3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday.
1. There are a few reasons why anti-bacterial wipes are available in handy travel-size packages. What is one of the latest reasons?
Hint:
Answer: next time you board a plane, beware. Scientists have discovered that certain bacteria, such as MRSA and E.coli can survive on surfaces typically found in airplanes for days and pose a risk of transmission on contact. If that is the case, one can imagine similar concerns with regard to hotel rooms, rental cars, restaurant seats and so on. Read additional details here and pass the Clorox wipes.
2. What organic product recently added fuel to the fire?
Hint:
Answer: a special kind of Meow Mix, in the form of organic kitty litter, is suspected in the blow-up of a nuclear waste container in New Mexico. Kitty litter is used to absorb radioactive material (who knew?). However, organic litter is composed of plant material that is ripe with chemical compounds and, therefore, has the potential to react with waste instead of deactivating it. Fingers are being pointed at the Department of Energy. Read the story here.
3. What technology is being hailed as a potential universal band-aid for many human ailments?
Hint:
Answer: from minor to larger health concerns, nanotechnology may be all we need to re-engineer our failing, broken or diseased body parts as depicted below. Which goes to show that big things do, or may, come in small (very small) packages.
