Quantum biology

Quantum biology refers to applications of quantum mechanics and theoretical chemistry to biological objects and problems. Many biological processes involve the conversion of energy into forms that are usable for chemical transformations and are quantum mechanical in nature. Such processes involve chemical reactions, light absorption, formation of excited electronic states, transfer of excitation energy, and the transfer of electrons and protons (hydrogen ions) in chemical processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Quantum biology may use computations to model biological interactions in light of quantum mechanical effects.

History

Early pioneers of quantum physics saw applications of quantum mechanics in biological problems. Erwin Schrödinger published What is Life? in 1944 discussing applications of quantum mechanics in biology. Schrödinger introduced the idea of an "aperiodic crystal" that contained genetic information in its configuration of covalent chemical bonds. He further suggested that mutations are introduced by "quantum leaps." Other pioneers Niels Bohr, Pascual Jordan, and Max Delbruck argued that the quantum idea of complementarity was fundamental to the life sciences. In 1963, Per-Olov Löwdin published proton tunneling as another mechanism for DNA mutation. In his paper, he stated that there is a new field of study called “quantum biology.”

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Latest News for: quantum biology

Howard University researcher explores quantum bounds on life's computational power

SpaceDaily 30 Mar 2025
... applying modern quantum mechanics to redefine the limits of biological computation.

Quantum effects in life: Cells compute information billion times faster than we thought

Interesting Engineering 28 Mar 2025
Generally, biology and quantum mechanics are discussed separately ... Then how come quantum processes exist within a biological system? ... In his new study, he links the biological world with quantum mechanics.

‘They have no one to follow’: how migrating birds use quantum mechanics to navigate

The Observer 23 Mar 2025
These birds use the Earth’s magnetic field to find their way, and it is likely that at least part of the biological mechanism that allows them to do this can be explained through quantum mechanics.

CareLink360 Unveils ALBERTai: Pioneering A New Era in Personalized Health and Wellness Monitoring in the ...

GetNews 17 Mar 2025
“ALBERTai is a significant advancement in our approach to monitoring the health and wellness of our aging population,” said Dr ... Dr ... Dr ... His groundbreaking contributions span Quantum Biology in neuroscience, linguistics, and national defense.

CFR President Michael Froman on Trump, Global ‘Polyamory’ and AI

Time Magazine 16 Mar 2025
... And the fourth is technology, not just the implications of AI, but quantum computing, synthetic biology, other emerging technologies on foreign policy, national security and international economics.

Breakthrough device mimics brain’s neurons, converts light into electrical signals

Interesting Engineering 15 Mar 2025
A team of researchers from the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has reshaped the future of brain-inspired computing by developing a tiny quantum resonant tunneling diode (RTD), that mimics a sensory neuron.
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