The oldest fossil evidence of modern, venomous snakes in Africa! NSF Science Now 21.

The video covers four major scientific discoveries. First, it discusses the detection of gravitational waves that support the theory of cosmic inflation, made by the BICEP 2 collaboration at the South Pole. Next, it explores a study from Johns Hopkins University showing that caffeine can enhance memory retention and pattern separation. The third section introduces the CASA radar network, which aims to improve tornado detection and warning times in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Finally, it highlights the discovery of ancient venomous snake fossils in Africa, providing insights into the evolution of these reptiles.

What discovery provides evidence for the theory of cosmic inflation?

• The existence of black holes

• Patterns of polarization in the cosmic microwave background

• The presence of dark matter in the universe

• The expansion of the universe at a constant rate

What was the main finding of the caffeine study conducted by Johns Hopkins University?

• Caffeine reduces the need for sleep

• Caffeine increases energy levels for up to 24 hours

• Caffeine enhances pattern separation in the brain

• Caffeine improves long-term memory retention

What is the primary goal of the CASA Weather radar network?

• To monitor rainfall levels

• To study the effects of climate change

• To improve tornado detection and warning times

• To predict weather patterns globally

What makes the CASA Weather radar network unique?

• It relies on weather balloons for data

• It creates public-private partnerships

• It consists of large, expensive radars

• It uses satellites to monitor weather

What significant discovery was made in the Ruqua Rift Basin of Tanzania?

• The remains of early human ancestors

• The oldest fossil evidence of modern venomous snakes

• The first evidence of dinosaur fossils in Africa

• A new species of ancient mammals

Which group of snakes does the newly discovered fossil belong to?

• Boas

• Pythons

• Vipers

• Lapids

What environmental conditions were suggested by the concentration of colubroid snakes in the fossil findings?

• A dense forest environment

• A more open and seasonally dry environment

• A wetland ecosystem

• A mountainous region