National Science Day Quiz

Computer chips were inspired by neural networks in the brain - both process information through interconnected units. While not exact copies, early chip architects like von Neumann explicitly studied brain function when designing computing architectures. The brain remains far more complex and efficient than any artificial system.

Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system and are responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals, or messages, throughout the body and to the brain.

The forebrain, specifically areas like the hypothalamus, plays a critical role in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep cycles.

The average adult human brain is approximately 15 centimeters in length.

The average adult human brain weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.4 kilograms, making 1.5 kg a reasonable upper estimate for an adult.

The brain is an organ - the most complex organ in the human body, composed of specialized nervous tissue. It is not a bone (those are part of the skeletal system), 'a thing' is too vague, and it is certainly not 'nothing' - it's the seat of consciousness and controls all bodily functions.

The brain is protected by the hard structure of the skull and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid, which absorbs shock.

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are a primary component of the immune system and are responsible for identifying and destroying pathogens.

The cell membrane is a semi-permeable barrier that regulates the passage of substances, such as nutrients and waste, into and out of the cell.

Malleability is a physical property of matter, specifically metals, describing their ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.

Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, which is the case for fuels like coal, petroleum, natural gas, and biomass, as well as in batteries.

A chemical change occurs when substances react to form one or more new substances with different chemical properties.

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, for which he received the first Nobel Prize in Physics.

James Watson and Francis Crick, using data from Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, determined the double helix structure of DNA in 1953.

Galileo made significant contributions to all these areas: he improved the telescope, discovered the moons of Jupiter, and studied pendulums.

NASA confirmed the presence of liquid water on Mars in September 2015 based on evidence of hydrated salts.

Robert Hooke coined the term 'cell' in 1665 after observing cork tissue under a microscope, noting its resemblance to small rooms or cells.

Charles Darwin was a British naturalist and geologist best known for his contributions to the science of evolution through natural selection.

Robert Hooke is credited with the first discovery of cells in 1665 while observing cork under a microscope. He coined the term cell because the structures reminded him of the small rooms, or cellulae, inhabited by monks.

National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 each year to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman.