Contemporary Events and Innovations Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the scrolls did the winners manage to decode?

10 percent

25 percent

15 percent

5 percent (correct)

What major event did Alex Morgan help the USWNT achieve in 2012?

Claiming their third consecutive gold medal victory (correct)

Reaching the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Winning the FIFA Women's World Cup

Securing a bronze medal in the Olympics

What was the primary focus of the Alex Morgan Foundation founded in 2023?

Encouraging college attendance for male athletes

Advocating for gender equality and opportunities for women and girls (correct)

Sponsoring youth soccer leagues

Promoting men's soccer scholarships

What artifact did Egyptian archeologists discover related to Ramses II?

A gleaming bronze sword Signup and view all the answers

Which accomplishment ranks Alex Morgan fifth all-time in USWNT history?

Combined goals and assists Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected annual carbon dioxide capture capacity of the new Climeworks plant in Louisiana by 2030?

1,000,000 tons Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Polaris Dawn mission's high-altitude flight?

To assess the impact of radiation levels Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant technological advancement developed by Brent Seales for examining the Herculaneum scrolls?

A digital imaging technique using X-ray technology Signup and view all the answers

Which crew member was identified as the mission leader for the Polaris Dawn space mission?

Jared Isaacman Signup and view all the answers

What word did Luke Farritor decipher as the first identified word from the ancient scrolls?

Porphyras Signup and view all the answers

What was the first artwork created by Banksy as part of his series in August 2024?

A silhouette of a mountain goat Signup and view all the answers

What did the final Banksy artwork depict?

A gorilla lifting a shutter to allow wildlife to escape Signup and view all the answers

How did zoo officials initially protect the final Banksy mural?

With a layer of thin plastic Signup and view all the answers

Which animal was NOT part of Banksy's series of animal murals?

Pandas Signup and view all the answers

What was the height limit of the redwood trees in Big Basin Redwood State Park?

Over 300 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary adaptation that redwood trees have developed to cope with adverse conditions after a fire?

They store excess energy from photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What role do earthworms play in improving soil health?

They create channels that enhance soil drainage and aeration. Signup and view all the answers

What did researchers discover about the redwoods' stored energy through radiocarbon dating?

It was generated as early as the 1920s. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event is speculated to have occurred on a Friday the 13th according to some biblical scholars?

The first murder committed by Cain. Signup and view all the answers

How do orb-weaver spiders manipulate male fireflies?

By using venom to change their flashing signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism surrounding Direct Air Capture (DAC) plants like Mammoth?

They are too expensive and may distract from fossil fuel reduction. Signup and view all the answers

What voting system is predominantly used in U.S. presidential elections?

A winner-takes-all system where the candidate winning the majority gets all electoral votes. Signup and view all the answers

What economic impact is associated with the superstition of Friday the 13th in the U.S.?

Businesses lose approximately $900 million. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of electoral votes needed to secure U.S. presidency?

270 electoral votes. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding of the study on earthworms and tomato plants?

Earthworms help tomato plants resist microplastic pollution. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant contribution of Ramses II during his reign in ancient Egypt?

He commissioned numerous temples and monuments. Signup and view all the answers

Which impact did earthworms have on crop yields according to the studies reported by Colorado State University?

They increased grain yields by significant percentages in developing countries. Signup and view all the answers

What type of disaster did Hurricane Helene represent when it made landfall?

A Category 4 hurricane. Signup and view all the answers

What emergency measure did President Joe Biden authorize in response to Hurricane Helene?

The deployment of 1,000 soldiers for disaster relief. Signup and view all the answers

According to studies, what is one of the benefits that earthworms provide to plants?

They protect plants from harmful microplastics. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon was caused by the landslide in the Dickson Fjord?

A mega-tsunami followed by a standing wave Signup and view all the answers

Why do supporters of the Electoral College argue in its favor?

It prevents candidates from focusing only on populous states. Signup and view all the answers

What caused the lengthy seismic activity recorded after the landslide?

Energy concentration from a confined fjord Signup and view all the answers

What event does Dr. Hicks attribute the landslide to?

Melting glaciers due to climate change Signup and view all the answers

How many times in U.S. history has a candidate won the electoral vote but lost the popular vote?

Five times Signup and view all the answers

When does the term of a new U.S. president officially begin?

At the inauguration ceremony on January 20 Signup and view all the answers

What was the first artwork created by Banksy in August 2024?

A mountain goat silhouette on a factory wall Signup and view all the answers

What did the sonar survey reveal about the tsunami's extended impact?

The complexity of the fjord systems Signup and view all the answers

How many days did Banksy's series of artworks appear across London?

Nine days Signup and view all the answers

What was a major effect of the Electoral College system on voter participation in certain states?

Deterrence of voters in heavily partisan states Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Banksy's London Art Series 2024

Banksy created a series of animal murals across London from August 5th to 13th, 2024.
The first piece, a mountain goat, appeared in Kew.
Subsequent artworks included elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, and a rhino.
Each piece was posted on Banksy's Instagram page.
The final mural, on the shutters of the London Zoo, depicted a gorilla freeing a sea lion and birds.
Zoo officials removed the shutter with the artwork to preserve it, replacing it with a photo and a sign.

Big Basin Redwood Fire Recovery

A significant portion (97%) of Big Basin Redwood State Park was devastated by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020.
Despite massive damage, redwoods began exhibiting rapid regrowth.
Researchers, led by Drew Peltier, investigated the trees' resilience.
The trees utilize two key strategies: stored energy from photosynthesis (as old as the 1920s) and bud tissue enabling leaf regrowth from existing tissues.
Peltier noted these adaptations contribute to the trees' fire resilience alongside their height and bark thickness.

Friday the 13th Superstition

Millions worldwide consider Friday the 13th an unlucky day.
The reasons behind the superstition are varied but include the numerical fear of 13 (triskaidekaphobia), following the complete number 12, and a Scandinavian myth involving Loki and Balder.
Friday's association with religious events (Jesus' crucifixion, Eve and Adam's temptation) and a biblical story about Cain and Abel, also contribute.
A 2008 study suggested the superstition is unfounded, with fewer accidents occurring on this day compared to other Fridays.
Despite this, businesses may face financial losses due to reduced spending due to the fear, but discounts may help.

Climeworks Mammoth Project

Climeworks launched Mammoth, the world's largest direct air capture (DAC) plant in Iceland on May 8, 2024.
Mammoth mimics a household air purifier to extract and sequester atmospheric CO2.
It uses geothermal energy, sequestering up to 39,000 tons of CO2 annually, reducing CO2 emissions.
This is akin to removing over 7,000 cars from the road, but critics argue it is insufficient for global reduction.
Further DAC plants are in development, one expected to capture one million tons by 2030.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission

SpaceX completed the Polaris Dawn mission, the first of three commercial missions.
The five-day flight involved a civilian crew that set an altitude record of 870 miles above Earth.
The spacecraft was launched from Florida and reached its highest point in late September 2024.
The mission's objectives included studying radiation impact on the capsule and crew for future lunar and deep space missions.
The first civilian spacewalk was also conducted.

Herculaneum Scrolls Project

Excavators unearthed 1,800 papyrus scrolls in 1752, within the library of a Herculaneum mansion.
Researchers face the challenge of deciphering them.
Using X-ray technology and AI, the project aimed to provide insights into life in ancient times.
An international student competition named the "Vesuvius Challenge" encouraged efforts to decode.
Results include decoding the first words and partial passages, attributed to the philosopher Philodemus.

Alex Morgan's Retirement

Alex Morgan, a renowned American soccer player, announced her retirement in September 2024 after a 15-year career.
She led the US Women's National Team to two consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup victories (2015 and 2019).
Notable for her achievements in 22 World Cup appearances and 16 Olympic matches, with 176 combined goals and assists.
Her career highlights include participation in the 2012 Olympic Semifinals victory.
Morgan also participated in efforts to secure pay equity.

Ancient Egyptian Sword Discovery

Archeologists unearthed a bronze sword with Ramses II's insignia in Egypt.
The sword, discovered at a 3,200-year-old military fort, dates back to the time of Ramses II.
The discovery suggests potential weapons production and possible royal gifting to high-ranking officials.
Supporting evidence suggests the fort's self-sufficiency and soldier's lives through storage, food supplies, and personal items like bead necklaces and kohl containers.

Hurricane Helene 2024

Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida as a Category 4 storm in September 2024.
This was a record-breaking storm for the region, with sustained winds exceeding 140mph.
The hurricane passed through multiple states, causing significant damage, torrential rains, and numerous tornadoes.
Reports of over 170 deaths and hundreds still missing were reported.
Widespread damage to properties, roads, and infrastructure.
Severe flooding impacted Asheville and Chimney Rock, North Carolina with record-breaking rainfall.

Earthworm Impact on Soil and Crop Yields

Two studies show earthworms dramatically affect crop production and are effective against microplastics.
Research from Colorado State University (CSU) measured earthworms' contributions to global grain output, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Their burrowing creates channels, loosens soil, and increases water drainage, allowing for better nutrient availability and protection against microplastics.
This increases yields in areas with limited access to other soil aids like fertilizers and pesticides.

Orb-Weaver Spider and Firefly Manipulation

Orb-weaver spiders of the Araneus ventricosus species in China, Japan, and Korea use deception tactics.
They mimic the mating signals of male fireflies to ensnare them for food.
The spiders wrap the fireflies in a silk layer, ensuring their light signals remain visible.
Their venom possibly disrupts the fireflies' flash patterns by affecting the delivery of oxygen.
The studies revealed the manipulation of firefly signals.

US Presidential Election of 2024

The US Presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024.
The candidates are Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.
The Electoral College selects the president, where each state gets electoral votes based on its population.
The "winner-takes-all" system in most states allows candidates to win the presidency even without a national popular vote victory.
The transition period, starting after the election, involves the new president selecting their team and preparing for office.

East Greenland Landslide and Tsunami

A significant landslide and tsunami in East Greenland's Dickson Fjord in September 2023 triggered global earthquake sensors.
The land disruption and 650-foot tsunami were linked to a large wave motion causing seismic activity for nine days.
The narrow fjord generated a standing wave called seiche, shaking the entire Earth.
Rising temps linked to the glacier melt at the base of the mountain are connected to the climate change effects in the region.

Octopus Leadership in Hunting Groups

A new study shows octopuses in the Red Sea act as leaders, coordinating hunting groups with various fish species.
The fish, mainly blue goatfish, led the octopus to potential prey in coral crevices.
The octopus targeted prey, trapping them and the fish shared the catch.
The study shows the benefit of teamwork for both parties.
The octopus also disciplines other fish, like groupers, if they interfere or try to take advantage of the collective effort..

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Test your knowledge on recent achievements and discoveries in various fields, including sports, archaeology, and technology. This quiz covers topics such as Alex Morgan's contributions to women's soccer, advancements in carbon capture technology, and recent artistic endeavors by Banksy. Challenge yourself with questions about crucial events from 2012 to 2024!