14. A company has developed a new sensing device that, according to the company's claims, detects weak, ultralow-frequency electromagnetic signals associated with a beating heart. These signals, which pass through almost any physical obstruction, are purportedly detected by the device even at significant distances. Therefore, if the company's claims are true, their device will radically improve emergency teams' ability to locate quickly people who are trapped within the wreckage of collapsed buildings.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

A、 People trapped within the wreckage of collapsed buildings usually have serious injuries that require prompt medical treatment.
B、 The device gives a distinctive reading when the signals it detects come from human beings rather than from any other living beings.
C、 Most people who have survived after being trapped in collapsed buildings were rescued within two hours of the building's collapse.
D、 Ultralow-frequency signals are not the only electromagnetic signals that can pass through almost any physical obstruction.
E、 Extensive training is required in order to operate the device effectively.

【正确答案】 B

【答案解析】 Argument Evaluation
Situation A new sensing device can detect—at significant distances and even behind obstructions such as
walls—weak, ultralow-frequency electromagnetic signals that are characteristic of heartbeats. It is
predicted, based on this information, that the new device will shorten the time it currently takes to
locate people buried under collapsed buildings but still alive.
Reasoning What new information, if accurate, would provide further evidence that would support the prediction?
The existing evidence fails to tell us whether the new device can distinguish between human
heartbeats and heartbeats from other species. If the device does not quickly provide signals
characteristic of human heartbeats, then the prediction might not be correct; even if the prediction
eventually turns out to be correct, the evidence given for it is insufficient. Any new information
that implies the signals provided by the device can discern a human heartbeat from those of
nonhuman species will strengthen support for the prediction.
A This implies that prompt rescue of people trapped under collapsed buildings is vitally important. The prediction is that the new device will speed rescue of such people, but the new information here does nothing to indicate that the prediction is accurate.
B Correct. This information fills an important gap (already discussed) in the evidence for the prediction.
C Even if this is true, shortening the time for locating and rescuing people from collapsed buildings would clearly be beneficial. However, the new information given here does not make it more likely that the prediction is correct.
D If this is correct, then if anything, it somewhat undermines the evidence given for the prediction, since it raises the possibility that the detection ability of the device might be impeded by "noise" from irrelevant electromagnetic signals near the collapsed building.
E This could lead to practical obstacles when using the device even in emergency situations, with the result that the device might never actually be used by competent personnel to "improve emergency teams' ability" because the "extensive training" would cost too much.
The correct answer is B.