As the year starts to wrap up, people around the world are listing things they’re grateful for. We think science should top those lists! Can you top our quiz?
#1. Antibiotics are important medicines that protect us against microbes. What was the first antibiotic discovered?
In 1928 Alexander Fleming discovered that “mould juice” from a mould called penicillium could prevent the growth of bacteria (three different bacteria are options A, B and D). It’s possible Ancient Egyptians discovered mould’s abilities, too. They had a tradition of putting mouldy bread on wounds! Today we use antibiotics to treat all sorts of nasty bacteria.
#2. True or false? CSIRO invented flexible solar panels that have been launched into space.
True. After more than a decade of work, CSIRO scientists invented highly efficient, flexible and roll-up-able solar panels. These special solar panels can be put on buildings and even clothing! In March of this year, they were launched into space where they successfully powered a spacecraft.
#3. Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites can always pinpoint our location on Earth and in all weather conditions. How many GPS satellites are currently operating?
There are just 31 GPS satellites currently working and they orbit along different paths to cover Earth’s entire surface. These satellites carry extremely precise clocks, and they’re constantly broadcasting the time. A GPS receiver can measure how long it took for that time signal to arrive from the satellite. If the receiver can listen to 4 satellites at the same time, they can find your exact GPS location!
#4. Science regularly inspires awe and as a science magazine, we get to cover these stories! Which of the following was NOT a story in Double Helix Extra in 2024?
Unfortunately, we haven’t found life on Mars – if we had, you would be hearing about it everywhere! But, ice sheets might be a good location to look. Read more about that in our Aliens issue of Double Helix magazine coming out in January. In the meantime, Double Helix Extra has covered lots of awe-inspiring news stories. Check them out here.
#5. We all know that CSIRO invented Wireless LAN, the key technology behind WiFi. But who invented frequency hopping, used in mobile phones and military radios?
Believe it or not, actress Hedy Lamarr was also a talented inventor who co-invented “frequency hopping” during WW2 with George Antheil. They imagined two automatic player pianos, each playing the same tune. Except, instead of playing notes, they were picking different frequencies to talk on, so eavesdroppers wouldn’t be able to listen in!
Results
Congratulations! You are a real science whiz!
Oh dear! Better brush up before the next quiz!
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