Neuron
Scientists estimate that nature spent around 600 million years developing neurons. Less than 250 years have passed since their scientific discovery.
In that time, several levels of function of this remarkable object have been described - electrical, chemical, and quantum. One could say that humanity is still at the stage of grasping just how complex a neuron is, while the complexity of the entire human nervous system lies beyond comprehension altogether. Neurons interpret signals triggered by thermal radiation, electromagnetic fields, chemical signatures, and possibly quantum effects - all while the total energy consumption of the human nervous system is comparable to that of a single light bulb.
In this astonishing contrast - between colossal complexity and almost imperceptible energy expenditure - lies the elegant engineering of nature.
In that time, several levels of function of this remarkable object have been described - electrical, chemical, and quantum. One could say that humanity is still at the stage of grasping just how complex a neuron is, while the complexity of the entire human nervous system lies beyond comprehension altogether. Neurons interpret signals triggered by thermal radiation, electromagnetic fields, chemical signatures, and possibly quantum effects - all while the total energy consumption of the human nervous system is comparable to that of a single light bulb.
In this astonishing contrast - between colossal complexity and almost imperceptible energy expenditure - lies the elegant engineering of nature.