手机总放在身边会导致认知能力下降
人们一直都觉得口袋里的智能手机让我们越来越笨了，现在有科学证据来证明了。
The constant presence of a mobile phone has a "brain drain" effect that significantly reduces people's intelligence and attention spans, a study has found.
Researchers at the University of Texas discovered that people are worse at conducting tasks and remembering information if they have a smartphone within eye shot. In two experiments they found phones sitting on a desk or even in a pocket or handbag would distract users and lead to worse test scores even when it was set up not to disturb test subjects.
The effect was measurable even when the phones were switched off, and was worse for those who were deemed more dependent on their mobiles.
"Although these devices have immense potential to improve welfare, their persistent presence may come at a cognitive cost," said Dr Adrian Ward, the lead author of the study. "Even when people are successful at maintaining sustained attention - as when avoiding the temptation to check their phones - the mere presence of these devices reduces available cognitive capability."
1 persistent
adj.坚持不懈的，执意的;持续的
参考例句：
Albert had a persistent headache that lasted for three days.艾伯特连续头痛了三天。
She felt embarrassed by his persistent attentions.他不时地向她大献殷勤，使她很难为情。
2 cognitive
adj.认知的，认识的，有感知的
参考例句：
As children grow older,their cognitive processes become sharper.孩子们越长越大，他们的认知过程变得更为敏锐。
The cognitive psychologist is like the tinker who wants to know how a clock works.认知心理学者倒很像一个需要通晓钟表如何运转的钟表修理匠。
3 ward
n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人(尤指儿童);vt.守护，躲开
参考例句：
The hospital has a medical ward and a surgical ward.这家医院有内科病房和外科病房。
During the evening picnic,I'll carry a torch to ward off the bugs.傍晚野餐时，我要点根火把，抵挡蚊虫。
4 mere
adj.纯粹的;仅仅，只不过
参考例句：
That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。
It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。
5 capability
n.能力;才能;(pl)可发展的能力或特性等
参考例句：
She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。
