BioRevolution #14 - Quantum Biology

Sometimes, when researching certain topics, I’m so amazed that I need to take a break to process everything. This topic was one of those moments.

The concept of quantum alone is groundbreaking. I’m not even sure we fully grasp what quantum computers are capable of yet. But then, when you add biology into the mix… well, that’s when it truly becomes my favorite topic!

One of the most enjoyable parts of this work, in my opinion, is the realization that there are YouTube videos from 9-10 years ago on this topic. This means that scientists have been working on quantum biology for more than a decade, carefully developing and refining it before introducing it to the general public. If we want to create projects that catch up with the present moment, we must focus on the future because today’s projects are the result of years of development. These breakthroughs didn’t happen overnight, and as I always say, “It’s too late for today, but it’s the perfect time for tomorrow.”

I’m sure for many of you, this article will be your first encounter with quantum biology. I’ve made a conscious effort to explain it clearly and simply, and I believe I’ve succeeded. However, I must also point out an important cautionary note: Quantum biology is such a new field that some non-scientists are attempting to profit from it by exploiting this emerging concept. Be wary of these individuals. Stay with science. Now, let’s dive in and explore what quantum biology is all about!

Scientific Perspective

Quantum biology is a fascinating and relatively new field that explores the application of quantum mechanics—the science of the very small—to biological processes. At first glance, biology and quantum mechanics might seem worlds apart. After all, quantum mechanics deals with particles like electrons and photons, which behave in strange and often counterintuitive ways that don’t match the experience of our everyday lives. Biology, on the other hand, is concerned with the study of living organisms and the biochemical processes that sustain them. So, what happens when these two realms converge?

Quantum mechanics, the branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy on the smallest scales, governs the microscopic world. At this level, particles don’t follow the straightforward laws of classical physics. Instead, they exhibit behaviors like superposition (being in multiple states at once), entanglement (where particles are mysteriously linked across vast distances), and tunneling (where particles pass through barriers they shouldn’t be able to).

But as researchers dug deeper, they began to notice that some biological phenomena seem to exhibit these very same quantum effects. This realization gave birth to the field of quantum biology, which aims to understand how quantum mechanics plays a role in processes like photosynthesis, enzyme reactions, and even the navigation of migratory birds.

Key Concepts in Quantum Biology

1. Quantum Superposition: In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in multiple states at once—an idea known as superposition. While this might sound like science fiction, this concept has been observed in biological systems. For example, in the process of photosynthesis, plants use quantum superposition to transfer energy more efficiently. Electrons in the plant’s chlorophyll molecules exist in a superposition of different energy states, allowing the plant to harness solar energy with incredible precision.
2. Quantum Entanglement: This is a phenomenon where particles become linked, such that the state of one particle instantly affects the state of another, even if they are light-years apart. In biology, there is evidence suggesting that quantum entanglement may play a role in the navigation abilities of migratory birds. These birds are believed to use the Earth's magnetic field to guide their long journeys, and quantum entanglement in a protein called cryptochrome is thought to help them sense the magnetic field, providing a potential quantum mechanism for their navigation.
3. Quantum Tunneling: In quantum mechanics, particles can "tunnel" through energy barriers that, in classical physics, they would never be able to overcome. Some enzymes in the body use this property of quantum mechanics to speed up chemical reactions. This ability to tunnel through energy barriers allows the enzymes to break down molecules more efficiently, contributing to the metabolic processes that sustain life.
4. Quantum Coherence: Coherence refers to the idea that particles remain in sync or "coherent" with each other over time. In quantum biology, coherence may help explain how certain biological processes—such as photosynthesis—operate with such extraordinary efficiency. The coherence of quantum states allows for energy to be transferred across biological systems in an organized manner, minimizing energy loss and maximizing efficiency.

??Video Suggestion

Quantum Biology: The Hidden Nature of Nature by World Science Festival (June 1, 2012)

Market Perspective

Quantum biology, the study of quantum mechanics in biological systems, is an emerging field with significant growth potential. According to a report by Verified Market Reports, the global quantum biology market is expected to experience substantial growth during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. However, specific market size figures are not provided in the available sources.

Startup Ecosystem:

1.Psivant Therapeutics

Boston, Massachusetts based company

Founded in 2022

Psivant Therapeutics specializes in designing novel small-molecule therapeutics for immunological and inflammatory diseases by integrating quantum physics-based simulations, artificial intelligence, and supercomputing. Their proprietary QUAISAR platform combines computational physics with expertise in disease biology, chemistry, and biophysics to develop drugs targeting previously intractable protein targets.

** In March 2024, Psivant secured $50 million in funding from Lightstone Ventures to advance its drug discovery initiatives. [...]

2. High Q Technologies

Ontario, Canada based company

Founded in 2013

High Q Technologies specializes in developing quantum-enabled scientific instruments for ultra-high sensitivity biophysical and chemical analysis. By applying modern microwave quantum optics techniques to electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the company aims to redefine protein structure determination, advance drug discovery, and facilitate the development of novel therapeutics.

Their flagship product, FATHOM?, is the world's first quantum-enabled EPR spectrometer.

**High Q Technologies has secured a total of $10.2 million in funding over two rounds. In June 2019, the company raised $6.5 million through a seed funding round. Subsequently, on February 26, 2024, High Q Technologies obtained an additional $3.75 million in a seed funding round.

??Video Suggestion

Presentation from The Renaissance of Quantum Biology by K. Birgitta Whaley (UC Berkeley),? doi:10.26081/K6R60R, Jun 18, 2020, online from the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP).

Future Perspective

One of the most exciting implications of quantum biology is the potential for new technologies. For example, if we can harness the quantum mechanisms used by plants in photosynthesis, we might be able to develop ultra-efficient solar energy systems. Similarly, understanding how quantum effects enhance enzyme activity could lead to breakthroughs in medicine and biochemistry, potentially paving the way for the development of new drugs or more efficient industrial processes.

The frontier of quantum biology is still in its early stages, and there’s much we don’t yet understand about the role of quantum mechanics in living organisms. But the progress made in recent years has already begun to reshape our understanding of life itself. Quantum biology promises to bridge the gap between two of the most profound areas of science: the strange, mysterious world of quantum mechanics and the complex, awe-inspiring processes that make life possible.

As research continues, we can only imagine what discoveries lie ahead. Will we uncover even more quantum secrets hidden in nature’s processes? Will this understanding allow us to develop revolutionary technologies that change the world? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—quantum biology is a field that holds vast potential for both scientific discovery and practical application.

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