Quantum coherence in living organisms at room temperature - Implications for quantum computing and quantum consciousness

Posted by Simon Raggett on 10 February 2010 | 0 Comments

Tags: quantum coherence, quantum consciousness, quantum computing, photosynthetic protein, biological matter, living organisms

A paper in the leading peer-reviewed journal 'Nature' refutes what has been the central tenet of the argument against quantum consciousness theories, to the effect that quantum coherence could not be sustained in living matter for long enough to play any role in its processing. It seems possible that this low-key paper could in time come to be seen as one of the decisive studies of the 21st century. This work shows that room-temperature quantum coherence can occur in biological matter, in contradiction of the previous dogma that this was impossible. In 2007, Engel et al had shown that coherence was possible in organic matter, but this was only demonstrated at very low temperatures, whereas the latest study by Elizabetta Collini et al demonstrates similar activity at ambient temperature.

One surprise is the rapid and prominent coverage given to the Collini study at the more popular level, in the form of a useful summary by Kate McAlpine in the 'New Scientist'. She mentions that Engel is enthusiastic about the Collini result, and he is quoted as saying that there could be implications for quantum computing, where a core problem has been the requirement to operate at the very low temperatures that are usually thought necessary to maintain quantum coherence. The speed with which this work has been picked up and given prominence suggests a background change of attitude to the question of coherence in protein. Consciousness is not mentioned, but the suggestion of protein as a model for quantum computing is moving us in that direction.

Engel has speculated that long-lived quantum coherence allows for a more efficient search for a lowest energy state, thus enhancing energy transfer across protein units. However, there remains uncertainty, as to how quantum coherence can persist in biological matter. One suggestion is that the expected rate of decoherence is slowed by correlated motions in the surrounding environment, possibly involving covalent bonds between the photosynthetic light-harvesting molecules and the protein backbone of the organism.