Quantum Biology: The Hidden Nature of Nature

The speaker introduces the concept of quantum biology, which explores the intersection of quantum mechanics and biological processes. They humorously address the audience's familiarity with the term 'QB' and delve into the complex and quirky nature of quantum mechanics, which can be both terrifying and fascinating to physicists. The speaker uses analogies and humor to explain quantum phenomena such as wave-particle duality, probability, and entanglement, suggesting that biological entities might inherently understand these concepts better than physicists. The goal of the talk is to demystify quantum mechanics and show how it could be integrated into our understanding of biological systems, hinting at phenomena like energy packets appearing and disappearing, which are likened to Jeremy Lin's impact on basketball and the unpredictability of events like the Facebook IPO and North Korea's actions. The speaker also touches on the idea of objects acting across time and space, suggesting that biological intuition might give us insights into these quantum behaviors.

This paragraph delves into specific examples where quantum mechanics might play a role in biological systems. The speaker discusses the mystery of how birds navigate without visual cues or detectable technology, suggesting a quantum explanation could be at play. Photosynthesis is highlighted as another area where quantum mechanics could provide a deeper understanding of how plants convert light into energy, with ongoing research indicating that this process might be more intricate than traditionally taught. The paragraph introduces three experts in the field: Seth Lloyd, a pioneer in quantum computation; Thorsten Ritz, a physicist studying quantum entanglement in birds; and Paul Davies, who explores the role of quantum mechanics in the formation of life. The conversation emphasizes the convergence of biology and quantum mechanics, with the experts discussing how life, having been around for billions of years, could have evolved to exploit quantum phenomena for advantages in biological competition or even retained quantum traits from its origins.

The discussion continues with an exploration of the strange and counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics, which is characterized by phenomena such as particles behaving like waves and vice versa. The speakers consider how biological organisms, particularly photosynthetic ones, might exploit these quantum effects for increased reproductive efficiency, without necessarily understanding or caring about the underlying quantum mechanics. The conversation also touches on the idea that quantum mechanics can 'cheat' time and distance, with Thorsten Ritz explaining the dual wave-particle nature of quantum entities and how they can exist in a superposition of states, which could potentially be harnessed in biological systems. The speakers ponder the philosophical and scientific implications of these quantum phenomena, questioning whether they are a product of our observation or an inherent aspect of reality.

In this segment, the focus shifts to the concepts of quantum coherence and decoherence, which are critical for observing quantum effects. Coherence refers to the undisturbed wave-like nature of particles, allowing for the manifestation of quantum phenomena, while decoherence occurs when external interference disrupts this delicate state. The speakers use the analogy of a pond's surface to explain these concepts, likening the disturbance of water waves to the disruption of quantum coherence in a noisy environment. The challenge of maintaining quantum coherence in biological systems, such as cells, is highlighted, given that these are typically warm, wet, and noisy—conditions that are not conducive to preserving quantum states. The speakers also draw parallels between the maintenance of quantum coherence in biological systems and the requirements for quantum computing, suggesting that biology might offer insights into creating coherent states in less-than-ideal conditions.