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Scientists say they are close to producing a pill that would protect us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Researchers have located the chemicals coral uses to protect itself and can use these to produce a synthetic sun-shield compound. A sunscreen pill could be available by the year 2016. This is good news for sun-lovers as they would only need to take a pill once a week, instead of slapping sunscreen every few hours. A sunbather on Sydney’s Bondi Beach welcomed this news, saying, “Bring it on. No more sunscreen. No more sunburn. Now we can stay out in the sun all day long.” However, some scientists warned the pill could be harmful as too much sun protection can lead to vitamin D deficiency, resulting in weak bones.

The research team analyzed coral samples from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to find out how coral can survive under the sun without suffering any damage. They discovered that algae(水藻) provide the coral with the chemicals it needs to shield itself from UV rays. Lead scientist Dr Paul Long said, "What we have found is that the algae living within the coral make a compound that we think is transported to the coral, which then modifies it into a sunscreen for the benefit of both the coral and the algae.” He added, “If we can determine how this compound is created and passed on, we could biosynthetically develop it in a lab to create a sunscreen for human use.” He said testing on humans could take place in the next two years.

1.When could a sunscreen pill be available?

A In 2018.

B By the year 2020.

C In 2021.

D By the year 2016.

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据第一段第三句A sunscreen pill could be available by the year 2016.可知，故选D。

2.How often do the people take a pill?

A Once a week.

B Twice a week.

C Three times a week.

D Four times a week.

解析：选A。细节理解题。根据第一段第四句This is good news for sun-lovers as they would only need to take a pill once a week...可知，故选A。

3.Some scientists warned the pill can result in _______.

A vitamin D deficiency

B weak bones

C healthy body

D vitamin D deficiency and weak bones

解析：选D。细节理解。根据第一段最后一However, some scientists warned the pill could be harmful as too much sun protection can lead to vitamin D deficiency, resulting in weak bones.可知，故选D。

4.What’s the meaning of the underlined words “resulting in”?

A 导致.

B 有利于.

C 因为.

D 制造.

解析：选A。词义猜测题。根据语境判定应该是“导致”。故选A。

5.The passage is about _______.

A sunscreen pills

B the coral

C the sunscreen

D UV rays

解析：选A。主旨大意题。文章所述为“防嗮药”。故选A。