Work in progress to realize its full potential quantum computingscientists might try peering into our own brains to see what’s possible: A new study suggests that the brain actually has a lot in common with the brain. quantum computer.
The findings could teach us a lot about the functions of neurons as well as the basics of quantum mechanics. The research may explain why our brains can outperform supercomputers at certain tasks, such as making decisions or learning new information.
As with much quantum computing research, it looks at the research idea entanglement – two separate particles in a state connected to each other
“We adapted an idea developed for experiments to prove the existence of quantum gravity, whereby you can take known quantum systems interacting with an unknown system.” says physicist Christian Kerskens from the University of Dublin.
“If known systems are entangled, the unknown must also be a quantum system. It avoids the difficulties of finding measurements for something we know nothing about.”
In other words, entanglement or connection between known systems can occur when the intermediary system in the middle – the unknown system – also operates at the quantum level. Although the unknown system cannot be studied directly, its effects can be observed. as in quantum gravity.
For the purposes of this study, the proton spin of “brain water” (the fluid that collects in the brain) functions as a commonly known system. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans used to noninvasively measure proton activity. The spin of a particle is a quantum mechanical property that determines its magnetic and electric properties.
Through this technique, the researchers were able to see similar signals potentials associated with heartbeat, is a type of electroencephalography (EEG) signal. These signals are usually not detected through MRIand the thinking is that they appear because the nuclear proton spins in the brain are entangled.
The observations recorded by the team require confirmation through future studies in many scientific fields, but the initial results look promising for non-classical, quantum phenomena when active in the human brain.
“If this is the only possible explanation for entanglement, it means that brain processes must interact with nuclear spins, mediating entanglement between nuclear spins.” Kerskens says.
“As a result, we can conclude that these brain functions must be quantum.”
The brain functions that illuminated the MRI readings were also related to short-term memory and conscious awareness, suggesting that quantum processes—if indeed they are—play an important role in cognition and cognition. consciousnessKerskens suggests.
What researchers need to do next is to learn more about this unknown quantum system in the brain – and then we can fully understand how it works. quantum computer that we carry in our heads.
“Our experiments are carried out only 50 meters away from the lecture theater where Schrödinger presented his famous work. thoughts about lifeit can shed light on the mysteries of biology and consciousness that are more difficult to grasp scientifically. Kerskens says.
Published in a research journal Journal of Physics Communications.
