Chapter 1: Unraveling the Mysteries of Consciousness

Today’s exploration centers on a fascinating topic that intertwines three compelling fields: neuroscience, consciousness, and quantum physics. My curiosity was piqued while researching a different subject, leading me to this captivating intersection. Fair warning, though—these subjects can get a little strange.

Understanding any of these fields individually is a challenge, and their combination can be overwhelming. It took me some time to grasp the concepts before I felt ready to share them. But rest assured, I’ll guide you through this journey without causing any confusion. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Quantum Entanglement

The crucial term to familiarize yourself with is entanglement, a key concept in quantum physics that relates to our discussion. In simple terms, entanglement occurs when elementary particles become interconnected, behaving as a single entity despite the distance separating them. When one particle changes, the other does so simultaneously, a phenomenon we observe but don't fully comprehend. Nevertheless, it has inspired advancements in quantum computing.

Classical vs. Quantum Physics

It's essential to distinguish between classical and quantum physics, which represent two primary domains of the field. Classical physics, governing the macroscopic world, deals with motion, energy, and forces, explaining phenomena like gravity and the mechanics of large bodies. Traditionally, the brain has been viewed through this classical lens.

Conversely, quantum physics governs the microscopic realm of particles, atoms, and waves, which often behave in unexpectedly chaotic manners. To use a metaphor, classical physics is like a well-behaved child who adheres to the rules, while quantum physics is the rebellious one, disregarding conventions.

Currently, there’s no consensus on how to reconcile these two realms, but many brilliant minds are dedicated to this pursuit. A successful unification could lead to a comprehensive theory that explains everything in the universe, including life itself, through a single equation.

This discussion naturally leads us to the topic of quantum gravity, still a theoretical concept, which aims to elucidate how gravity operates at the quantum level. Solving this mystery could reveal fundamental forces of the universe and inch us closer to that unified theory.

The Exciting Findings

Now that we've navigated the terminology, let’s discuss some exciting findings. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Physics Communications by researchers from Trinity College Dublin proposes that quantum entanglement may occur within our brains.

The idea of quantum systems operating in the brain isn’t entirely novel. Previous studies hinted at quantum activities, although we have yet to decode them fully. For example, a 2018 study indicated that xenon, a gas with a specific nuclear spin, can have anesthetic properties, while those without such spins do not.

The challenge lies in our limited understanding of quantum systems and the difficulty of observing them in the brain. As Christian Kerskens, a neuroscience researcher from Trinity, noted in an article by Big Think:

“If the brain uses quantum computation, then those quantum operators may be different from operators known from atomic systems.”

To address this, Kerskens and his team devised a method to detect an unknown quantum system using existing technology, particularly a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine capable of sensing entanglement.

The Methodology

Their approach was straightforward: investigate whether an unknown quantum system interacts with a known one (in this instance, proton spins within the brain) to create entanglement. Kerskens elaborated in the Big Think article:

“The unknown system may interact with known systems like the proton spins [within the brain]. If the unknown system can mediate entanglement to the known system, then it has been shown, the unknown must be quantum.”

To test this, the researchers scanned 40 participants with an MRI machine, observing the correlated activities of their brains and heartbeats. The heart communicates with the brain, responding to various stimuli, including emotions and motivation. Previous research has even linked heart activity to aging and memory.

The heart generates electrical signals known as heartbeat potentials (HEP), which are associated with consciousness, as they depend on awareness.

The Results

The study revealed that peaks in HEP corresponded with spikes in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals, indicating interactions between proton spins. The researchers hypothesized that this instantaneous response could indicate entanglement, especially since these signals appeared only when participants were awake. When two individuals dozed off during the MRI, the signals diminished and eventually vanished.

If their hypothesis proves correct, it could significantly advance our understanding of quantum gravity and provide insights into brain function, suggesting that consciousness itself may operate as a quantum system.

A Shift in Perspective

These findings, along with other emerging studies, indicate that quantum systems could play a role in the brain, potentially being essential for consciousness. The Trinity researchers propose that this suggests the brain is not merely a classical system but also a quantum one. If both systems coexist, it could exemplify a harmonious relationship between the two realms of physics.

Understanding the role of quantum systems in our brains doesn't imply we fully comprehend their workings, and much more research is necessary. However, it opens pathways to explore consciousness further and understand the brain's capabilities.

While artificial intelligence excels at solving problems rapidly, there are areas where human brains still outperform, such as creative thinking and social perception. As we delve deeper into the interplay of quantum systems in the brain, we will not only learn more about our own consciousness but also how to guide the development of AI and future quantum technologies based on these discoveries.

This article was initially published in the author's newsletter, Curious Adventure, and has been edited and republished on Medium with her approval. Subscribing to any option will provide access to Katrina’s articles and an archive of content. Your support helps Katrina pursue her passion for exploration and sharing knowledge.

Thank you for reading; your interest is greatly appreciated.

Chapter 2: The Quantum Consciousness Connection

The first video, Brain Experiment: Consciousness Relies On Quantum Entanglement, explores the connection between consciousness and quantum physics, delving into how entanglement may play a role in brain function.

The second video, Donald Hoffman - Quantum Physics of Consciousness, features insights from Donald Hoffman on how quantum physics intertwines with our understanding of consciousness, offering a profound perspective on the relationship between the two realms.