VOA慢速英语:Scientists Discover Gene Responsible for Multiple Sclerosis

spinal cord – n. the large group of nerves which runs through the center of the spine and carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body

optic nerve – n. either of the second pair of cranial nerves that pass from the retina to the optic chiasma and conduct visual stimuli to the brain

cripple – v. to cause (a person or animal) to be unable to move or walk

database – n. a collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer

geneticist – n. a scientist who studies genetics

hereditary – adj. passed or able to be passed from parent to child before birth

neurological – adj. the scientific study of the nervous system and the diseases that affect it

coordination – n. the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and well

defect – n. a physical problem that causes something to be less valuable, effective, healthy, etc.

mechanism – n. a process or system that is used to produce a particular result: “Scientists are studying the body's mechanisms for controlling weight.”