Imagine a computer that combines human brain cells with advanced technology. Meet the CL1 — a groundbreaking invention by Australian company Cortical Labs. 
This “biological computer” uses lab-grown brain nerve cells placed on a silicon (硅) chip to process information, working in ways similar to a living brain. These cells form networks that respond to electrical signals, allowing the system to learn and adapt. Artificial intelligence (AI) software analyzes the neurons’ (神经元) activity, helping the system solve problems faster than traditional AI. Cortical Labs believes this approach could improve tasks like decision-making in unpredictable situations — something current AI struggles with.
In 2022, Cortical Labs made headlines by creating a lab-dish computer capable of learning and then mastering the game of Pong in just about five minutes. However, the technology had limited practical application within the laboratory environment. To make the technology practical, the company developed the CL1. CL1 comes in a life-support container that regulates a variety of elements, such as temperature and gas exchange. Priced at $35,000, the CL1 is set to launch commercially later this year.
Cortical Labs claim this technology could fundamentally transform the study of consciousness and potentially remove the need to rely on animal testing and imperfect mathematical models to study diseases and medicines. Although its price can be prohibitive to small labs and research teams, Cortical Labs is currently working on a significantly more affordable cloud-based system that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
The CL1 represents a bold (大胆的) step toward blending biology with machines. However, using human neurons in computing raises concerns. Could such systems develop consciousness? Cortical Labs assures the public that CL1’s neurons are lab-grown and lack awareness. While expensive and controversial, it opens doors to faster, more flexible AI systems. As science advances, society will need to balance innovation with responsibility — a challenge as complex as the technology itself.

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1.1. How does the CL1 process information?

A It uses traditional AI software to analyze neurons’ activity.

B It has human brain cells directly connected to a computer.

C It uses lab-grown brain cells on a chip to work like a living brain.

D It depends on mathematical models to solve problems.

解析：选C。细节理解题。根据第二段第一句“This ‘biological computer’ uses lab-grown brain nerve cells placed on a silicon chip to process information, working in ways similar to a living brain.” 可知，在CL1生物计算机的硅芯片表面，布满了实验室精心培育的人类神经元。这些神经元能够响应电信号，形成类似于生物大脑的信息处理网络。A选项中说使用传统AI软件分析神经元活动错误，原文说的是人工智能软件分析神经元活动帮助系统比传统AI更快解决问题；B选项中人类脑细胞直接连接到电脑，原文是将实验室培育的脑神经元细胞放置在硅芯片上；D选项依赖数学模型解决问题，文章未提及CL1用数学模型处理信息，所以A、B、D错误。故选C。

2.2. Why did Cortical Labs develop the CL1 after their 2022 lab experiment?

A The lab experiment failed to attract public attention.

B The lab-based technology had limited real-world applications.

C The company wanted to reduce production costs immediately.

D The CL1 was designed to address ethical concerns.

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据第三段内容可知，早在2022年，这家公司就通过前面提到的技术，培养人类皮层细胞，并将它接入“Pong”乒乓球电子游戏环境内，但是这个“活”着的设备，其实是个实验体，就相当于小白鼠。尽管这是重大突破，但该公司意识到实验室技术难以实际应用，因此开始研发便携版本。故选B。

3.3. What does the underlined word “prohibitive” in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A Very attractive.

B Super flexible.

C Unbelievably low.

D Excessively high.

解析：选D。词义猜测题。第四段划线单词所在句中的“Although”表转折，后面提到正在开发更经济的云端系统，可推测前面说的是价格对小实验室和研究团队来说是难以承受的，“prohibitive” 意思是“价格过高（而负担不起）的”。故选D。

4.4. What is the author’s attitude toward the CL1?

A Completely supportive without reason.

B Strongly opposed due to ethical risks.

C Cautiously optimistic but aware of challenges.

D Neutral and indifferent to its impact.

解析：选C。推理判断题。最后一段中作者既肯定CL1是“bold step”并“opens doors to faster AI”（乐观），也强调需“平衡创新与责任”及伦理争议（谨慎）。选项C全面概括了作者态度，A、B过于极端，D未体现文中评价性语言。故选C。