Binge-watching (刷剧) is when a person watches more than one episode of a TV show one after another. With developments in the speed and connectivity of the Internet, increases in technology and the rise of on-demand entertainment companies, people can now watch their favorite shows directly on the Internet at their convenience.

    This behavior is nothing new. In fact, “binge-watching” has been officially listed in dictionaries since 2015. The entertainment companies recognize this behavior and many take steps to encourage it. Often, instead of releasing each episode on a week-by-week basis, an entire series will become available at the same time. Once the episode finishes, many platforms will display pop-ups with “you might like” suggestions, or will automatically play the next episode.

    However, this wonderful gift may in fact be poisonous. Recent research from British media Ofcom suggests that this behavior may have become a hindrance (障碍). Out of the more than half of British adults who watch more than one episode of a show in a row, almost a third have admitted missing sleep or becoming tired as a result; and one quarter have failed to do their household chores. Next well be missing work!

    Bingeing has other connections—binge eating, binge drinking and binge smoking, all of which are often associated with compulsive (强迫性的) behavior, a lack of control and possible route to addiction. Lindsey Fussell, consumer group director at Ofcom, said, “The days of waiting a week for the next episode are largely gone, with people finding it hard to resist watching multiple episodes around the house or on the move.” If people find binge-watching hard to resist, coupled with the fact that it has shown to lead to negligence (疏忽) in many, are we witnessing the birth of a new type of addiction?

    The large amount of information and entertainment that television and online media can bring us is, many would say, a good thing. It offers us opportunities to better understand the world we live in, educate ourselves and enjoy much needed downtime. However, like any behavior done to an extreme degree, it can become dangerous. And when the activity begins to bleed into other areas, causing us to stop functioning-then it becomes a problem. So, what's the answer? Neither a tiny amount, nor too much. After all, as the old proverb says, a little of what you fancy does you good.

    Drug companies have spent billions of dollars searching for therapies to reverse or significantly slow Alzheimer's disease, but in vain. Some researchers argue that the best way to make progress is to create better animal models for research, and several teams are now developing mice that more closely imitate how the disease destroys people's brains.

    The US National Institutes of Health (NIH), the UK Dementia Research Institute and Jackson Laboratory (JAX) - one of the world's biggest suppliers of lab mice - are among the groups trying to genetically design more suitable mice. Scientists are also exploring the complex web of mutations(突变) that influences neurological (神经学的) decline in mice and people.

    "We appreciate that the models we had were insufficient. I think it's sort of at a critical moment right now." says Bruce Lamb, a neuro-scientist at Indiana University ~ho directs the NIH-funded programme.

    Alzheimer's is marked by cognitive impairment(认知损伤) and the build-up of amyloid-protein plaques (淀粉样蛋白块) in the brains of people, but the disease does not occur naturally in mice. Scientists get around this by studying mice that have been genetically modified to produce high levels of human amyloid protein. These mice develop plaques in their brains, but they still do not display the memory problems seen in people.

    Many experimental drugs that have successfully removed plaques from mouse brains have not lessened the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in people. One focused stumble came last month, when three companies reported that their Alzheimer's drugs had failed in large, late-stage clinical trials. Although the drugs successfully blocked the accumulation of amyloid protein in mice, they seemed to worsen cognitive decline and brain shrinkage in people.

    The drive for better mouse models comes as genomics studies are linking the most common form of Alzheimer's to dozens of different genes. This diversity suggests that each case of the disease is caused by a different combination of genetic and environmental factors. "There is no single Alzheimer's disease," says Gareth Howell, a neuro-scientist at Jackson Laboratory (JAX) in Bar Harbor, Maine.

    Howell argues that scientists' reliance on lab mice with only a few genetically engineered mutations might have limited research. His own work suggests that in mice, just as in people, genetic diversity plays a part in determining how Alzheimer's develops.

    The Boy Made It!

    One Sunday, Nicholas, a teenager, went skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine. In the early afternoon, when he was planning to go home, a fierce snowstorm swept into the area. Unable to see far, he accidentally turned off the path. Before he knew it, Nicholas was lost, all alone! He didn't have food, water, a phone, or other supplies. He was getting colder by the minute.

    Nicholas had no idea where he was. He tried not to panic. He thought about all the survival shows he had watched on TV. It was time to put the tips he had learned to use.

    He decided to stop skiing. There was a better chance of someone finding him if he stayed out. The first thing he did was to find shelter from the freezing wind and snow. If he didn't, his body temperature would get very low, which could quickly kill him.

    Using his skis, Nicholas built a snow cave. He gathered a huge mass of snow and dug out a hole in the middle. Then he piled branches on top of himself, like a blanket, to stay as warm as he could. By that evening, Nicholas was really hungry. He ate snow and drank water from a nearby stream so that his body wouldn't lose too much water. Not knowing how much longer he could last, Nicholas did the only thing he could—he huddled(蜷缩) in his cave and slept.

    The next day, Nicholas went out to look for help, but he couldn't find anyone. He followed his tracks and returned to the snow cave, because without shelter, he could die that night. On Tuesday, Nicholas went out to find help. He had walked for about a mile when a volunteer searcher found him. After two days stuck in the snow, Nicholas was saved.

    Nicholas might not have survived this snowstorm had it not been for TV. He had often watched Grylls' survival show. Man vs. Wild. That's where he learned the tips that saved his life. In each episode(一期节目)of Man vs. Wild, Grylls is abandoned in a wild area and has to find his way out.

    When Grylls heard about Nicholas' amazing deeds, he was super impressed that Nicholas had made it since he knew better than anyone how hard Nicholas had to work to stay alive.

    Scientists have found what they believe are pieces of a meteor(流星)that fell to the earth last year. The objects were discovered off the coast of the United States in the Pacific Ocean.

    The crew of the Nautilus, a private research ship, recovered the rock particles(颗粒).The Nautilus is operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. The group says its aim at present is to examine areas of the ocean that have never been explored before.

    The search was launched after US government weather stations observed a large meteorite exploding some months ago. The explosion lit up the sky and sent the rock particles to the earth. The meteorite fall was the largest recorded over the United States in at least 20years. The team includes scientists from NASA, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and the University of Washington. The scientists examined what they believe were two small meteorite fragments. Further testing is needed before they can confirm that the material came from the explosion.

    The Nautilus is equipped with two remotely operated vehicles(ROVs), called Hercules and Argus. These robotic submarines help researchers find and collect materials from the seafloor. The fact that the particles landed in the ocean, instead of on land, means larger pieces may have survived and can be studied. For this reason, scientists decided to launch the first intentional search for meteorites from the ocean. Until the latest research, scientists had only accidentally discovered a small number of meteorites from drilling operations.

    The objects recovered from the bottom of the sea likely came from the recent explosion for two main reasons. First, meteorite particles are basically made of glassy materials that do not tend to last long in seawater. Secondly, they came from what looked like a small hole on the seafloor. Some evidence shows that they came from something that fell.

Things to do in Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico

    Majahuitas Island Tour

    Duration: 6h 30m

    Let yourself be spoiled by the nature in the Majahuitas Island (Natural Reserve) while you do different beach and sea activities, such as Snorkeling (潜游), Kayak (划独木舟)Tour and more. Eight delicious options from our menu will please your taste during lunch time, also your favorite drink will be prepared in our bar.

    Las Marietas Eco Discovery

    Duration: 6h

    Snorkel, swim, and kayak through the beautiful rock formations around the Marietas Islands. Beloved by Jacques Cousteau for their rich marine life and clear waters, this underwater playground is an ideal place to spend the afternoon.

    Follow up your snorkeling adventure with a guided kayak trip. Learn about the islands' geologic past and keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales and playful groups of dolphins. Back on the boat, have a tasty deli-style lunch featuring delicious sandwiches and salads, or kick back with a drink from the open bar while your crew set a course for your return to port.

    Yelapa & Majahuitas Catamaran Tour

    Duration: 7h+

    Set sail from Puerta Vallarta aboard a luxurious catamaran with the vast Pacific Ocean ahead and a refreshing sea breeze surrounding you. Spend your morning snorkeling and exploring the peaceful cove of Majahuitas. This coral reef and tropical fish-filled coastline is only accessible by boat, making it one of Puerto Vallarta's best-kept hidden treasures.

    Sayulita Escape

    Duration: 3h

    Hop on a powerful UTV (utility task vehicle) to explore Sayulita, a hip and relaxed beach town not far from Vallarta. Ride over muddy back roads and a riverbed to reach the small community famous for its laid-back atmosphere. Soon after hitting the main road, your guide turns onto one of the dusty forest paths. Pass by farms, fields, and a riverbed before reaching an isolated beach. When you are ready, a picnic lunch, open bar, and knowledgeable crew await your return to the catamaran.

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