Awesome 2020 Science Geeks Quiz

A viral Tik Tok challenge urges users to Google ‘Where does vanilla artificial flavoring come from?‘ and record themselves as they view the answer. While the challenge refers to the fact that beaver castor glands produce a vanilla-scented Castoreum, it is mostly in use in the perfume industry and certainly not in artificial vanilla flavoring, which is pure 100% Vanillin –  A chemical by-product of the wood pulp industry.

Vitamin D, a hormone processed in the liver and the kidneys, helps the immune system fight off infections such as colds and flu.

Bonus Fact

A 2021 study found low hormone levels in around 80 percent of people who tested positive for coronavirus. Vitamin D also helps control the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies, both needed for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Take it if you don’t get enough sun these days.

The Clavius crater is on the moon. It’s one of the most prominent craters on the sunlit surface of the moon.

New Fact

NASA announced Monday, Oct. 25, 2020, that researchers discovered water molecules near the Clavius crater.

Emmanuelle Charpentier of France and Jennifer A. Doudna of the United States won the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry for developing CRISPR-cas9, a very simple technique for cutting a gene at a specific spot, allowing scientists to operate on flaws that are the root cause of many diseases.

Does it work?

In the last decade, cancer biologists have been using the method to discover hidden vulnerabilities of tumor cells. Doctors are using it to edit genes that cause hereditary diseases. Plant biologists produce crops edited in CRISPR with new vitamins or the ability to withstand infections.

Sir David Attenborough is a natural historian.

New Fact

The legendary English broadcaster joined Instagram at the age of 94 to raise awareness of the climate crisis. Sir David’s Instagram debut precedes the release of his latest book and Netflix documentary – both titled A Life On Our Planet.

The average lifespan of hippos is between 40 and 50 years.

Bonus Fact

You’ll be happy to hear that Mae Mali, Thailand’s oldest hippo, celebrated 55!

Aluminum Nitrate is generally used for fertilizing crops.

Tons of fertilizing material exploded in Lebanon’s capital of Beirut in 2020, leaving 300,000 people homeless.

Safe journey, Perseverance!