More than 80 years ago, physicist Erwin Schrödinger posed a big question during lectures at Trinity College, Dublin: "What is Life?" His ideas still resonate today, especially as we enter the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Recently, Philip Kurian, a physicist at Howard University, took Schrödinger’s concepts and explored the potential of quantum mechanics in living systems. He discovered something remarkable about the computational capabilities of life on Earth, as outlined in his paper published in Science Advances. Kurian suggests that the way living organisms process information might be connected to all matter in the universe.
Kurian’s work highlights three main principles: the laws of quantum mechanics, the speed limit of light, and a universe with a specific matter-energy density. His research opens up exciting discussions across various fields, including biology and physics. Professor Marco Pettini from Aix-Marseille University emphasized that these findings could spur new inquiries in quantum optics and biophysics.
Quantum Mechanics Meets Biology
Typically, quantum mechanics is seen as applicable mostly to tiny particles, like atoms. Biological environments, on the other hand, are messy and warm. Despite this, Kurian’s team found quantum effects in proteins that function even in these challenging conditions. This could be vital for understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, as these proteins may protect the brain.
The study focused on tryptophan, an amino acid found in many proteins. It absorbs ultraviolet light and re-emits it at a longer wavelength. This property is not just about helping proteins do their job; Kurian’s team discovered that extensive networks of tryptophan can process information much more quickly than expected. While traditional biochemical signals can take milliseconds to transmit, these superradiant effects occur in just a picosecond—a millionth of a microsecond.
Professor Majed Chergui remarked on the implications of this research, suggesting that it could reshape our understanding of how living systems evolve.
Beyond Neurons: A New Perspective
Many researchers think of information processing mainly in terms of neurons. However, this overlooks the intricate computations performed by non-neuronal life, like bacteria and plants. These organisms have been around longer than animals and make up most of Earth’s biomass.
Dante Lauretta from the University of Arizona pointed out that similar quantum emitters have been found in space, hinting that other life forms might utilize these computational advantages. Kurian’s findings suggest that superradiant systems could significantly enhance how we understand life beyond Earth.
Connections to Quantum Computing
Kurian’s insights have also captured the attention of quantum computing experts. The idea that biological systems can maintain fragile quantum effects may impact the development of more resilient quantum information technologies. Professor Nicolò Defenu of ETH Zurich noted that these connections could lead to advancements in quantum systems and technology.
In his analysis, Kurian revisits foundational aspects of quantum mechanics. He finds that nearly all life on Earth can compute using quantum principles, potentially outpacing current technology in efficiency. Seth Lloyd, a pioneer in quantum computing from MIT, praised Kurian’s approach, emphasizing the vast computational power of living organisms compared to artificial systems.
In an age dominated by artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, Kurian’s work reminds us of the physical limits that both life and technology face. Yet, these restrictions do not diminish our ability to explore and understand the universe—it’s an inspiring journey for all of us.
For more detailed insights on this topic, check out Kurian’s research in Science Advances: DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt4623.
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