In a 1993 experiment, researchers reported that college students who listened to a Mozart sonata (奏鸣曲) for a few minutes just before taking a test did better on the test than students listening to relaxation instructions or sitting in silence. Music of Mozart, the investigators concluded, seemed to cause changes in the brain that "warm up" neural (神经) connections, thereby improving thinking. But the gain in performance--widely publicized as the "Mozart effect"--lasted only 15 minutes and proved difficult to repeat. Rather than causing a real change in ability, Mozart seemed to improve excitement and mood, producing better concentration on the test.

Research suggests that to produce lasting gains in intelligence-test scores, involvement must be long-lasting and involve children's active participation. Consequently, Glenn Schellenberg, psychologist from University of Toronto, wondered, can music lessons enhance intelligence?

Schellenberg recruited 132 six-year-old children for formal lessons. First, the children took an intelligence test and were rated for social maturity. Next, the children were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions. Two were music groups; one received piano lessons and the other voice lessons. The third group took drama lessons--a condition that shed light on whether intellectual gains were unique to musical experiences. The fourth group--a no-lessons control--was offered music lessons the following year. After 36 weeks of lessons, the children's intelligence and social maturity were assessed again.

All four groups showed gains in intelligence-test performance, probably because the participants had just entered grade school, which usually leads to an increase in intelligence test scores. But the two music groups consistently gained more than the control groups. Their advantage, though just a few points, extended across many mental abilities, including verbal and spatial skills and speed of thinking. At the same time, only the drama group improved in social maturity.

In sum, active, sustained musical experiences can lead to small increases in intelligence among 6-year-olds. But other enrichment activities, such as reading, science, math, and chess programs, may have similar benefits. All demand that children invest far more time and effort than they would in listening to a Mozart sonata.

Official figures show that 101 people were killed in road accidents on the streets of London last year. The city wants to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the capital’s roads to zero. It seems impossible. But it focuses more minds on an important question: What can help reduce accidents in a big city? Transport for London (TfL), the capital’s road and rail authority, has some answers: safe speeds, safe vehicles and so on.

A safety standard for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), which harnesses blind area cameras and sensors (传感器), is pioneering. Blind area cameras and sensors are widely placed where they are needed. The European Commission has followed it. TfL has also helpfully identified London’s most dangerous places. Half of Britain’s most dangerous roads run through the capital. Around three-quarters of accidents that cause deaths or serious injuries happen at crossing near the British Museum, which has been the site of the most deaths since 2012. Westminster is the most dangerous area for walkers and cyclists, so it introduced 20 mph speed limits on all its roads in 2021.

“Vision Zero” was launched in 2018. Deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads have fallen — by 53% and 40% respectively in 2022. But movement is not one-way. Deaths were record breakingly low in 2020 and 2021. But in 2022 the deaths rose again. “We are moving in the right direction,” says Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner.

Lack of funds for TfL has put off improving the riskiest areas. Only a few parts of the1010 Avenue have bike paths with guardrails (护栏). Safety is the biggest problem to people taking up cycling or letting their children walk or cycle. But greener vehicles may be unsafe themselves. Electric scooters (滑板车) are the latest ones to confuse planners. “One of those doing 50 mph down the road is not good for anybody,” said Mr Norman.

The brain is an important organ of the human body. So what can we do to to keep our brains healthy both physically and functionally?

·Turn ordinary activities into brain-stimulating ones

【小题1】 while out for a walk in your neighborhood. Use detailed and expressive language to describe your surroundings, as well as what you can see and hear when talking on the phone to a friend or a family member.

·Go out as much as possible

Going outside to take exercise every day, like running slowly, even for a short period of time, can build up the body, increase heart rate and improve mood. A little sunshine outside is great for vitamin D production. 【小题2】

·Think about returning to a previous hobby

The best activities for brain health are the ones that challenge your brain to be quick and accurate. Do you have a musical instrument sitting in the closet? 【小题3】,dust it off and try it. Or use one of the previous adult coloring books that are so popular now, which can help you relieve stress and focus.

【小题4】

You can adopt a brain exercise program at home to keep your brain fit. The exercise is based on the principles of brain plasticity, the way the brain reorganizes through learning and exercising.

·Eat a healthy diet and be sure to get adequate sleep

As we know, food provides nutrition for the brain. 【小题5】. Getting adequate and quality sleep also will do wonders when it comes to improving your mental health.