Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Monell Chemical Senses Centre trained mice to identify duck droppings from animals infected with bird flu. The work was at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston. The scientists trained six mice to run a in search of infected faeces. Every time they found the right faeces, they got a drink of water. The mice learned to choose infected over noninfected duck faeces about 90 per cent of the time. The researchers believe the implications could be twofold. First, bird flu apparently leaves an odour on bird faeces, and so dogs—and even mice—could be trained to recognize it. Second, scientists might be able to isolate the cocktail of compounds that gives off the odour to develop lab instruments or automated field detectors. Until then, we may find four-legged sensors, large and small, sniffing away to protect us from a bird-borne .
Result:
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Correct answer: security
Explanation: The word 'security' fits grammatically as a noun that describes the role of dogs at airports, aligning with the context of their function in detecting threats. It is relevant to the overall topic of safety and protection.
Meaning: In this context, 'security' refers to the measures taken to protect against danger or threats, particularly in places like airports.
Wrong options:
- readily: The adverb 'readily' does not fit as it describes the manner of action rather than a role or function.
- parity: The noun 'parity' refers to equality or equivalence, which is unrelated to the context of dogs working at airports.
- prosperity: The noun 'prosperity' refers to wealth or success, which does not relate to the function of dogs in security roles.
Correct answer: presented
Explanation: The verb 'presented' is appropriate here as it indicates that the work was formally shown or discussed at a meeting, fitting grammatically and contextually with the sentence structure.
Meaning: 'Presented' means to show or display something formally, often in a professional or academic setting.
Wrong options:
- lamented: The verb 'lamented' means to express sorrow or regret, which does not fit the context of sharing research findings.
- supervising: The verb 'supervising' implies overseeing or managing, which does not align with the act of sharing research at a meeting.
- searching: The verb 'searching' indicates looking for something, which does not fit the context of formally presenting research.
Correct answer: maze
Explanation: The noun 'maze' fits grammatically as it describes a complex structure that the mice navigate, aligning with the context of their training and search for faeces.
Meaning: A 'maze' is a network of paths designed as a puzzle, which in this case is used to train mice to find specific items.
Wrong options:
- ground: The noun 'ground' refers to the surface of the earth, which does not describe a specific structure for the mice's task.
- forest: The noun 'forest' refers to a large area covered chiefly with trees, which is unrelated to the training context.
- garden: The noun 'garden' refers to a cultivated area for plants, which does not fit the context of a training exercise for mice.
Correct answer: imprint
Explanation: The verb 'imprint' fits grammatically as it describes the action of leaving a mark or trace, which aligns with the context of bird flu affecting faeces.
Meaning: 'Imprint' means to leave a lasting mark or effect, particularly in this context referring to the odour left by bird flu.
Wrong options:
- enhance: The verb 'enhance' means to improve or increase, which does not fit the context of leaving a mark or odour.
- tend: The verb 'tend' means to take care of or look after, which does not relate to the concept of leaving an odour.
- blend: The verb 'blend' means to mix together, which does not convey the idea of leaving a distinct mark or odour.
Correct answer: epidemic
Explanation: The noun 'epidemic' fits grammatically as it describes a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease, aligning with the context of bird flu and public health.
Meaning: An 'epidemic' refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a population.
Wrong options:
- quenched: The verb 'quenched' means to satisfy or extinguish, which does not fit the context of disease or health.
- sentenced: The verb 'sentenced' refers to a legal punishment, which is unrelated to the context of disease outbreaks.
- falling: The verb 'falling' refers to descending or dropping, which does not relate to the concept of disease spread.
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