美国国家地理09年度十大科学发现-英语点津

6.淘金热时期“幽灵船”残骸 Gold Rush-Era "Ghost Ship" Wreck Found

考古学家11月表示，在最近重见天日的“A.J. 戈达德”号明轮船残骸上，人们发现了当时被匆匆扔到甲板上的靴子以及散落的餐具。这些发现有助于了解这艘淘金热时期“幽灵船”上的船员生命的最后时刻。

With boots thrown hastily on deck and cooking utensils scattered, the last moments of the crew aboard the gold rush-era paddleboat A.J. Goddard are preserved in the ship's recently found wreck, archaeologists announced in November.

7.最长蛇身长超过巴士 Biggest Snake Discovered; Was Longer Than a Bus

这只生活在6000万年前的爬行动物体重超过一辆汽车。科学家2月表示，最长蛇化石的发现为了解气候变化提供了重要依据。

The 60-million-year-old reptile was also heavier than a car, scientists said in February, adding that the fossil could shed light on climate change.

8.美国三分之一地区面临外来巨蟒入侵威胁 Alien Giant Snakes Threaten to Invade Up to 1/3 of U.S.

根据10月公布的一份报告，如果能够在美国野外安家落户并繁衍生息，9条外来巨蟒便可能引发一场生态学灾难。现在，至少已有两条外来巨蟒在佛罗里达州定居。

Nine giant snakes could be on the verge of causing ecological catastrophe if they establish themselves in the U.S. wild—at least two have already set up shop in Florida—according to an October report.

9.古代镶宝石牙齿 Ancient Gem-Studded Teeth Show Skill of Early Dentists

古代镶宝石牙齿这一发现说明为牙齿“美容”绝不是hip-hop明星的首创。5月进行的一项研究显示，先进的牙科技术允许美洲土著人为他们的牙齿镶嵌宝石。这种为牙齿美容的做法年代最远可追溯到2500年前。

The glittering "grills" of some hip-hop stars aren't exactly unprecedented. Sophisticated dentistry allowed Native Americans to add bling to their teeth as far back as 2,500 years ago, a May study said.

10.超罕见巨口鲨 Ultra-Rare Megamouth Shark Found, Eaten

这是迄今为止发现的第41条巨口鲨。3月，不幸最终降临到这条原本生活在菲律宾海域的鲨鱼头上，等待它的是在椰子汁中温火慢煮并最终被吃掉的厄运。

In March, the 41st megamouth shark ever found went from swimming in Philippine waters to simmering in coconut milk.