【题文】Mice and rats have long been used in medical research because of their biological similarities to humans. Now, scientists have trained rats to drive small vehicles created for them. One of the main findings of the experiment was that the driving activity seemed to help the rats relax.

Researchers at the University of Richmond in Virginia led the experiment. The team built tiny cars out of plastic and other materials. The vehicles had an opening at one end where electrical wires were attached. By touching one of three different wires, the rat could control the direction of the vehicle.

Researchers trained 17 rats over several months to drive around the experiment containers. The animals proved that they could be trained to drive forward as well as in other directions to get to the sweet treats placed inside the containers.

The researchers examined levels of two hormones (荷尔蒙) in the rats—one that causes stress and another that reduces it. All rats that took part in the training had higher levels of the hormone that reduces stress. The research suggests the increased relaxation levels could be linked to the enjoyment of successfully completing a new skill. The team also found that the rats that drove themselves showed higher levels of the stress-fighting hormone than those that simply rode in small cars controlled by humans.

Lambert said the most exciting result of the experiment for her was about the possible effect on humans. The research may open new areas of non-drug treatments for people suffering from mental health conditions.

“There’s no cure for schizophrenia or depression and we need to catch up,” she said. “And I think we need to look at different animal models and different types of tasks and really respect that behavior can change our neurochemistry (神经化学). ”

Speaking to the British-based magazine New Scientist, Lambert said her team is planning to continue experiments to learn more about how the rats learned to drive. The new research will also examine why some activities appear to reduce stress, and which areas of the brain are involved in the process.

【小题1】What did the experiment find?

A．Rats are able to drive vehicles.	B．Rats feel relaxed when driving.
C．Rats can be used in medical research.	D．Rats are biologically similar to humans.

【小题2】The finding of the hormone examination in the rats suggests that ___________.

A．one hormone causes stress and another reduces it	B．acquiring a new skill brings about joy
C．levels of hormone are controlled by stress	D．relaxation contributes to enjoyment

【小题3】The research is significant because ___________.

A．it may lead to a way to treat human mental problems

B．it will affect the way that humans drive their cars

C．it may help people train animals better.

D．it can surely change neurochemistry

【小题4】What Lambert’s team will do next is find out ___________.

A．which parts of the rats’ brain control their emotions

B．why rats have the ability of fighting stress

C．when activities affect the levels of stress

D．why certain activities reduce stress

福建省福州市第八中学2020-2021学年高三上学期期中考试英语试题