• A Perspective paper published in PNAS presents the scope and future research directions of quantum biology. • Focuses on quantum coherence and synchronization at macroscopic scales, rather than simply being a collection of unexplained phenomena. • Proposes three core open questions: the development of quantum probes, quantum-like classical systems, and the macroscopic amplification of microscopic quantum effects. [Quantum Biology Society] Generally, the "warm, wet, and noisy" environment that makes up living organisms is considered the most hostile condition for true quantum effects like entanglement or coherence to exist. However, elucidating how living organisms overcome these paradoxical limitations and utilize unique quantum wave-like properties for functional advantages is the very core of "quantum biology." Recently, a Perspective paper titled "What is quantum biology?" was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), drawing the attention of the academic community. A research team including Gregory D. Scholes and Graham R. Fleming clearly declared that quantum biology is not simply a "grab bag of biological phenomena that cannot be fully explained quantitatively by current science." ■ 'Coherence' and 'Synchronization' Governing Life Phenomena The paper reviews existing representative studies, such as exciton spreading in photosynthesis and avian navigation (magnetic field sensing), focusing on the "coherence" and "resonance" phenomena occurring in vivo. According to the researchers, the evolutionary process finely tuned the local protein environments of chromophores to closely match electronic and vibrational energy gaps. This optimization of frequency resonance is strong evidence that living organisms actively utilize quantum mechanical entanglement and wave properties to gain macroscopic physiological advantages. Furthermore, they explained that noise does not merely act as a destructive factor that collapses quantum states; rather, it can play a beneficial role in amplifying minute quantum signals and assisting transport through "stochastic resonance" or "quantum ratchet" mechanisms. ■ 3 Core Open Questions for the Future of Quantum Biology The researchers proposed three core open questions that must be resolved to firmly establish quantum biology as an independent discipline and focus future research agendas. 1. Development of quantum probes: Measurement technologies called "quantum probes" are needed to clearly and sharply reveal the quantum functions hidden within complex biological systems. 2. Identification of quantum-like systems: It must be determined whether classical biological machineries have the potential to exhibit useful properties as if possessing a "quantum advantage" simply by mimicking quantum systems. 3. Amplification to the macroscopic scale: We must understand the missing link of how microscopic-scale quantum mechanical mechanisms are amplified to the biological scale, providing the foundation for new macroscopic functions. This paper clearly redefined the scope of quantum biology into categories including: ▲ interactions with fields such as light, magnetic, and electric fields; ▲ various forms of coherence phenomena; ▲ microscopic quantum dynamical systems including spin and proton tunneling; and ▲ complex systems that mimic quantum phenomena through networks. Experts anticipate that this study will serve as an important compass for future quantum biology research, going beyond merely confirming the physical laws of the microscopic world to asking how living organisms control and optimize quantum phenomena in macroscopic environments.

Jul 13, 20260 citations