Ten Mice, a Thousand Flasks
A lab has flasks of serum and knows exactly one is contaminated. The contaminant is tasteless and shows its effect in exactly hours — no sooner, no later. All sampling must be done right now, and there is exactly one chance to read results: tomorrow. Mice can each sip from as many flasks as needed. What is the minimum number of mice that guarantees pinpointing the contaminated flask, and how must they drink?
Answer
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