Is there a way to quickly recall (回忆) information just before taking an exam? Walking backward might be a solution. Scientists from the University of Roehampton in the UK said this activity can help people improve their short-term memory.

Researchers asked 114 volunteers to watch a video. After watching the video, they were divided into three groups .One group was told to walk 10 meters forward.The second group walked 10 meters backward. The third group stood in one place.All three groups were then asked 20 questions about what they saw in the video.

The scientists found that the backward-walking group got two more answers correct on average (平均) than the other two groups.

This suggests that the link between the concepts (概念) of time and space is important in terms of (从……方面) how our minds form memories. When you walk backward, you see things from a different angle (角度). This difference helps people recall things that happened in the past.

And walking backward is not just good for our brains. It is also good for the rest of our bodies. Compared to walking forward, walking backward is more challenging. This can help us improve our fitness, according to New Scientist. Walking backward uses more energy in a short time and burns more calories (卡路里).

In addition, walking backwards is less stressful for our knees. It could be helpful for people who often have pain in their knees, according to researchers from the University of Oregon in the US. Walking backward also keeps our spines strong, which can help to ease pain in the lower back. This might be why many old people like walking backwards.

There is a new rule (规定) for students. They need to run 1,500 metres each day. How do they like the new rule ? Are they ready to run?

Wang Tao: I’m 12 years old. I’m from Beijing. As Grade 8 students, we usually run 50 metres,200 metres or 400 metres in PE class, but never 1,500 metres. But I think the new rule is a good idea. It can help us keep fit. Running can also make us active (活跃的) in the daytime.

Liu Tao: I’m 13 years old. I ’m from Dalian. Many students worry about the new rule. We only run 400 metres in PE class. Some students say that they may feel tired and sleepy in class after running. But I am OK with it. I can run 1,000 metres in 3 minutes.

Shi Ming: I’m 14 years old. I’m from Qingdao. Students in our school run 600 metres in Grade 7 and 800 metres in Grade 8 in PE class. In winter, we run about four laps (圈) each day. That is close to 1,500 metres. I think it’s good for us.