Banasmita Medhi, Class X, Anand Academy, Dispur

Question: Why do we dream while sleeping?

Answer: It has been a matter of debate among the experts regarding why do we dream while sleeping. Relating to this, a number of different theories have been proposed. According to one such theory “it could be an evolutionary and biological response, perhaps based on different life experiences.” Another theory suggests “dreaming is an opportunity for the brain to problem-solve, make decisions and prioritize.” Yet another theory, the Activation-synthesis theory, proposed by a group of Harvard University psychiatrists, suggests that dreams occur when the brain is stimulated to bring thoughts to our awareness. Activation of the brainstem during rapid eye movement sleep and subsequent stimulation of the limbic system (emotional motor system) are thought to cause dreams occur.

Sudipta Das, Class X, Anand Academy, Dispur

Question: Why do we have hiccups?

Answer: Hiccups or hiccoughs are involuntary sounds that occur due to spasms of the diaphragm. They are usually harmless and disappear automatically after a few minutes. However, when hiccups last for days, weeks or even longer, they may indicate some underlying disease. Hiccups may occur due to several reasons like after eating or drinking too much or too quickly, heartburn or acid reflux, consumption of alcohol, too much smoking, swallowing air, eating hot then cold food, or vice-versa.

Nishita Das, Class X, Ananad Academy, Dispur

Question: Why do we sneeze?

Answer: Sneezing is a mechanism used by the body to clear the nasal tract. When any foreign object such as dirt, pollen, smoke, or dust enters the nostrils, the nose gets irritated and the nerve endings in the lining epithelium of the nostril get stimulated and they send an electric signal to the brain. As a response to this signal, the brain sends motor signals for a sneeze, and the body responds by preparing itself for the impending contraction. As a result, the eyes are forced shut, the tongue moves to the roof of the mouth, and the muscles contracts causing the sneeze. 

Sri Suman Bharadwaj, Class X, Ananad Academy, Dispur

Question: How twin babies are produced?

Answer: There are two types of twins: monozygotic and dizygotic. In case of identical or monozygotic twins, one fertilised egg (ovum) splits into two and subsequently develops into two babies with exactly the same genetic makeup. On the other hand, in case of fraternal or dizygotic twins, two eggs (ova) are fertilised by two sperm cells and hence subsequently develop into two genetically variable babies.

Vitali Sarma, Class X, Ananad Academy, Dispur

Question: How long does it take our eyes to fully adapt to darkness?

Answer: The eyes take approximately 20-30 minutes to fully adapt from bright sunlight to complete darkness. However, it takes approximately 5 minutes for the eye to adapt from darkness to bright sunlight.

Mintu Rajbongshi, Class X, Ananad Academy, Dispur

Question: How can radiation cause cancer?

Answer: The amount of radiation energy is inversely proportional to the wavelength. Ionizing radiation having shorter wavelength has enough energy to damage DNA and cause cancer. This type of radiation includes radon, x-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of high-energy radiation. Ionizing radiation directly affects DNA structure by inducing DNA breaks, particularly double strand breaks (DSBs), which lead to failure in cell division process and cell death.

Dimpal Dutta, Class X, Ananad Academy, Dispur

Question: Why does tonsillitis occur?

Answer: Tonsils are the two lymph nodes located one on either side at the back of the throat. One can see his/her tonsils in a mirror by opening the mouth and sticking out the tongue. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become infected by certain pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses etc. and get inflamed. As part of the immune system, tonsils trap some of the germs entering to the body through mouth and nose. When tonsils become infected, they get swollen and sore, and swallowing may become painful.