Names of specifically scientific things

Question 1

doppler effect

Answer 1

The change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. Causes the sudden change in pitch noticeable in a passing siren, as well as the red shift seen by astronomers.

Question 2

aneurysm

Answer 2

a weakening of an artery wall that creates a bulge, or distention, of the artery

Question 3

REM sleep / cycle

Answer 3

Most dreams occur during REM sleep, and it is thought to play a role in learning, memory, and mood. During REM sleep, our brain is almost as active as it is when we are awake. In this phase of sleep, breathing can become fast and irregular. REM sleep is thought to help consolidate memories.

Question 4

colloidal suspension

Answer 4

A mixture in which one substance of microscopically dispersed insoluble/soluble particles is suspended throughout another substance. The substances remain dispersed and do not settle to the bottom of the container.

Question 5

Oedipus complex

Answer 5

(Freudian theory) the complex of emotions aroused in a young child, around four, by an unconscious sexual desire for the parent of the opposite sex and wish to exclude the parent of the same sex (originally applied to boys; equivalent in girls = Electra complex).

Question 6

Asimov’s 3 laws of robotics

Answer 6

(devised by sci-fi author Isaac Asimov)

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

Question 7

Rheumatism

Answer 7

Any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue, especially rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 8

Parthenogenesis

Answer 8

Asexual reproduction from an ovum without fertilization by sperm.

Question 9

Apomixis

Answer 9

Asexual seed formation

The ability of a plant to produce a maternal clone, bypassing the fundamental aspects of sexual reproduction: meiosis and male fertilization.

Question 10

Sequential hermaphroditism

Answer 10

When individuals in a species change sex at some point in their lifespan. Common in fish and plants (known as dichogamy in botany).