Scientists near San Francisco work to identify a type of endangered fish using a tool that was originally made for treating cancer.

Currently, CRISPR is used to change the genetic material in specific cells. By changing the structure of immune cells, it helps recognize and fight cancer. The same technology is now used in a special machine called Sherlock, which, of course, is named after the famous investigator Sherlock Holmes. They do not, however, use Sherlock to change fish cells. Instead, the ocean researchers catch the fish, collect a small amount of mucus (黏液) and then test the cells to find the genetic makeup of the fish.

The researchers have found that the technology is extremely helpful when looking at different species of Chinook salmon, because they look nearly the same. It can be done in about 30 minutes. In the past, the researchers would have to wait weeks or months to get test results.

In the past, the scientists would catch the Chinook salmon and measure them to tell them apart. “It’s not very accurate,” said Andrea Schreier, an associate professor at the University of California in Davis, who is working on the salmon. Schreier said when they catch the fish, the Sherlock machine can quickly tell them if they have one of the special salmon. It’s important because it allows the scientists to do things that will help the endangered salmon live longer. For example, they can catch them in lakes far away from the coast and take them by truck to the San Francisco Bay. In the past, the fish might have tried to make it to the Bay by swimming in rivers. However, due to climate change, the river water is sometimes too warm for the fish to make the trip safely.

Schreier said she feels good about the project because she likes being able to assist with conservation. “I really want to work to maintain our ecosystems and our native populations as much as possible, given all of the pressures that we humans place on them through our different activities.’’

Having a teenager at home can be a real headache. Many teenagers smoke, drink and even fight. They often do something dangerous.

Earlier studies have shown that teenagers are more likely to make irrational decisions than people from any other age group, including children and adults. Is it that teenagers are too young to tell right from wrong? Not really. So what’s the reason?

According to Laurence, a teacher from a US university, the reason is that teenagers care a lot about how their peers (同龄人) view them—that is “peer influence”.

As children enter their teenage years, they spend more time with their friends and classmates, and also they care more about what they think of them. This makes teenagers make decisions without thinking about the costs.

In a test, a group of teenagers were asked to play a video driving game. When they played with their friends watching around them, they took more chances and drove more carelessly because that would increase their possibility of winning. But when they played alone, they drove more safely.

Why do peers have such a big influence on teens’ behavior?

As Laurence sees it, a teenager’s brain is like a car with a good accelerator (油门) but a weak brake (刹车). The “accelerator” is fully developed by teenage years while the “brake” is still not fully developed. When teenagers are watched by their peers, they usually push hard on the accelerator. With their weak brake, it is likely that they are going to end up in an accident.

But the good news is that a violent (暴力) teenager doesn’t necessarily become a violent adult. About two-third to three-quarters of violent youth grow out of it. “They get more self-controlled. ”

Your house may have an effect on your figure. Experts say the way you design your home could play a role in whether you pack on the pounds or keep them off. You can make your environment work for you instead of against you. Here are some ways to turn your home into part of your diet plan.

Open the curtains and turn on the lights. Dark environments are more likely to encourage overeating, for people are often less self-conscious (自觉) when they’re in poorly lit places and so more likely to eat lots of food. If your home doesn’t have enough window light, get more lamps and flood the place with brightness.

Mind the colors. Research suggests warm colors fuel our appetites (食欲). In one study, people who ate meals in a blue room ate 33 percent less than those in a yellow or red room. Warm colors like yellow make food appear more appetizing, while cold colors make us feel less hungry. So when it’s time to repaint, go blue.

Don’t forget the clock-or the radio. People who eat slowly tend to consume about 70 fewer calories (卡路里) per meal than those who rush through their meals. Begin keeping track of the time, and try to make dinner last at least 30 minutes. And while you’re at it, actually sit down to eat. If you need some help slowing down, turn on relaxing music. It makes you less likely to rush through a meal.

Downsize the dishes. Big serving bowls and plates can easily make us fat. We eat about 22 percent more when using a 12-inch plate instead of a 10-inch plate. When we choose a large spoon over a smaller one, total intake (摄入) jumps by 14 percent. And we’ll pour about 30 percent more liquid into a short, wide glass than a tall, skinny glass.