Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
Beer tastes better when cold, oranges are always sold in red mesh bags, and human fetuses feel disgusted at the flavour of kale but smile for carrots. Scientific explanations for these strange findings can be found in 10 studies honoured at the Pineapple Science Award in Hangzhou.
Winners also included research on why the “baby smell” is so appealing and which type of paper cuts skin most easily. Other studies looked into how spiders guide fireflies into giving mating signals to attract prey and how the unique smell of humans helps mosquitoes choose their next meal.
Scientists believe the findings provide valuable insights into the development of taste and smell receptors. The data also teaches us about memory formation in humans.
The awards are guided by the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology and organised by the Zhejiang Science and Technology Museum. The annual event was launched in 2012 and celebrates imaginative scientific research and discoveries.
