Malaria Madness: Science Quiz Takes on Mosquitoes, Global Warming and Chemistry in Weekly Feature

The Science Quiz is a weekly feature on the daily Science page, accessible every day except for Saturdays in the epaper. Each episode includes a variety of questions that test readers’ knowledge of science and medicine. One such question asks about the mosquito that transmits malaria, discovered by a British doctor in 1897. Another question focuses on the country that contributes to over half of the malaria cases in the World Health Organisation’s Southeast Asia region.

The quiz also touches upon factors that can accelerate malaria transmission, such as global warming and insecticide resistance. For example, one question asks about the most commonly used antimalarial drug to which mosquitoes have developed resistance. Additionally, the quiz highlights a country that made history in 2024 by launching the world’s first malaria vaccine as part of its immunization program.

In addition to these questions, there is also a visual question that tests readers’ knowledge of chemistry. The question asks about a chemist who identified the insecticidal properties of DDT in 1939 and won a Nobel Prize for his work. The answer to this question is Paul Hermann Müller from Geigy Pharmaceutical.

Overall, the Science Quiz is an engaging way for readers to learn about science and medicine while having fun. With its variety of questions and unique approach to testing knowledge, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone looking to expand their understanding of the world around them.