Breakthrough research links brain function to quantum phenomena

A groundbreaking study published this month in Physics Review E introduces a provocative new hypothesis about the brain’s inner workings.

The comparison between the human brain and a computer has been a longstanding discussion, but it might not do justice to the brain's extraordinary capabilities, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

While drawing parallels between neurons and transistors can be useful, the human brain operates with a level of efficiency and computational prowess far beyond that of any current computer, including the most advanced supercomputers. The brain's inner workings remain a largely unexplored frontier of computation.

Traditional computers, including the most sophisticated ones, rely on classical physics. However, there exists a different type of computing: quantum computing. The notion that the human brain might harness quantum properties is not entirely new. British physicist Roger Penrose and American anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff proposed this controversial idea in the 1990s with their "orchestrated objective reduction" model of consciousness. Since then, emerging evidence has suggested that while the brain may not function as a full quantum computer, certain quantum properties could play a role in generating consciousness.

A recent study from Shanghai University adds another layer to this intriguing hypothesis. The research indicates that a specific process in the human brain exhibits behavior similar to quantum entanglement—a phenomenon where particles become interconnected in ways that defy classical understanding, even across great distances. This concept, famously described by Albert Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," continues to challenge our grasp of the fundamental workings of the universe and consciousness.

The study, published this month in Physics Review E, presents intriguing evidence suggesting that myelin—a fatty material encasing nerve cell axons—may create an environment conducive to quantum entanglement. This discovery could offer new insights into the mechanisms of cognition and synchronization, crucial for efficient information processing and rapid response within the brain.

According to the research, the cylindrical structure of the myelin sheath might facilitate the spontaneous emission of photons and the generation of entangled photon pairs. These pairs could act as a "quantum communication resource" within the nervous system, potentially influencing cognitive processes. The study's authors developed mathematical models showing how infrared photons could affect the myelin sheath and stimulate chemical bonds, leading to the production of entangled photons.

Yong-Cong Chen, a co-author of the study, noted, "If evolution sought a way to enable action over a distance, quantum entanglement might be an ideal candidate."

While this research is groundbreaking, it’s important to approach it with cautious optimism. The phenomenon of quantum entanglement within a biological setting, such as the brain of a mouse, has yet to be demonstrated. The concept of quantum mechanics playing a role in consciousness is still controversial; even Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff, pioneers of this idea, have faced skepticism.

However, science thrives on challenging existing paradigms and rigorously testing new hypotheses. As our understanding of quantum phenomena evolves, what once seemed like "spooky action at a distance" might become a key component of our comprehension of consciousness and the brain’s intricate workings.