Part-Time Genius Super Food Science Excellence Trivia Blow Out! with Science Friday
Nov 20, 2025
In this fun-filled trivia challenge, Flora Lichtman, a science communicator from Science Friday, teams up with contestant Emily, a trivia champion and medical student. They delve into fascinating food science topics such as why pandas can’t taste umami and the evolution of their bamboo diet. Emily impresses with her knowledge of the Maillard reaction and the Scoville scale, while Flora reveals quirky facts about peanut butter diamonds and honey's impressive shelf life. Expect laughter and learning in this exciting blend of science and fun!
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Science Olympics Medal Smuggling
- Mangesh recounts competing in a Science Olympics pentathlon and how physical skills helped their small-state team.
- They proudly smuggled medals through airport security under their shirts.
Pandas Lost Their Umami Sense
- Giant pandas lost the ability to detect umami, the savory taste associated with protein.
- Panda ancestors were carnivores but evolved bamboo diets that rendered umami receptors nonfunctional.
Twin State Trivia Champions
- Emily shares she and her twin were state trivia champions from ages 10 to 18.
- She emphasizes long-term trivia dominance across middle and high school.