Time: 15:00
Passage 1 of 4
1. Epigenetics is ___ traditional genetics.
2. Environmental factors ___ epigenetic modifications.
3. Epigenetic changes challenge the view that health outcomes are ___.
4. The development of epigenetic drugs ___.
5. Ethical concerns about epigenetics include potential ___.
6. AI in diagnostics is ___ human observation.
7. AI's predictive ability ___ personalized medicine.
8. A major AI concern is ___.
9. AI's predictions rely on analyzing ___.
10. A key AI debate involves ___.
11. Gut microbiota research is ___ traditional studies.
12. Dysbiosis ___ various conditions.
13. FMT is ___.
14. A microbiota therapy challenge is ___.
15. Gut microbiota offers a ___ research field.
16. The passage focuses on ___.
17. "Food deserts " means ___.
18. A major challenge is ___.
19. Authorities should ___.
20. Nutrition integration aims to ___.

Passage 9

Epigenetics, the study of changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, has become a transformative field in understanding human health and disease. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are influenced by environmental factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins. These modifications can regulate gene activity, turning genes on  or off  in response to external stimuli.

Recent studies suggest that epigenetic changes can play a role in conditions like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. For example, abnormal methylation patterns have been linked to tumor growth, while histone modifications have been observed in Alzheimer's patients. These findings challenge traditional views that health outcomes are solely determined by inherited genetic information.

Epigenetics also opens up new therapeutic possibilities. Drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, are being developed to treat cancer and other diseases. However, ethical concerns arise regarding the potential for misuse of epigenetic interventions, especially in areas like human enhancement or selective trait manipulation.

Passage 10

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medical diagnostics, offering unprecedented accuracy and efficiency in detecting diseases. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of data, identifying patterns that may escape human observation. For instance, AI has demonstrated remarkable success in diagnosing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and retinal disorders from imaging data.
AI also enhances predictive analytics. By combining patient history, lifestyle factors, and genetic information, AI can forecast the likelihood of developing specific conditions, enabling earlier interventions. This predictive capability aligns with the shift toward personalized medicine, which tailors treatments to individual patients.
However, reliance on AI raises ethical and practical concerns. The accuracy of AI systems depends on the quality of data they are trained on, and biases in these datasets can lead to unequal outcomes. Furthermore, questions about patient privacy and the potential replacement of human judgment in critical decisions continue to provoke debate.

Passage 11

The gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms residing in the human digestive tract, has emerged as a critical factor in overall health. These microbes influence digestion, immune function, and even mental health through the gut-brain axis. Disruptions in the balance of gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to various conditions, including obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and depression.

Recent research highlights the potential of microbiota-targeted therapies. Probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are being explored as treatments for restoring microbial balance. For example, FMT has shown promise in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections.
However, the complexity of gut microbiota presents challenges. Individual differences in microbial composition mean that treatments must be personalized, and the long-term effects of microbiota manipulation remain poorly understood. As research continues, the gut microbiota offers a promising yet intricate avenue for medical innovation.

Passage 12

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity has highlighted the importance of nutrition in public health. Healthy eating plays a critical role in preventing these diseases by supporting a balanced metabolism, reducing inflammation, and maintaining a healthy weight. Experts agree that dietary patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats are essential for disease prevention.

Despite the clear benefits, the global population faces numerous challenges, including food deserts- geographic areas, often in low-income communities, where residents have limited or no access to affordable, nutritious food-, marketing of unhealthy foods, and limited access to nutrition education. These issues contribute to unhealthy eating habits, especially in low-income and rural communities. Public health initiatives are increasingly focusing on improving access to nutritious foods and encouraging healthier dietary choices.