Английский язык для студентов радиотехнических специальностей вузов (стр. 22 )

4.  Research in DNA computer technology began when scientists saw a striking similarity between the way a DNA works and the way an ideal computing machine – the so-called Turing machine¹ – could be organized. In 1994 the test-tube DNA was first used to solve a mathematical problem. Already at the time it was clear that it was far more convenient to work with the DNA computers than with the usual kind. They have capacity to store and work out vast amounts of information. The density of data storage on such machines is approximately 100,000 times higher than on a regular hard disk.

5.  The DNA computer consists of DNA molecules and molecules of enzymes, or DNA analyzing substances. The new computer can work entirely on its own. This miniature electronic computing machine does not need a human. Thus far it can only process synthesised DNA. But it will soon graduate to read molecules.

6.  An ordinary computer is unable to perform several tasks simultaneously. It performs them consecutively – true, very fast, so fast in fact that users are unaware of the defect. The DNA computer is free from any such shortfall. DNA molecules work as a team, and this is why the new machine is polychromic being able to perform several tasks at once.

7.  The DNA computer processed information and stores it in the form of a chain of symbols.

8.  So far the DNA computer operates with only two symbols, the way ordinary computers operate with the notions of “logical 0” and “logical 1”. Thus far the system is too elementary to work out any specific task. But it can serve as a platform for DNA computers of the future that will be able to work directly in a human cell identifying potential diseases and curing them. It may still be a long way to the shining pinnacles of the future. But the first step has already been made.

Notes

1. Turing machine – машина Тьюринга (Абстрактная машина, использованная Тьюрингом для точного определения понятий алгоритма и вычислимости).

III. Say:

a) what the future of traditional silicon computers is; b) what kind of computer the researchers built.

IV. Find the information about the possibilities of DNA computers. Say it to your group-mate.

V. Explain why the new machine is able to perform several tasks at once.

VI. Which paragraph contains the information dealing with DNA computer of the future? Describe it.

VII. Summarize the general ideas developed in texts A, B and C.

VIII. Make a report about the computers and microprocessor system. While preparing it use the information of units 8, 9, 10. The following plan will help you:

1.  The development of the computer.

2.  Kinds of modern computers.

3.  Uses of the computer.

4.  Programming a digital computer.

5.  Miniaturization of computers.

6.  Generations of computers.

7.  The microprocessor system and its functioning.

8.  A computer with DNA molecules.

UNIT ELEVEN

•Grammar: Modal Verbs and Their Equivalents (§5).

Modal Verbs with Perfect Infinitive (§5).

•Word-Formation; n+-y = adj

n +-al = adj

•Individual Work: Lab Work "Modal Verbs".

LESSON ONE

Pre-text Exercises

I. Practise the reading of the following words:

frequently ['fri:kwqntli], to excite [Ik'saIt], coin ['kOm], to accept [qk'sept], nowadays ['naVqdeIz], article ['a:tIrkl], to stamp ['stxmp], dozen ['dAzn], stroke ['strqVk], to adjust [q'GAst], to measure ['meZq(r)], feedback ['fi:dbxk], controllable [kqn'trqVlqbl], to require [rI'kwaIq(r)], extensive [Ik'stensIv].

II. Make sure if you can read these words correctly and say what Russian words help you to guess their meaning:

automation, expert, material, operator, production, electrical, mechanization, information, mechanical, instruction, control, idea.

III. Give the initial forms of the following words:

handling, parts, manufactured, engines, completes, accepted, growing, traced, watches, fitted, replaced, operates, variables, finished.

IV. State to what parts of speech the following words belong:

1. A magnetic needle always points in the direction of the North Pole. 2. Bright points on the screen of a radar mark detected aims. 3. Our professor answers all our questions. 4. At the age of 76 Einstein still looked for the answers of new secrets of time and space. 5. These apparatus control the flight of a rocket. 6. Remote control is widely applied in atomic installations.

V. Form adjectives adding the suffixes a) -al and b) -y to the given nouns. Translate them into Russian:

Example: a) experiment — эксперимент b) bulk — большое количество

experimental — экспериментальный bulky — громоздкий, большой

a)  industry, digit, dimension, essence, vision, virgin, nature, sequence, electricity, logic, medicine, physics, instrument, proportion;

b)  fault, air, fire, grain, fruit, crag, silver, smoke, wealth, dust, sun, sand, frost, chill, cloud, storm, noise, fog, rain, snow.

VI. Make sure if you remember the meaning of the following verbs. Consult a dictionary if necessary:

to listen, to invent, to trace, to avoid, to make, to do, to watch, to suppose, to examine, to order, to carry, to operate, to get, to sell, to bring, to decrease, to increase, to cut, to mean.

VII. Translate the following sentences into Russian. Pay attention to the modal verbs:

1. Heat is a form of energy and may be measured in the units in which energy is measured. 2. We must say that the discovery of atomic energy is as important as the discovery of fire. 3. Electronic machines can add, subtract, multiply and divide much quicker than man. 4. The origin of automation can be traced back to the early days of the first industrial revolution. 5. She may use different methods in her research work. 6. For a long time scientists could not discover the secret of the atom. 7. This equipment can work with high accuracy. 8. You may use these devices in your research work. 9. The atom is a great force that must be used for the good of mankind. 10. Chemists must create the materials which don't exist in nature. 11. Naturally, this circuit can be modified if necessary. 12. This kind of energy must find application in transport.

VIII. Choose the sentences where the verbs to have and to be are used in the functions of modal verbs and translate them:

1. These devices have been used in our experiment. 2. Scientists have to work hard to create a new atomic technique. 3. A modern computer has two main parts: a memory and a computing unit. 4. As the known resources of coal and oil are limited, man has to find new sources of power. 5. Very difficult calculations in mathematics and electrical engineering have to be solved by computers. 6. People of good will have to struggle for peaceful use of atomic energy. 7. When technique reaches a very high stage of development, new methods of work will become possible. 8. We are to take into consideration all the advantages and disadvantages of this device for the future work. 9. We are to take special steps to reduce the weight of this mechanical part. 10. These new data are obtained after our experiment. 11. At present our engineers are to develop the most advanced methods of production. 12. Our design bureau has to construct a new adding machine. 13. This device has been used in our experiment. 14. The experts are to inspect this plant.

IX. Translate the sentences into Russian. Pay attention to the use of modal verbs and their equivalents:

1. Without a computer scientists will not be able to solve complicated problems. 2. Modern computers can multiply two numbers in a microsecond. 3. This machine can do the work of hundreds of workers. 3. He has to finish his experiment in time. 4. She was allowed to carry out this research as she had taken part in the scientific symposium. 5. Every student must know the difference between automation and mechanization. 6. With the help of radioactive elements we were able to measure the thickness of various materials. 7. Every engineer must improve his technical knowledge. 8. Scientists of different countries must cooperate in their research and peaceful application of their discoveries. 9. In fact, there is hardly any sphere of life where the atom may not find useful application. 10. The computer can perform different mathematical operations. 11. Our plant is to increase its output. 12. Every plant must fulfil its plan in time. 13. Workers must apply new methods of production.

X. Translate the following sentences into Russian paying attention to modal verbs with Perfect Infinitive:

1. The engineer might have overlooked something that may turn out to be important in carrying out this experiment. 2. All the preparations must have been completed long ago. 3. Some day atomic energy might have been used to control the weather of the world. 4. He may have got the condenser he needed for his experiment. 5. He cannot have broken the tube while making this experiment. 6. You should have changed the current strength at all points of the circuit. 7. He may have got the article he needed. 8. You should have helped your friend.

XI. Find the pairs of words which are opposite in meaning:

a)  small, frequently, same, visible, rapid, early, simple, outside, addition, multiplication, to destroy, mountain, to sell, peace, known;

b)  seldom, complex, late, slow, invisible, different, big, inside, subtraction, division, to construct, plain, to buy, war, unknown.

XII. Try to memorize the word-groups:

■ automatic production — автоматическое производство ■ the origin of automation — происхождение автоматизации ■ sensitive and measuring devices — чувствительные и измерительные устройства (приборы) ■ a manual control — ручное управление ■ feedback information — информация обратной связи ■ to operate through a closed loop — работать посредством замкнутого цикла ■ to trace back — восходить к ■ extensive mechanization — экстенсивная механизация ■ the automatic handling of materials — автоматическая обработка материалов ■ an electronic control system — электронная система управления ■ a machine-tool — станок ■ a hand-tool — ручной инструмент ■ automatic production — автоматическое производство ■ an automatic control — автоматическое управление.