Shocking experiments indicate that our brains use quantum computation

Scientists believe that our brain can use quantum computation after taking an idea to prove the existence of quantum gravity and adapting it to explore the human brain and its functioning. The discovery could shed light on consciousness, whose functions are difficult to understand and explain scientifically. Quantum brain processes may explain why humans can still outperform supercomputers in unexpected situations, making decisions or learning something new.

After developing an idea to prove the existence of quantum gravity to explore the human brain and its functioning, researchers Trinity College Dublin It seems that the human brain can use quantum computation.

Brain functions measured in the test were also related to short-term memory performance and conscious awareness. This suggests that quantum processes are also part of cognitive and conscious brain function.

If the team’s findings can be supported, which will likely require advanced multidisciplinary approaches, they will improve our general understanding of how the brain works. The insight could potentially reveal how to maintain or even cure the brain. They can help uncover innovative technologies and build more advanced quantum computers.

Dr. Christian Karskens co-authored the research article that was published on October 7 Journal of Physics Communications. He is also Principal Physicist at the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN), he says:

“We’ve adapted an idea, developed experimentally to prove the existence of quantum gravity, whereby you take known quantum systems, which interact with an unknown system. If the known systems are entangled, then the unknown must be a quantum system. will. This avoids the difficulties of finding measuring devices for something we know nothing about.

“For our experiments, we used the proton spin of ‘brain water’ as a known system. ‘Brain water’ is naturally formed as a liquid in our brain and the proton spin can be measured using MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Then, a specific MRI “To look for trapped spin using the design, we obtained MRI signals that resemble heartbeat-evoked potentials, a form of EEG signal. EEGs measure electrical currents in the brain, which some people recognize from personal experience or from watching hospital dramas on TV.”

Electrophysiological potentials, such as heartbeat-evoked potentials, are not usually detectable with MRI, and scientists believe they can only observe them because nuclear proton spins are trapped in the brain.

Dr Karskens added:

“If entanglement were the only possible explanation here, it would mean that brain processes must have interacted with the nuclear spin, mediating the entanglement in the nuclear spin. Consequently, we can assume that those brain functions must be quantum.

“Because these brain functions were also correlated with short-term memory performance and conscious awareness, perhaps those quantum processes are an important part of our cognitive and conscious brain functions.

“Quantum brain processes can explain why we can still outperform supercomputers in unexpected situations, making decisions or learning something new. Our experiments were performed just 50 meters from the lecture theater, where Schrödinger presented his famous thoughts on life, the mysteries of biology. and can shed light on consciousness that is more difficult to grasp scientifically.”

Reference: “Experimental Indications of Non-Classical Brain Functions” by Christian Matthias Karskens and David López Pérez, 7 October 2022 Journal of Physics Communications.
DOI: 10.1088/2399-6528/ac94be

This research was supported by Science Foundation Ireland and TCIN.