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Byte) Infinitives: Review and Expand

OQ 1 READ the article about a place where ancient healing is helping to advance modern
medicine. Why are scientists in a hurry to learn as much as they can?

Medical Riches in the Rainforests

The world’s rainforests are of great interest to medical scientists. In those forests,
scientists have found treatments for a wide range of conditions, from headaches to
malaria. Researchers also hope to find cures for cancer there. According to the National
Cancer Institute, 70 percent of plants that may be useful in cancer treatment grow only in
rainforests. Only some of them have been studied so far.

Scientists often depend on the knowledge of traditional healers. The scientists want
the healers to show them where plants are growing in the rainforest. Gervasio Noceda,
for example, is a well-known healer in Paraguay. He is a shaman', and his knowledge
of medicinal plants equals that of a medical library. When Noceda prepares to lead a
group of researchers on a search for plants, he chants and prays. Perhaps he is hoping
to establish a spiritual connection with the forest. When he is ready, the search begins.
The researchers often ask him to find a plant root? called suruvi. When
suruvi is made into a tea, it is used to treat a variety of illnesses.
With Noceda’s help, some researchers have published a book on
medicinal] plants. It is a rich source of information that helps
people to identify and study plants more easily.

Scientists feel fortunate to have the benefit of the healers’
knowledge. They need to work quickly, though. Deforestation?
is a serious problem, so it is urgent* to identify, record, and i
analyze the plants of the rainforests before it is too late. i

F
‘shaman: a wise person who is thought to have magic or spiritual powers
2root: the part of a plant that grows underground -
8 deforestation: the cutting down or destruction of trees for farming, v
wood, or fuel
.
4urgent: needing attention as soon as possible

4 Ashaman in the Cofan
region, Ecuador

inwhole or in pal

ience.
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