How to stay focused When you were at school, were you ever told to stop daydreaming and concentrate? It was easy for your mind to wander if you weren't interested in what you were learning or if you had better things to think about. Staying focused can still be a challenge in adult life, but understanding how to do it, and knowing what is distracting you, can help. Scientists have looked at what makes us procrastinate and found a number of ways to help us stay in the zone. One of the most obvious things is eliminating noise. Research by Science Focus magazine found silence is best for concentration, or a gentle background hum and coffee shop noise is great! It also found turning off notifications on your phone, or switching it off altogether, removes a major distraction and helps us focus on the task at hand. Another possible cure for a short attention span is brain training. Psychologists and neuroscientists are increasingly interested in our ability to knuckle down and have looked at what we can change inside our head to make us concentrate. An article for BBC Future by Caroline Williams says that 'Attention Researcher Nilli Lavie of University College London has found that making a task more visually demanding… takes up more processing power and leaves the brain nothing left to process distractions.' So, keeping your mind busy might be the answer. There are more practical tips to keeping your mind focused. These include making a list or timetable of the tasks you have to do, finding a workspace where you're not tempted to do other things, or chewing some gum! It's possible the movement in your mouth occupies parts of the brain that might otherwise get distracted. But according to Science Focus magazine, distraction isn't all bad. 'If we were always so focused that we never got distracted, we'd miss potential changes, such as threats, in our environment. Distraction is vital for survival.' 词汇表 daydream [ˈdeɪdriːm] vi. 做白日梦，空想 mind to wander [ˈwɒndə(r)] 思绪飘走，走神，心不在焉 procrastinate [prəˈkræstɪneɪt] vi. 拖延，耽搁 stay in the zone [zəʊn] 保持专注，处于最佳状态 eliminate [ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt] vt. 消除，除去 background hum [hʌm] 背景嗡嗡声，背景噪音 notification [ˌnəʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn] n. 通知，通告 switch off [swɪtʃ] 关掉，关闭，切断（电源） task at hand 手头的任务，当前的工作 short attention span [spæn] 注意力持续时间短，注意力短缺 neuroscientist [ˌnjʊərəʊˈsaɪəntɪst] 神经科学家 knuckle down [ˈnʌkl] 开始认真工作或学习，埋头苦干 visually demanding [ˈvɪʒuəli dɪˈmɑːndɪŋ] 视觉上有挑战性的，视觉要求高的，费眼的 take up 占据（时间、空间、精力等） processing power [ˈprəʊsesɪŋ] 处理能力，运算能力 timetable [ˈtaɪmteɪbl] n. 时间表，日程表 be tempted to [ˈtemptɪd] 想要做，受诱惑去做 chew gum [tʃuː ɡʌm] 嚼口香糖 get distracted [dɪˈstræktɪd] 分心，分散注意力 📖 翻译、pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进【打卡交流群】

Cambridge Dictionary names 'parasocial' as its Word of the Year for 2025 Host: Now, do you ever feel like you know a celebrity you follow online, even though you've never met them in real life? Could you see yourself as their friend or think that you'd get on really well together if you were ever to meet? Well, if so, you're not alone. It's called a parasocial relationship. And now one of the UK's major dictionaries has named it as their word of the year for 2025. Cambridge Dictionary's Daniel Hutchinson told us how they go about choosing that word. Daniel Hutchinson: We're looking at trends sort of throughout the year. So we analyse a lot of data. Our lexicographers who work on the dictionary also have an extensive reading programme. But we're also looking for a crucial factor, which is staying power. So obviously, words come and go, trends come and go. But we're looking for something that has really made an impact in the sort of cultural zeitgeist, if you like. Essentially, what parasocial means is it describes a one-sided connection that people have with a famous person. So a good example would be someone like Taylor Swift, or possibly these days even an AI chatbot. So it's someone they're unlikely to ever meet. But we kind of think of as our friends. And this is all made possible by current digital technology. Host: Well, Dr. Veronica Lamarche, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Essex, has researched the phenomenon and its history. Veronica Lamarche: Parasocial relationships are something that researchers have been aware of for decades. The term actually goes back to the 1960s. And originally, it wouldn't have been these digital relationships, but it would have been the types of relationships you would have had with the Beatles or the royal family or any kind of one-sided famous person. It could also be with fictional characters. So it's not something that has to do with that unrequited love or obsession. It's a natural psychological connection we form with these other people in the world around us that we admire and feel connected to. The interesting thing in our own research is that people actually feel that these influencers, these famous people, are capable of fulfilling our emotional needs to a certain extent. And if you think about it, if you're lonely in the middle of the night, you want some comfort, you want some connection, you can turn on these influencers and they can make you feel validated, seen, understood, a bit less lonely. So there's certainly a healthy component to it. In our own research, we found that 75% of people actually form some form of parasocial relationship, either with an online social influencer, with a movie character, celebrity. But there can be just like any type of relationship, unhealthy components to it. And I think sometimes this breakdown of boundaries, because we forget that these are real people when we're talking about influencers and celebrities, and we're used to them being on demand for us. We sometimes expect things from them at all times. 词汇表 celebrity [səˈlebrəti] n. 名人，名流，明星 parasocial [ˌpærəˈsəʊʃl] adj. 准社交的，准社会的，拟社会的，单向的 parasocial relationship [ˌpærəˈsəʊʃl] 准社会关系，拟社会关系（与未实际接触者形成的单向情感联结，如名人，网红，AI，虚拟角色等） trend [trend] n. 趋势，潮流，热门话题 lexicographer [ˌleksɪˈkɒɡrəfə(r)] n. 词典编纂者 reading programme [ˈprəʊɡræm] 阅读计划，阅读方案 staying power 持久性，持久力；耐力 come and go 来来去去，变化不断，转瞬即逝 zeitgeist [ˈzaɪtɡaɪst] n. 时代精神，时代潮流 one-sided connection [ˌwʌn ˈsaɪdɪd] 单向的情感连接，单方面的联结 senior lecturer [ˈsiːniə(r) ˈlektʃərə(r)] 高级讲师，资深讲师 fictional character [ˈfɪkʃənl] 虚构角色，虚构人物 unrequited love [ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd] 单相思，单恋，暗恋，未被回应的爱 obsession [əbˈseʃn] n. 痴迷，迷恋 feel connected to [kəˈnektɪd] 感到联结，感到联系紧密 influencer [ˈɪnfluənsə(r)] n. 网红，有影响力的人 validate [ˈvælɪdeɪt] vt. 认可，证实…有价值 breakdown of boundaries [ˈbreɪkdaʊn] 边界感的模糊，界限的打破 be on demand 随叫随到，按需服务 🌟翻译，pdf及更多文本内容见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可加入【打卡交流群】

Can we boost the immune system? Georgie Hello, this is 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I'm Georgie. Neil And I'm Neil. In this programme we're talking about the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against getting ill. Now, Georgie, is there anything you do to boost your immune system? Georgie Yes. I try to eat lots of oranges, which apparently have lots of vitamin C, and there are lots of things people do to try to improve their immune system, and stay healthier, like eating certain foods, taking vitamins, or even activities like swimming in cold water. We'll find out how useful some of these techniques are in today's programme. Neil But first, Georgie, a question. We all know the common cold – now, that's the illness that makes you cough and sneeze, have a sore throat and headache. But how many colds does the average adult get in the UK each year? Is it: a) 2-3? b) 4-5? Or c) 7-8? Georgie Eight would be a lot. I'm going to go with a) 2-3 colds a year. Neil Well, we'll find out at the end of the programme if you're right. Now, many people can become ill over the winter with diseases like colds, flu and Covid-19. Host of BBC Radio 4 programme Inside Health, James Gallagher, gathered some experts to talk about immune systems, and he started off by asking whether they'd had more illnesses than usual this winter. James Gallagher Hello! [Hi.] Right, how has everyone been this winter? Because I've had a rotten one and I have felt constantly ill since about November. John? John Tregoning I have not had anything yet, touch wood. James Gallagher OK, let's see what I can infect you with by the end of the show. Margaret? Margaret McCartney I was pretty unwell in September. I had what I presume to be Covid. But I've been alright since, mild snuffles aside. James Gallagher Eleanor, I really need someone to back me up. Eleanor Riley No, sorry, I've been absolutely 100% tickety-boo. Georgie Unlike James, Professor John Tregoning hasn't been ill. John uses the expression touch wood, which is an informal phrase said in order to avoid bad luck. Neil Doctor Margaret McCartney was unwell in September but has only had a few snuffles since. Snuffles is an informal word used to describe minor illnesses that affect your nose. We can also say sniffles. Georgie Host James is surprised that nobody has been ill, and says to Professor Eleanor Riley 'back me up'. If you ask someone to back you up, you are asking for them to say something which supports your opinion. Neil But Eleanor has had a healthy winter too. She's been tickety-boo, which is an informal phrase meaning everything's fine or in good order. Georgie Throughout the winter, many people try different techniques, like taking supplements or eating certain foods to boost their immune system, to improve their body's natural defences against disease. Host of BBC Radio 4's Inside Health James Gallagher asks doctor Margaret McCartney whether some of these products are successful. James Gallagher OK, quick-fire round, Margaret. Echinacea? Margaret McCartney No. James Gallagher Turmeric? Margaret McCartney No. James Gallagher Ginger shots? Margaret McCartney No. James Gallagher This is a very, very good quiz! What about the stuff you squirt up your nose when you're at the beginning of an infection? Margaret McCartney Interesting, but not any better than normal saline spray – just salt water. Neil In fact, according to Margaret, there isn't enough evidence that many popular health products can actually change the way your immune system works. Georgie Another popular health trend in the UK is cold water swimming. People who swim in cold water say it's good for their mental health, and they also believe it makes them less likely to get ill during the winter months. Neil But scientists aren't sure about the benefits of cold water swimming for the immune system yet, as Professor John Tregoning explains to BBC Radio 4's Inside Health. John Tregoning The social element actually is really important. It probably is beneficial to do. You reduce stress and cortisol dampens the immune system, so actually if you're stressed then maybe you are more prone to infection. And that may be why that benefit of being with people, nice people that you like in nice places, is helping. But I don't think it's unique to cold water swimming. I think you could probably get it from dancing or singing or going for a run. Georgie John says that cortisol, a chemical associated with stress, dampens the immune system. Here, dampens means makes weaker. We also have a common expression 'dampen someone's spirits' which means to make them less enthusiastic about something. Neil John says that there is evidence that people who are stressed are more prone to infection. If you're more prone to something, it's more likely to happen to you. 📝 字数限制，完整文本、词汇表、翻译及pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复1可加入【打卡交流群】

Is your lunch costing the earth? A lunch break – it's an important and often necessary part of our working or school day. It's a chance to stop your tummy rumbling, grab a bite to eat and maybe chat with some friends. And now we're spoilt with an array of places to buy our lunch from, all offering tempting dishes and humble sandwiches to eat on the go. But our appetite for buying our lunchtime fare is not just costing us money, there might be a cost in terms of damaging our planet too. Just grabbing a sandwich, crisps and maybe a cake and coffee can produce at least four items of waste. Cartons, cups, wrappers and plastic cutlery are all part of our disposable feast in addition to the food waste we create. Some experts say throwing away food, which produces methane as it rots, is a bigger cause of climate change than plastics. But regardless of what causes the most damage, the solution, according to an environmental campaign group called Hubbub, is to eat packed lunches. Tessa Tricks from the group says "People are saying that they are buying food to take out because life has got busier." And she says people think they are being more efficient; but she argues that it's usually healthier and cheaper to make your own lunch. It means you can eat the things you really want and make the quantity that you actually need. Of course, preparing your lunch is another thing to fit into your morning scramble of getting ready for work, so if you haven't got time and you are going to buy lunch, an alternative Hubbub suggests is to take your own container to a shop and ask them to put your food in it. The idea of using reusable coffee cups for hot drinks and refilling water bottles has already proved successful, so this could be another step in the right direction. A trial in East Anglia (in the UK) showed that offering a 10% price reduction did persuade some customers to come prepared with their own lunch box. The problem with eating on the move is that you might want to carry your grub in something that is disposable, so it's a good idea to make sure it's something that is recyclable and not to take extra sachets of sauce or utensils that you're not going to use. The message seems to be that if we give our lunchtime eating habits some thought, we can all do our bit in helping reduce climate change and damage to our environment. That is something for all of us to chew on! 词汇表 lunch break 午休，午餐时间 tummy rumbling [ˈtʌmi ˈrʌmblɪŋ] 肚子咕咕叫，饥肠辘辘 grab a bite to eat [ɡræb] 随便吃点东西，简单吃点 spoil [spɔɪl] vt. 使有过多选择，让人挑花眼；宠坏，溺爱 an array of [əˈreɪ] 一系列，大量 tempting [ˈtemptɪŋ] adj. 诱人的，吸引人的 humble [ˈhʌmbl] adj. 简单的，普通的，不起眼的 eat on the go / move 边走边吃，便携食用，在路上吃 appetite [ˈæpətaɪt] n. 欲望，嗜好；食欲，胃口 fare [feə(r)] n. （餐馆的）食物，饭菜 carton [ˈkɑːtən] n. 硬纸盒，塑料盒 wrapper [ˈræpə(r)] n. 包装纸，包装材料 cutlery [ˈkʌtləri] n. 餐具（刀叉勺等） disposable [dɪˈspəʊzəbl] adj. 一次性的，用后即丢的 feast [fiːst] n. 盛宴，大餐 methane [ˈmiːθeɪn] n. 甲烷，沼气 rot [rɒt] vi. 腐烂，腐败，变质 packed lunch [pækt] 自带午餐，盒装午餐 scramble [ˈskræmbl] n. 匆忙，忙乱 container [kənˈteɪnə(r)] n. 容器；集装箱 reusable [ˌriːˈjuːzəbl] adj. 可重复使用的，可再次利用的 refill [ˌriːˈfɪl] vt. 重新装满，续满 lunch box 饭盒，便当，午餐盒 grub [ɡrʌb] n. 食物 sachet [sæˈʃeɪ] n. 小袋，小包（装调料、香料等） sauce [sɔːs] n. 酱料，调味汁 utensil [juːˈtensl] n. （厨房的）器具，用具 do one's bit 尽自己的一份力，出一份力 chew on [tʃuː] 仔细思考，深思，考虑 📖 翻译、pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进【打卡交流群】

Is your perfectionism holding you back? Perfectionism is the tendency to set excessively high and unrealistic standards for oneself and others, and to evaluate one's worth based on the ability to meet those standards. Perfectionists are not satisfied with anything less than flawless results, and they often fear failure, criticism, or disappointment. But constantly striving for perfection can have serious consequences. How does perfectionism affect your productivity? You might think that being a perfectionist would make you more productive, but the opposite is true. If you're always aiming for flawless results, you tend to spend more time on tasks than necessary, or even avoid starting them altogether for fear of failure. Meaning you end up procrastinating and delaying. A good example is given here by Dr Andrea Brandt in Psychology Today. "I'd like to write a novel is a fantastic goal, whereas I must finish a novel by the end of the year is a perfectionist goal." Perfectionists also have trouble delegating or collaborating with others because they don't trust people to meet their high expectations. This can lead to missed deadlines, wasted resources and poor performance. How does perfectionism impact you? When you base your self-worth on your achievements, you become more sensitive to criticism, rejection and feedback. You also tend to compare yourself to others and this can lead to feeling inferior or envious of others' achievements and consequently damage your self-esteem and your mental health. Perfectionists also have difficulty coping with setbacks or failures because they see them as personal flaws rather than learning opportunities. How does perfectionism impact your relationships? When you expect yourself and others to be perfect, you tend to be judgmental, critical and demanding. It can also get in the way of living in the present because you're always looking for flaws or areas of improvement, robbing you of happiness, gratitude and fulfilment. How can you cope with perfectionism? Perfectionism can cause a lot of stress, but there are ways to cope. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them and celebrate your efforts and progress. Remember that nobody is perfect and that mistakes are valuable and normal. Set reasonable and flexible goals and instead of aiming for perfection, aim for improvement. Also, try lowering the pressure you put on yourself and others and be more compassionate and supportive. Use positive self-talk and affirmations such as, I'm doing my best, I'm proud of myself or I'm enough. Finally, find joy and satisfaction in the process, not just the product. And, as Dr Brent says, "the only person you need to compare yourself to is who you were yesterday and who you'd like to be tomorrow." There you have it. 词汇表 hold someone back 阻碍某人，拖某人后腿 perfectionism [pəˈfekʃənɪzəm] n. 完美主义 perfectionist [pəˈfekʃənɪst] n. 完美主义者 flawless [ˈflɔːləs] adj. 完美的，无瑕的 strive for [straɪv] 追求，力求，争取 procrastinate [prəˈkræstɪneɪt] vi. 拖延，耽搁 delegate [ˈdelɪɡeɪt] vt. 委派，委托，授权 collaborate with [kəˈlæbəreɪt] 与…合作，协作 self-worth n. 自我价值，自尊 inferior [ɪnˈfɪəriə(r)] adj. 自卑的，低人一等的，差的 envious [ˈenviəs] adj. 羡慕的，嫉妒的 self-esteem [self ɪˈstiːm] n. 自尊，自尊心 setback [ˈsetbæk] n. 挫折，阻碍 judgmental [dʒʌdʒˈmentl] adj. 爱评判的，动辄批评的 critical [ˈkrɪtɪkl] adj. 挑剔的，批评的 demanding [dɪˈmɑːndɪŋ] adj. 苛求的，苛刻的，要求高的 rob of [rɒb] 剥夺，夺走 aim for 追求，力争 compassionate [kəmˈpæʃənət] adj. 富有同情心的，仁慈的 positive self-talk 积极的自我对话，正向自我对话 affirmation [ˌæfəˈmeɪʃn] n. 肯定，支持；确认 🪴翻译和pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进入【打卡交流群】

Why you'll never find the right person Your fears are right: you probably won't ever find the right person. It seems harsh to say it just now, but the right partner for you doesn't really exist: there are just different varieties and degrees of wrongness. It's not your fault or theirs. Anyone, however lovely they seem at first, will turn out to be maddening, difficult and deeply disappointing in a few – but to you very important – ways. You are carrying the burden of Romanticism and are suffering from it gravely. You have been made sick by the beguiling – but fatally oppressive – fantasy that there's a specific person you are meant to be with who will end the longing, who will be your soul-mate, sexual companion, chauffeur, housekeeper, co-parent, business partner and best friend. You see them so clearly in your mind. That's because you made them up. But they don't, in fact, exist. Advertising, films and music have done their utmost to convey to us that people do eventually, after a little heartache, find their ideal other, their long-lost twin. It's a very powerful idea to lean on when you're trying to sell a stranger a concert or movie ticket. But it isn't true. The number of people around the world who are profoundly, emotionally, sexually, practically and intellectually happy with a partner, for more than a brief period, is tiny. These lucky souls could, if gathered, comfortably fit on a small island in the Maldives. You're unlikely to be among them – and you won't win the lottery, either. However, this doesn't have to be the end. There is a more mature idea of love around that stresses how invariably compromised all good relationships are. Compatibility is an achievement of love; it shouldn't be its precondition. We manage to live wisely and comfortably around one another, when we stop insisting that our partners must constantly share all of our tastes, interests and opinions. It's more than normal to be really quite lonely in large parts of our emotional lives. An important factor – behind almost any decent relationship – is the capacity of each partner to manage cheerfully on their own. Relationships don't solve the problem of loneliness for very long. It's easy to lament how awful other possible partners are. But reflect on the ways you are difficult to live with, too. You must be to a significant degree – not because you are unusually freakish, but because everyone carries with them a range of flaws and failings that show up, horribly, on close inspection. You will, to a significant extent, be ruining the life of anyone you get together with long term. Stop looking for a perfect partner and start looking for that far nicer and more enticing prospect: a good enough one. The fact that no-one will be ideal doesn't mean that another person will have nothing to offer. It's just that what we need from them will arrive wrapped up in a lot of things we don't need and don't want. Hopefully, the long painful single period hasn't just been wasted time. It's been a training ground for the true spirit of compromise and gratitude that lasting love demands. 词汇表 harsh [hɑːʃ] adj. 残酷的，无情的 wrongness [ˈrɒŋnəs] n. 不合适，错误性 maddening [ˈmædənɪŋ] adj. 令人恼火的，使人发狂的 Romanticism [rəʊˈmæntɪsɪzəm] n. 浪漫主义（文学、艺术等领域的思潮） gravely [ˈɡreɪvli] adv. 严重地，沉重地 beguiling [bɪˈɡaɪlɪŋ] adj. 迷人的，诱人的，迷惑人的 fatally [ˈfeɪtəli] adv. 严重地，致命地，毁灭性地 oppressive [əˈpresɪv] adj. 压抑的，令人窒息的 fantasy [ˈfæntəsi] n. 幻想，空想 chauffeur [ˈʃəʊfə(r)] n. （私人）司机 housekeeper [ˈhaʊskiːpə(r)] n. （女）管家，主妇 co-parent [ˌkəʊˈpeərənt] n. 共同抚养者，育儿伙伴 do one's utmost [ˈʌtməʊst] 竭力，不遗余力，尽最大努力 long-lost twin 失散多年的双胞胎；（喻）命中注定的另一半 Maldives [ˈmɔːldiːvz] n. 马尔代夫（印度洋岛国） lottery [ˈlɒtəri] n. 彩票，抽奖 invariably [ɪnˈveəriəbli] adv. 总是，不变地，无一例外地 compatibility [kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti] n. 兼容性，相容性，契合度 precondition [ˌpriːkənˈdɪʃn] n. 前提，先决条件 lament [ləˈment] v. 哀叹，抱怨，惋惜 freakish [ˈfriːkɪʃ] adj. 古怪的，反常的，怪异的 failing [ˈfeɪlɪŋz] 不足，弱点，缺点 close inspection [ɪnˈspekʃn] 近距离审视，仔细检查 enticing [ɪnˈtaɪsɪŋ] adj. 诱人的，迷人的，有吸引力的 prospect [ˈprɒspekt] n. 人选，前景，可能性 be wrapped up in [ræpt] 被包裹在，夹杂着 training ground 训练场，历练场 compromise [ˈkɒmprəmaɪz] n. 妥协，让步，折中 🏫翻译，视频和pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进入【打卡交流群】

How does your brain make you hunt for bargains? Fistfights over a flat-screen TV, hours in a queue for cookware, arguments over air-fryers. Why is it that discounts and deals can turn a simple shopping trip into a rampage through a retail park? What is it that makes a bargain so irresistible? The answer might be in our heads. An fMRI study, where brain activity is measured, has shown that when we think about money we might spend, brain areas sensitive to pain are activated. When we think about the thing that we want to buy, areas sensitive to pleasure are triggered. Our medial prefrontal cortex evaluates these responses and makes a decision. If it looks like a good deal, we're more likely to make the purchase and get a hit of dopamine. Writer Mark Elwood, who has written a book all about bargains, tells us that we get even more dopamine from something that's unexpected, such as when something is surprisingly cheap. Our brains are keen to reward us for finding bargains and many shops are keen to take advantage of this. Anchoring is a pricing strategy where we are shown an initial price, and then the real one. Popular items may be positioned next to something much more expensive, or we may see a very high previous price, next to the heavily reduced one currently available. The initial price, or anchor, conditions how we evaluate what something actually costs. Inflated anchor prices can make unreasonably high actual prices seem fair, and our brains are happy to reward us when we make the purchase. Other strategies include time limits, threatening to deprive us of our dopamine hit if we're not quick enough, and charm pricing, where we're much less worried about paying £9.99 than £10. If we know this about how our brains work and how retailers might act, what should we do? It can be useful to take time to consider what we're buying, hold on to something and walk around the shop before buying to give ourselves more time to evaluate a potential purchase. It can also be sensible to research prices before shopping, to get a better idea of what represents good value. 词汇表 hunt for bargains [ˈbɑːɡɪnz] 薅羊毛，寻找特价商品，淘便宜货 fistfight [ˈfɪstfaɪt] n. 互殴，打架，大打出手 flat-screen TV 平板电视 cookware [ˈkʊkweə(r)] n. 厨具，炊具，烹饪用具 air-fryer [ˈeə fraɪə(r)] n. 空气炸锅 discount [ˈdɪskaʊnt] n. 折扣，减价 deal [diːl] n. 优惠，特价 rampage [ˈræmpeɪdʒ] n. 横冲直撞，撒野，乱闹 retail park [ˈriːteɪl] 零售商业区，购物区（集中多家零售店的区域） irresistible [ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbl] adj. 难以抗拒的，无法抵挡的 fMRI 功能性磁共振成像（用于测量大脑活动） be sensitive to [ˈsensətɪv] 对…敏感 activate [ˈæktɪveɪt] vt. 激活，使活跃 medial prefrontal cortex [ˈmiːdiəl ˌpriːfrʌntl ˈkɔːteks] 内侧前额叶皮层（大脑的决策相关区域） be keen to [kiːn] 热衷于，渴望；能敏锐地 anchoring [ˈæŋkərɪŋ] n. 锚定效应（依赖初始信息做判断的认知偏差） pricing strategy 定价策略 position [pəˈzɪʃn] vt. 放置，摆放 Inflated [ɪnˈfleɪtɪd] adj. （价格等）虚高的，过高的 deprive of [dɪˈpraɪv] 剥夺，使丧失 dopamine hit [ˈdəʊpəmiːn] 多巴胺刺激，多巴胺带来的快感 charm pricing 尾数定价（如9.99元而非10元的定价） retailer [ˈriːteɪlə(r)] n. 零售商，零售商家 sensible [ˈsensəbl] adj. 明智的，合理的 📖 翻译、pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进【打卡交流群】

Can you spot an AI scam? Artificial intelligence is changing the world around us, and it's everywhere – on messaging and photo apps on our phones, on customer service phone lines and websites. And while it's very quick and potentially very useful, it also makes spotting scams and fake content trickier than ever. So what do you need to look out for? Imagine you get a frantic call from your friend. He's crying, saying he's stuck overseas, his wallet and phone stolen, and he urgently needs money. He's asking you to write down a bank account number and transfer some money right now. Before you grab a pen, ask yourself, "Is your friend really abroad? "Is he really in trouble? Is this really him?" In fact, your friend's voice could have been cloned and turned into something known as a deepfake. This is a way of using AI to try and mislead you, and it's scarily convincing. So it's definitely worth double-checking that your friend isn't actually happily at home and sitting in front of the telly before you start moving money around. Deepfake technology can also be used to create videos and images. A few years ago, these fakes had giveaways like strange facial movements or weird lighting. Now they're becoming worryingly realistic. Ever seen a social media post where someone's hands look oddly shaped or they have too many fingers? That's AI slipping up. But these mistakes are getting rarer. AI scams can also pop up when you're looking for love, maybe chatting with someone new on a dating app. AI-generated text tends to be very polished, often lacking the usual human typos and quirks. If someone keeps sending oddly poetic or clever messages or using more emojis than feels natural, you might be talking to an AI chatbot. Other scammers target those looking for rental properties, so watch out if you're flat-hunting online and find a place in a perfect location with great photos and a convincing virtual tour. It could be entirely AI-generated, created to lure you into sending a deposit for a property that doesn't exist. In the last couple of years, AI has got better and better, and the clues we've looked at for spotting AI content may soon become unreliable. So how can you stay sharp? Check your sources. Always ask, "Who shared this? Why?" If it feels strange or unlikely, especially if it makes you emotional, happy, angry or shocked, it's worth a second look. Context matters. Think about the situation. A sudden, shocking announcement during an election period could be designed specifically to mislead or manipulate. Double-check. Run it past trusted news sites or a fact-checking page. If no-one else is reporting something sensational, it's probably fake. Look and listen closely. Awkward robotic phrasing, strange pauses, inconsistent lighting, odd eyes, or overly smooth skin on videos can all indicate AI manipulation. Tell others. Sharing info about any scams you come across with family and friends could help them stay safe. In the UK, flagging suspected scams to the police via Action Fraud can help raise awareness and even get scammers shut down. And, finally, stay informed. Keep yourself updated on the latest deepfake technology and how it's being used. AI isn't going away, and while it brings exciting possibilities, it also requires us to be sharper, more aware, more thoughtful. So next time you're online and something feels off – pause, question, investigate. Critical thinking isn't just a skill, it's your best defence in a world where seeing or hearing is no longer believing. 词汇表 spot [spɒt] vt. 识别，发现 scam [skæm] n. 骗局，诈骗，欺诈 look out for 留意，提防，放心 frantic [ˈfræntɪk] adj. 慌乱的，狂乱的 grab a pen [ɡræb] 拿起笔 clone [kləʊn] vt. 克隆，复制 deepfake [ˈdiːpfeɪk] n. 深度伪造（利用AI技术篡改音视频的内容） mislead [ˌmɪsˈliːd] vt. 误导，欺骗 scarily convincing [ˈskeərɪli kənˈvɪnsɪŋ] 逼真得令人毛骨悚然 double-check [ˌdʌbl ˈtʃek] v. 再次检查，仔细核实，复核 giveaway [ˈɡɪvəweɪ] n. 破绽，漏洞，泄露 slip up 出差错，失误，疏忽 pop up （突然地）出现，发生 polished [ˈpɒlɪʃt] adj. 优美的，精炼的 typo [ˈtaɪpəʊ] n. 打字错误；排版错误 quirk [kwɜːk] n. 个性特点，怪癖 poetic [pəʊˈetɪk] adj. 诗意的；诗歌的 scammer [ˈskæmə(r)] n. 骗子，欺诈者 rental property [ˈrentl ˈprɒpəti] 出租房产，出租房屋 flat-hunt [flæt hʌnt] vi. 寻找公寓，找租房 virtual tour [ˈvɜːtʃuəl] 虚拟看房，虚拟游览 lure…into [lʊə(r)] 诱使…陷入，引诱…做 deposit [dɪˈpɒzɪt] n. 押金，定金，预付款 stay sharp 保持警惕，保持敏锐 manipulate [məˈnɪpjuleɪt] vt. 操纵，操控；处理，篡改 fact-checking [fækt ˈtʃekɪŋ] n. 事实核查 sensational [senˈseɪʃənl] adj. 耸人听闻的，轰动性的 awkward [ˈɔːkwəd] adj. 生硬的，笨拙的，不灵活的 phrasing [ˈfreɪzɪŋ] n. 措辞，表达，用语 inconsistent [ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt] adj. 不一致的，前后矛盾的 AI manipulation [mənɪpjuˈleɪʃn] AI篡改，AI处理 flag [flæɡ] vt. 举报，标记 Action Fraud [frɔːd] 行动反诈骗（英国反诈骗机构） get shut down 被取缔，被捣毁，被一网打尽 stay informed [ɪnˈfɔːmd] 保持消息灵通，及时了解信息 feel off 感觉不对劲，觉得反常 💡 视频、翻译和pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进【打卡交流群】

How having acne affects our mental health Neil Hello. This is 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I'm Neil. Beth And I'm Beth. As a society, we're obsessed with our skin. But the pursuit of perfect skin can make life difficult for people who struggle with skin conditions. Neil 'Spots', 'zits' or 'pimples' - there are many names for the red, inflamed marks which appear on the face and neck, but the medical term is acne. Acne is a skin condition which can affect anyone. It often happens between the ages of 14 and 19, but can continue into adulthood. There are many types of acne from blackheads and whiteheads to more severe forms of cysts and scarring. Beth But whatever the type of acne, looking different from others can be emotionally damaging, especially during the teenage years when our self-image and physical appearance are changing. In this programme, we'll be hearing from a skin doctor, or dermatologist, who suffered acne herself. And, as usual, we'll be learning some useful new vocabulary too. Neil But first I have a question for you, Beth. Mild or moderate acne is very common in teenagers and younger adults, so according to the UK's National Health Service, what proportion of people aged 11 to 30 experience some amount of acne? a) 75%? b) 85%? or c) 95%? Beth I'm going to guess that it is c) 95%. Neil OK, Beth, we'll find out if that's the correct answer at the end of the programme. Dr Sharon Crichlow is a dermatologist originally from Barbados. As someone who grew up with acne, she understands the impact it can have on a person's mental health, as she explains here to BBC World Service programme, The Conversation. Dr Sharon Crichlow Well, we know for sure that it does tend to arise from puberty onwards, so the biggest cohort of patients is in the teenage age group. However a proportion of patients up to 20 or so percent - certainly in females - it will persist well into the 30s, 40s - much longer than people often give it credit for. And we also know that it has a huge psychological impact so even mild to moderate acne, because it affects teenagers who are quite emotionally vulnerable, it affects their friendships, their peer groups and so it should never really be trivialised. Beth Acne tends to start during puberty, the stage in people's lives when they develop from a child into an adult because of changes in their body. Hormones such as testosterone which are released into the body during puberty often cause acne to appear. Neil Of course, puberty involves emotional, as well as physical, changes. Acne can be harder to live with for someone who is emotionally vulnerable, meaning someone who gets their feelings hurt easily. Acne affects your confidence and how you interact with the world, so it shouldn't be trivialised, or made to seem less important than it really is. Beth At times, most teenagers are self-conscious about their looks, and having acne adds to social pressure. Acne is largely genetic, and the buildup of oil and bacteria in the pores of the skin which causes spots is due to hormones which are completely natural. Neil Here's Dr Sharon Crichlow, again, telling BBC World Service programme, The Conversation, how her own experience with acne led her to help others with the same problem: Dr Sharon Crichlow I didn't have the luxury of being able to see a dermatologist when I was younger - my family just simply couldn't afford it, so I had to get through it as best I could… and you just you know tried everything over the counter et cetera. I just felt if I could help people with something that has been such a bane of my life, and having that inside experience as well, so I would often tell my patients, pretty much anything I recommend to them, I've tried it myself, I can tell them, it works… Beth Growing up, Dr Crichlow didn't have anyone to help her get through acne. If you get through something, you manage to survive a difficult experience or challenging period in life. Instead, she got whatever medicine she could buy without a doctor's prescription - known as over the counter medicines - from her local pharmacy. Neil Dr Crichlow calls acne, the bane of my life, an idiom meaning the cause of unhappiness or misfortune. But as she grew older and her acne improved, she used her experience to support her patients in the UK. 📝 字数限制，完整文本、词汇表、翻译及pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复1可加入【打卡交流群】

The meat eaters When you hear the word 'carnivore', do you think of lions and bears and sharks, or humans? Steak for breakfast, chicken breasts for lunch and salmon and lamb for dinner. No veg and no carbs. This is just a typical day for someone on the carnivore diet. It's a meal plan that only allows meat, poultry, eggs, fish, seafood, dairy products and water. It's animal-based opposed to plant-based. But why are some people following this diet? And what do nutritionists think about it? The carnivore diet is a type of ketogenic diet. Normally the body uses glucose from carbohydrates as energy, but when there's a lack of this, the liver breaks fat down into ketones. This essentially means the body can fuel itself using fat instead of sugar. Followers of the diet may experience weight loss, especially early on. One reason for this is that protein is highly satiating, so you consume fewer calories. On top of this, cutting out sugary snacks and fizzy drinks has significant health benefits, and when our carb intake is reduced, our stored water levels fall, again helping to reduce weight. Nevertheless, the carnivore diet can't be described as 'balanced' by any stretch, according to health experts. In fact, the British Heart Foundation strongly opposes it, saying there is no scientific evidence that it helps weight loss in the long term, and it's lacking in essential nutrients. They say extreme diets which are low in fibre and high in fat can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Saturated fat increases levels of LDL cholesterol and processed meat is high in salt which can raise blood pressure. Fibre, they say, is necessary and counteracts all these issues, but it can only be found in 'banned foods' of the carnivore diet – fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes and wholegrains, for example. On social media you'll find plenty of people showing off their muscles and claiming their brain is working better than ever after weeks of fat and eggs and butter. Influencer Paul Saladino was an advocate of the carnivore diet until he started experiencing some persistent unpleasant symptoms. Speaking on a health and fitness podcast, he recounted heart palpitations, muscle cramps and sleep disturbances. He researched the diet more and concluded it was detrimental to his health and probably "not a great thing for most humans". Most experts recommend balance, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is full of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and seeds – it even includes meat, fish and eggs – but everything in moderation. 词汇表 meat eater 肉食主义者，肉食者 carnivore [ˈkɑːnɪvɔː(r)] n. 食肉动物，肉食者 salmon [ˈsæmən] n. 三文鱼，鲑鱼 veg [vedʒ] n. 蔬菜（vegetables的缩写） carnivore diet [ˈkɑːnɪvɔː(r)] 纯肉饮食，食肉饮食（只吃动物来源的食物） poultry [ˈpəʊltri] n. 家禽肉，家禽（鸡、鸭、鹅等） animal-based [ˈænɪml beɪst] adj. 动物性的，动物源的 plant-based [plɑːnt beɪst] adj. 植物性的，植物基的 nutritionist [njuːˈtrɪʃənɪst] n. 营养学家，营养师 ketogenic diet [ˌkiːtəˈdʒenɪk] 生酮饮食（高脂低碳，利用脂肪而非糖分来供能） glucose [ˈɡluːkəʊs] n. 葡萄糖 carbohydrate [ˌkɑːbəʊˈhaɪdreɪt] n. 碳水化合物，糖类（缩写为carb） liver [ˈlɪvə(r)] n. 肝脏 ketone [ˈkiːtəʊn] n. 酮，酮体 fuel [ˈfjuːəl] vt. 给…提供能量 satiating [ˈseɪʃieɪtɪŋ] adj. 令人满足的，有饱腹感的 on top of 此外，除…之外 cut out 戒除，停止食用 sugary snacks [ˈʃʊɡəri] 含糖零食，甜食 fizzy drinks [ˈfɪzi] 碳酸饮料，汽水 intake [ˈɪnteɪk] n. 摄入量，摄入 by any stretch 无论如何，绝对不 essential nutrients [ɪˈsenʃl ˈnjuːtriənts] （人体）必需营养素 fibre [ˈfaɪbə(r)] n. 纤维，纤维素 stroke [strəʊk] n. 中风 saturated fat [ˈsætʃəreɪtɪd] 饱和脂肪 LDL cholesterol [kəˈlestərɒl] 低密度脂蛋白胆固醇，坏胆固醇 counteract [ˌkaʊntəˈrækt] vt. 抵消，中和，对抗 legume [ˈleɡjuːm] n. 豆类；豆科植物 wholegrain [ˈhəʊlɡreɪn] n. 全谷物；adj. 全谷物的 advocate [ˈædvəkeɪt] n. 倡导者，提倡者，拥护者 persistent [pəˈsɪstənt] adj. 持续的，反复出现的 recount [rɪˈkaʊnt] vt. 叙述，详述，细述 heart palpitation [ˌpælpɪˈteɪʃn] 心悸，心跳异常 muscle cramps [ˈmʌsl kræmps] 肌肉痉挛，肌肉抽筋 sleep disturbances [dɪˈstɜːbənsɪz] 睡眠障碍 detrimental [ˌdetrɪˈmentl] adj. 有害的，不利的 Mediterranean diet [ˌmedɪtəˈreɪniən] 地中海饮食（以鱼类、全谷物、蔬果等为主的健康饮食模式） in moderation [ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃn] 适度地，有节制地 📖 翻译、pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进【打卡交流群】

How does food affect our mood? Consuming food can be a pleasurable thing – we enjoy feasting on the mix of tastes and textures and it stops us feeling hungry too. Of course, food also gives us energy and the vitamins and minerals that our body needs. It's no wonder we spend so much time preparing and eating food. But what many of us don't consider is how our emotions are affected by what we put into our bellies. For me, it's the unhealthy foods that put a smile on my face – chocolate, cakes and ice cream – well, I do have a sweet tooth! It might seem obvious that food that's bad for our waistline, usually makes us happy, at least in the short term. Most of us get this feeling when we use food as a quick pick-me-up. But dieticians tell us that eating bad food long term, not only makes us put on weight but can lead to other health conditions such as diabetes, and it can also affect our mental state and bring on depression. The link between our mind and food has been looked at by scientists. They've recently found that it's the bacteria in our gut that affects our mood. It's thought we have 39 trillion of these simple, small organisms in our body. Researchers at McMaster University in Canada and University College Cork in Ireland, have found that certain 'good' bacteria help reduce anxiety in mice. And researchers at Kyushu University also found that germs help reduce stress and anxiety in mice. Experts believe that, for us humans, this means food with 'good' bacteria can improve the way we feel. Many food products are claiming to be high in this 'good' bacteria and some of the best types are homemade fermented food like miso soup, yoghurt and sauerkraut. This really makes me think twice about what I eat – maybe I should change my diet to perk me up! Doctor Michael Mosley would agree. He's been looking into this for the BBC and says the best food to cheer us up is in a "Mediterranean diet. Olive oil; oily fish, full of omega 3, which is really good for the brain; whole grains; lots of fruits and vegetables. Sugar: terrible for you!" So maybe it's time to lay off the fatty and sugary things. Eating healthily may seem simple, even if the science behind it is complex. It's not rocket science, but this is further evidence for the saying 'we are what we eat' – the person we are is determined by the food we eat. There are other factors that can change our mood, but it seems we have some ability to improve how we feel by controlling what we put on our plate. Does your diet affect your mood? 词汇表 pleasurable [ˈpleʒərəbl] adj. 令人愉快的，愉悦的 feast on [fiːst] 尽情享用，饱餐 texture [ˈtekstʃə(r)] n. 口感；质地 belly [ˈbeli] n. 腹部，肚子 put a smile on one's face 使某人开心，让某人面露笑容 sweet tooth n. 爱吃甜食，对甜食的喜好 waistline [ˈweɪstlaɪn] n. 腰围；腰身部分 pick-me-up n. 提神的东西，提振情绪的东西 dietician [ˌdaɪəˈtɪʃn] n. 营养师，营养学家 diabetes [ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz] n. 糖尿病 gut [ɡʌt] n. 肠道，消化道 organism [ˈɔːɡənɪzəm] n. 生物体，有机体，微生物 'good' bacteria [bækˈtɪəriə] n. 有益细菌（对健康有益的细菌，如肠道中的益生菌） germ [dʒɜːm] n. 细菌，微生物 fermented food [fəˈmentɪd] n. 发酵食品 miso soup [ˈmiːsəʊ] n. 味噌汤（日式传统汤品） yoghurt [ˈjɒɡərt] n. 酸奶，酸乳 sauerkraut [ˈsaʊəkraʊt] n. （德国）酸菜，泡菜 perk someone up [pɜːk] 使某人振作起来，使某人活跃起来 Mediterranean diet [ˌmedɪtəˈreɪniən] 地中海饮食（以橄榄油、鱼类、全谷物、蔬果为主的健康饮食模式 olive oil [ˈɒlɪv] n. 橄榄油 oily fish [ˈɔɪli] n. 油性鱼类，多脂鱼类（如三文鱼等，富含Omega-3） omega 3 [ˈəʊmɪɡə] n. 欧米伽3（一种对人体有益的多不饱和脂肪酸） whole grain [ɡreɪn] n. 全谷物，全麦 lay off 停止，戒掉（习惯、食物等） fatty [ˈfæti] adj. （食物）多脂肪的，油腻的 sugary [ˈʃʊɡəri] adj. 含糖量高的，高糖的 rocket science n.（喻）高深的学问，复杂的技术 we are what we eat 人如其食（指饮食决定人的健康和状态） 📖 翻译、pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进【打卡交流群】

Can our bodies really catch up on lost sleep? Regardless of who you are, when you get less than seven hours of sleep, you start accumulating what's known as sleep debt or sleep deficit. The Sleep Foundation defines it as the difference between the amount of sleep someone needs and the amount they actually get. Now, when you're in sleep debt, your body sends out a variety of warning signs. Think drowsiness, irritability, impatience, dull skin, dark circles, memory lapses, trouble concentrating, reduced libido or headaches, for example. In the long run, it hinders mental and physical recovery, weakening the immune system, affecting appetite and even potentially leading to cardiovascular issues. Rest assured, No sleep debt is irreversible, but bear in mind that even a single hour's lost sleep can take up to four days to recover from, according to research published in Scientific Reports in 2016. What can I do in the short term if I notice such symptoms? Try to get a little more sleep than usual in the days following, especially if you start getting an urge to nap during the day. But you don't want to overdo it. Limit yourself to an extra hour at most. If practical, a short nap of 20 to 30 minutes in the early afternoon can be beneficial. It helps restore alertness and reduce cardiovascular risks, as we've discussed on the show before when talking about power naps. Can't I just lie in on the weekend? Sadly not, that's a common misconception. The problem is that a late lying can disrupt your body's natural rhythm, which thrives on consistency. You might end up staying up late again and cutting your sleep short on Monday morning when you have to wake up early. It can easily end up becoming a vicious cycle, so an extra hour's sleep may be viable on the weekend, as in the week. But it shouldn't be a repeat or go-to solution. It's best avoided if you have ongoing sleep issues too. So how can we make up for lost sleep without disrupting our biological clock? The most important step is to establish good sleep hygiene. That means maintaining regular wake-up and bedtimes, and optimising your environment and habits to support falling asleep easily. Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco too late in the day, and try not to eat a heavy meal late in the evening. Turn off all electronic devices at least an hour and a half before bed. Trust me, reading is a more relaxing alternative bedtime activity. Ensure your bedroom isn't too warm and that you have comfortable bedding. The goal is to sleep well throughout the week, consistently and sufficiently, so you don't accumulate sleep debt to start with. In the morning, expose yourself to natural light as soon as possible to help regulate your biological clock. Finally, keeping a sleep journal can be a useful tool for self-assessment, helping you track your sleep habits and any sleep debt symptoms. That will also come in handy if you do ever need to see a healthcare professional for sleep problems. There you have it. 词汇表 sleep debt [det] n. 睡眠债（指实际睡眠时间少于所需睡眠时间的差额） sleep deficit [ˈdefɪsɪt] n. 睡眠赤字，睡眠不足（同sleep debt） drowsiness [ˈdraʊzinəs] n. 困倦，睡意 irritability [ˌɪrɪtəˈbɪləti] n. 易怒，暴躁 impatience [ɪmˈpeɪʃns] n. 急躁，不耐烦 dull skin [dʌl] n. 皮肤暗沉（皮肤缺乏光泽、显得无生气的状态） dark circles n. 黑眼圈 memory lapses [læpsɪz] n. 记忆力减退，记忆断层 libido [lɪˈbiːdəʊ] n. 性欲，性冲动 hinder [ˈhɪndə(r)] vt. 阻碍，妨碍 immune system [ɪˈmjuːn] n. 免疫系统 cardiovascular [ˌkɑːdiəʊˈvæskjələ(r)] adj. 心血管的 rest assured [əˈʃʊəd] （用于安慰某人）请放心，别担心 irreversible [ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl] adj. 不可逆转的，无法挽回的 overdo [ˌəʊvəˈduː] vt. 做得过分，过度 alertness [əˈlɜːtnəs] n. 警觉，清醒，机敏 power nap [næp] n. 能量小睡，恢复精力的小睡 lie in 睡懒觉，晚起 misconception [ˌmɪskənˈsepʃn] n. 误解，错误观念 natural rhythm n. 自然节律（指人体内在的生物钟和生理节律） thrive on [θraɪv] 依赖…而成功，在…蓬勃发展 consistency [kənˈsɪstənsi] n. 连贯性，一致性，规律性 vicious cycle [ˈvɪʃəs] n. 恶性循环 viable [ˈvaɪəbl] adj. 可行的，可实施的 go-to solution n. 首选解决方案，首选之策 biological clock [ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkl] n. 生物钟，生理时钟 sleep hygiene [ˈhaɪdʒiːn] n. 睡眠卫生（有助于改善睡眠的习惯和环境条件） tobacco [təˈbækəʊ] n. 烟草，烟叶 bedding [ˈbedɪŋ] n. 床上用品，寝具 come in handy [ˈhændi] 派上用场，迟早有用 healthcare professional [ˈhelθkeə prəˈfeʃənl] n. 医疗专业人员（如医生、护士等） 🪴翻译和pdf见公众号【琐简英语】，回复"1"可进入【打卡交流群】