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Few people can resist the lure (诱惑) of a delicious
ice cream, especially on a hot day. The only thing that spoils the fun is that
the treat is hard to enjoy slowly often ending up with a sticky, melted mess.
Now, researchers from Colombia's Pontificia Bolivariana University may have
found an unlikely partner to help solve this age-old problem- cellulose fiber (纤维素) extracted from banana plant waste.
Bananas, as you probably know, grow in bunches on a tree-like
plant. Each bunch is attached to a central stalk, called a rahis (叶轴), which is thrown
once the fruit has been harvested. The team, led by Dr. Rotin Zuluaga Gallego,
began by extracting cellulose nanofibrils (CNs) from powdered rachis. The
tasteless, odorless macro fibers, thousands of times smaller than the width of
a human hair, were then added in various concentrations to 100 grams of ice
cream mix.
With the right amount of CNFs mixed in, the dessert lasted longer
in its frozen state than conventional ice cream, extending both its shelf life
and the amount of time the treat can be enjoyed. Even more exciting was that
the fibers increased the stickiness of low-fat ice cream to levels higher than
the full-fat one. Since this is what determines the frozen treat's creaminess
and texture, CNFs could help create healthier ice cream without compromising on
taste.
The researchers, who presented their findings at the American
Chemical Society (ACS) meeting in New Orleans on March 21, 2018, next plan to
investigate how different types of fat, such as coconut oil, affect the
behavior of CNFs in other frozen treats.
The Colombian researchers are not the only one working on creating
a slower-melting ice cream. In 2015, scientists at the University of Dundee in
Scotland found that a naturally occurring protein called BSIA (Bacterial
Surface Layer A) was remarkably effective in keeping the treat frozen for
longer periods of time. With both teams competing to be the first to get to
market, the future of everyone's favorite dessert certainly looks promising.
(1)
What prevents people enjoying an ice cream slowly?
A . A kind of fiber from banana.
B . The ice cream's stickiness.
C . The hot weather.
D . The ice cream's quick melting.
(2)
Why were CNFs added to ice cream mix?
A . To improve is flavor.
B . To reduce its fat content.
C . To make it melt more slowly.
D . To add to its nutrition.
(3)
What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A . Ice cream with BSIA has been on sale at the market.
B . Slowly enjoying an ice cream will soon become a reality.
C . CNFs are more useful and effective than BSIA
D . The Colombian research team has taken the lead in the competition with the Scottish team.
(4)
What's the author's attitude towards the finding of CNFs?
A . Positive.
B . Casual.
C . Defensive
D . Suspicious.
答案: D
C
B
A