美国科学60秒 SSS 2012-12-06
时间：2019-01-08 作者：英语课 分类：Scientific American(十二)月
英语课
Many of us talk with our hands. But some researchers suspect we may listen with our hands, too.
Cognitive 1 scientists had subjects listen to spoken sentences, each in the third person and present tense, such as “John walks to work.” As they listened, the subjects pinched a grip-force sensor 2.
The researchers found that subjects increased their grip when listening to action words that involved hands or arms, such as scratch, throw or lift. But this response depended on context—grip force was unchanged when the action was negative, as in "Laura did not lift her luggage." The study is in the journal PLoS One.
The results demonstrate how words subtly and selectively induce motor activity. The fact that this motor response depends on context is a testament 3 to our brain's flexibility 4 when processing words.
The study also adds to the growing evidence that sensory-motor and language experiences are linked in the brain. Figuring out this connection could lead to new therapies for speech and language disorders 5. In the meantime, the next time you tense up over a game of mad libs, do go easy on those verbs.
adj.认知的，认识的，有感知的
- As children grow older,their cognitive processes become sharper.孩子们越长越大，他们的认知过程变得更为敏锐。
- The cognitive psychologist is like the tinker who wants to know how a clock works.认知心理学者倒很像一个需要通晓钟表如何运转的钟表修理匠。
n.传感器，探测设备，感觉器（官）
- The temperature sensor is enclosed in a protective well.温度传感器密封在保护套管中。
- He plugged the sensor into a outlet.他把传感器插进电源插座。
n.遗嘱；证明
- This is his last will and testament.这是他的遗愿和遗嘱。
- It is a testament to the power of political mythology.这说明，编造政治神话可以产生多大的威力。
n.柔韧性，弹性，（光的）折射性，灵活性
- Her great strength lies in her flexibility.她的优势在于她灵活变通。
- The flexibility of a man's muscles will lessen as he becomes old.人老了肌肉的柔韧性将降低。