Passage 31

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, has driven innovation in personalized medicine. Personalized medicine tailors treatment plans to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors, aiming for higher efficacy and fewer side effects. One major development in this field is genetic testing, which allows healthcare providers to identify specific genetic mutations associated with certain diseases. For instance, genetic tests can reveal a patient’s susceptibility to conditions like breast cancer, enabling early interventions. Another advancement is pharmacogenomics, which studies how genes affect an individual’s response to drugs. This information helps doctors prescribe medications that are more likely to be effective and minimizes the risk of adverse reactions.
Wearable technology is also playing a pivotal role in modern medicine. Devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches monitor vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns in real-time. This data can alert users and healthcare providers to irregularities, such as arrhythmias or sleep apnea, enabling early detection and management. Furthermore, wearable devices have proven particularly valuable in managing chronic conditions, offering insights into the patient’s day-to-day health and facilitating timely adjustments to treatment plans.
Finally, mobile health applications are transforming patient engagement. These apps allow users to track their symptoms, schedule appointments, and even access telehealth services from their smartphones. They also provide health education and reminders for medication adherence, empowering patients to take an active role in their own care.

1. Personalized medicine primarily aims to ………….. .

2. Genetic testing helps healthcare providers ………….. .

3. Wearable technology is particularly useful for ………….. .

4. Mobile health applications empower patients by ………….. .

5. Pharmacogenomics focuses on ………….. .

Passage 32

The role of robotics in medicine has expanded significantly, leading to improvements in surgical precision, patient recovery times, and overall healthcare outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery, for example, allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced accuracy. Robots like the da Vinci Surgical System use robotic arms controlled by the surgeon to make small incisions and carry out complex procedures with reduced risk of complications. These techniques are particularly beneficial in delicate surgeries, such as those involving the brain, heart, or prostate.
Another area where robotics has made an impact is in patient rehabilitation. Robotic exoskeletons and physical therapy robots are now being used to help patients recover from injuries, strokes, or surgeries. These devices provide controlled movements and feedback, enabling patients to rebuild strength and mobility faster than traditional methods. Moreover, they can be customized to each patient’s needs, ensuring a more personalized approach to recovery.
Beyond surgery and rehabilitation, robotic systems are also used in hospital logistics. Autonomous robots transport medical supplies, clean facilities, and even assist in dispensing medications. This automation reduces the workload on healthcare staff, allowing them to focus on patient care.

6. Robotic-assisted surgery primarily benefits patients by ………….. .

7. Robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical System are especially useful for ………….. .

8. Robotic exoskeletons are designed to ………….. .

9. Hospital logistics robots support healthcare staff by ………….. .

10. The main advantage of robotics in rehabilitation is ………….. .

Passage 33

Advances in biotechnology have ushered in a new era of disease prevention and treatment. One significant breakthrough is the development of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, which teach the body to produce a harmless piece of a virus, enabling the immune system to mount a defense. This technology has been successfully employed in vaccines for COVID-19, demonstrating the potential for rapid vaccine development and distribution during pandemics. Scientists are now exploring mRNA technology for vaccines against diseases such as influenza, HIV, and even certain cancers.

Another promising area of biotechnology is stem cell therapy. Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, making them valuable for regenerating damaged tissues and treating conditions like spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and type 1 diabetes. Research in this field is progressing rapidly, with clinical trials exploring innovative ways to harness the healing potential of stem cells.

Biotechnology is also transforming agriculture to improve global health. Genetically modified crops are engineered to be more nutritious, resistant to pests, and adaptable to extreme weather conditions. This development has the potential to combat malnutrition and food insecurity, particularly in developing countries.

11. mRNA vaccines primarily work by ………….. .

12. A key advantage of mRNA vaccines is their ………….. .

13. Stem cell therapy is particularly valuable because it ………….. .

14. Genetically modified crops are engineered to ………….. .

15. The overarching goal of advances in biotechnology is to ………….. .

Passage 34

Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. These services can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and access to online health resources. Telehealth has become especially vital in rural and underserved areas, where access to healthcare facilities is limited. By enabling patients to connect with healthcare providers through video conferencing or mobile apps, telehealth bridges the gap between patients and physicians.

One significant aspect of telehealth is remote patient monitoring (RPM). Devices such as blood pressure monitors, glucose trackers, and wearable sensors collect real-time health data that healthcare providers can analyze to make informed decisions. This approach not only improves chronic disease management but also helps detect early signs of health issues. Additionally, telehealth systems provide educational resources to empower patients, making them active participants in their care.

Despite its advantages, telehealth faces challenges, including data security concerns and disparities in access to technology. Nonetheless, it represents a transformative shift in how healthcare services are delivered, emphasizing accessibility and convenience.

16. The primary function of telehealth is to ………….. .

17. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) ………….. .

18. Telehealth systems empower patients by ………….. .

19. One significant barrier to the widespread adoption of telehealth is ………….. .

20. Telehealth is particularly beneficial in ………….. .

21. The word “vital” in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to ………….. .

22. The last sentence implies that telehealth ………….. .

Passage 35

Gene editing, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, has revolutionized medicine by enabling precise modifications of DNA. This technology allows scientists to target specific genes and make changes to treat or prevent genetic disorders. Diseases like sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and certain types of cancer are being studied extensively to develop treatments using gene editing.
One of the primary applications of gene editing is correcting mutations that cause inherited diseases. Researchers can replace faulty DNA sequences with functional ones, potentially curing previously untreatable conditions. Another area of focus is enhancing the body’s immune response to fight diseases such as cancer. By modifying immune cells, gene editing empowers the immune system to recognize and destroy cancerous cells more effectively.
While gene editing holds immense promise, it also raises ethical concerns, especially regarding the possibility of editing traits unrelated to health, such as intelligence or appearance. Scientists emphasize that the current focus remains on medical advancements, with strict regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse.

23. CRISPR-Cas9 technology is primarily used for ………….. .

24. One of the major applications of gene editing is ………….. .

25. By modifying immune cells, gene editing ………….. .

26. The passage suggests that ethical concerns in gene editing arise from ………….. .

27. The main focus of current gene editing research is on ………….. .

28. The word “correcting” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to ………….. .

29. The last sentence implies that ethical concerns in gene editing ………….. .