More than four decades ago,British scientist Robert Edwards first witnessed the miracle of human life growing inside a test tube at his Cambridge lab. Since that groundbreaking moment,more than four million babies have been born through IVF(in vitro fertilization)(体外受精)and in 2010 his great contribution to science was finally recognized as he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The prize for Dr. Edwards,who was given a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award in 2008,includes a ₤ 900,000check. The Nobel Assembly described IVF as“a milestone in modern medicine”.
With the help of fellow scientist Patrick Steptoe,the Batley-born physiologist developed IVF — leading to the birth of the world's first test-tube baby. Dr. Steptoe died 10 years later but their work has given hope to millions of couples.
It was a scientific breakthrough that transformed-the lives of millions of couples. They said,“His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility,a disease which makes humans unable to have a baby. This condition has been afflicting a large percentage of mankind including more than 10%of all couples worldwide.”
Louise Brown,the world's first test-tube baby,made international headlines when she was born in Oldham,Greater Manchester,in 1978 to parents Lesley and John who had been fruitlessly trying for a baby since 1969.
IVF is the process where egg cells are fertilized outside the body before being implanted in the womb(子宫). After a cycle of IVF,the probability of a couple with infertility problems having a baby is one in five — the same as healthy couples who conceive(怀孕)naturally.
Professor Edwards,who has five daughters and 11 grandchildren,began his research at the University of Cambridge in 1963,after receiving his PhD in 1955. He once said,“The most important thing in life is having a child. Nothing is more special than a child.”With the help of Patrick Steptoe, Prof. Edwards founded the Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridgeshire, which now treats more than 900 women a year. Each year, more than 30,000 women in Britain receive IVF and 11,000 babies are born as a result of the treatment.
But his work attracted widespread criticism from some scientists who said it was“unethical and immoral”.
Martin Johnson, professor of Reproductive Sciences at the University of Cambridge, said the award was “long overdue”. He said,“We couldn't understand why the Nobel Prize has come so late but he is delighted — this is the cherry on the cake for him.”
Professor Edwards was too ill to give interviews but a statement released by his family said he was“thrilled and delighted”.
【小题1】What is Robert Edwards' great contribution to science?
A.Enabling millions of couples to live a better life. |
B.Seeing the wonder of the first test-tube baby. |
C.Helping couples with infertility to have test-tube babies. |
D.Challenging a disease which stops humans having babies. |
【小题2】The underlined word"afflicting"(Paragraph 4) can be replaced by ____________.
A.troubling | B.developing |
C.improving | D.confusing |
【小题3】Why did Professor Edwards begin his research on the test-tube baby?
A.Because he thought it of great importance to have a child in life. |
B.Because the birthrate around the world was unexpectedly low then. |
C.Because a special child did make a difference to an ordinary family. |
D.Because his fellow scientist wanted to give hope to the unlucky couples. |
【小题4】It can be inferred from Paragraph 8 and Paragraph 9 that ____________.
A.Professor Edwards deserved the prize for his breakthrough |
B.different opinions were voiced on Professor Edwards' contribution |
C.some people envied Professor Edwards for his being awarded |
D.the prize was late because the contribution was first considered immoral |