FunTrivia Sci / Tech Mix: Vol 31 Quiz

Answer: lb

The pound is a part of the avoirdupois system - a system that uses pounds and ounces as a measure of weight. An avoirdupois pound is equal to exactly 7,000 grains. As far as measures go, the grain is now an obsolete measure. In current terms it is equal to 64.79891 milligrams.

It is a lot easier to say that the avoirdupois pound is equal to sixteen avoirdupois ounces. As for its symbol and abbreviation, it is usually written in lower case and is derived from the Roman unit of measurement the libra, hence lb.

Question by player pollucci19

Answer: Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a disease of the kidney that affects the glomerular part of the specialized cells, called nephrons, of the kidneys. In this disease, the patient may have problems related to the passage of urine. Interstitial swelling or edema is a common symptom of this disease. Abnormal levels of protein in the urine is usually diagnostic of nephrotic syndrome.

It is common in diabetic patients.

Question by player Saleo

Answer: Thrush

Also known as candidiasis, thrush is a yeast infection which commonly affects the mouth or genitals, although it can spread to other body parts, such as nails. It can also occur in women as a result of taking antibiotics. Candida organisms are present in most people in low volumes, but are limited by the body's immune system. Certain conditions or illnesses exacerbate their growth.

Question by player Kankurette

Answer: The Star of Bethlehem

The Taurid meteor showers are annual occurrences in our skies, associated with the comet Encke. Though they do indeed occur annually, these peak every 2,500-3,000 years, with the comet itself having its closest approach to earth every 33 years. Major events in human history associated with these peaks, or leading up to them, include Stonehenge, the Bible's Star of Bethlehem, the Russian Tunguska event, the design of the ancient swastika symbol, among many.

Question by player Creedy

Answer: The colors are reversed

The dark area between the primary and secondary arc is called Alexander's Band named after Alexander of Aphrodisias, an Ancient Greek philosopher who first described the phenomenon.

Question by player billhd1

Answer: Pancreas

Glucagon and insulin are often seen as opposite hormones, responsible for raising and lowering the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. Somatostatin is a regulatory hormone, typically functioning as an inhibitor to the production of other hormones.

As well being a major endocrine gland, the pancreas also plays a role in the digestive system, producing digestive enzymes that promote nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

Question by player pagea

Answer: corpus callosum

The main function of the corpus callosum is to support communication between the brain's two hemispheres. Without this connection, the brain may have some difficulty functioning , especially in the area of communication. The corpus callosum also appears to have some sexually dimorphic properties; one of its portions in females is typically larger.

This does not translate to any benefits, but it has contributed to research into sexual and gender identity. Those with the enlarged region tend to identify more generally as female, while those with a less enlarged region tend to identify as male.

Question by player trident

Answer: Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is the area that controls the different body temperatures, the drive for sex and appetite. On the other hand, the thalamus, are two egg shaped parts which relay the nerve impulses from all of the body senses. The optic nerve transmits visual information. The cerebrum is associated with mental activity.

Question by player milliesmall

Answer: Sleeping sickness

The tsetse fly acts as the biological vector of the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei.The parasite enters the human blood mostly by the bite of the tsetse fly. The sleepiness induced by the parasite is due to the secretion of the compound tryptophol. Tsetse flies belong to the genus Glossina.

Question by player angikar

Answer: Darwin's Rottweiler

Richard Dawkins appeared in one of the South Park episodes, where he had a steamy affair with Mrs. Garrison. He also had a 2008 cameo as himself in a Doctor Who episode.

Question by player sierot