Reading
課文翻譯與重點分析
| 近來，很少有別的科技像奈米科技一樣廣受報導。每天幾乎都有關於奈米科技業新發展的報導：新的研究、新的產品或針對未來應用的新想法。奈米科技主要以其運作的規模來定義：大小為十億分之一米，或者約為人類頭髮寬度的十萬分之一。奈米科技的目標是經由巧妙地操作原子微粒，好在分子的層次上來建構各種材料和產品。 今日奈米 奈米科技仍在萌芽階段，但是許多已上市的材料都是拜奈米科技之賜。抗污的衣物用奈米大小的二氧化鈦分子來防止各種液體滲透。美容和防曬用品的廠商 |
1. Few technologies make headlines these days as much as nanotechnology.（見第1行）
(1) few 表示很少。
比較：only a few、very few 都表示「少」的概念，但quite a few、not a few、more than a few 是表示「多」的概念。
例：We’d better hurry; we have only a few minutes before the train leaves.
She must have made more than a few mistakes in the report. I’m guessing that’s why she had to spend so much time revising it.
(2) make headlines = to be widely reported and become famous 成為大新聞
類似用法有：grab (the) headlines、to be in the headlines、to hit the headlines。
例：The president’s scandal made/grabbed/ hit the headlines of all the newspapers.
(3) as much as = an amount that is equal and not less 和……一樣多
例：I’ve done as much as I can to help you.
This bag isn’t worth as much as you paid for it.
(4) 奈米的英文是nanometer，nano翻譯成「奈」，meter就是「一米（公尺）」，奈米也就是把一公尺分成十億份之後的長度。一般說到奈米科技，指的是以研究發展0.1到100奈米物質的科學和技術。奈米科技涵蓋的領域甚廣，從基礎科學橫跨至應用科學，包括物理、化學、材料、光電、生物及醫藥等。
2. Announcements appear almost daily of new developments in the nanotech world: new research, new products, or new ideas for future applications.（見第2行）
Almost every day, we can see reports about new things happening in the field of nanotechnology.
這句話的順序原是：
Announcements of new developments in the nanotech world appear almost daily: ....
3. Nanotechnology is any technology defined primarily by the scale at which it acts: one billionth of a meter, or about a hundred thousandth the width of a human hair.（見第4行）
(1) Nanotechnology is any technology defined primarily by the scale....
= Nanotechnology is any technology that is defined primarily by the scale....
be defined by 由……來定義
例：A man’s value is not defined only by his job.
(2) at a ... scale 以……規模
例：Nanotechnology is a technology that acts at an extremely tiny scale.
In today’s world, the outbreak of certain diseases could have an effect at a
global scale.
(3) a hundred thousandth the width of ... ……的十萬分之一寬
倍數詞＋the + N + of
= 倍數詞 as + adj./adv. 原級 + as
= 倍數詞 + adj./adv. 比較級 + than
例： His cellphone was three times the price of mine.
= His cellphone was three times as expensive as mine.
= His cellphone was three times more expensive than mine.
有關本句型更詳盡的說明請參見第三冊第五課Grammar Focus II。
4. The goal of nanotechnology is to manipulate individual atoms in order to engineer materials and products at the molecular level.（見第7行）
(1) be動詞後面用to V表示目的（goal）。
manipulate: to control or handle something 運用；操作
(2) in order to + V = so as to + V = in order that + 子句 = with a view to + N/V-ing = with an eye to + N/V-ing 為了……
(3) engineer: to design and plan something 設計；處理
(4) at the molecular level 以分子的規模
所有物質都是由分子組成，而奈米約為分子或DNA的大小。奈米科技便是運用我們對奈米系統的了解，將原子或分子設計組合成新的奈米結構，並以其為基本「建築磚塊」（building block），加以製作、組裝成新的材料、元件或系統，其製程是屬於「由小做大」（bottom up）。
5. Nanotechnology is still in its early stages.（見第10行）
in the early/initial stages of 在（發展、成長）的初期
例： Family plays an important role in a child’s early stages of development.
6. But it has contributed to several materials already on the market.（見第10行）
(1) contribute to: to help to make something happen 促成；導致
例： The president’s generosity contributed to the establishment of the charity.
His greed contributed to his bankruptcy.
(2) on the market: available for people to buy 上市的；販售的
例：The company says the new model will be on the market by next month.
7. Stain-resistant clothing uses nano-sized titanium dioxide particles to repel liquids.（見第11行）
(1) stain-resistant「抗污的」，是屬於N(-)adj. 的複合形容詞結構，類似的形容詞有: scratch-resistant、heat-resistant、fire-resistant等。
有關複合形容詞結構的其他種組合，請參照第四冊第二課Grammar Focus II。
(2) nano-sized「奈米大小的」，本課有許多和nano- 這個字首（prefix）連用的字，例如：
nano-particles、nano-enhanced plastic、nano-machines等，都是表示「奈米的」或「經奈米處理過的」。
(3) titanium dioxide二氧化鈦
奈米二氧化鈦在紫外光催化下具有潔淨和殺菌作用，被廣泛用於潔具陶瓷、玻璃及瓷磚表面等材料，在去除水中有機物和殺滅水中細菌的水處理方面亦受矚目。
市面上常見的「光觸媒」產品，其原理是藉由紫外光或太陽光的照射，使觸媒表面的電子吸收足夠能量而脫離分解。一般的污染物或病源體多半是碳水化合物，分解後大部份會變成無害的水及二氧化碳，因此可以達到除污及滅菌的目標。
做為光觸媒的材料眾多，其中二氧化鈦因氧化能力強、化學性安定又無毒，自一九七二年發現至今，已成為最近當紅的奈米光觸媒家電、口罩等民生用品的最愛。
8. Manufacturers of cosmetics and sunscreen have also used these nano-particles to give their products more durability.（見第13行）
Companies that make cosmetics and sunscreens have added these nano-sized particles to their products in order to make them last longer.
| 也利用奈米分子來增加其產品的持久性。奈米大小的分子不久將被應用在許多其他的用途上，從保護液晶顯示器免於刮傷的膜套，到使軍隊裡運輸工具更強韌的防護鋼板都有。市面上還有一種奈米強化的新型塑膠製品，在燈光之下就能發電。手機業者正密切注意此項原料的發展，也許有一天你的手機會持續地自我充電呢！ 未來潛力 目前奈米科技主要的發展方向是利用奈米大小的成份來強化現有的物質。但真正令人感到興奮的是它未來的潛力，科學家期望能研發出可以在原子規模下運作的完整裝置，好應用於以下各領域： |
9. Nano-sized particles will soon be used in dozens of other applications, from coatings that make LCD displays more scratch-resistant to stronger armor for military vehicles.（見第17行）
(1) 一個紅血球細胞約一千奈米，一個氫原子約0.1奈米，而一個奈米分子的大小約和一個分子及DNA大小一樣。
(2) dozens of/a dozen = a lot of 許多
例： We’d better hurry. We have dozens of things to do before the guests come.
I’ve told you a dozen times that he is not the right person for you.
(3) application n. [C] 運用，應用
a wide range of applications 廣泛的應用
(4) from ... to ... 「從……到……」，本句中from 和to後面各接一個名詞（coating、 armor）。
(5) coating n. [C] 塗層
例： I ate a piece of toast with a thick coating of peanut butter.
10. There is also a new type of nano-enhanced plastic on the market that can generate power when exposed to light.（見第22行）
There is also a new type of nano-enhanced plastic on the market that can generate power when (the plastic/it is) exposed to light.
(1) enhance v. [T] 提高（品質、效能等）
enhancement n. [U, C] 提高；增加
例：The topic of my speech today is how to enhance the quality of our lives.
The enhancement of administrative efficiency should be the priority of workplace
reform.
(2) when exposed to light是分詞構句，省略與前句相同的主詞a new type of nano-enhanced plastic，所以原句 = There is also a new type of nano-enhanced plastic on the market that can generate power when (the plastic/it is) exposed to light.
(3) be exposed to + N 暴露於；接觸
例：People talking on cellphones for a long time may be exposed to the danger of
radiation.
When Jun goes to college, he will be exposed to a lot of new ideas.
11. Cellphone manufacturers are taking a closer look at this material.（見第23行）
Companies that make cellphones are researching this material (in order to see how they might use it in their products).
(1) take/have a look at: the act of looking at something 看
例： Let me have a good look at you, my child. How much you have changed!
(2) close: careful 仔細的
take/have/get a close look at something 仔細地看清楚
keep a close watch/eye on 小心看顧
例： Keep a close eye on the kids while I am away.
12. Someday your cellphone might be able to continually charge itself!（見第24行）
(1) someday/some day: at an unknown time in the future 有朝一日
比較：one day 可指過去或未來某一天
例： One day last week, I saw him take the money from the drawer.
I believe he will pay for what he has done one day.
(2) be able to + V 能夠
比較：be capable of + V-ing
例： The baby birds won’t leave the nest until they are able to fly on their own.
Mitch is capable of doing several things at one time.
(3) charge v. [I, T] 充電
charge sth. up 給……充電
例： When the red light is on it means the battery is charging.
A new cellphone needs to be charged up for twelve hours before being used for the first time.
13. Current nanotech efforts have focused primarily on using nano-sized ingredients to enhance existing materials.（見第27行）
(1) focus on: to give special attention to 集中於
to focus one’s attention/mind/efforts on sth. 集中注意力／心力／努力於……之上
例： For the time being, we should focus our minds on winning the election.
(2) nano-sized 「奈米大小的」請參考重點分析7 (2)。
(3) existing adj. 現有的，現存的
例：Some existing regulations need to be modified.
14. But the really exciting potential of nanotech lies in the future, where scientists hope to build complete devices that operate at the atomic level.（見第28行）
But the ways in which nanotechnology will be used in the future are even more exciting. In the future, scientists believe they will be able to build complete machines that are very, very tiny (atomic-sized).
(1) lie in: be in, consist in 在於
例： The answer to the problem lies in mutual trust.
(2) where conj. used to talk about a particular stage in a process, conversation, story etc.; sometimes used instead of “in/at which” or “when”
例： Whenever he reached a point where/at which he felt blocked, he would take a break and go out for some fresh air.
where修飾the future，指的是奈米科技的潛力是在未來這個階段，才是真正令人可以期待的。
(3) at the atomic level = at the level of atoms; at the level at which atoms work/interact
原子的大小約在0.1 到0.3奈米之間。人造奈米結構的製作方法是利用原子之間的作用力，由原子與分子自行組成奈米大小的原子團或大分子，而這些原子團或大分子再自行組織成我們所要的排列。這種由下而上的製作方法的好處是簡單，靠自然的作用力，不用花太大的精力就能大量生產。
(http://nr.stic.gov.tw/ejournal/Nscm/9411/9411-05.pdf)
| 電腦科技 如果電腦零件能以原子規模來建造，目前速度最快的個人電腦將可以擺入一個針頭裡，而十億台甚至更多台現今的超級電腦將可放入一個鞋盒裡。雖然科學家還要好幾十年才有能力製造出這種超迷你的電腦，但現在他們在其他領域已經有了一些突破性的進展。例如：最近在降低原子間摩擦力的實驗，可能很快就可以將電腦記憶體容量的密度，提升為現有的一百倍。想像一下，如果你的iPod能夠載入比現在多一百倍的歌曲會是什麼樣子！ 醫藥保健 奈米科技最大的潛力在於醫藥保健方面。生物系統是在原子的規模下運作，所以奈米機器人可以直接和人體的基本結構互動。這些小機器人可以對抗諸如癌症的疾病， |
15. If computer components could be constructed at the atomic level, today’s fastest personal computer would fit on the head of a pin---and a billion or more of today’s supercomputers could fit in a shoebox.（見第33行）
本句用假設語氣，表示目前奈米科技雖然發展迅速，但電腦零件尚未能做到如原子分子一般大小的地步，所以現在當然也還看不到可以放入針頭裡的電腦。
16. Scientists are decades away from being able to construct such tiny computers, but they have made significant progress in other areas.（見第39行）
(1) 時間＋away 「經過……時間以後」，後面如果有一個相對的時間點，則接from。
例： Our midterm exams are only two weeks away.
We have got to hurry. We’re now less than one month away from the deadline.
(2) make progress 進展；前進
例：Lydia has made good progress in math.
They made slow progress in the heavy snow.
17. For example, recent experiments in reducing friction at the atomic level may soon lead to computer storage devices that can hold 100 times the density of current devices.（見第42行）
For example, experiments have been done recently in which scientists were able to reduce the amount of friction that occurs at the atomic level. These experiments could help scientists to develop computer storage devices that can hold 100 times more information than the devices now being used.
(1) experiment n./v. 可加介系詞in、on、with
to conduct/do/make/perform/try/carry out an experiment 做實驗
the experiment confirms/demonstrates/ finds/illustrates/proves/shows/indicates/suggests sth. 這項實驗確認／指出／證實／顯示／暗示
例： Some people argue that experiments on animals should be banned.
Scientists are experimenting with the effects of laser treatment.
The teachers are experimenting with new teaching methods.
(2) lead to = result in = bring about = give rise to = cause 引起；導致
例： Lack of communication can lead to misunderstanding.
Overwork can give rise to a breakdown in health.
(3) ...computer storage devices that can hold 100 times the density of current devices.
= ...computer storage devices that can hold 100 times as much as current devices.
= ... computer storage devices that can hold 100 times more than current devices.
倍數的比較如下：
A is 倍數 the + N of B = A is 倍數 as ... as B = A is 倍數 + 比較級 + than B
例： This box is four times the size of that one.
= This box is four times as big as that one.
= This box is four times bigger than that one.
請老師提醒學生，用第一種句型代換時，要找一個對等於其他句型中形容詞的名詞。
例如：long→length large→size
tall→height wide→width
18. Imagine if your iPod held 100 times the songs that it does today!（見第44行）
= Imagine if your iPod held 100 times as many songs as it holds today!
= Imagine if your iPod held 100 times more songs than it holds today!
此處的助動詞does代替前面提過的動詞held （hold）。if子句是與現在事實相反的假設句，故動詞用過去式。
iPod是APPLE 推出的一種大容量MP3播放器，可存放2,500~10,000首歌曲。除了播放MP3以外，iPod還可以作為高速移動硬碟使用，可以顯示聯絡人、日曆和任務，以及閱讀純文字電子書和聆聽Audible的有聲電子書。iPod當中的I是我的意思，Pod有幾種解釋：PersonalOnDemand、PersonalOptionDigital和PortableOnDemand。這幾個縮寫都有道理，因為它們從不同的角度描述了iPod的特性，那就是：Personal（個人化的）、OnDemand（點播式的）、Digital（數位的）和Portable（方便攜帶的）。
（參考網站：http://forum.taobao.com/forum-38/show_thread----8667894-.htm）
19. Nanotechnology’s greatest potential is in medicine.（見第47行）
is in = lies in = consists in 在於
例： Its value is in its novelty. No one has ever seen or heard of it before.
20. Since biological systems operate at the atomic level, nano-machines could interact directly with the basic structure of the human body.（見第47行）
Because biological systems (such as the human body) work at a very small (or atomic) level, nano-sized machines could be used in a way that works directly with the human body’s basic structure.
(1) since = because 因為
(2) interact with: to communicate with or react to 和……互相作用；互相影響
例： Dolphins interact with each other and with their environment primarily through the use of sound.
21. These tiny machines could fight diseases such as cancer before these diseases have a chance to become life-threatening.（見第50行）
(1) such as: like 例如
such as 和for example的不同：
a. such as 常用來列舉事項以便說明；for example則用來舉例說明。
b. such as 放句中，前面不加逗點；for example放句中前面則要逗點。
c. such as後面加名詞或動名詞；for example 後面加子句、名詞或動名詞。
例： Joan likes extreme sports such as rock climbing, bungee jumping and water skiing.
Our school can become more environmentally-friendly by, for example, using recycled paper and rainwater.
(2) life-threatening「危及生命的」，修飾diseases。
life-threatening diseases = diseases that threaten life
| 在它們危害到生命之前予以剷除。另外，微型監測機器人可以在你的身體裡遊走，記錄病情並傳回資訊，讓醫生可以輕鬆地決定該採用哪一種治療方式。 生態環境 從許多方面來說，我們的環境就像一個大型的生物系統。奈米機器人在這個系統裡的運作類似於其在人體內的情況——在原子的規模下對抗有害的污染物。目前最刻不容緩要做的就是水資源的淨化。全世界有許多地區尚無乾淨的飲用水和起碼的環境衛生。將奈米機器引進到受污染的水源後，將可以殺死水中有害的細菌。 潛在的危險 很不幸地，將奈米科技引進生態環境，卻也可能同時帶來新的危險。微小的奈米分子意味著它們可以任意進出動植物的細胞，因而可能造成危害。最近的一項研究指出，一種稱為 |
22. Other applications might be tiny monitor robots that cruise around your body recording and transmitting information so doctors can easily determine what treatment is needed.（見第52行）
(1) monitor: a machine that measures and shows the level, speed, temperature, etc. of sth. 監測器
monitor robots 監測機器人
(2) cruise: to sail along and visit many places 巡航；巡行
(3) recording and transmitting information是分詞構句，是由省略連接詞and而來的。
Other applications might be tiny monitor robots that cruise around your body recording and transmitting information....
= Other applications might be tiny monitor robots that cruise around your body, and record and transmit information....
(4) what在這裡當疑問詞，所引導的名詞子句 what treatment is needed作determine的受詞。
23. In many ways the environment is one large biological system.（見第58行）
in many/some ways 從許多／某些方面來說
in a/one way 從某方面來說；某種程度上
in no way: used to say that something is not true 絕非
例：In many ways, science and technology cannot solve the problems that we face in
the world today.
In one way I think Albert is right in saying so.
This should in no way be seen as a pure accident.
24. Nano-machines in the environment would operate in much the same way as they would in the human body---fighting harmful pollutants at the atomic level.（見第59行）
Nano-sized machines could be used in the environment in a similar way as they could be used in the human body. They could help to clean up pollution by attacking it at a very, very small (or atomic) level.
(1) much當副詞，用來修飾the same。
(2) the same ... as ... 和……一樣
| 文法／句型 the same + N常和 as或who/that 連用。 【比較】 the same ... as ... 指同一種類的人事物 the same ... that 指同一個人事物 例：She has the same necklace as yours. 她的項鍊和你的（外型）一樣。 They are the same people who/that bullied my brother at school. 這些人就是在學校欺負我弟弟的那批人。 【比較】 the same as ... 「和……一樣」 the same with ... 「……也一樣」 例：Your situation is exactly the same as David’s. 你的情況和大衛的情況一模一樣。 Mandy has a phobia about talking to strangers on the phone. It’s the same with Tony. 曼蒂很怕在電話裡和陌生人交談，東尼也一樣。 |
(3) would後面省略與前面相同的動詞operate。
25. One desperately-needed application would be that of water purification.（見第61行）
(1) desperately-needed是一個結構為adv.-p.p. 的複合形容詞，修飾application。這句話可以改成：One application, which is desperately needed, would be that of water purification.。
(2) that代表前面提過的application，原句 = One desperately-needed application would be the application of water purification.。
26. Nano-machines introduced to polluted water could kill harmful bacteria.（見第63行）
(1) 這句話可以改成：Nano-machines could be introduced to polluted water and could kill harmful bacteria. 或 Nano-machines could be introduced to polluted water in order to kill harmful bacteria.
(2) introduce v. [T] 引進，採用
例： Production has risen since the new technology was introduced.
(3) bacteria 「細菌」為複數型，其單數型為bacterium。
其他意思相近的字有：germ 「細菌；病菌」；microbe 「微生物；（會導致疾病的）細菌」；microorganism 「微生物」；virus 「病毒」。
27. The very tiny size of nano-particles means that they are able to move inside plant and animal cells, possibly causing harm.（見第67行）
(1) very adj. (= exact)「正是；就是」，強調tiny size。
(2) ...that they are able to move inside plant and animal cells, possibly causing harm.
= ...that they are able to move inside plant and animal cells, and in this way they could possibly cause harm.
28. One recent study showed that a type of nano-particle called buckyballs, when introduced into an aquarium, caused significant brain damage in fish after only 48 hours.（見第69行）
(1) 在寫文章時，若我們要引用研究的結果或報導的內容，常用的引介動詞有：
A recent study showed/indicated/suggested/ reported/found/said/demonstrated/concluded/ revealed that S + V
這些動詞用現在式或過去式皆可，比例上以過去式用法較多。
(2) that引介的名詞子句中主詞是nano-particle，動詞是caused。when引導的副詞子句夾在此名詞子句中間，表示條件。整句話嵌入許多小子句，結構稍微複雜些，還原之後，原來的句構為：One recent study showed that when a type of nano-particle that/which is called buckyballs was introduced into an aquarium, it caused significant brain damage in fish after only 48 hours.
| 「巴克球」的奈米分子，放入水族箱僅四十八小時之後，竟然就能導致魚群腦部嚴重受損。此外，二氧化鈦奈米分子——已廣為應用於幾項產品中——能迅速殺死細菌，若用來抑制醫院或飲用水裡的細菌是很好，但用在生態環境中則不行，因為在生態系統中，細菌是重要的一部份。 環保專家說，還要好幾年才能建立奈米科技的使用規範。這項研究尚未完成，而目前對環境毒性的測量方法也不適用於奈米科技。同時，對不同種類的奈米分子也許需要不同的規定，有些也許比較危險些，有些則不。奈米專家認為現階段不用太過擔心環境議題，他們樂觀地表示，業者將會對奈米科技的應用持負責的態度。 不管奈米科技將給環境帶來怎樣的衝擊，它的存在似乎已是既定的事實。歡迎來到小小世界！ |
29. Additionally, titanium dioxide nano-particles--the type already used in several products---can quickly kill bacteria.（見第72行）
additionally 「此外」，可以代換成besides、furthermore、moreover、apart from that等。
30. Environmental experts say that it will be several years before nanotech regulations can be established.（見第76行）
According to people who are experts in environmental science, it will be several more years before the government can set up rules for the use of nanotechnology.
It will be + 時間 + before ... 在……之前要……時間；還要……時間才能……
注意：before所引介的子句通常用現在式動詞表示未來。
例： It will be several years before he takes over the business.
It will be long before we meet again.
而It won’t be long before ... 表「不久」。兩者更詳細的比較和說明請參見本課Grammar Focus I。
31. The research is far from finished, and current methods for measuring environmental toxicity can’t be applied to nanotechnology.（見第77行）
(1) far from = not ... at all 一點也不
例：Though the woman is rich, she is far from happy.
A: Is it true that Jan and Leo are getting married?
B: Far from it. I believe they are about to break up.（絕對沒那回事。）
(2) be applied to 被使／應用於
例： The school rules can’t be applied to someone who is not enrolled as a student in the school. (or: The school rules can’t be applied in this case.)
Methods using nanotechnology are being applied to/in almost every field.
apply to 適用於……
例：The mother said to her two children: “I don’t want to hear any more complaints. This applies to both of you!”
32. Also, there might have to be a different set of rules for each class of nano-particles.（見第79行）
這句話是由簡單句慢慢加字上去演變出來的：
簡單句：There is a different set of rules for each class of nano-particles.
加have to: There has to be a different set of rules for each class of nano-particles.
再加助動詞might: There might have to be a different set of rules for each class of nano-particles.
另外也可加seem：
加seem: There seems to be a different set of rules (needed) for each class of nano-particles.
或加別的助動詞：There will be a different set of rules for each class of nano-particles.
33. Some may be more dangerous than others.（見第80行）
some和others常常連用，others在此為代名詞，表示「其他的人或東西」。
例： Do to others as you would have others do to you.
To some, math is a big headache; to others, it’s a piece of cake.
34. Nanotech experts say that environmental concerns, at this point, aren’t significant enough to worry about.（見第81行）
at this point: at this point in time; at present; at this moment; at this juncture 此時
例： At this point we cannot afford to buy an LCD television.
35. Whatever the environmental impact, it seems nanotechnology is here to stay.（見第85行）
Whether nanotechnology will have a good or bad effect on the environment, it seems that this technology will continue to be developed. In other words, we cannot stop it from being developed.
whatever the environmental impact = no matter what the environmental impact will be
沒有留言:
張貼留言