Japanese researchers have developed electric chopsticks that enhance(增强) the salty taste of foods. The devices could help people who need to reduce their intake of sodium(钠). The chopsticks were developed by Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita and drink manufacturer Kirin Holdings Company.

Wiring connects the chopsticks to a small computer device tied to the eater’s hand. A weak electrical current transports sodium ions(离子) from food through the chopsticks to the mouth, said Miyashita. “As a result, the salty taste enhances 1.5 times,” he said.

Miyashita and his research team have explored different ways that technology can interact with human senses. He has also developed a television screen that a person can lick to taste different food flavors.

The traditional diet in Japan is salty. The average Japanese adult eats about 10 grams of salt each day. That is two times the amount suggested by the World Health Organization. High sodium intake is connected to increased cases of high blood pressure, strokes(中风) and other conditions. “To prevent these diseases, we need to reduce the amount of salt we take,” said Kirin researcher Ai Sato.

Sato added that if Japanese people try to reduce salt intake in the usual ways, they will need to cut many of their favorite foods from their diet. Otherwise, she said, they would have to eat bland, or flavorless, food. Miyashita and Kirin are improving their chopsticks and hope to have them ready to sell as early as next year.

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1.What’s the function of the electric chopsticks?

A They can increase food sales.

B They can improve the taste of food.

C They can make the food taste saltier.

D They can change people’s eating habits.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第一段的“Japanese researchers have developed electric chopsticks that enhance the salty taste of foods.”可知，这种电子筷能增强食物的咸味。故选C。

2.What plays the key role in the electric chopsticks?

A The eater’s hand.

B Some sodium ions.

C The small computer device.

D The weak electrical current.

解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第二段的“A weak electrical current transports sodium ions from food through the chopsticks to the mouth”可知，弱电流将食物中的钠离子通过筷子运送到嘴里，从而增强了食物的咸味。故选D。

3.What’s the daily salt intake suggested by WHO?

A 5 grams.

B 10 grams.

C 15 grams.

D 20 grams.

解析：选A。A 数字计算题。根据第四段的“The average Japanese adult eats about 10 grams of salt each day. That is two times the amount suggested by the World Health Organization.”可知，日本成年人平均每天摄入约10克盐，是世界卫生组织推荐摄入量的两倍，由此可知，世界卫生组织推荐每日盐摄入量大约是5克。故选A。

4.What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A Japanese have to eat their favourite food less.

B Japanese wouldn’t like to reduce their salt intake.

C The electric chopsticks still need further improvement.

D People can buy electric chopsticks anywhere in Japan now.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。根据最后一段的“Miyashita and Kirin are improving their chopsticks and hope to have them ready to sell as early as next year.”可知，宫下和美和麒麟公司正在改进他们的筷子，他们希望最早在明年进入市场。由此推断此电子筷仍需进一步改进。故选C。