Test Your Knowledge: The Odd and Extraordinary Science Stories

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  • 1/10 Questions

    In a forecast released in January 2009, several futuristic gadgets were predicted to be commonly used in 30 years. Which of the following was not listed among the expected popular technologies?

    • Cloak of invisibility
    • Private space car
    • Teleportation pod
    • Smell-o-vision
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About This Quiz

Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz about the strangest and most remarkable science stories. Explore a variety of questions that cover everything from innovative technologies to unexpected scientific discoveries. See if you can remember or guess the right answers about dinosaur research, breakthrough inventions, and quirky experiments.
This quiz not only challenges you but also shares fun facts and insights about the world of science. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious, this quiz promises to be engaging and informative. Get ready to learn about the lesser-known yet fascinating scientific events that have captured the imagination of many.

Test Your Knowledge: The Odd And Extraordinary Science Stories - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    According to a palaeontologist at the University of Manchester in the UK, Velociraptor, the dinosaur star of many films, might have used its fearsome claws for what?

    • Breaking into termite mounds

    • Scratching limpet-like parasites from its hide

    • Slicing open and disembowelling its prey

    • Climbing Cretaceous trees

    Correct Answer
    A. Climbing Cretaceous trees
    Explanation
    Contrary to their terrifying portrayal in films such as "Jurassic Park," where Velociraptors use their claws to viciously attack prey, a study by palaeontologists at the University of Manchester suggests a different function for these claws. The research indicates that Velociraptors might have used their fearsome claws primarily for climbing trees. This hypothesis is based on an analysis of the claw's biomechanics, which show adaptations suitable for grasping and holding, similar to the talons of modern birds of prey, which they use to grip tree branches securely.

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  • 3. 

    In a study by Swiss researchers, it was reported that the armpits of men and women emit distinct odors. What are these odors respectively said to resemble?

    • Beer and chocolate

    • Eggs and bacon

    • Salt and vinegar

    • Cheese and onion

    Correct Answer
    A. Cheese and onion
    Explanation
    Swiss researchers have found that men's and women's armpits each emit a unique odor, which they characterized as resembling cheese and onions, respectively. This study investigates the underlying biological reasons for these differences, focusing on the distinct sweat glands and bacterial communities in males and females. Men's armpits, with bacteria that tend to produce more fatty acids, result in a cheesy smell, whereas women's armpits, which host bacteria that break down sulfur compounds, give off an onion-like scent. This research sheds light on how biological differences influence body odor, offering insights into personal hygiene and the development of deodorants and antiperspirants tailored to gender-specific needs.

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  • 4. 

    What threatens the future of lizards in the Australian outback?

    • Lizard flu

    • Overheating because of global warming

    • Being eaten by cane toads

    • Being eaten by C-list celebrities

    Correct Answer
    A. Overheating because of global warming
    Explanation
    The future of lizards in the Australian outback is primarily threatened by overheating due to global warming. Rising temperatures affect these cold-blooded animals significantly, as they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. As global temperatures increase, the natural heat balance that lizards depend on is disrupted, leading to overheating. This can result in a range of adverse effects, from reduced reproductive success to increased mortality rates. The impact of climate change on these creatures highlights the broader ecological challenges faced by wildlife due to global environmental changes.

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  • 5. 

    In August 2009, what achieved a record speed of 225 kilometres per hour?

    • A Russian nuclear-powered warship

    • A genetically modified French pigeon

    • A 3-tonne British-built steam car

    • A Brazilian motorbike fuelled by bioethanol

    Correct Answer
    A. A 3-tonne British-built steam car
    Explanation
    In August 2009, a significant milestone was achieved by a 3-tonne British-built steam car, which set a new land speed record for steam-powered vehicles by reaching a speed of 225 kilometres per hour. This event marked a historic moment as it broke the previous record of 204 km/hr set in 1906 by Fred Marriott in a Stanley Steamer. The achievement not only demonstrated advances in steam technology but also highlighted the enduring potential of steam power in modern automotive engineering. This feat was recognized for breaking a century-old record and pushing the boundaries of steam propulsion. User

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  • 6. 

    In 2009, what vital skill were soccer-playing robots at the University of Chile being taught, one that is commonly displayed by their human counterparts?

    • Whining at the referee

    • Deliberately falling over

    • Surreptitiously handling the ball

    • Celebrating a goal by doing a robot dance

    Correct Answer
    A. Deliberately falling over
    Explanation
    In 2009, researchers at the University of Chile focused on an interesting aspect of robotics within the realm of soccer: teaching robots to deliberately fall over. This skill is critical as it mirrors the precaution human soccer players take to avoid injuries during falls. For robots, mastering this technique is crucial to protect their mechanical structures during play and improve their in-game functionality, such as the ability to block shots effectively by falling in a controlled manner. This initiative highlighted the importance of safety and adaptability in sports robotics.

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  • 7. 

    How have engineers at the Ford Motor Company improved the fuel efficiency of a prototype car?

    • Doping its fuel with a trace of the heavy metal bismuth

    • Building engine parts out of lightweight lithium

    • Putting a big flashing sign on the dashboard that says "Slow Down!"

    • Giving the engine a shot of alcohol, but only when it really needs one

    Correct Answer
    A. Giving the engine a shot of alcohol, but only when it really needs one
    Explanation
    Engineers at the Ford Motor Company have innovated a way to enhance fuel efficiency in a prototype car by utilizing a method where the engine receives a shot of alcohol—specifically ethanol—when extra power is needed, such as during acceleration or climbing hills. This technology involves a direct-injection system that blends ethanol with gasoline in the combustion chamber to provide a boost in performance. The use of ethanol, which has a higher octane rating than gasoline, allows for more efficient combustion and reduced emissions during these high-demand scenarios, thereby improving overall fuel efficiency while maintaining performance.

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  • 8. 

    In October 2009, what additional creative suggestion for getting into space was reported?

    • A hybrid engine that will combine the technologies of rocket, jet and propeller

    • An inflatable tower

    • A big air gun

    • A trampoline

    Correct Answer
    A. A big air gun
    Explanation
    In October, another novel idea for space access was featured—a giant air gun. This concept involves using a large air gun to launch objects into orbit. The idea, reminiscent of Jules Verne’s classic science fiction, proposes a cost-effective, albeit unconventional, method to propel payloads into space using compressed air as the driving force. This approach could potentially lower the financial and environmental costs associated with traditional rocket launches, presenting an intriguing alternative for sending materials beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

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  • 9. 

    In June of 2009, alongside NASA's successful testing of its new Ares launch system planned for moon and Mars missions, what more creative suggestion for getting into space was reported?

    • A hybrid engine that will combine the technologies of rocket, jet and propeller

    • An inflatable tower

    • A big air gun

    • A trampoline

    Correct Answer
    A. An inflatable tower
    Explanation
    In June, amid advancements with NASA's Ares launch system, an innovative and less conventional method for space access was highlighted—a giant inflatable tower. This concept proposes using a large, air-filled structure to elevate payloads to the edge of space, significantly reducing the need for powerful rocket launches. The idea taps into existing materials and engineering knowledge to create a tower that could potentially reach into the stratosphere, providing a new platform for launching spacecraft and other space-bound missions more economically and efficiently.

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  • 10. 

    At -240 °C, the coldest known spot in the solar system is certainly not somewhere you would want to have a snowball fight. Where is it?

    • The icy south pole of the moon

    • The frozen surface of Pluto

    • The sunless side of Mercury

    • The bleak heart of a merchant banker

    Correct Answer
    A. The icy south pole of the moon
    Explanation
    The coldest known spot in the solar system, at a chilling -240 °C, is located at the icy south pole of the moon. This extreme cold is due to the area's perpetual shadow, which prevents sunlight from warming the surface. The lunar south pole's craters, which are in constant darkness, trap ice and keep their environments extremely cold. This fascinating lunar region holds scientific interest because of the potential water ice reserves, which could be crucial for future lunar exploration and long-term missions, providing resources for life support and fuel production.

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  • Apr 17, 2024
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  • Dec 10, 2009
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