Podcast
Questions and Answers
Earth Day is celebrated every April ______.
Earth Day is celebrated every April ______.
22
The global movement began in ______ when US lawmaker Gaylord Nelson mobilized over 20 million people.
The global movement began in ______ when US lawmaker Gaylord Nelson mobilized over 20 million people.
1970
The theme for Earth Day 2024 is ______ vs. Plastics.
The theme for Earth Day 2024 is ______ vs. Plastics.
Planet
EDN is demanding a 60 percent reduction in plastic production by ______.
EDN is demanding a 60 percent reduction in plastic production by ______.
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One way to help reduce plastic pollution is to avoid ______ plastics.
One way to help reduce plastic pollution is to avoid ______ plastics.
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A nova only occurs in a star binary system with a red giant and a ______.
A nova only occurs in a star binary system with a red giant and a ______.
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T Coronae Borealis is located ______ light-years away from Earth.
T Coronae Borealis is located ______ light-years away from Earth.
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On April 3, 2024, a ______ magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast.
On April 3, 2024, a ______ magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast.
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90 percent of the world's earthquakes occur along the 'Ring of ______.'
90 percent of the world's earthquakes occur along the 'Ring of ______.'
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Cole Brauer completed the Global Solo Challenge in just ______ days.
Cole Brauer completed the Global Solo Challenge in just ______ days.
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Brauer's journey aboard her 40-foot racing vessel, ______, began from A Coruña, Spain.
Brauer's journey aboard her 40-foot racing vessel, ______, began from A Coruña, Spain.
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The Global Solo Challenge includes navigating around three 'great capes', one of which is Africa's Cape of ______.
The Global Solo Challenge includes navigating around three 'great capes', one of which is Africa's Cape of ______.
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Chimpanzees used human-like military tactics to evaluate ______ and expand their territories.
Chimpanzees used human-like military tactics to evaluate ______ and expand their territories.
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In the mid-1970s, Judith Hernstadt bought a set of sketches from a New York ______ dealer.
In the mid-1970s, Judith Hernstadt bought a set of sketches from a New York ______ dealer.
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The sketch depicted a scene from the Revolutionary War and featured soldiers as well as ______ in a horse-drawn carriage.
The sketch depicted a scene from the Revolutionary War and featured soldiers as well as ______ in a horse-drawn carriage.
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The sketch is the first known wartime drawing of the North Carolina troops done by an ______.
The sketch is the first known wartime drawing of the North Carolina troops done by an ______.
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Wu and Gao discovered that male and female crab spiders can cooperate to create ______ camouflage.
Wu and Gao discovered that male and female crab spiders can cooperate to create ______ camouflage.
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The marine reptile ichthyosaurs dominated the seas during the ______ and Jurassic periods.
The marine reptile ichthyosaurs dominated the seas during the ______ and Jurassic periods.
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The new creature was named Ichthyotitan ______, meaning 'giant fish lizard of the Severn.'
The new creature was named Ichthyotitan ______, meaning 'giant fish lizard of the Severn.'
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The findings about cooperation mimicry were revealed on ______, 2024.
The findings about cooperation mimicry were revealed on ______, 2024.
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Cicadas emerge every _____ or 17 years to reproduce.
Cicadas emerge every _____ or 17 years to reproduce.
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The breaking competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will feature events for both men and _____.
The breaking competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will feature events for both men and _____.
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Surfing will return to the Olympics in 2024, hosted by the South Pacific island of _____ .
Surfing will return to the Olympics in 2024, hosted by the South Pacific island of _____ .
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Female cicadas lay their eggs by making _____ in slender twigs or vines.
Female cicadas lay their eggs by making _____ in slender twigs or vines.
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Sport climbing will feature three events: bouldering, speed climbing, and _____ climbing.
Sport climbing will feature three events: bouldering, speed climbing, and _____ climbing.
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At the Tokyo Games, the scores of all three events were combined to determine the overall ______.
At the Tokyo Games, the scores of all three events were combined to determine the overall ______.
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The male orangutan named Rakus lives in Gunung Leuser National Park in northern ______.
The male orangutan named Rakus lives in Gunung Leuser National Park in northern ______.
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Rakus treated his cheek wound with a medicinal plant called ______.
Rakus treated his cheek wound with a medicinal plant called ______.
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Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species, with only about ______ left in the wild.
Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species, with only about ______ left in the wild.
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The 2023 wildfire season in Canada was the worst on record, with over 6,500 blazes scorching more than 48 million acres of ______.
The 2023 wildfire season in Canada was the worst on record, with over 6,500 blazes scorching more than 48 million acres of ______.
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Tornadoes are most active in the United States from ______ to July.
Tornadoes are most active in the United States from ______ to July.
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Zombie fires can burn underground for weeks, months, or even ______.
Zombie fires can burn underground for weeks, months, or even ______.
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In April 2024, over ______ tornadoes were reported across the nation.
In April 2024, over ______ tornadoes were reported across the nation.
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Experts estimated that there are currently 93 zombie fires raging in ______.
Experts estimated that there are currently 93 zombie fires raging in ______.
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The town of Marietta, Oklahoma, was struck by an EF-4 ______ on April 27, 2024.
The town of Marietta, Oklahoma, was struck by an EF-4 ______ on April 27, 2024.
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Zombie fires are sustained by organic matter such as ______, which is highly flammable.
Zombie fires are sustained by organic matter such as ______, which is highly flammable.
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A tornado is a powerful rotating column of air that starts at the base of a ______ cloud.
A tornado is a powerful rotating column of air that starts at the base of a ______ cloud.
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The X-59 is designed to fly at supersonic speeds without producing the characteristic ______ boom.
The X-59 is designed to fly at supersonic speeds without producing the characteristic ______ boom.
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Due to a three-year ______, British Columbia and Alberta have experienced a surge in zombie fires.
Due to a three-year ______, British Columbia and Alberta have experienced a surge in zombie fires.
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The prototype X-59 aims to change the future of air travel by making it ______, sustainable, and quieter.
The prototype X-59 aims to change the future of air travel by making it ______, sustainable, and quieter.
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Study Notes
Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics
- Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, promotes global environmental protection.
- Founded in 1970, the movement has mobilized over 20 million people and led to key environmental legislation.
- The Earth Day Network (EDN) has more than 50,000 partners in over 190 countries.
- Landmark environmental laws include the Clean Water Act (1972), Endangered Species Act (1973), and the 2015 Paris Agreement.
- EDN's 2024 theme is "Planet vs. Plastics", addressing the annual production of 380 million tons of plastic, 50% of which is single-use.
- They seek a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.
- Four strategies for achieving this goal include raising public awareness of plastic pollution risks, phasing out single-use plastics by 2030, curbing fast fashion, and promoting sustainable plastic alternatives.
- Kathleen Rogers, president of EarthDay.org, emphasizes the widespread presence and potential toxicity of microplastics.
Nova Outburst in 2024
- A nova is a sudden brightening of a star in a binary system, involving a red giant and white dwarf.
- Material from the red giant flows onto the white dwarf, causing an explosion.
- T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is a binary star system 3,000 light-years from Earth, known for periodic nova outbursts approximately every 80 years.
- The last T CrB outburst was in 1946, and a new one is expected sometime before September 2024.
- The outburst will be visible to the naked eye for several days and with binoculars for over a week.
Taiwan Earthquake of April 3, 2024
- A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast on April 3, 2024.
- It was the strongest quake to hit the island in 25 years.
- Significant damage, including landslides, and fatalities, were reported.
- The low death toll compared to the 1999 earthquake is linked to improved earthquake preparedness measures, including sensors, alerts, and drills.
- The strict building codes were also a contributing factor to the low death toll.
Cole Brauer's Solo Circumnavigation
- Cole Brauer became the first American woman to sail solo around the world non-stop on March 7, 2024, completing the 30,000-mile (48,280 km) voyage in 130 days.
- The challenge spanned vast ocean zones including the Great Capes of South Africa, Australia and South America.
- One of the toughest aspects of the challenge is navigating around the Cape Horn.
Chimpanzee Military Tactics
- Chimpanzee groups strategically patrol their territory boundaries to assess risks and potentially expand their territory.
- They use high ground as vantage points to listen for rivals, evaluating the risk of conflict before making moves.
- This behavior exemplifies complex cognitive abilities used in territorial defense.
Revolutionary War Sketch Discovery
- A Revolutionary War sketch depicts a wagon from the North Carolina brigade passing through Philadelphia in August of 1777.
- It features women and a baby in the wagon with soldiers, offering a snapshot into life during a critical time in the American Revolution.
Crab Spider Cooperation
- Scientists observed a male and female crab spider collaborating to mimic a flower.
- Female crab spiders commonly camouflage themselves, but this observed cooperation in which the male spider also participates is rare. This is likely the first observation of cooperation mimicry.
New Ichthyosaur Species Discovered
- A new species of massive ichthyosaur, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, was discovered.
- Amateur paleontologists Justin Reynolds and his daughter Ruby found fossils leading to the discovery.
- The estimated length of the creature is 80 feet (24 m), making it one of the largest marine animals.
Periodical Cicada Emergence
- A large emergence of periodical cicadas is occurring across 16 US states due to overlapping broods.
- Brood XIX (13 years) and Brood XIII (17 years) have coincided, with this event last occurring in 1803 and won't happen again until 2245.
- Periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years to reproduce underground.
Paris 2024 Olympics New Sports
- Paris 2024 Olympics will feature breaking, surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing as new sports.
- Breaking will feature men's and women's competitions, with judges scoring style.
- Surfing will have events in Tahiti.
- Skateboarding will have park and street disciplines, with skaters judged on tricks and style.
- Sport climbing will have bouldering, speed, and lead climbing competitions, with scores from two combined for the overall winner.
Orangutan Wound Treatment
- A Sumatran orangutan, Rakus, was observed treating a cheek wound with leaves from a healing liana plant.
- This is the first known example of wound treatment using a medicinal plant in a wild animal.
US Tornado Outbreak (April 2024)
- In April 2024, a significant tornado outbreak hit the U.S., with over 300 reported tornadoes.
- Regions affected include Oklahoma, Iowa, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
- The worst single event tornado of the year thus far struck Marietta, Oklahoma.
- A high number of tornadoes was reported in May 2024.
Canada's Wildfires
- The 2023 Canadian wildfire season was the worst on record, with over 6,500 fires scorching millions of acres.
- "Zombie" wildfires have reignited following snowfall melt due to warmer weather and lack of deeper snow cover.
- Zombie fires, or holdover fires, can exist well below snow and soil under favorable weather conditions.
NASA's X-59 Aircraft
- NASA's X-59 aircraft is designed to fly at supersonic speeds without creating sonic booms, revolutionizing supersonic flight.
- The aircraft's unique design dampens shock waves, and the engine's positioning minimizes noise directed towards the ground.
- NASA will test the X-59 over U.S. cities to assess its impact and gain support for supersonic flights over land.
Floating City Project Dogen City
- Japan's Dogen City is a proposed floating city designed to address rising sea levels.
- It will be a circular shape to protect inhabitants against tsunamis.
- The self-sufficient city will house 10,000 inhabitants and 40,000 visitors.
- New farming techniques will enable food production using seawater.
- The project aims to complete Dogen City by 2030.
Personalized Cancer Vaccines
- Dr. Catherine Wu and her team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute developed custom cancer vaccines using individual cancer characteristics.
- The vaccines train the immune system to target and destroy specific cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
- Initial study with six advanced melanoma patients demonstrated promising results with all six becoming cancer-free.
Sphere Entertainment Venue
- Sphere is a new revolutionary entertainment venue in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- The orb-shaped venue is designed with a large exterior LED screen and an advanced audio system.
- The interactive "Sphere Experience" uses humanoid robots to guide guests and includes a 50-minute sci-fi movie.
Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling
- Thousands gather annually at Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire, England, for the Cheese Rolling competition.
- Competitors race down a steep hill to catch a rolling wheel of cheese.
Claudia Sheinbaum's Presidential Victory
- Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico's first female president on June 2, 2024.
- She's also Mexico's first Jewish president.
- Sheinbaum is committed to reducing Mexico's reliance on fossil fuels and increasing law enforcement and security.
Chang'e 6 Lunar Probe
- China's Chang'e 6 lunar probe collected soil samples from the Moon's far side on June 25, 2024.
- This is the first time such materials have been returned from this region.
- The probe landed at the South Pole-Aitken basin.
2024 Summer Olympics American Gymnastics
- The US men's gymnastics team won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, ending a 16-year drought.
- The winning performance was notable as it followed a disappointing qualifying round that included some individual struggles and injuries.
Historical Findings at Mount Vernon
- Excavations at Mount Vernon unearthed 35 glass bottles containing 29 preserved cherries and berries, likely gooseberries or currants.
- These 18th-century artifacts offer a glimpse into daily life at the time and culinary practices of the time.
Elephant Naming
- Elephants may assign individual "names" to each other through specific vocalizations.
- This is the first non-human species observed to demonstrate this behavior.
- Studies reveal patterns of vocalizations aimed at specific elephants.
Herculaneum Beach Restoration
- Herculaneum's ancient beach has been restored and reopened to the public.
- The project has created a more accessible experience for visitors to understand the original Roman bathing site.
Florida Carpenter Antis Surgery
- Florida carpenter ants perform surgeries on injured nestmates, offering exceptional care.
- They amputate legs in complex procedures for severely injured nestmates.
- Treating less severe tibia wounds include a simple antibacterial lick.
Lucara Diamond Discovery
- Lucara Diamond discovered a massive 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana.
- The diamond is the second-largest rough diamond ever found.
NASA Starliner Flight
- The Starliner spacecraft, carrying two astronauts, experienced helium leaks and thruster failures.
- The decision was made to return the Starliner to Earth without crew for safety reasons.
- Astronauts Wilmore and Williams will remain at the ISS until February 2025.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Earth Day, environmental issues, and recent scientific events. This quiz covers topics like plastic reduction efforts, astronomical phenomena, and significant natural disasters. Challenge yourself and learn more about our planet's pressing challenges!
