Mad Cow Disease Quiz

Explanation
Prions are the proteins that are thought to cause Mad Cow Disease. Prions are abnormal, misfolded proteins that can trigger normal proteins in the brain to also misfold, leading to the accumulation of these misfolded proteins. This accumulation damages brain cells and causes the symptoms of Mad Cow Disease. Neurons, germs, and brain cells are not specifically associated with causing Mad Cow Disease.

Explanation
BSE-like diseases mostly affect cats. BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), also known as mad cow disease, is a transmissible neurodegenerative disease that affects cattle. However, similar diseases have been found in other animals, including cats. These feline spongiform encephalopathies (FSE) are believed to be caused by consumption of contaminated meat or exposure to infected tissues. FSE can lead to neurological symptoms and ultimately death in affected cats.

Explanation
vCJD stands for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, which is the human form of Mad Cow Disease. It is caused by consuming beef products contaminated with prions, abnormal proteins that affect the brain. vCJD is characterized by neurological symptoms such as dementia, muscle stiffness, and loss of coordination. It is a rare and fatal condition with no known cure.

Explanation
Muscle spasms are a symptom of Mad Cow Disease. This neurological disorder affects the brain and spinal cord of infected cattle. It is caused by an abnormal protein called a prion. Muscle spasms occur due to the degeneration of nerve cells in the affected animal, leading to uncontrolled and involuntary muscle contractions. Other symptoms of Mad Cow Disease include changes in behavior, difficulty walking, weight loss, and eventually, death.

Explanation
Hamburgers have the highest risk of containing BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy). BSE is a disease that affects the nervous system of cattle, and it is believed to be caused by consuming contaminated meat products. Since hamburgers are made from ground beef, which is derived from cattle, there is a higher likelihood of BSE contamination compared to other options like bacon, milk, or cheese.

Explanation
To catch Mad Cow Disease, one can become infected by consuming meat that is contaminated with the disease. The disease is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which can be present in the nervous system tissues of infected animals. When an individual consumes infected meat, the prions can survive the digestive process and accumulate in the body, leading to the development of the disease. Therefore, eating infected meat is a possible way to contract Mad Cow Disease.

Explanation
Killing abnormal prions is extremely difficult because they are highly resistant to conventional methods of sterilization, such as heat, medicine, and radiation. These misfolded proteins are known to cause diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no known method to effectively kill or eliminate abnormal prions, hence the answer "Nothing". This makes prion diseases particularly challenging to manage and treat.

Explanation
The correct answer is 155. This suggests that out of the total population of the world, 155 people have contracted Mad Cow Disease.

Explanation
The chances of an asteroid hitting Earth are estimated to be 1 in 5,000. This means that out of every 5,000 asteroids, one has the potential to collide with our planet. Although the probability may seem relatively low, it is still a significant concern considering the potential catastrophic impact such an event could have on Earth.