手機(jī)總放在身邊會導(dǎo)致認(rèn)知能力下降

It has long been believed that the smartphones in our pockets are actually making us dumber; but now there is evidence for it.

人們一直都覺得口袋里的智能手機(jī)讓我們越來越笨了，現(xiàn)在有科學(xué)證據(jù)來證明了。

The constant presence of a mobile phone has a "brain drain" effect that significantly reduces people's intelligence and attention spans, a study has found.

Researchers at the University of Texas discovered that people are worse at conducting tasks and remembering information if they have a smartphone within eye shot. In two experiments they found phones sitting on a desk or even in a pocket or handbag would distract users and lead to worse test scores even when it was set up not to disturb test subjects.

The effect was measurable even when the phones were switched off, and was worse for those who were deemed more dependent on their mobiles.

"Although these devices have immense potential to improve welfare, their persistent presence may come at a cognitive cost," said Dr Adrian Ward, the lead author of the study. "Even when people are successful at maintaining sustained attention - as when avoiding the temptation to check their phones - the mere presence of these devices reduces available cognitive capability."

1 persistent

adj.堅(jiān)持不懈的，執(zhí)意的;持續(xù)的

參考例句：

Albert had a persistent headache that lasted for three days.艾伯特連續(xù)頭痛了三天。

She felt embarrassed by his persistent attentions.他不時地向她大獻(xiàn)殷勤，使她很難為情。

2 cognitive

adj.認(rèn)知的，認(rèn)識的，有感知的

參考例句：

As children grow older,their cognitive processes become sharper.孩子們越長越大，他們的認(rèn)知過程變得更為敏銳。

The cognitive psychologist is like the tinker who wants to know how a clock works.認(rèn)知心理學(xué)者倒很像一個需要通曉鐘表如何運(yùn)轉(zhuǎn)的鐘表修理匠。

3 ward

n.守衛(wèi)，監(jiān)護(hù)，病房，行政區(qū)，由監(jiān)護(hù)人或法院保護(hù)的人(尤指兒童);vt.守護(hù)，躲開

參考例句：

The hospital has a medical ward and a surgical ward.這家醫(yī)院有內(nèi)科病房和外科病房。

During the evening picnic,I'll carry a torch to ward off the bugs.傍晚野餐時，我要點(diǎn)根火把，抵擋蚊蟲。

4 mere

adj.純粹的;僅僅，只不過

參考例句：

That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不過是重復(fù)了你以前講的話。

It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去純粹是浪費(fèi)時間。

5 capability

n.能力;才能;(pl)可發(fā)展的能力或特性等

參考例句：

She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潛力成為杰出演員。

Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.組織整個部門是他能力以外的事。