlikely event that may get you knocked off your bike. After winning the world's most famous design prize, the creators are developing a new and better model. Now the first­generation helmet is being sold at various sporting shops throughout Europe for about $500.

　　◆The treadmill desk

The treadmill desk on sale is the perfect solution for our increasingly sedentary (久坐不动的) lifestyles. Recently a study found those who spent three hours a day on a treadmill desk became healthier. Still, it shouldn't be treated as a panacea for not getting enough exercise. Another study suggests that meeting the recommended amount of physical activity requires more exercises than walking. It's also recommended that treadmill speeds should be limited to around 2 miles per hour or less to make sure they can be used safely while working.