• Published a comprehensive review paper on nontrivial quantum events in cancer biology in the Archives of Razi Institute. • Elucidated that proton tunneling within DNA hydrogen bonds induces spontaneous mutations and cancer development. • Presented the possibility of establishing precision medicine and revolutionary drug discovery platforms through the introduction of quantum computing. [Quantum Biology Society] A groundbreaking review paper has been published that elucidates the fundamental causes of cancer from the perspective of quantum mechanics rather than classical molecular biology, and attempts to solve this with quantum computing technology. Recently, a paper titled "Exploring Quantum in Cancer Biology: A Comprehensive Review of Nontrivial Quantum Events" was published in the international journal Archives of Razi Institute, drawing the attention of the academic community. This study, involving a multinational joint research team including Ayesha Ali, comprehensively covers the latest insights combining quantum mechanics with oncology. ■ Quantum Tunneling, the Culprit Behind Cancer-Causing Mutations This study focused on phenomena such as quantum tunneling, quantum coherence, entanglement, and quantum superposition occurring within cancer cells. It reinterprets the complex signal transduction systems and mutation accumulation processes of cancer, which could not be perfectly explained by the linear pathways of conventional molecular biology alone, as quantum physical phenomena. What is particularly noteworthy is the quantum tunneling model. The researchers pointed out that quantum tunneling phenomena, where protons move through physical energy barriers, can occur within the hydrogen bonds connecting the double helix structure of DNA. They explain that this microscopic phenomenon disrupts normal base-pair bonding, resulting in errors in genetic coding, and consequently causing spontaneous point mutations that induce cancer. ■ Quantum Computing, the Future of Precision Medicine and Drug Discovery Beyond elucidating the microscopic quantum events underlying biological phenomena, the researchers emphasized the active introduction of quantum computing, utilizing quantum bits (qubits) and quantum entanglement, into the healthcare domain. Processing the vast biological data related to cancer with the exponential computational power of quantum computers will dramatically reduce processing time and increase the efficiency of diagnostic assistance, enabling the realization of true personalized precision medicine. This study, which analyzed the fundamental onset mechanism of the disease quantum mechanically, is expected not only to present the direction of future oncology research but also to provide a crucial theoretical foundation for building a revolutionary targeted drug discovery platform.
• Published a comprehensive review paper on nontrivial quantum events in cancer biology in the Archives of Razi Institute. • Elucidated that proton tunneling within DNA hydrogen bonds induces spontaneous mutations and cancer development. • Presented the possibility of establishing precision medicine and revolutionary drug discovery platforms through the introduction of quantum computing. [Quantum Biology Society] A groundbreaking review paper has been published that elucidates the fundamental causes of cancer from the perspective of quantum mechanics rather than classical molecular biology, and attempts to solve this with quantum computing technology. Recently, a paper titled "Exploring Quantum in Cancer Biology: A Comprehensive Review of Nontrivial Quantum Events" was published in the international journal Archives of Razi Institute, drawing the attention of the academic community. This study, involving a multinational joint research team including Ayesha Ali, comprehensively covers the latest insights combining quantum mechanics with oncology. ■ Quantum Tunneling, the Culprit Behind Cancer-Causing Mutations This study focused on phenomena such as quantum tunneling, quantum coherence, entanglement, and quantum superposition occurring within cancer cells. It reinterprets the complex signal transduction systems and mutation accumulation processes of cancer, which could not be perfectly explained by the linear pathways of conventional molecular biology alone, as quantum physical phenomena. What is particularly noteworthy is the quantum tunneling model. The researchers pointed out that quantum tunneling phenomena, where protons move through physical energy barriers, can occur within the hydrogen bonds connecting the double helix structure of DNA. They explain that this microscopic phenomenon disrupts normal base-pair bonding, resulting in errors in genetic coding, and consequently causing spontaneous point mutations that induce cancer. ■ Quantum Computing, the Future of Precision Medicine and Drug Discovery Beyond elucidating the microscopic quantum events underlying biological phenomena, the researchers emphasized the active introduction of quantum computing, utilizing quantum bits (qubits) and quantum entanglement, into the healthcare domain. Processing the vast biological data related to cancer with the exponential computational power of quantum computers will dramatically reduce processing time and increase the efficiency of diagnostic assistance, enabling the realization of true personalized precision medicine. This study, which analyzed the fundamental onset mechanism of the disease quantum mechanically, is expected not only to present the direction of future oncology research but also to provide a crucial theoretical foundation for building a revolutionary targeted drug discovery platform.
• Published in Nature's sister journal Communications Physics, proposing an 'open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA'. • Analysis of G-C base pairs confirmed that the proton transfer rate by tunnelling is overwhelmingly higher than classical methods even at biological temperatures and in a dissipative environment. • Demonstrated a high tautomeric occupation probability... suggesting that DNA mutation is deeply governed by quantum mechanical processes. [Quantum Biology Society] Research revealing that the fundamental cause of mutations threatening the genetic stability of DNA—the core of life preservation—is based on quantum mechanical phenomena rather than classical biochemical reactions is drawing significant attention from the academic community. A paper published in Communications Physics, a sister journal of Nature, titled "An open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA" verified this innovative hypothesis with a sophisticated physical model. A joint research team, including Louie Slocombe and Professor Jim Al-Khalili, thoroughly analyzed the quantum mechanical processes related to proton transfer. ■ Protons Piercing Through Hydrogen Bonds, Inducing 'Point Mutations' If a proton moves out of its orbit within the hydrogen bonds of the Guanine-Cytosine (G-C) base pair connecting the DNA double helix structure, tautomerisation occurs, altering the chemical structure of the base, which can lead to a point mutation, an error in genetic information. However, exactly how this process occurs in a warm and complex biological environment has long been a matter of debate. To solve this challenge, the research team applied an open quantum system that integrated an accurate structural model of the G-C base pair with the quantum dynamics of the hydrogen bond proton and the influence of the decoherent and dissipative cellular environment. ■ Quantum Effects Surviving Even in Biological Environments... "Tens of Thousands of Times Faster Than Over-the-Barrier Hopping" The analysis results completely overturned the conventional wisdom that quantum phenomena are confined only to the microscopic world or cryogenic temperatures. The research team found that, despite biological temperatures and environmental factors, the quantum tunnelling contribution to the proton transfer rate is several orders of magnitude (tens of thousands of times) larger than the classical 'over-the-barrier hopping' method, where particles gain energy to cross the barrier. Due to the strong quantum tunnelling effect, the canonical and tautomeric forms of the G-C base pair inter-convert over timescales far shorter than biological ones and very rapidly reach thermal equilibrium. ■ The Origins of Cancer and Evolution Lie in Quantum Probabilities What is even more surprising is that the tautomeric occupation probability through tunnelling reaches a significant level of 1.73 × 10⁻⁴. This suggests that such proton transfer may well play a far more dominant and important role in DNA mutation than the academic community has hitherto thought. This study, which proves that DNA mutations—the macroscopic consequences driving the onset of genetic diseases or cancer, and further, the evolution of life—are in fact thoroughly governed by microscopic quantum tunnelling phenomena, will serve as a powerful indicator of how Quantum Biology can innovate the paradigms of medicine and genetics in the future.
This study explores the potential of quantum computing as an alternative information processing approach, utilizing quantum bits (qubits), superposition, and entanglement to significantly expand computational capabilities in the healthcare domain. It is evident that quantum mechanics has become a foundational component in the construction of our contemporary physical reality. This scientific field is distinguished by its rapid advancement and the potential to transform various aspects of our daily lives. In this era, quantum biology is of significant importance and has the potential to act as a transformative force, particularly in the field of medicine, specifically in addressing the challenges posed by cancer. Cancer is defined as a complex and abnormal alteration of cells, orchestrated through intricate signaling pathways. This transformation is characterized by the accumulation of deleterious mutations. The concept of phenocopy, representing genetic mutations influenced by the environment, challenges the linear process line of molecular biology involving DNA, RNA, and proteins. Notwithstanding the augmented focus on quantum biology in recent decades, a plethora of unresolved issues persist within the domain of cancer biology, thereby giving rise to unexplored avenues. Quantum theory has demonstrated its ability to explain models related to biological and biochemical processes, encompassing the effects of carcinogens on genes, the mechanism of interactions between chemotherapy drugs and DNA, and the understanding of DNA mutations and defective protein synthesis. Recent skepticism among quantum physicists regarding the fundamental role of quantum effects in biology has emerged, particularly with regard to open quantum systems and the impact of decoherence on the destruction of coherence necessary for significant quantum effects. The document under scrutiny herein undertakes an investigation of recent studies that are rooted in the principles of quantum physics, with a particular focus on the manner in which these principles apply to the domains of cancer biology and metabolism.
• A study published in the international journal Communications Physics demonstrated the phenomenon of proton tunneling inside DNA utilizing an open quantum systems approach. • The research confirmed that protons within DNA hydrogen bonds pass through binding barriers via quantum tunnelling, going well beyond simple thermal fluctuations, and that this plays a dominant role in the conversion of base pairs into rare tautomers. • This is a groundbreaking result proving that the fundamental genetic mutation process of life is driven by microscopic quantum tunneling probabilities, revealing that tautomeric states can induce natural point mutations. [Quantum Biology Society] The DNA double helix, which contains all the genetic information of living organisms, is stably maintained by hydrogen bonds between base pairs. However, even in this robust structure, unexplained point mutations occasionally occur, becoming the seeds of evolution and disease. Recently, a study demonstrating that quantum tunnelling—a bizarre physical law of the subatomic world—is deeply involved behind this fundamental biological phenomenon was published, surprising both the biology and physics communities. The paper detailing this groundbreaking discovery, titled "An open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA," was made freely available in Communications Physics, a sister journal to the world-renowned Nature. A research team consisting of Louie Slocombe, Marco Sacchi, and Jim Al-Khalili from the University of Surrey in the UK led this interdisciplinary study. ■ The Power of Quantum Tunneling Beyond Classical Chemistry From the perspective of general classical biochemistry, it has been assumed that for protons forming DNA hydrogen bonds to change positions, sufficient thermal fluctuation is required to overcome the binding barrier. However, the researchers discovered a surprising fact through an open quantum systems model that precisely reflects the effects of decoherence and dissipation within the cellular environment. Protons instantly change their binding positions through quantum tunneling, passing through the barrier despite a lack of energy, and the contribution of quantum tunneling to the chemical reaction rate is several orders of magnitude larger than classical over-the-barrier hopping. ■ The Beginning of Mutation: Tautomeric Conversion According to the analysis, this quantum tunneling plays a dominant role in the conversion of Guanine-Cytosine (G-C) base pairs from their canonical form into highly rare and unstable tautomeric forms. The problem arises when the DNA strands are separated by the helicase enzyme and replication occurs in this state. The research team confirmed that at biological temperatures (around 300K), the thermal equilibrium occupation probability of the tautomer reaches an astoundingly high value of 1.73 × 10⁻⁴. This is significantly higher than the previously known natural spontaneous mutation rate (about 10⁻⁸), strongly suggesting that tautomerisation via quantum tunneling is a substantial and crucial cause of point mutations. ■ Presenting a New Paradigm in Life Sciences This study is a monumental achievement proving that genetic stability and the mutation process—the most fundamental and secretive domain of life—are not accidental chemical mistakes but are directly driven by the probability of quantum tunneling, a physical law of the microscopic world. This is a powerful demonstration that overturns the conventional view of interpreting biological phenomena solely through macroscopic molecular structures and chemical bonds, showing that quantum mechanics can be the key to fully explaining genetic mutation models.
Background: Quantum biology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores how principles of quantum mechanics-such as superposition, entanglement, tunneling, and collapse-may influence biological phenomena.Initially speculative, it now offers concrete explanations for complex life processes, prompting a re-evaluation of biology at the quantum scale.Method: This is a narrative review based on an analysis of peer-reviewed literature from indexed journals.Key biological processes were examined in the context of quantum principles.Applications in virology, microbiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology were explored.Discussion: The integration of quantum mechanics into drug discovery and personalized medicine is reshaping therapeutic approaches.Quantum computing promises accelerated simulations of molecular interactions and enzyme dynamics.Quantum dot-based therapies and diagnostics are enhancing precision medicine.The role of superradiance and quantum coherence in neuroprotection, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, is gaining research traction.Techniques such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are being reconsidered through the lens of quantum biology.Conclusion: Quantum biology bridges quantum mechanics and life sciences, offering novel explanations for long-standing biological mysteries.Despite significant experimental challenges-especially in warm, complex biological environments-the field is advancing through ultrafast spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and quantum simulations.Continued interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation are essential to validate these quantum-biological interactions.Ultimately, quantum biology holds the potential to revolutionize our understanding of life, leading to groundbreaking developments in neuroscience, pharmacology, and precision medicine.
• Published in PLOS One, reinterpreting DNA not as classical chemical bonds but as an open quantum system continuously interacting with the external environment. • Presents a theoretical framework where quantum tunneling, wave functions, and macroscopic quantum entanglement regulate the directionality of genetic mutations and increase survival fitness under environmental stress. • An innovative model demonstrating that genetic evolution is not driven by simple random chemical variations, but by a highly synchronized quantum mechanical probability distribution system within the cell. [Quantum Biology Society] Since Charles Darwin, the evolution of living organisms has been explained within the classical biological framework of random mutation and natural selection. However, a groundbreaking study has recently been published that reinterprets the mechanisms of genetic information preservation and evolution beyond the perspective of classical chemical bonds into subatomic quantum physics, delivering a fresh shock to the academic community. A paper titled "DNA as a quantum system in evolution," published in the March 2026 issue of the international journal PLOS One, identified DNA not merely as an information storage medium but as an open quantum system continuously communicating with the environment. Researcher Nahuel Aquiles Garcia, who conducted this single-author study, newly analyzed DNA dynamics through a quantum-informational model, presenting groundbreaking insights into the evolutionary process of living organisms. ■ An Open Quantum System Communicating with the Environment The researcher explained that DNA, the genetic material of living organisms, functions not as an isolated chemical molecule but as an open quantum system constantly interacting with minute energy changes in the external environment. According to this framework, changes in the minute wave function, quantum tunneling, and macroscopic quantum entanglement phenomena occurring within DNA directly affect the genetic behavior of living organisms. ■ Directionality of Mutations Beyond Randomness The most interesting part is the redefinition of how genetic mutations occur under environmental stress. From the existing Darwinian perspective, mutations were considered the result of blind and random chemical errors. However, the new quantum biological model suggests that the complex energy fields within the cell and the highly synchronized quantum mechanical probability distribution system between molecules can specifically regulate the directionality of mutations. In other words, quantum phenomena can microscopically guide evolutionary pressure in a direction that increases the survival fitness of the organism. ■ A New Paradigm in Evolutionary Biology This study is a bold and innovative biophysical achievement demonstrating that genetic evolution might not simply be the product of blind chance, but an elegant process fundamentally driven and orchestrated by the laws of quantum physics. This new paradigm, which integrates classical biology and quantum mechanics in unlocking the secrets of the origin and evolution of life, is expected to open completely new horizons of research across genetics and the life sciences in the future.
Cancer drug discovery is a resource-intensive process characterized by low success rates, protracted timelines, and significant cost implications. Conventional screening methods—including high-throughput assays and classical molecular modeling—struggle to capture the quantum nature of biomolecular interactions critical to binding affinity and drug specificity. In response, quantum molecular simulation (QMS) has emerged as a transformative approach that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of drug-target interaction modeling. This review explores the theoretical foundations, computational methodologies, and real-world applications of QMS in cancer drug discovery. It discusses key quantum approaches such as Density Functional Theory (DFT), Hartree-Fock (HF), and hybrid QM/MM methods, while evaluating the role of quantum algorithms— including Variational Quantum Eigensolvers (VQE) and Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE)—in elucidating biomolecular structures and energetics. The integration of QMS with next-generation quantum hardware platforms (e.g., superconducting qubits and quantum annealers) and open-source software ecosystems is also reviewed. Comparative performance analyses highlight the advantages of QMS over classical methods in terms of precision, scalability, and its potential for personalized oncology applications. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain, including issues of decoherence, algorithmic noise, regulatory integration, and reproducibility. This paper presents a forward-looking perspective on how QMS, when synergized with artificial intelligence and omics data, could fundamentally reshape the paradigm of cancer therapeutic development by enabling faster, more accurate, and mechanism-driven drug discovery.