Quantum Processes in the Brain

F. Beck, John Carew Eccles

Zhang Deng

Andrei Yu. Khrennikov

We propose a {\it quantum-like} (QL) model of the functioning of the brain. It should be sharply distinguished from the reductionist {\it quantum} model. By the latter cognition is created by {\it physical quantum processes} in the brain. The crucial point of our modelling is that discovery of the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics (QM) was in fact discovery of a very general formalism describing {\it consistent processing of incomplete information} about contexts (physical, mental, economic, social). The brain is an advanced device which developed the ability to create a QL representation of contexts. Therefore its functioning can also be described by the mathematical formalism of QM. The possibility of such a description has nothing to do with composing of the brain of quantum systems (photons, electrons, protons,...). Moreover, we shall propose a model in that the QL representation is based on conventional neurophysiological model of the functioning of the brain. The brain uses the QL rule (given by von Neumann trace formula) for calculation of {\it approximative averages} for mental functions, but the physical basis of mental functions is given by neural networks in the brain. The QL representation has a {\it temporal basis.} Any cognitive process is based on (at least) two time scales: subcognitive time scale (which is very fine) and cognitive time scale (which is essentially coarser).

Christof Koch A, Klaus Hepp

Gary Epler

This paper proposes that human brain function is mediated by quantum biological mechanisms operating at the 12Hz alpha brainwave frequency. Four quantum principles govern human brain function: quantum tunneling, quantum entanglement, quantum superposition, and the quantum observer effect. In contrast, the 14Hz beta brainwave state activates the subcortical primitive brain regions driven by classical biology. This paper presents a unified theoretical framework connecting quantum processes to human brain function.

Gustav Bernroider, Sisir Roy

Neural Coding Abstract. Quantum models of higher level brain functions such as conscious experience, suggest that the neural correlate of mentation requires dynamical properties instantiated at the Planck-scale. Several candidate quantum processes have been suggested, but it remains to be seen how these quantum properties can relate to the established classical signals in the brain involving physical action twenty magnitudes above the quantum domain. In this paper we show the results of a systematic analysis of Lagrangian action order to brain processes at different scales of resolution. The results encompass processes at the macroscopic single cell level to processes at the sub-molecular and concerted molecular population level. It is shown that the state of ions in the permeation filter of channel proteins, as for example indicated by the MacKinnon KcsA K+ channel model, is a quantum phenomenon involving a Lagrangian in the order of 10–34 Js. Further, we show that the brain spans at least 20 orders of magnitudes of physical action with physiologically significant signal properties. We suggest that the quantum-classical correspondence in the brain is resolved by the spread of quantum-witness states that correlate with the gating states of voltage sensitive ion channels. 1.