When we think about aging, gray hair and wrinkles often come to mind, usually connected to poor health. But can looking healthier actually mean being healthier? Psychologist Laura Carstensen from Stanford University thinks so. She believes that feeling good about aging can encourage people to take better care of themselves. She explains that having a positive self-image might lead to better habits, which can benefit both the body and the mind.
This idea has resulted in more interest in the role of skin health in overall well-being. Scientists have discovered that proteins (蛋白质) called sirtuins, which exist in many living creatures, play an important role in how cells age and react to stress. These proteins help control cell activity, making sure cells work properly and repair damage. As sirtuin levels go down with age because of things like UV rays and unhealthy habits, the skin’s ability to resist damage decreases.
At Estée Lauder, researchers have been studying sirtuins for more than 15 years to find ways to slow down this process. They want to “remind” aging skin cells to behave like younger ones by activating sirtuin activity. For example, increasing Sirt1 helps rebuild elastic fibers, which can reduce sagging (下垂), while activating Sirt3 increases energy production in cells and boosts the production of a certain protein. Another protein, Sirt6, slows down the shortening of DNA, which can extend the “healthy life” of skin cells and reduce signs of aging.
These discoveries could change skincare forever, offering ways to achieve firmer, smoother skin with fewer wrinkles and age spots. But the impact goes beyond just appearance. As Carstensen emphasizes, “To help people feel good about themselves, how they look, what their skin is like, could be an incredibly positive contribution for public health. What we can do now is rethink how we live our lives, so that longer lives are higher-quality lives. Not just in old age, but in every stage of life.”
By looking at both the science of aging and its emotional effects, researchers are not only helping to extend lifespans but also improving the quality of those years. After all, a longer life is most meaningful when it is lived well.
22. What is the role of sirtuins in aging process?
A. They speed up cell growth.B. They repair damaged cells.
C. They produce more skin cells.D. They remove harmful elements.
23. What did researchers do to slow down aging process?
A. Boost energy storage.B. Rebuild skin structure.
C. Activate skin cell function.D. Increases DNA production.
24. What can be inferred from Carstensen’s words in paragraph 4?
A. People should care less about appearance.
B. Aging is mainly determined by physical health.
C. Skincare product is essential to higher-quality lives.
D. A positive self-image can improve health in old age.
25. Where can you most likely to find the text?
A. Modern Painters B. Runner’s World
C. Scientific American D. National Geographic
【答案】22. B 23. C 24. D 25. C
【解析】【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了科学家发现名为“sirtuins”的蛋白质可以修复受损细胞,从而影响着人们的衰老情况,介绍了研究开展的经过以及这一发现所带来的启示。
【22题详解】细节理解题。根据第二段“Scientists have discovered that proteins (蛋白质) called sirtuins, which exist in many living creatures, play an important role in how cells age and react to stress. These proteins help control cell activity, making sure cells work properly and repair damage.(科学家发现,许多生物体内都存在一种名为sirtuins的蛋白质,它在细胞老化和应激反应中起着重要作用。这些蛋白质有助于控制细胞活动,确保细胞正常工作并修复损伤)”可知,sirtuins在衰老过程中的作用是修复受损细胞。故选B。
【23题详解】细节理解题。根据第三段“At Estée Lauder, researchers have been studying sirtuins for more than 15 years to find ways to slow down this process. They want to “remind” aging skin cells to behave like younger ones by activating sirtuin activity.(在雅诗兰黛,研究人员已经研究sirtuins超过15年,以找到减缓这一过程的方法。他们想通过激活sirtuin活性来“提醒”老化的皮肤细胞表现得像年轻的细胞一样)”可知,研究人员激活皮肤细胞功能来减缓衰老过程。故选C。
【24题详解】推理判断题。根据第四段“As Carstensen emphasizes, “To help people feel good about themselves, how they look, what their skin is like, could be an incredibly positive contribution for public health. What we can do now is rethink how we live our lives, so that longer lives are higher-quality lives. Not just in old age, but in every stage of life.”(正如卡斯滕森所强调的那样,“帮助人们对自己感觉良好,他们的外表,他们的皮肤是什么样的,可能对公共健康做出不可思议的积极贡献。我们现在能做的就是重新思考我们的生活方式,这样寿命越长,生活质量越高。不仅仅是在老年,而是在人生的每个阶段。”)”可知,积极的自我形象可以促进老年健康。故选D。
【25题详解】推理判断题。根据第二段“Scientists have discovered that proteins (蛋白质) called sirtuins, which exist in many living creatures, play an important role in how cells age and react to stress. These proteins help control cell activity, making sure cells work properly and repair damage. As sirtuin levels go down with age because of things like UV rays and unhealthy habits, the skin’s ability to resist damage decreases.(科学家发现,许多生物体内都存在一种名为sirtuins的蛋白质,它在细胞老化和应激反应中起着重要作用。这些蛋白质有助于控制细胞活动,确保细胞正常工作并修复损伤。由于紫外线和不健康的生活习惯等因素,sirtuin水平会随着年龄的增长而下降,皮肤抵抗损伤的能力也会下降)”结合文章主要说明了科学家发现名为“sirtuins”的蛋白质可以修复受损细胞,从而影响着人们的衰老情况,介绍了研究开展的经过以及这一发现所带来的启示。可知,文章主要关于科学发现,最有可能选自“科学美国人”。故选C。
