Abstract An analytical review of publications on the quantum mechanics of living matter is presented. This topic has appeared only in recent years. At the same time, its analysis leads to a discussion of fundamental problems that arose with quantum mechanics a hundred years ago: the nature of ‘the process of measuring and the duality of the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics. In considering these issues, the ideas of von Neumann, formulated in 1932, are followed and significantly developed taking into account new physical concepts and experimental data. The work of our senses: vision, smell, etc., is compared to ‘the process of measuring. The possible role of quantum processes in the nervous system is pointed out, photosynthesis and magnetoreception are discussed, the idea of the wave function collapse as a specific quality of life is developed, and unresolved fundamental issues are highlighted.
Abstract An analytical review of publications on the quantum mechanics of living matter is presented. This topic has appeared only in recent years. At the same time, its analysis leads to a discussion of fundamental problems that arose with quantum mechanics a hundred years ago: the nature of ‘the process of measuring and the duality of the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics. In considering these issues, the ideas of von Neumann, formulated in 1932, are followed and significantly developed taking into account new physical concepts and experimental data. The work of our senses: vision, smell, etc., is compared to ‘the process of measuring. The possible role of quantum processes in the nervous system is pointed out, photosynthesis and magnetoreception are discussed, the idea of the wave function collapse as a specific quality of life is developed, and unresolved fundamental issues are highlighted.
The penetration of quantum concepts into biological science, which began shortly after the creation of quantum mechanics, over the past two decades has taken shape in a new interdisciplinary scientific discipline quantum biology. One of the key questions of quantum biology has been formulated as follows: are there biological systems that use quantum effects to perform a task that cannot be done classically? More broadly, do some kinds of organisms adapt efficient quantum mechanisms in the process of their evolutionary development in order to gain an advantage over their competitors? The range of topical problems of the new discipline discussed in this brief review includes questions of a general, historical and methodological character, and generalizes some theoretical models aimed at describing quantum processes, including bacterialphotosynthesis, bird magnetoreception, and the mechanism of olfactory sense in living organisms.
Quantum mechanics, the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at atomic and subatomic scales, may seem like a highly theoretical subject confined to laboratories, but its principles are deeply embedded in our everyday lives. This study explores the profound influence of quantum mechanics on various phenomena and technologies that shape modern society. Concepts such as wave-particle duality, superposition, and quantum entanglement, though initially counterintuitive, provide explanations for numerous occurrences and innovations in our daily existence. One of the most visible impacts of quantum mechanics is in the realm of technology. Semiconductors, integral to devices like smartphones, computers, and televisions, operate on principles of quantum mechanics, enabling the development of advanced electronics. Additionally, quantum phenomena underpin technologies such as lasers, LEDs, and MRI machines, revolutionizing fields from medicine to communication.Quantum mechanics also plays a crucial role in natural processes, such as photosynthesis, where quantum coherence boosts energy efficiency in plants. In the biological realm, quantum effects influence senses like smell and vision, adding another layer to the complexity of life. Even the colors we see in objects or the efficiency of solar panels are outcomes of quantum principles at work. Beyond practical technologies, quantum mechanics challenges our fundamental understanding of the universe. Concepts like the uncertainty principle and quantum superposition disrupt classical views of reality, leading to new perspectives on causality and measurement. As quantum research progresses, its applications are poised to expand further, potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields like quantum computing, cryptography, and energy systems. This exploration emphasizes how quantum mechanics, despite its abstract nature, is central to both the technologies and the natural phenomena that define our everyday experiences.
Many different interpretations of the Quantum Theory have appeared over the one hundred years since its first formulation.The paper presents a detailed physical analysis of the process of quantum measurement, which is crucial in the development of a sound interpretation of the theory.The process of quantum measurement can be decomposed into three elementary steps, and the projection of state (or collapse of the wave function) is applied at the last step, the reading of the result of measurement by an observer.This determines a crystal clear simplest interpretation of the process and the alternative interpretation, supported by many interpretations of the theory, is obviously much more complex, so that Ockham's razor can be applied.Once this is established, a corresponding interpretation of the quantum state follows.We discuss some important issues as the superposition of states (or Schrodinger cat states), the wave particle duality and the non-local process associated to entanglement.In conclusion, many of the proposed interpretations of Quantum Mechanics appeared along the last decades can be firmly rejected, but there are open questions.
The question whether quantum mechanics is complete and the nature of the transition between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics have intrigued physicists for decades. There have been many experimental breakthroughs in creating larger and larger quantum superposition and entangled states since Erwin Schrödinger proposed his famous thought experiment of putting a cat in a superposition of both alive and dead states in 1935. Remarkably, recent developments in quantum optomechanics and electromechanics may lead to the realisation of quantum superposition of living microbes soon. Recent evidence also suggests that quantum coherence may play an important role in several biological processes. In this review, we first give a brief introduction to basic concepts in quantum mechanics and the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment. We then review developments in creating quantum superposition and entangled states and the realisation of quantum teleportation. Non-trivial quantum effects in photosynthetic light harvesting and avian magnetoreception are also discussed. At last, we review recent proposals to realise quantum superposition, entanglement and state teleportation of micro-organisms, such as viruses and bacteria.
This article analyzes the scientific problems that arose at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries due to the limitations of classical physics, particularly the issues of measuring the speed of light and the radiation of a blackbody. This article highlights the concept of quantization proposed by M. Planck and its significance in resolving these problems. The formation of quantum mechanics, its main concepts, its role in describing the laws of motion of micro-objects, and its connection with classical mechanics are discussed in detail in this section. Furthermore, this article examines the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics: discreteness, wave-particle duality, and the significance of Planck’s constant. This article also addresses the challenges of teaching quantum mechanics and ways to overcome them, including the effectiveness of using the case study method.
This article analyzes the scientific problems that arose at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries due to the limitations of classical physics, in particular the issues of measuring the speed of light and the radiation of a blackbody. The article highlights the concept of quantization proposed by M. Planck and its significance in resolving these problems. The formation of quantum mechanics, its main concepts, its role in describing the laws of motion of micro-objects, and its connection with classical mechanics are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the article examines the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics — discreteness, wave-particle duality, and the significance of Planck’s constant. The article also addresses the challenges in teaching quantum mechanics and ways to overcome them, including the effectiveness of using the case-study method.