Passage 36

Nanotechnology, the manipulation of materials on an atomic or molecular scale, has paved the way for groundbreaking innovations in medicine. This technology enables the creation of nanoparticles and nanodevices that can interact with the human body at the cellular level, offering precise diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.

One application of medical nanotechnology is targeted drug delivery. Nanoparticles can carry medications directly to diseased cells, such as cancer cells, minimizing side effects and increasing treatment efficacy. This approach ensures that healthy tissues are spared, which is particularly important in cancer therapies.

Nanotechnology is also revolutionizing diagnostics. Nano-based sensors and imaging techniques can detect diseases at their earliest stages, even before symptoms appear. For instance, nanosensors can identify biomarkers associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes, facilitating timely intervention.

Despite its promise, medical nanotechnology faces challenges, including high costs and potential risks related to long-term exposure to nanoparticles. However, its potential to transform medicine continues to inspire researchers worldwide.

1. Nanotechnology in medicine works by ………….. .

2. One key benefit of targeted drug delivery is ………….. .

3. Nanosensors are particularly useful for ………….. .

4. A primary challenge facing medical nanotechnology is ………….. .

5. The potential of medical nanotechnology lies in ………….. .

6. The word “facilitating” in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to ………….. .

7. The last sentence implies that the future of medical nanotechnology ………….. .

Passage 37

Preventive medicine aims to improve health outcomes by preventing illnesses before they occur. This approach includes vaccinations, screenings, and public health campaigns encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet. The focus on prevention reduces healthcare costs by addressing conditions early or avoiding them altogether.
Public awareness of preventive medicine is growing as patients recognize its long-term benefits. Early screenings, for instance, can detect diseases like cancer when they are most treatable. Campaigns targeting smoking cessation or promoting safe sex have significantly improved public health metrics in recent decades.
However, challenges such as unequal access to preventive services and the difficulty of motivating individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles remain obstacles. Resolving these issues will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of prevention-oriented healthcare.

8. Preventive medicine primarily focuses on ………….. .

9. The emphasis on early screenings is significant because they ………….. .

10. The underlined word “metrics” is closest in meaning to ………….. .

11. The phrase “long-term benefits” refers to ………….. .

12. The text ………….. the challenges of preventive medicine.

13. The underlined phrase “unequal access” could imply a ………….. .

Passage 38

Personalized medicine tailors treatments to individual patient needs by considering genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Advances in genetic testing have made it possible to identify the mutations causing diseases, allowing doctors to choose targeted therapies. This approach contrasts with the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model of treatment.
In cancer treatment, for example, genetic profiling of tumors enables oncologists to select drugs that target specific genetic abnormalities. Pharmacogenomics, which studies how a person’s genes affect their response to medications, ensures that patients receive treatments with minimal side effects. Personalized medicine holds promise for improving outcomes in other areas, such as rare genetic disorders and chronic diseases.
Despite its benefits, personalized medicine faces barriers, including high costs and limited access to genetic testing. Data privacy concerns also challenge the widespread adoption of this approach. Addressing these obstacles will be essential to fully realize the potential of personalized care.

14. Personalized medicine differs from traditional approaches by ………….. .

15. Pharmacogenomics helps patients by ………….. .

16. The underlined word “barriers” is closest in meaning to ………….. .

17. The expression “data privacy concerns” refers to fears about ………….. .

18. The text ………….. the potential of genetic testing.

19. The underlined phrase “target specific genetic abnormalities” could imply ………….. .

Passage 39

Digital health tools, such as mobile apps and wearable devices, are transforming how patients manage their health. These tools allow patients to track metrics like heart rate, blood sugar levels, or sleep patterns, providing real-time feedback. Some platforms also incorporate artificial intelligence to deliver personalized health recommendations based on collected data.
One advantage of digital tools is their ability to empower patients to take control of their health. Apps designed for chronic conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, help patients adhere to treatment plans by sending reminders and tracking progress. Additionally, digital platforms are increasingly used in mental health, offering therapy exercises or connecting users with professionals remotely.
Despite their potential, digital health tools face challenges, including regulatory hurdles and ensuring data security. As technology continues to evolve, digital health tools are likely to become more accessible and integrated into everyday healthcare.

20. The primary purpose of digital health tools is to ………….. .

21. Digital health tools assist patients with chronic conditions by ………….. .

22. The underlined word “empower” is closest in meaning to ………….. .

23. The phrase “regulatory hurdles” refers to ………….. .

24. The text ………….. the integration of digital tools into healthcare.

25. The underlined phrase “real-time feedback” could imply a ………….. .

Passage 40

Sleep is essential for maintaining cognitive functions, including memory consolidation, problem-solving, and decision-making. During sleep, the brain processes information gathered throughout the day, creating connections that strengthen learning and understanding. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts these processes, leading to poor concentration, reduced productivity, and an increased risk of mental health disorders.

Studies indicate that adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning. However, societal pressures, such as demanding work schedules and the prevalence of digital devices, often contribute to insufficient sleep. Teenagers and young adults are particularly vulnerable due to social, academic, and technological influences that lead to irregular sleep patterns.

Prolonged sleep deprivation also affects physical health by impairing the immune system, increasing susceptibility to chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and heightening the risk of accidents. Addressing these challenges requires public awareness campaigns and interventions promoting sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules and minimizing screen exposure before bedtime.

1. The text tends to ………….. the importance of sleep for cognitive functions.

2. The text implies that sleep deprivation ………….. .

3. The issue of irregular sleep patterns among teenagers and young adults ………….. .

4. Sleep hygiene practices ………….. .

5. The text implies that societal pressures ………….. .

6. The text implies that promoting sleep hygiene practices ………….. .