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Feeling lonely can make you sick.Doctors have long known that loneliness is associated with heart
troubles, viral infections, and higher death rates.What they didn't know is how this feeling causes illness.
A study in the September issue of the online journal Genome Biology suggests that loneliness actually
affects the very core of our bodies-our genes.
In a small population of patients, researchers surveyed more than 20,000 genes using DNA skills to
compare how the genes of lonelyand nonlonely individuals express themselves in molecular (分子)
processes and, ultimately, in personal health.They found that gene expression is different at 209 sites in
chronically lonely people and that many of those changes fit a pattern of elevated immune activation,
inflammation (炎症), and depressed response to infection."We now have a molecular framework for
understanding the relationship between social experience and physical health, "explains the study's lead
author, Steve Cole.
The study found that loneliness decreases the response of some body receptors, cutting off the immune
control and anti－inflammatory effects of the stress－related hormone that also helps regulate the
conversion of carbohydrates (碳水化合物) to energy.The depressed response of the stress－related
hormone concurs with the known effects of loneliness and provides a potential target for treatment.
"This study-the first to link feelings with gene changes-is in some sense groundbreaking, "says Emma
Adam, an associate professor at Northwestern University."It fills in the black box."
According to John Cacioppo, an author of the study and a psychologist from the University of
Chicago, the work suggests that loneliness is a warning sign, much like physical pain."This very process
of feeling bad because of disconnection contributes to whatitmeans to be human, "he says."It makes us
care for other people and want to reconnect when we're disconnected."
1. From the passage we know lonely people________.
A. have higher rates of diseases
B. have bad and little genes
C. are full of energ
D. are quick to the responses of some body receptors
2. According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. The lonely people's gene expression is quite different from the gene pattern of some diseases.
B. Researchers and doctors can deal with loneliness by regulating the stress－related hormone.
C. Loneliness is a warning sign of physical pain.
D. The study of loneliness is of little value at present.
3. The underlined word "it" in the last paragraph refers to__________.
A. the work
B. the process of feeling bad
C. loneliness
D. to be human
4. Which of the following is the best suggestion to lonely people?
A. Go to hospital to have a medical examination once a week.
B. Take more social activities.
C. Take more physical exercises.
D. Ring your friends when you need their help.
5. What's the best title for the passage?
A. Feeling Lonely Can Make You Sick
B. A Survey on Loneliness
C. Why Loneliness Is Bad for You
D. Genes and Loneliness

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