Brain Really Uses Quantum Effects, New Study Finds
Sabine Hossenfelder・2 minutes read
Microtubules in the brain could play a role in conscious thought through quantum effects, as suggested by Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff despite challenges from the brain's environment. Recent research indicates that microtubules exhibit quantum effects like super radiance, which may have implications for cell protection and brain diseases.
Insights
- Quantum effects in microtubules, as proposed by Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff, may influence conscious thought by utilizing uncomputable elements like the wave function collapse in quantum mechanics.
- The presence of super radiance in microtubules, as observed in a recent study, suggests a protective mechanism against ultraviolet light for cells and hints at potential implications for combating degenerative brain diseases.
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Recent questions
What are microtubules made of?
Tubulin
Who proposed the involvement of quantum effects in consciousness?
Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff
What quantum effect do microtubules exhibit?
Super radiance
What is the proposed role of quantum effects in conscious thought?
Influence conscious processes
How do microtubules impact signal transport in the brain?
Essential for signal transport
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Summary
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Quantum Microtubules: Key to Consciousness and Health
- Microtubules are essential parts of all cells in the human body, made of tubulin and crucial for signal transport in the brain.
- Roger Penrose suggests that consciousness involves uncomputable elements, specifically the collapse of the wave function in quantum mechanics.
- Penrose and neurobiologist Stuart Hameroff propose that quantum effects in microtubules could play a role in conscious thought, despite challenges due to the brain's warm and noisy environment.
- A recent study shows that microtubules exhibit quantum effects, specifically super radiance, which could protect cells from ultraviolet light and potentially impact degenerative brain diseases.
