Language Point 1
Last week's news that scientists had cloned a sheep sent academics and the publicinto a panic at the prospect that humans might be next. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Shocked by last week's news that scientists had successfully cloned a sheep, both scientists and common people had a feeling of fear when they realized that the next on the cloning list would probably be human beings.
Language Point 2
…sent academics and the public into a panic… (Para. 1)
send … into: make … enter a certain state
The remark sent him into a fit of laughter. 这话使他大笑了一阵。
The movement of the train sent me into sleep. 火车摇摇晃晃的，使我睡着了。
Language Point 3
…sent academics and the public into a panic… (Para. 1)
panic: n. a sudden very strong feeling of anxiety and fear
Panic spread through the crowd as the bullets started to fly. 子弹飞射时，人群一片恐慌。
In panic, he began to throw water on the burning saucepan of oil. 慌乱中，他开始用水浇起火的油锅。
v. (cause a person or an animal to) be affected with panic
When the parachute didn't open I just panicked. 降落伞打不开的那一刻，我吓坏了。
The crowd panicked at the sound of the explosion. 爆炸声一响，人群便慌乱起来。
Language Point 4
…at the prospect that humans might be next. (Para. 1)
prospect: n. the possibility that sth. will happen
Unfortunately, there is little prospect of seeing these questions answered. 不幸的是，这些问题很可能没有人回答得了。
The prospects for peace in the area are becoming brighter. 这个地区实现和平的可能性越来越大。
at the prospect of/that… : when aware of the possibility of/that …
The youngster set off home, smiling to himself at the prospect of surprising hisfamily with good news. 小伙子面带笑容起程回家，期待着他的好消息能给家人一个惊喜。
Language Point 5
Cloning is a radical challenge to the most fundamental laws of biology, so it's reasonable to be concerned that it might be a preface to activities that will threaten human society and dignity. (Para. 1)
Meaning: As cloning fundamentally changes the traditional way of bearing a baby,it is quite natural for people to worry about its possible consequences that might throw humans into shame and society into disorder.
Language Point 6
…it might be a preface to activities that will threaten human society and dignity. (Para. 1)
preface: n.
1) an action that is intended to introduce sth. else more important
The accident was the preface to a great scientific discovery. 这一偶然事件成了一项重大科学发现的开端。
2) sth. which comes before and introduces sth. more important, esp. a piece of text at the beginning of a book
The preface gave an overview of the book’s contents. 序言对全书内容作了一个概述。
A famous writer wrote a preface to this book. 一位著名的作家为这本书写了前言。
vt. provide with a preface
The speaker prefaced her remarks with a joke. 演讲者讲了一个笑话，作为开场白。
Language Point 7
Yet much of the moral opposition seems also to grow out of an automatic, unthinking disgust. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Most people find human cloning morally disgusting and so it seems they object to it naturally and without much thinking about it.
Language Point 8
Yet much of the moral opposition seems also to grow out of an automatic,unthinking disgust. (Para. 1)
grow out of: have sth. as a source
The plan grew out of a casual conversation. 这个计划产生于一次随意的谈话。
The idea grew out of a remark made unthinkingly by the chairman. 这个主意源于主席一句不经意的话。
Language Point 9
This refusal to consider the issue logically makes it hard for even trained scientists and other experts to see the matter clearly. (Para. 1)
Meaning: It’s difficult for even trained scientists and other experts who refuse to consider the issue logically to have a proper view on the issue.
Language Point 10
This refusal to consider the issue... (Para. 1)
refusal: n. refusing or act of refusing
His refusal was final — we couldn't change his mind. 他的拒绝是断然的，我们不能改变他的想法。
His refusal to negotiate with us made progress impossible. 他拒绝同我们谈判，因而不可能有任何进展。
Language Point 11
While human cloning might not offer great benefits to humanity, no one has yet made a convincing case that it would do any real harm, either. (Para. 1)
Meaning: On the one hand human cloning might not be greatly beneficial to humans. On the other, no one up to now has proved that it would be really harmful to humans, either.
Language Point 12
While human cloning might not offer great benefits to humanity, no one has yet made a convincing case that it would do any real harm, either. (Para. 1)
make a convincing case that: make people believe that; prove that
No scientists have made a convincing case that the earth will be really attacked by beings from other planets. 还没有科学家证实地球真的会受到外星人的攻击。
Language Point 13
Conservative spiritual leaders have claimed that cloning a human constitutes a gross attack on human dignity. (Para. 2)
Meaning: Believing all lives are created by God, religious leaders have stated that human cloning will lead to nothing but grave dishonor to our human beings.conservative spiritual leaders: religious leaders who are very conservative
Language Point 14
Conservative spiritual leaders… (Para. 2)
conservative: a. tending not to like or trust change, esp. sudden change
It's an extremely conservative society — they are entirely shocked by anything different or daring. 这是一个极其保守的社会，任何不同或大胆的举动都让他们感到震惊。
Old people are usually more conservative than young people. 老年人通常比年轻人保守。
n. a person who is conservative
She is a real conservative. She doesn't like change at all. 她是一个非常保守的人，不喜欢任何改变。
Language Point 15
Conservative spiritual leaders… (Para. 2)
spiritual: a.
1) of the Church or of religion
We got married in a church because we wanted the wedding to be a spiritual experience. 我们是在教堂完婚的，因为我们希望婚礼有一种宗教的体验。
2) of the human spirit(s) or soul; not of physical things
Her spiritual beauty outshone her physical beauty. 她那美丽的心灵比她的外表更光彩照人。
I feel that America is my true spiritual home. 我觉得美国是我真正的精神家园。
Language Point 16
…cloning a human constitutes a gross attack on human dignity. (Para. 2)
Meaning: … cloning a human is a big attack on human dignity.
Language Point 17
…cloning a human constitutes a gross attack on human dignity. (Para. 2)
constitute: vt.
1) be or be considered as
The presence of the troops constitutes a threat to peace. 驻军对和平构成了威胁。
Your attitude constitutes a direct challenge to his authority. 你的态度成了对他的权威的直接威胁。
2) form or make
Women constitute a high proportion of part-time workers. 在非全日工作者中妇女占了很大比例。
Those senior citizens constitute nearly 25% of the town's population. 那些老年人占镇上人口总数的近25%。
Language Point 18
…cloning a human constitutes a gross attack on human dignity. (Para. 2)
gross: a.
1) clearly wrong
There is gross inequality between the rich and the poor. 贫富之间存在明显的不平等现象。
The court found the doctor guilty of gross negligence. 法庭认为该医生犯有重大过失罪。
2) total
The gross weight of the box of chocolates is more than the weight of the chocolates alone. 这盒巧克力盒子的重量超过了巧克力本身的重量。
They have forecast a further rise in the country's gross national product. 他们预计该国的国民生产总值将进一步提高。
Language Point 19
That would surely be true if a cloned individual were treated as a lesser being, with fewer rights or lower status. (Para. 2)
Meaning: Cloning a human would surely be a big attack on human dignity if a cloned person were treated as a non-human who enjoys fewer rights or lower social or even human status.
Please note the subjunctive mood used in the sentence.
Language Point 20
But why suppose that the laws that protect our rights and dignity would not be applicable to cloned persons? (Para. 2)
Meaning: But why do people suppose that cloned persons would not share the laws that protect our rights and dignity with the rest of us?
Language Point 21
But why suppose that the laws that protect our rights and dignity would notbe applicable to cloned persons? (Para. 2)
be applicable to: (esp. of rules or laws) be directed towards, be suitable for
The rule is applicable to the case. 这条规则可适用于这种情况。
We try to find a solution that is applicable to the problem. 我们试图找到一个适用于这个问题的解决办法。
Language Point 22
Where did he come up with such a right? (Para. 2)
Meaning: Where did the lawyer find the "right to a unique genetic identity"?
Language Point 23
Where did he come up with such a right? (Para. 2)
come up with: find or produce (an answer, a solution, etc.)
Dave's come up with an idea and he wants us to try it out. 戴维想出了一个主意，并想让我们试一试。
We've got a team of experts working on the problem — let's wait and see what they'll come up with. 我们已聘请了一个专家小组来研究这个问题，让我们等等看他们会有什么主意。
Language Point 24
It makes perfect sense to say that adult persons have a right not to be cloned without their voluntary, informed consent. (Para. 2)
Meaning: It's quite sensible to say that grown-up human beings have a right not to be cloned if they don't agree to or don't want to.
Language Point 25
It makes perfect sense to say that adult persons have a right not to be cloned without their voluntary, informed consent. (Para. 2)
make sense: be a wise course of action
It makes sense to take care of your health. 注意身体健康是明智的。
It makes sense to buy a large packet because it works out cheaper in the end. 买大包装更合算，因为大包装终究要便宜些。
Language Point 26
…without their voluntary, informed consent. (Para. 2)
voluntary: a. done, made or given willingly, without being forced or paid to do
The hospital has asked various voluntary organizations to help raise money for the new operation room. 医院已呼吁各种志愿组织帮助为新的手术室募集资金。
It's a charitable organization, depending for its income upon voluntary contributions from the public. 这是一个慈善机构，收入来源于公众的自愿捐赠。
Language Point 27
…without their voluntary, informed consent. (Para. 2)
consent: n. agreement
Before a woman can have an abortion she needs to have written consent from two doctors. 一名妇女在做人工流产前，必须有两名医生同意的书面证明。
Her latest film, by common consent, is her best yet. 大家一致认为她最近拍的那部影片是她迄今最好的作品。
The child's parents had to give their consent to the operation. 孩子的父母只好同意给孩子做手术。
vi. give one’s agreement
Very reluctantly, I've consented to lend her my car. 我很不情愿地把车借给了她。
The doctor asked the child's parents if they would consent to the operation. 医生问孩子父母是否同意给孩子做手术。
Language Point 28
Many of the vivid warnings of science-fiction concerning the prospect of human cloning turn out, upon reflection, to be wildly improbable. (Para. 3)
Meaning: In science fiction there are many clear warnings concerning the future of human cloning. But they are actually impossible when we think them over.
Language Point 29
Many of the vivid warnings of science-fiction concerning the prospect of human cloning turn out,… (Para. 3)
vivid: a. producing very clear, powerful and detailed images in the mind
a vivid dream 逼真的梦
a vivid description of his time in the army 对他在军中生活的生动描述
Language Point 30
…the prospect of human cloning turn out,upon reflection, to be wildly improbable. (Para. 3)
turn out (to be): prove to be; come to be known that
Their performance turned out to be great success. 结果，他们的演出非常成功。
The beggar turned out to be a thief. 那个乞丐原来是个小偷。
Language Point 31
…the prospect of human cloning turn out, upon reflection, to be wildly improbable. (Para. 3)
reflection: n.
1) thought or idea of past events
A moment's reflection will show you that you are wrong. 想一会儿你就会明白你错了。
After a few days of reflection she decided to write back. 想了几天后她决定回信。
2) reflecting or sth. reflected, esp. an image in a mirror
The moon looks bright because of the reflection of light.由于光的反射月亮看上去很亮。
Mary stared at her reflection in the bedroom mirror. 玛丽凝视着卧室镜子中的自己。
3) sth. that shows the effects of, or is a sign of, a particular condition, situation, etc.
His success is a reflection of all the hard work he puts into his job. 他的成功反映了他在工作上付出的辛勤劳动。
This poem is a reflection of my mood at the time I wrote it. 这首诗反映了我当时的心情。
on / upon / after reflection: after considering sth. again
On reflection, I decided not to go.经过考虑，我决定不去了。
At first I thought it was a bad idea, but on reflection I realized she was right. 最初我认为那是个坏主意，但考虑之后我认识到她是对的。
Language Point 32
…the prospect of human cloning turn out, upon reflection, to be wildly improbable. (Para. 3)
improbable: a. not probable
an improbable explanation说不通的解释
an improbable result 不太可能的结果
It is highly improbable that he will arrive tonight. 他今晚准来不了。
Language Point 33
There's the fear, for instance, that parents might clone a child for the sake of having "surplus parts" in case the original child needs an organ transplant. (Para. 3)
Meaning: For example, there is the fear that parents might clone a child in order to have "additional parts" when the original child needs an organ transplant.
Please note the subjunctive mood used in the sentence.
Language Point 34
…clone a child for the sake of having "surplus parts" … (Para.3)
for the sake of: in order to get or keep
He is going to live by the coast for the sake of his health. 他为了自己的健康，打算到沿海地区去住。
Language Point 35
…clone a child for the sake of having "surplus parts" … (Para.3)
surplus: a. more than is needed
The government has authorized the army to sell its surplus weapons. 政府授权军队出售多余的武器。
Early cultures used techniques such as smoking and salting to preserve surplus meat and fish. 在早期文化中，人们使用烟薰、腌制等工艺来保存吃不完的鱼和肉。
n. an amount which is more than is needed
The Gulf States produce more oil than they need and sell the surplus to the rest of the world. 海湾国家生产的石油超出了他们的需求，就把多余的石油出售给其他国家。
Language Point 36
…for the sake of having "surplus parts" in case the original child needs an organ transplant. (Para. 3)
in case: because of the possibility of sth. happening
Take my number in case you need to phone me. 把我的电话号码带上，以防你需要给我打电话。
I'll cook plenty of potatoes just in case they decide to stay for dinner. 我打算多煮一些马铃薯，以备他们决定留下来吃晚饭。
Language Point 37
But parents of identical twins don't view one child as an organ farm for the other. (Para. 3)
Meaning: But parents who have identical twins don't regard one of the twins as a farm that produces organs for the other.
Language Point 38
But parents of identical twins don't view one child as an organ farm for the other.(Para. 3)
view … as: consider or think about (sth.) as
He is viewed as a strong candidate for the job. 他被认为是这份工作的强有力的人选。
Their missiles are viewed as a defensive and deterrent force. 他们的导弹被视为一种防卫和威慑力量。
Language Point 39
Another disturbing thought is that cloning will lead to efforts to breed individuals with genetic qualities perceived as desirable (math geniuses, soccer players, etc.). (Para. 4)
Meaning: Another thing that upsets us is that people will try to alter genes so as to bear smart and strong children who would grow to be math geniuses, soccer players, and so on.
genetic qualities perceived as desirable: genetic qualities that are considered to be desirable
Language Point 40
Another disturbing thought is that cloning will lead to efforts... (Para. 4)
lead to: cause sth. to happen or exist after some time
It was a medical error which led to the death of the patient. 医疗事故导致了病人的死亡。
There will be a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the robbers. 提供追捕这个抢劫犯相关线索的人将得到奖励。
Language Point 41
…to breed individuals with genetic qualities perceived as desirable (math geniuses, soccer players, etc.). (Para. 4)
perceive … as: see or think of … as
I perceived him as a rather shy sort of man. 我认为他是个很腼腆的人。
Such magazines are often perceived as being superficial. 这类杂志经常被认为很肤浅。
Language Point 42
Such ideas are offensive, not only because of an unthinking disgust, but also because of the horrors carried out by the Nazis in the name of improving their race. (Para. 4)
Meaning: We find such ideas quite unacceptable, not only because these ideas are unreasonably disgusting but also because they remind us of the horrifying things done by the Nazis with the excuse to improve their race.
Language Point 43
Such ideas are offensive, not only because of an unthinking disgust, but also because of the horrors carried out by the Nazis in the name of improving their race. (Para. 4)
unthinking: a. not thinking carefully about the effect of one's behaviour
He doesn't say those silly things that unthinking people say. 他从不说不顾后果的人说的那种傻话。
Language Point 44
…but also because of the horrors carried out by the Nazis in the name of improving their race. (Para. 4)
horror: n.
1) (usu. pl.) anything that causes an extremely strong feeling of fear and shock
The population now faces the horrors of starvation. 人们现在面临着挨饿的威胁。
The horrors of war drove him mad. 战争的种种惨状把他给逼疯了。
2) a very strong feeling of fear and shock
The news of the plane crash filled us with horror. 飞机坠毁的消息使我们惊恐万分。
I cried out in horror as I saw him fall in front of the car. 看到他跌倒在汽车前面时，我吓得喊了起来。
She was filled with horror and panic when she saw the empty pill bottle. 当她看到那个空药瓶时，内心充满恐惧。
Language Point 45
…in the name of improving their race. (Para.4)
in the name of: by the right or power of ; for the sake of
The prime minister spoke in the name of the king. 首相以国王的名义发言。
The group decided to undertake a civil disobedience campaign in the name of freedom and justice. 这群人决定为了自由和公正发起一次非暴力反抗运动。
Language Point 46
But there's a vast difference between the breeding programs as practiced by some groups (where the urge to breed certain types of people leads to efforts to destroy other types) and the much more harmless forms already practiced in democratic societies (where, say, lawyers freely choose to have sexual relations with other lawyers). (Para. 4)
Meaning: But there is a great difference between the two types of human breeding programs. The first type refers to the breeding programs that are practiced by some groups such as Nazis who tried hard to kill and destroy Jews and other races in order to have a so-called pure breed of Germanic people. The second refers to the much more harmless breeding programs that are practiced in democratic societies by some people — lawyers, for example — who freely choose their colleagues to have children.
Language Point 47
…where, say, lawyers freely choose to have sexual relations with other lawyers.(Para. 4)
say: suppose；for example
We will need, say, $5,000 for a new car. 我们大概需要5，000美元买一辆新车。
Say you don't get a place at university, what will you do then? 假如你考不上大学，你会怎么办？
Language Point 48
Banks stocked with the frozen sperm of geniuses already exist, but they haven't created a master race because few women are queuing up to get pregnant this way. (Para. 4)
Meaning: Although there have already been sperm banks that have a good supply of frozen sperm of geniuses, they have not yet created a master race because there are few women who are standing in a line to get pregnant this way.
Language Point 49
Banks stocked with the frozen sperm of geniuses… (Para. 4)
stock with: supply with
The landlord stocked the house with plenty of linens. 房东在屋子里储藏了许多亚麻布。
They robbed a shop well stocked with goods. 他们抢劫了一家存满货品的商店。
Language Point 50
…few women are queuing up to get pregnant that way. (Para. 4)
queue: vi. wait in a line
queue for a bus排队等候公共汽车
They're queuing up to see the film. 他们排队等候看电影。
n. a line of people or cars waiting to do sth.
We had to wait in a queue for hours to get tickets. 我们要排队等候好几个小时才能买到票。
He joined the end of a queue. 他排在队的末尾。
queue up: wait in a queue
We queued up outside the theatre and had to wait over an hour for our tickets. 我们在剧院外面排了一个小时的队才买到票。
People began queuing up to get in the cinema. 人们开始排队进入电影院。
Language Point 51
So who will likely take advantage of cloning? Perhaps a couple whose child is dying. (Para. 5)
Meaning: So who will probably make use of cloning? Perhaps a couple whose child is dying will likely do so.
Here "likely" is an adverb, meaning "probably".
Language Point 52
So who will likely take advantage of cloning? (Para. 5)
take advantage of: make use of
Take advantage of the cheap prices while they last. 趁减价未停，好好利用减价的机会。
You shouldn't let him take advantage of you like this. 你不应该让他这样利用你。
Language Point 53
This might seem psychologically suspect. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Psychologically speaking, the parents might not believe this.
Language Point 54
This might seem psychologically suspect. (Para. 5)
suspect: a. possible; not true or not to be trusted
have suspect motives 有可疑的动机
a suspect parcel 可疑的包裹
Language Point 55
But a cloned child born to such suspect parents stands no greater or lesser chance of being loved, or rejected, than a child created the normal way. (Para. 5)
Meaning: But a cloned child that such doubtful parents bear is not more or less likely to be loved or rejected by them than a child that they have normally.
Language Point 56
But a cloned child born to such suspect parents stands no greater or lesser chance of being loved,... (Para. 5)
stand a chance of: have a chance of (achieving sth.)
She stands a good chance of becoming a world champion. 她很有可能成为世界冠军。
I think you stand a good chance of seeing your opponents at the party. 我想你很可能会在聚会上见到你的对手。
Language Point 57
Infertile couples are also likely to seek out cloning. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Couples who are not able to have a baby may also want to have cloning.
Language Point 58
Infertile couples are also likely to seek out cloning. (Para. 5)
infertile: a. (used about a person or animal) not able to have a baby or young animal
According to one survey, one woman in eight is infertile. 有调查显示，8名妇女中有一名不育。
Language Point 59
Infertile couples are also likely to seek out cloning. (Para. 5)
seek out: look for and find
The ship's mission is to seek out new life on other planets. 这艘宇宙飞船的任务是寻找其他星球上的新生命。
After the meeting he sought out the person who talked about the plan. 会后他找到了那个谈论这项计划的人。
Language Point 60
That such couples have other options (artificially bringing egg and sperm together,or adopting a child) is not an argument for denying them the right to clone. (Para. 5)
Meaning: The fact that such infertile couples have other choices — say, artificial fertilization by bringing egg and sperm together or adopting a child — is no reason at all for denying them the right to clone.
Language Point 61
…artificially bringing egg and sperm together,… (Para. 5)
artificial: a.
1) made by people, often as a copy of sth. natural
artificial flowers 人造花
an artificial lake 人工湖
artificial intelligence 人工智能
I don't like wearing clothes made of artificial fibres. 我不喜欢穿人造纤维面料的衣服。
The captain had an artificial leg, made of wood. 船长有一条木制假腿。
2) lacking naturalness; false; forced
The film star flashed an artificial smile at the crowd. 那个电影明星很不自然地向人群微笑。
artificially: a. not naturally
This drug cannot be produced artificially. 这种药材不是人工制造的。
Language Point 62
Or consider an example raised by Judge Richard Posner: a couple in which the husband has some unfortunate genetic defect. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Let us consider an example raised by Judge Richard Posner. It is about a couple in which the husband unfortunately has some genetic problem.
Language Point 63
…a couple in which the husband has some unfortunate genetic defect. (Para. 5)
defect: n. a fault, problem or lack in sth.
Before they leave the factory, all the cars are carefully tested for defects. 出厂前，所有的汽车都经过仔细的质量检测。
I bought these shoes cheaply because they have slight defects in them. 这双鞋我买得很便宜，因为鞋上有些小毛病。
Language Point 64
Currently, if this couple wants a genetically related child, they have four not altogether pleasant options. (Para. 5)
Meaning: At present, if this couple wants to have a child that is genetically related to them, they have four choices which they are not fully pleased with.
Language Point 65
Currently, if this couple wants a genetically related child,… (Para. 5)
currently: ad. at present
He is currently working in England. 他目前在英格兰工作。
Language Point 66
They can reproduce naturally and resign themselves to the risk of passing on the disease to the child. (Para. 5)
Meaning: (First,) The couple, if they like, can have a child in the natural way.
But they have to face the danger that the baby is very likely to inherit the father's genetic defect.
Language Point 67
They can reproduce naturally ... (Para. 5)
reproduce: v.
1) (of humans, animals, etc.) produce young by natural means
In some parts of the world, humans are reproducing very rapidly, causing overpopulation. 在世界上的一些地区，人口繁衍过快，以至引起了人口过剩。
Jellyfish reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the sea. 水母把卵子和精子排入海水中来进行繁衍。
2) produce a copy of sth., or show or do sth. again
A photograph can be reproduced thousands of times without much loss of quality. 相片可以反复冲洗上千次而不至于有太大的质量问题。
They were unable to reproduce the results of the first experiment when they repeated it. 他们再做这个实验时，得不出第一次实验的结果。
Language Point 68
…and resign themselves to the risk of passing on the disease to the child. (Para. 5)
resign: vt.
1) be ready to accept sth.
He resigned himself to failure in the election. 他只好自认竞选失败。
The team refused to resign themselves to being defeated. 该队不甘心失败。
2) give up (a job or position)
He resigned his position as chairman of the commission. 他辞去了委员会主席的职务。
Mrs. Oates resigned from her job. So she could spend more time with her children. 奥茨夫人辞去了工作，这样她就可以有更多的时间和孩子们在一起了。
resign oneself to sth.: decide that one has to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation
You must resign yourselves to waiting a bit longer. 你们要耐心多等会儿。
The people must resign themselves to a reduced standard of living. 人们必须忍受生活水平的下降。
Language Point 69
…and resign themselves to the risk of passing on the disease to the child. (Para. 5)
pass on: hand or give sth. (to sb. else), esp. after receiving or using it oneself
Janet stayed at home for a couple of days because she didn't want to pass on her cold to anyone else. 詹妮在家里休息了几天，因为她不想将感冒传染给他人。
Be careful that your dog doesn't pass it on to other dogs — you'd probably best keep him indoors. 注意别让你家的狗把病传染给其他狗，你最好把它关在屋内。
Language Point 70
They can go to a sperm bank and take a chance on unknown genes. (Para. 5)
Meaning: (Second,) They can go to a sperm bank and take a risk on some unknown genes.
Language Point 71
…and take a chance on unknown genes. (Para. 5)
take a chance on: take a risk on
We will take a chance on the weather and have the gathering outdoors. 我们将冒着会变天的危险在户外举行这次聚会。
The burglars took a chance on the owner of the house staying away all night — a chance that paid off handsomely. 夜贼们怀着房主一夜都不回来的侥幸心理冒险作案 —— 结果代价惨重。
Language Point 72
They can bring egg and sperm together artificially and dispose of any affected baby before placing it in the mother, or before birth — though that might be objectionable, too. (Para. 5)
Meaning: (Third,) The couple can bear a child artificially by bringing egg and sperm together, and get rid of the baby that carries its father's genetic defect before placing it in the mother or its birth — although that might be opposed by some people, too.
Here "that" refers to "disposing of any affected baby before placing it in the mother, or before birth".
Language Point 73
…dispose of any affected baby before placing it in the mother… (Para. 5)
dispose of: get rid of sb./sth. that one does not want or cannot keep
Factories are using the river to dispose of their industrial wastes. 工厂利用河流排污。
The city waste is disposed of in the sea. 城市垃圾倒到海里处理掉。
Language Point 74
Or they can get a male relative of the father to be a sperm donor, if such a relative exists. (Para. 5)
Meaning: (Fourth,) Or they can get a male relative of the father to donate his sperm, if such a relative is available.
Language Point 75
This is one case where even people bothered by creating a child under the lens of a microscope might see cloning as not the worst option. (Para. 5)
Meaning: In this case cloning might not be the worst even in the eyes of the people who are upset by creating a child (in the lab) under the lens of a microscope.
Language Point 76
Even if human cloning offers no obvious benefits to mankind, why ban it? (Para. 6)
Meaning: Why should people ban human cloning, though it offers no obvious benefits to mankind?
Language Point 77
Even if human cloning offers no obvious benefits to mankind, why ban it? (Para. 6)
even if: (used for saying that what follows "if" makes no difference)
I wouldn't do it, even if you paid me a thousand pounds. 就算你给我1,000英镑，我也不干。
Language Point 78
In a democracy we don't usually pass laws against something before there is actual or probable evidence of harm. (Para. 6)
Meaning: In a democratic country we don't usually pass laws against something without proving that it is actually or probably harmful.
Language Point 79
In a democracy we don't usually pass laws against something before there is actual or probable evidence of harm. (Para. 6)
democracy: n.
1) a country governed by its people or their representatives
the Western democracies西方民主国家
How long has that country been a democracy? 那个国家成为民主国家多久了？
2) the belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief
There is a need for more democracy in the company. 这家公司需要多一点民主。
The military government promised to restore democracy within one year. 军政府答应一年之内重建民主政体。
Language Point 80
Before we go any further, it might make sense to require a temporary pause on research into human cloning in order to make systematic enquiry into the grave questions it raises. (Para. 6)
Meaning: Before we go too far, it might be sensible for us to stop research into human cloning for a while so that the serious issues it raises can be carefully investigated and examined.
Language Point 81
Before we go any further, it might make sense to require a temporary pause on research... (Para. 6)
temporary: a. not lasting or needed for very long
We apologize for the temporary inconvenience caused by these building works.对于建筑施工造成的短期不便，我们谨表歉意。
The company has a large workforce of permanent and temporary staff. 该公司有一个由正式工和临时工组成的庞大的员工队伍。
Language Point 82
…in order to make systematic enquiry into the grave questions it raises. (Para. 6)
make an enquiry into: ask for information of ; have an official investigation of
An enquiry is being made into the diseases caused by smoking. 抽烟引起的疾病正在调查研究中。
Language Point 83
…in order to make systematic enquiry into the grave questions it raises. (Para. 6)
systematic: a. done or acting according to a system or plan
a systematic study系统的学习
a systematic investigation 系统的调查
The police made a systematic search of the building. 警察彻底搜查了这座建筑。
Language Point 84
When research into cloning is resumed, human cloning should remain a research activity for an extended period. (Para. 6)
Meaning: When we take up the research into cloning again, we should continue to study human cloning and devote more time to it.
Language Point 85
When research into cloning is resumed,... (Para. 6)
resume: v.
1) begin (sth.) again or continue (sth.) after stopping for a time
Less than a month later the rebels resumed their offensive. 一个月还没到，叛军又开始了进攻。
She took a break from her work to make herself some coffee and then resumed a few minutes later. 她放下手上的活儿，喝了杯咖啡，休息几分钟后又接着干了起来。
2) return to a place or position which one has left for a period of time
He resumed his former position with the company. 他又在公司里干起了以前的那份工作。
The second half of the performance will begin in two minutes, and you are kindly asked to resume your seats. 下半场表演两分钟后开始，请你们坐回原位。
Language Point 86
And if it is ever attempted, it should — and no doubt will — take place only under careful examination and layers of legal administration. (Para. 6)
Meaning: And if we really attempt to do the research into cloning, we should and undoubtedly will do it only under careful examinations and legal administrations at different levels.
Language Point 87
…only under careful examination and layers of legal administration. (Para. 6)
layer: n. a level of material
A thin layer of dust covered everything in the room. 房间里的东西全都蒙上了一层薄薄的灰尘。
The cake has a layer of jam in the middle. 蛋糕中间有一层果酱。
Language Point 88
…only under careful examination and layers of legal administration. (Para. 6)
administration: n.
1) managing or operating
a master's degree in business administration 商业管理硕士的学位
The administration of a large project like this is very complicated. 像这样大的项目，管理工作很复杂。
2) (sing.) the group of people who organize or control sth.
the college administration 大学行政部门
The expenses are paid out directly by the administration. 这些费用直接由管理部门付。
3) (often, the Administration) the government of a country, esp. the USA
Not much was done by the last Administration. 上届政府的政绩不多。
Language Point 89
Most important, human cloning should be governed by the same laws that now protect human rights. (Para. 6)
Meaning: What is most important is that human cloning should be controlled by the same laws that now protect human rights.
Language Point 90
Most important, human cloning should be governed by the same laws... (Para. 6)
govern: v.
1) have a controlling influence on; have a direct effect on
Everyone will try to guess the state of the market and to govern his actions accordingly. 每个人都尽力猜测市场的状况，并相应地制约自己的行为。
Slim people generally eat according to appetite, in a fairly relaxed fashion notgoverned by rules or diet sheets. 身材苗条的人通常依自己的胃口随意吃东西，并不受制于什么规定或减肥注意事项。
2) control and direct the public business of (a country, city, group of people,
etc.); rule
The country was governed by a small elite of military officers. 这个国家由少数精英军人统治。
In Britain the Queen is the formal head of the state, but it is the prime minister and cabinet who govern. 在英国，女王是国家的正式元首，但治理国家的是首相及内阁。