A study published on arXiv provides a structured narrative evidence map of the three complementary directions where quantum science and biology intersect: 'quantum in biology', 'quantum for biology', and 'biology for quantum'. It highlights hydrogen tunneling in enzymes and the radical-pair mechanism for magnetoreception as representative cases of quantum in biology. For quantum for biology, it analyzes how quantum sensing and imaging tools can improve biological inference. It also illuminates biology for quantum, which utilizes biomolecular self-assembly to enhance the performance of quantum devices, and presents a comprehensive benchmark to compare the current evidence and alternatives in each area. [Quantum Biology Society] As we enter the 21st century, the convergence of quantum physics and the life sciences is moving beyond mere curiosity to establish itself as a substantial scientific paradigm. A recent paper published on the preprint repository arXiv, titled "Quantum in Biology, Quantum for Biology, and Biology for Quantum: Mapping the Evidence and the Road Ahead," clearly defines the three core areas where these two disciplines intersect. It provides a first-of-its-kind structured narrative evidence map that compiles the technological claims and experimental evidence of each field. A multinational collaborative research team led by Professor Travis J. A. Craddock of the University of Waterloo in Canada and Professor Francesco Petruccione of Stellenbosch University in South Africa published this extensive review. ■ Quantum in Nature and Quantum Tools Illuminating Biology The first pillar presented in this paper, 'Quantum in biology', deals with instances where quantum mechanics directly intervenes in the natural biological phenomena of living organisms. The most scientifically mature evidence highlighted includes the quantum tunneling of hydrogen in enzyme catalysis and the radical-pair spin chemistry mechanism that enables magnetoreception in birds. The second pillar, 'Quantum for biology', explores the application of cutting-edge quantum tools to the life sciences. The core question analyzed in this area is whether quantum technologies—such as quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum imaging—can provide significantly more precise biological inference and resolution beyond existing classical baselines, even under realistic biological constraints. ■ Living Organisms as the Foundation for Quantum Technology The final third pillar, 'Biology for quantum', is an innovative approach that utilizes biological systems in reverse to develop quantum technologies. The paper evaluates that the strongest claims in this field arise when the sophisticated structure or self-assembly capabilities unique to biomolecules are used to measurably improve the fabrication, integration, and robustness of artificial quantum devices. This monumental review paper holds great significance as it presents a macroscopic roadmap for the emerging interdisciplinary field of quantum biology. It establishes a powerful benchmark that allows for the at-a-glance comparison and verification of the current evidence levels and competitive alternative models in each specific subfield. #QuantumBiology #QuantumScience #LifeScience #InterdisciplinaryConvergence #EvidenceMap #QuantumSensing #QuantumLifeScience #QuantumTools #FutureScience #KoreanSocietyOfQuantumBiology https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.00205
A study published on arXiv provides a structured narrative evidence map of the three complementary directions where quantum science and biology intersect: 'quantum in biology', 'quantum for biology', and 'biology for quantum'. It highlights hydrogen tunneling in enzymes and the radical-pair mechanism for magnetoreception as representative cases of quantum in biology. For quantum for biology, it analyzes how quantum sensing and imaging tools can improve biological inference. It also illuminates biology for quantum, which utilizes biomolecular self-assembly to enhance the performance of quantum devices, and presents a comprehensive benchmark to compare the current evidence and alternatives in each area. [Quantum Biology Society] As we enter the 21st century, the convergence of quantum physics and the life sciences is moving beyond mere curiosity to establish itself as a substantial scientific paradigm. A recent paper published on the preprint repository arXiv, titled "Quantum in Biology, Quantum for Biology, and Biology for Quantum: Mapping the Evidence and the Road Ahead," clearly defines the three core areas where these two disciplines intersect. It provides a first-of-its-kind structured narrative evidence map that compiles the technological claims and experimental evidence of each field. A multinational collaborative research team led by Professor Travis J. A. Craddock of the University of Waterloo in Canada and Professor Francesco Petruccione of Stellenbosch University in South Africa published this extensive review. ■ Quantum in Nature and Quantum Tools Illuminating Biology The first pillar presented in this paper, 'Quantum in biology', deals with instances where quantum mechanics directly intervenes in the natural biological phenomena of living organisms. The most scientifically mature evidence highlighted includes the quantum tunneling of hydrogen in enzyme catalysis and the radical-pair spin chemistry mechanism that enables magnetoreception in birds. The second pillar, 'Quantum for biology', explores the application of cutting-edge quantum tools to the life sciences. The core question analyzed in this area is whether quantum technologies—such as quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum imaging—can provide significantly more precise biological inference and resolution beyond existing classical baselines, even under realistic biological constraints. ■ Living Organisms as the Foundation for Quantum Technology The final third pillar, 'Biology for quantum', is an innovative approach that utilizes biological systems in reverse to develop quantum technologies. The paper evaluates that the strongest claims in this field arise when the sophisticated structure or self-assembly capabilities unique to biomolecules are used to measurably improve the fabrication, integration, and robustness of artificial quantum devices. This monumental review paper holds great significance as it presents a macroscopic roadmap for the emerging interdisciplinary field of quantum biology. It establishes a powerful benchmark that allows for the at-a-glance comparison and verification of the current evidence levels and competitive alternative models in each specific subfield. #QuantumBiology #QuantumScience #LifeScience #InterdisciplinaryConvergence #EvidenceMap #QuantumSensing #QuantumLifeScience #QuantumTools #FutureScience #KoreanSocietyOfQuantumBiology https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.00205
Quantum science and biology now intersect in three complementary directions: quantum in biology, quantum for biology, and biology for quantum. This review provides a structured narrative evidence map of that interface rather than an exhaustive catalogue or formal systematic review. For each topic, we ask what the mechanistic or technological claim is, which quantum resource is invoked, what the strongest experiments and models establish, which classical alternatives or engineering confounds remain competitive, and what decisive tests or benchmarks would most strongly change confidence. The most mature quantum-in-biology cases remain mechanistically constrained tunneling in some enzymatic hydrogen-transfer reactions and radical-pair spin chemistry as a viable framework for magnetoreception, whereas several higher-visibility topics remain suggestive but unresolved under physiological conditions. In quantum for biology, the central issue is whether quantum-enabled tools improve biological inference relative to strong classical baselines under realistic calibration, dose, throughput, and uncertainty constraints. In biology for quantum, the strongest claims arise when biomolecular structure or self-assembly measurably improves fabrication, integration, or robustness in quantum devices. Summary tables in the Appendix provide a compact cross-map view of the current evidence, major confounds, and the experiments or benchmarks most likely to discriminate between competing explanations.
Abstract The lines separating Biology and Physics have started to blur in recent decades, leading to the emergence of the interdisciplinary field known as quantum Biology. This field looks into the possibility that basic quantum mechanical phenomena such as coherence, entanglement, tunneling, and superposition play crucial roles in biological processes that are beyond the scope of classical Physics. Biology has traditionally worked within the parameters of classical mechanics, presuming that delicate quantum effects cannot endure in the warm, humid, and cacophonous environments of living systems. But new findings in fields like photosynthesis, olfaction, avian magnetoreception, and enzyme catalysis indicate otherwise, suggesting that living things intentionally and possibly advantageously use quantum principles. From the earliest speculative theories to the most recent experimental confirmations, this book chapter methodically examines the evolution of quantum Biology. We investigate how the exceptionally high energy transfer efficiency in photosynthetic complexes particularly in the light-harvesting proteins of green sulfur bacteria and plants is supported by quantum coherence. The remarkable speed of proton transfers and enzymatic reactions during DNA replication is also investigated in relation to quantum tunneling. The chapter explores magnetoreception in migratory birds and suggests models in which sensitivity to Earth's geomagnetic field is made possible by radical pair mechanisms influenced by quantum entanglement. We also discuss the intriguing but controversial idea that quantum vibrations improve the human olfactory system's capacity for discrimination. In addition to examining particular occurrences, this research challenges more general theoretical models that seek to balance quantum mechanics with the decoherence commonly observed in biological settings. Recent developments in quantum information theory, biomimetic quantum technologies, and ultrafast spectroscopy are highlighted as essential instruments advancing empirical research. We also critically evaluate the field's methodological difficulties, the skepticism of overly optimistic interpretations, and the significant philosophical ramifications of acknowledging life as a quantum phenomenon. In conclusion, quantum Biology suggests that quantum effects are not uncommon aberrations but rather are an essential part of life, offering not only a fresh perspective for reinterpreting well-known biological processes but also the potential for a fundamental paradigm shift. Quantum biology has the potential to completely transform biotechnology, medicine, and our comprehension of consciousness and the origin of life as experimental methods advance. This chapter highlights the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in order to completely comprehend the latest discoveries and possible future paths of quantum Biology, highlighting its revolutionary influence on our comprehension of life at the most basic levels. Key words: Quantum Biology, tunneling, avian magnetoreception, enzyme catalysis
• A technical monograph on quantum biology, synthesizing an extensive 161 pages and 1,754 references, has been published on the arXiv repository. • Establishes a unified theoretical framework based on 'open quantum systems' for fragmented quantum biology research, including exciton coherence in photosynthesis, biological electron transfer, and microtubule vibrations. • Connects microscopic quantum phenomena with macroscopic biological processes, providing an essential and comprehensive guide for the future development of nanomedicine and innovative biotechnology. [Quantum Biology Society] A technical monograph perfectly synthesizing the vast history and physical principles of Quantum Biology, which investigates the origins of life phenomena from a quantum mechanical perspective, has been published, drawing significant attention from the academic community. Recently, "Physical Principles of Quantum Biology," co-authored by Dr. Nathan S. Babcock and Brandy N. Babcock, was released on the preprint repository arXiv. This document, the result of analyzing 1,754 cited references over 161 pages, provides a fundamental and unified foundation for quantum biology to move beyond fragmented curiosity and establish itself as a firm modern scientific discipline. ■ A 'Unified Framework' Binding Fragmented Research Together Until now, individual research in quantum biology has exploded across various topics, such as exciton coherence in photosynthesis, magnetic field sensing in birds (radical pair mechanism), ultraweak photon emission, and quantum vibrations in microtubules. However, the academic barrier to entry was high due to the lack of a unified theoretical framework or textbook penetrating the entire field, and there was no clear consensus even among researchers regarding the academic scope of quantum biology. To solve this problem, this monograph deeply illuminated living organisms as 'open quantum systems' that constantly exchange energy and information with their environment. It presents a new physical framework that goes beyond the limitations of conventional closed and isolated quantum mechanics. In particular, moving past phenomena based on simple electrostatic models, it strictly classified and defined how the non-trivial quantum coherence and entanglement of biomolecules enable the dynamical functions of life. ■ A New Horizon for Disease Treatment and Nanomedicine The latter half of the book intensively explores how these quantum biological principles can be practically applied to medicine and biotechnology in the future. The researchers conducted an in-depth analysis of quantum spin control of intracellular mitochondria and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as cell signaling systems utilizing the optical and electromagnetic vibrations of microtubules. Based on this, they covered a wide range of clinical and technological possibilities leading to photodynamic therapy, electromagnetic field therapy, and regenerative medicine of cells and tissues. The fact that living organisms do not lose quantum effects even in so-called warm, wet, and noisy harsh environments, but rather actively utilize them to achieve high-efficiency information processing and energy conversion, provides crucial inspiration for designing artificial photosynthetic devices, quantum sensors, and nano-bio hybrid materials in the future. Through this literature, the authors define that 'quantum biology goes beyond the limits of isolated quantum systems to ask how life phenomena ultimately operate in complex environments'. They emphasized that "it will be a key guide not only for academic researchers but also for medical technologists, biochemists, and physicists to rigorously understand the quantum foundation of life and develop it into practical nano-bio application technologies".
A study published in the international journal Briefings in Bioinformatics proposes the first clear definition and comprehensive four-tier algorithmic classification system for Quantum Bioinformatics, an emerging interdisciplinary field merging quantum mechanics and bioinformatics. It precisely categorizes the field into four sub-domains: Q-B, QCt-B, QCg-B, and QCr-B, based on three core elements: the nature of computational operations, the type of platform (classical/quantum computer), and the type of data (classical/quantum biological data). It provides a theoretical milestone to shift the paradigm of life science research by overcoming the limitations of classical computing in complex problems like massive genomics, drug design, and protein folding using quantum technology, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. [Quantum Biology Society] Bioinformatics has led to rapid advancements in modern life sciences and medicine by utilizing computer algorithms and mathematical models to analyze vast amounts of biological data. Recently, Quantum Bioinformatics has emerged as a new interdisciplinary field that introduces the principles of quantum mechanics into the analysis of biological systems. It is gaining attention as a promising tool to overcome complex challenges in molecular biology, drug design, and protein folding, which have been difficult to solve with traditional classical computers. However, because the goals and concepts of quantum biology and quantum bioinformatics are similar, confusion has arisen among scientists, and there have been difficulties in identifying purely quantum effects and establishing academic boundaries. To address these limitations, a study titled "New classifications for quantum bioinformatics," recently published in the international journal Briefings in Bioinformatics, proposed a comprehensive taxonomy to clarify research directions and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. A joint research team led by Professor Majid Mokhtari from the Kish International Campus of the University of Tehran in Iran established this crucial theoretical framework. ■ 3 Classification Criteria for Quantum Bioinformatics To clearly classify quantum bioinformatics, this study established three core elements as criteria: The Nature of Computational Operations: Distinguishes whether the tool is for simple data mining or for designing and modeling computational tools using quantum concepts. Type of Platform: Specifies whether the physical hardware performing the computation is a classical computer or a quantum computer. Type of Data: Differentiates whether the subject of analysis is classical biological data, such as genomics or proteomics, or quantum biological data extracted using quantum physics tools. ■ A New 4-Tier Taxonomy (Q-B, QCt-B, QCg-B, QCr-B) Based on the above criteria, the research team precisely classified quantum bioinformatics into the following four sub-domains: Q-Bioinformatics (Q-B): A field dedicated to developing and modeling computational tools that exclusively utilize quantum biological data derived from biological sources. This can be performed on both classical and quantum computer platforms. QCt-Bioinformatics (QCt-B): An area focused on designing and developing algorithms and tools that apply the principles of quantum mechanics (such as superposition and entanglement) to analyze conventional classical biological data. QCg-Bioinformatics (QCg-B): A field that applies tools and algorithms to analyze and mine classical biological data, utilizing either classical or quantum computers. QCr-Bioinformatics (QCr-B): A specialized approach that uses classical bioinformatics tools or QCt-B tools for its analytical methodology, but runs exclusively on quantum computer hardware to leverage its overwhelming computational speed and storage capacity. This clear classification system demonstrates that even researchers without direct access to physical quantum computer hardware can significantly contribute to quantum-based algorithm research (such as QCt-B) by utilizing classical computers. This study is evaluated as having eliminated academic confusion that may arise in the convergence of quantum computing and life sciences, laying a solid theoretical foundation that will revolutionize the paradigm of genomic analysis and molecular target discovery in the future. #QuantumBioinformatics #Bioinformatics #QuantumComputing #QuantumCognition #QuantumCryptography #Taxonomy #InterdisciplinaryResearch #QuantumBiology #Biophysics #KoreanQuantumBiologySociety https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10939336/
• 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.
Quantum life science is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary domain that combines concepts from quantum physics with biological sciences to investigate the underlying mechanisms of living systems at the molecular and cellular levels. The principles of quantum mechanics, including quantum tunneling, superposition, and entanglement, are believed to contribute to various biological processes and may help explain phenomena that cannot be fully understood through classical biological models. Studying these quantum effects in living organisms remains difficult because biological environments are highly dynamic and are affected by factors such as decoherence and energy dissipation, which can mask quantum behavior. To overcome these limitations, researchers are employing sophisticated tools and methodologies such as biological nano-scale quantum sensors, quantum-enhanced hyperpolarized MRI and NMR techniques, ultrafast two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, and advanced computational modeling. The integration of these technologies is accelerating progress in quantum biology and related disciplines. As the field continues to evolve, it offers promising opportunities for advancing knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, medicine, biotechnology, and bioengineering, potentially leading to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic applications.