THE NANOBOTS! Scientists recently created a microscopic robot that can crawl along molecules of DNA. Combining the science of molecular biology and nanotechnology, this unique mechanism, dubbed a 'nano-spider', was developed by a team of researchers from Columbia University in New York with the help of colleagues in Arizona, California and Michigan. The groundbreaking device measures a mere four nanometres in width-an amazing 100.000 times smaller than the diameter of a10 human hair.
Needless to say, this nano-spider is no WALL-E, but it can still be classified as a robot. A robot is defined as a mechanism that can understand its surrounding environment, make decisions and move automatically. The little spider-bots can certainly do that. They can walk, turn left and right and even create their own products. One day, such microscopic devices could actually be used to build tiny computer chips or to detect and treat diseases such as cancer at a molecular level.
It is interesting to note that the nano-spiders are made of DNA molecules. The spider's body is composed of a common protein called streptavidin. Unlike a real spider, however, the nano-spider has only got four legs which are single strands of DNA protein attached to the body.
Microscopic DNA walkers have been developed in the past, but they have never managed more than three steps. These ones can manage as many as 50 steps, which means a possible walking distance of around 100 nanometres. Taking up to one hour to complete, this is more like a marathon for the nano-spider. However, researchers hope to be able to make the spiders walk faster and further in the future. Furthermore, present research is focusing on making the nano-spiders able to follow more commands and to make more decisions.
Molecular robotics is a new field in scientific research. Although it has not produced a long list of great inventions yet, scientists believe that nanotechnology could become one of the most important industries in the near future. The nano-spider is considered to be an important step in research which could one day lead to devices being created for various medical applications. One day, people could live their lives with miniature robot surgeons patrolling and protecting the insides of their bodies. For example, the spiders could be programmed to check a cell in the body, decide if it is cancerous, and then administer an anti-cancer drug.
On the other hand, there are a number of arguments against the use of nanotechnology. Most of these concerns are over safety regulations. People are concerned that nanotechnology is not only being used to build small computer parts, but that it is also being used in food, clothing and medicine. Those with concerns would like to see stricter rules applied to the nanotechnology industry and they would like further tests to be carried out on products before they are allowed to enter the market. G
Billions of dollars are being invested in the research and development of nano-products worldwide. Robots are already working in hospitals around the world, often performing operations that require a steadier hand or more precision than a human is capable of. These microscopic robots, therefore, will allow treatments to be given that are currently impossible or which call for more invasive surgery.

1)In the first paragraph, the writer says that the nano-spider

A is much thicker than a human hair.

B cannot be seen under a microscope.

C was invented by an individual scientist.

D is an extremely small machine.

2. Why does the writer suggest nano-spiders can be classified as robots?

A because they have the features of a robot

B because they can walk

C because they are built with computer chips

D because they are microscopic devices

3. What does 'this' refer to in I. 30?

A the number of steps DNA walkers can manage

B the walking distance a DNA walker can do

C the length of the DNA walkers

D the time each step takes for a DNA walker

4. What do we learn about nano-spiders in the fifth paragraph?

A They could protect our bodies from disease in the future.

B They are already being used to fight cancer.

C They have been used for various medical purposes in the past.

D They have not actually been invented yet.

5. What does the writer say about arguments against the use of nanotechnology?

A People are concerned that it is used to build computer parts.

B People are concerned that nano-products are not tested before they are sold.

C There are concerns about whether the industry has strict rules for safety.

D There are no concerns about nanotechnology in medicine.

6 All in all, the writer presents nanobots as devices which

A we should be afraid of.

B have already been in use for many years.

C may be very useful in the future.

D are mainly useful in industry.​

могистер3271    2   20.11.2020 05:23    16