Exploring the depths of quantum biology or cognitive science is a formidable endeavor. However, a recent review article delves into molecular quantum computing, a nascent field at the intersection of these domains, as detailed in “Intelligent Computing.” The authors posit that molecular quantum computing could be pivotal in advancing our understanding of both cognitive science and quantum biology.
Cognitive science examines how learning occurs, probing whether it happens at the classical or quantum level. Quantum biology, conversely, tackles biological mysteries beyond classical mechanics’ scope. Molecular quantum computing, which employs molecular properties for quantum information processing, might provide answers to these disciplines’ complex questions.
The review traverses the advancements in molecular quantum computing, quantum biology, and cognitive science, introducing quantum physics terminology before homing in on essential concepts that intertwine these fields. A fundamental idea discussed is the quantum degrees of freedom, vital for modeling quantum effects in biological systems, essentially representing the operational scope of a qubit in quantum computing.
In molecular quantum computing, controlling molecular attributes like charge and spin is essential for sustaining quantum coherence, critical for quantum computing’s efficacy. This coherence allows electrons to act as qubits, facilitating information transfer in quantum circuits.
The notion of quantum degrees of freedom extends to quantum biology and cognitive science. For instance, the complex structure of proteins in neurons permits various quantum degrees of freedom, potentially explaining observed quantum phenomena in biological processes like enzyme catalysis and photosynthesis, which might also play a role in consciousness.
The review connects these quantum properties to molecular quantum computing, suggesting that the understanding of charge and orbital interactions in enzyme catalysis could advance computing capabilities, possibly relating to neuron components like microtubules and mitochondria.
In photosynthesis, the quantum effect primarily involves opto-spins, which could shed light on enhancing qubit performance in molecular quantum computing through light-induced magnetic spins. This principle might also apply to cognitive science, hypothesizing that neuron axons could utilize bio-photons and spins for information processing.
Although many proposed links between molecular quantum computing, quantum biology, and cognitive science are speculative or under-researched, the authors believe further investigation could unveil groundbreaking science at the confluence of these fields.