河北胡金莹
随着科技的快速发展，3D打印技术在我们的生活中扮演着越来越重要的角色。如今，研究人员利用3D打印技术制造了第一个全尺寸人类心脏模型。
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难词探意
1.collagen/'kɒlədʒən/n.胶原；胶原蛋白
2.gelatin/'dʒelətɪn/n.明胶
3.alginate/'ældʒɪneɪt/n.藻酸盐
4.suture/'suːtʃə(r)/n.缝合；缝合用的线
5.artery/'ɑːtəri/n.动脉
Researchers have created the first full-size human heart model using 3D printing technology.The model was made with a specially developed 3D printer that uses bio-materials to produce a structure and tissues similar to a real human heart.The researchers say the model heart can be a useful tool to train medical professionals in operations related to human heart function.It could also be used as a basis for new research on ways to use 3D printing technology to produce fully operating hearts to replace in people.
Scientists have made 3D printed models of the human heart before,which were made of harder substances—such as plastic or rubber.They were not effective in copying the soft tissue material found in the human heart.
The new 3D printing process was not easy.This is because soft materials,such ascollagen,start out as a liquid.When such substances are printed in air,they quickly collapse during the process.Itwas because of this that the researchers came up with their own method to3D print soft materials.
The method uses agelatinsubstance to surround the structures during the printing so they do not collapse.
The team's new model heart is made from a material calledalginate,a soft natural substance made from seaweed.The researchers say alginate has very similar properties to tissues that make up the human heart.For example,the researchers tested the 3D printed material withsutures,which doctors use to close up wounds during operations.Once they had perfected the process,the researchers made additional changes to the 3D printer to produce larger objects.They were able to use MRI images from a patient to model and print a full-size human heart.
The researchers say they also successfully 3D printed a model of a heartarterythat could be used to train doctors.The group says the same methods could be used to create other realistic organ models as well,such as livers or kidneys.
Reading Check
1.What's the model heart used to do?
A.Train doctors.
B.Do operations.
C.Replace real hearts.
D.Develop 3D technology.
2.What's the function of gelatin?
A.To strengthen the liquid.
B.To make the structure firm.
C.To make the material soft.
D.To simplify the printing process.
3.Where is the text probably taken from?
A.A travel brochure.
B.A personal diary.
C.A research paper.
D.A science magazine.
Language Study
Sentence for writing
It was because of this that the researchers came up with their own method to 3D print soft materials.正是由于这一点，研究人员想出了自己的方法来3D打印软材料。
【信息提取】此句为强调句型，强调句型的构成结构为“It is/was+被强调部分+that/who+其他部分”。本句强调原因状语because of this。
【句式仿写】正是张桂梅对教育的热情改变了许多贫困地区女孩的生活。
