In these modern times, almose anything is possible, nothing seems to be beyond the reach of science.
在这个现代社会里,几乎所有的事情都有可能会发生,似乎没有任何事情是科学解决不了的。
at any rate for short periods -- that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue.
至少在短期内如此 -- 跑跑、跳跳、踢踢球是对一个民族品德素质的检验。