新奇事件簿 微波防腐面包60天不变质

American scientists say they can make bread last for up to two months. They have found a way to stop mould¹ or fungus² growing on bread and other food. The researchers are from a biotechnology company called MicroZap. The company's name gives a clue to how their technology works³. They use high-powered microwaves to zap the food and kill anything that could grow fungus. They started their project to find an answer to the superbugs that are found in many U.S. hospitals. However, they soon discovered that their technique could sterilise food. The scientists say they only need to microwave the bread for about ten seconds and then it is OK to eat 60 days later. They also say the taste of the bread stays the same.

美国科学家称他们能让面包存放两个月。他们找到了食物防腐技术。研究人员是来自一个名叫“MicroZap”的生物技术公司。公司名称正好与该技术有关。通过微波防腐技术杀灭滋生霉菌的物质。起初，该项目是要对一种出现在多家医院的超级病菌进行研究。但他们很快就发现了这种食物杀菌技术。科学家认为微波面包只需要10秒钟，这一手段将存储期延长到60天。他们还称面包味道并没有发生改变。

The scientists believe their discovery could stop people throwing away so much food. Studies show that Americans put around 40 per cent of the food they buy into the trash. Having food that lasts longer would save people money and help the Earth. Another benefit of MicroZap's technology is in stopping disease⁴. Illness from food has a huge impact⁵ on society. There are 76 million cases of food poisoning in America every year, with 5,000 deaths. It costs the economy about $6 billion annually⁶. The company hopes to use its technology soon in making safe, ready-made meals for war zones and areas hit by disasters. MicroZapping could become the best thing since sliced bread.

科学家相信这一发现能够减少食物浪费现象。研究表明美国居民浪费了40%的食物。延长保质期能帮你省钱，还能够拯救地球。“MicroZap”的该项技术还有助于减少疾病。食品疾病对社会造成了重大影响。美国每年的食物中毒病例为7600万，并造成5000人死亡。每年造成的经济损失约60亿美元。公司希望能够尽快将这项技术投入到战区和灾区，通过这项技术生产安全的即食食品。“微波防腐”是即切片面包后的最佳选择。

1 mould   

n.模子，模型，霉，霉菌，气质；vt.浇铸

参考例句：

• He will mould a child into an excellent basketball player.他把孩子造就成为一个优秀的篮球运动员。
• This is a mould of pudding.这是在模子中做成的布丁。

2 fungus   

n.真菌，真菌类植物

参考例句：

• Mushrooms are a type of fungus.蘑菇是一种真菌。
• This fungus can just be detected by the unaided eye.这种真菌只用肉眼就能检查出。

3 works   

n.作品，著作；工厂，活动部件，机件

参考例句：

• We expect writers to produce more and better works.我们期望作家们写出更多更好的作品。
• The novel is regarded as one of the classic works.这篇小说被公认为是最优秀的作品之一。

4 disease   

n.疾病，弊端

参考例句：

• The doctors are trying to stamp out the disease.医生正在尽力消灭这种疾病。
• He fought against the disease for a long time.他同疾病做了长时间的斗争。

5 impact   

n.冲击，碰撞；影响；vt.装紧，压紧

参考例句：

• The computer had made a great impact on modern life.计算机对现代生活产生了巨大的影响.
• How will the war impact on such a poet?战争对这样一个诗人会产生什么影响？

6 annually   

adv.一年一次，每年

参考例句：

• Many migratory birds visit this lake annually.许多候鸟每年到这个湖上作短期逗留。
• They celebrate their wedding anniversary annually.他们每年庆祝一番结婚纪念日。