Quantum Aspects of Life
Encyclopedia
Quantum Aspects of Life is a 2008 science text, with a foreword by Sir Roger Penrose
, which notably explores the open question of the role of quantum mechanics
at molecular scales of relevance to biology. The book adopts a debate-like style and contains chapters written by various world-experts; giving rise to a mix of both skeptical and sympathetic viewpoints. The book notably addresses questions of quantum physics, biophysics
, nanoscience, quantum chemistry
, mathematical biology
, complexity theory
, and philosophy
that are inspired by the 1944 seminal book What Is Life?
by Erwin Schrödinger
.
Roger Penrose
Sir Roger Penrose OM FRS is an English mathematical physicist and Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of Wadham College...
, which notably explores the open question of the role of quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a branch of physics providing a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at the atomic and subatomic...
at molecular scales of relevance to biology. The book adopts a debate-like style and contains chapters written by various world-experts; giving rise to a mix of both skeptical and sympathetic viewpoints. The book notably addresses questions of quantum physics, biophysics
Biophysics
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that uses the methods of physical science to study biological systems. Studies included under the branches of biophysics span all levels of biological organization, from the molecular scale to whole organisms and ecosystems...
, nanoscience, quantum chemistry
Quantum chemistry
Quantum chemistry is a branch of chemistry whose primary focus is the application of quantum mechanics in physical models and experiments of chemical systems...
, mathematical biology
Mathematical biology
Mathematical and theoretical biology is an interdisciplinary scientific research field with a range of applications in biology, medicine and biotechnology...
, complexity theory
Complex systems
Complex systems present problems in mathematical modelling.The equations from which complex system models are developed generally derive from statistical physics, information theory and non-linear dynamics, and represent organized but unpredictable behaviors of systems of nature that are considered...
, and philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
that are inspired by the 1944 seminal book What Is Life?
What is life?
What is Life and similar may refer to:* "What is Life", a song by George Harrison* What Is Life?, a book by Nobel laureate Erwin Schrödinger, in which he tries to answer the question in physical/chemical terms...
by Erwin Schrödinger
Erwin Schrödinger
Erwin Rudolf Josef Alexander Schrödinger was an Austrian physicist and theoretical biologist who was one of the fathers of quantum mechanics, and is famed for a number of important contributions to physics, especially the Schrödinger equation, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933...
.
Contents
- Foreword by Sir Roger PenroseRoger PenroseSir Roger Penrose OM FRS is an English mathematical physicist and Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of Wadham College...
-
- Section 1: Emergence and Complexity
- Chapter 1: "A Quantum Origin of Life?" by Paul C. W. Davies
- Chapter 2: "Quantum Mechanics and Emergence" by Seth LloydSeth LloydSeth Lloyd is a professor of mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He refers to himself as a "quantum mechanic"....
- Section 2: Quantum Mechanisms in Biology
- Chapter 3: "Quantum Coherence and the Search for the First Replicator" by Jim Al-KhaliliJim Al-KhaliliJim Al-Khalili OBE is an Iraqi-born British theoretical physicist, author and science communicator. He is Professor of Theoretical Physics and Chair in the Public Engagement in Science at the University of Surrey...
and Johnjoe McFaddenJohnjoe McFaddenJohnjoe McFadden is an Irish / British scientist, academic and writer. He is Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.-Life:He was born in Donegal, Ireland but raised in the UK... - Chapter 4: "Ultrafast Quantum Dynamics in Photosynthesis" by Alexandra Olaya-Castro, Francesca Fassioli Olsen, Chiu Fan Lee, and Neil F. JohnsonNeil F. JohnsonNeil Fraser Johnson is a Professor of physics notable for his work in complexity theory and complex systems, spanning quantum information, econophysics, and condensed matter physics. He is also notable for his book Financial Market Complexity published by Oxford University Press, and for his...
- Chapter 5: "Modeling Quantum Decoherence in Biomolecules" by Jacques Bothma, Joel Gilmore, and Ross H. McKenzieRoss H. McKenzieRoss H. McKenzie is a Professor in Physics at the University of Queensland. He currently holds an Australian Professorial Fellowship from the Australian Research Council...
- Chapter 3: "Quantum Coherence and the Search for the First Replicator" by Jim Al-Khalili
- Section 3: The Biological Evidence
- Chapter 6: "Molecular Evolution: A Role for Quantum Mechanics in the Dynamics of Molecular Machines that Read and Write DNA" by Anita GoelAnita GoelAnita Goel Hindi:अनीता गोयल is a Harvard-MIT trained physicist and physician in the United States. She is notable for her research at the nano-bio level, particularly for the study of molecular mechanics behind the reading and writing of information in DNA....
- Chapter 7: "Memory Depends on the Cytoskeleton, but is it Quantum?" by Andreas MershinAndreas MershinAndreas Mershin is a physicist notable for studying the biophysics of the cytoskeleton.-Education:He received his MSci in Physics from Imperial College London and his PhD in Physics from Texas A&M University , under Dimitri V. Nanopoulos, where he studied the theoretical and experimental...
and Dimitri V. NanopoulosDimitri NanopoulosDimitri Nanopoulos is a Greek physicist. He is one of the most regularly cited researchers in the world, cited more than 35,800 times over across a number of separate branches of science.... - Chapter 8: "Quantum Metabolism and Allometric Scaling Relations in Biology" by Lloyd DemetriusLloyd DemetriusLloyd A. Demetrius is a mathematician and theoretical biologist at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics at Berlin, Germany, and the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary biology, Harvard University...
- Chapter 9: "Spectroscopy of the Genetic Code" by Jim D. Bashford and Peter D. JarvisPeter D. JarvisPeter D. Jarvis is an Australian physicist notable for his work on applications of group theory to physical problems,particularly supersymmetry in the genetic code...
- Chapter 10: "Towards Understanding the Origin of Genetic Languages" by Apoorva D. PatelApoorva D. PatelApoorva D. Patel is a Professor at the Centre for High Energy Physics,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is notable for his work onquantum algorithms, and the application of information theory concepts tounderstand the structure of genetic languages...
- Chapter 6: "Molecular Evolution: A Role for Quantum Mechanics in the Dynamics of Molecular Machines that Read and Write DNA" by Anita Goel
- Section 4: Artificial Quantum Life
- Chapter 11: "Can Arbitrary Quantum Systems Undergo Self-Replication?" by Arun K. PatiArun K. PatiArun Kumar Pati is a physicist notable for his research in quantum information and computation, the theory of geometric phases and its applications, and the foundations of quantum mechanics.-Career:...
and Samuel L. BraunsteinSamuel L. BraunsteinSamuel Leon Braunstein is a professor in the Computer Science department at the University of York, UK. He is a member of a research group in non-standard computation, and has a particular interest in quantum information and quantum computation.Braunstein has written or edited three books, and has... - Chapter 12: "A Semi-Quantum Version of the Game of Life" by Adrian P. Flitney and Derek AbbottDerek AbbottDerek Abbott is a physicist and electronic engineer. He is a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Adelaide, Australia...
- Chapter 13: "Evolutionary Stability in Quantum Games" by Azhar Iqbal and Taksu CheonTaksu Cheonis a Japanese physicist notable for his work on quantum game theory and the foundations of quantum mechanics.-Education:He graduated from Kunitachi High School, in 1976. He obtained his BSc, 1980, his MSc, 1982, and PhD, under Akito Arima, 1985,...
- Chapter 14: "Quantum Transmemetic Intelligence" by Edward W. PiotrowskiEdward W. PiotrowskiEdward W. Piotrowski is head of the Applied Mathematics Group at the University of Białystok, Poland. He is notable for the analysis of quantum strategies, showing connections between the Kelly criterion, thermodynamics, and special theory of relativity. In the area of econophysics, he discovered...
and Jan Sładkowski
- Chapter 11: "Can Arbitrary Quantum Systems Undergo Self-Replication?" by Arun K. Pati
- Section 5: The Debate
- Chapter 15: "Dreams versus Reality: Plenary Debate Session on Quantum Computing" For panel: Carlton M. CavesCarlton M. CavesCarlton Morris Caves holds the position of Distinguished Professor in physicsat the University of New Mexico. He is notable for his work in the areas of...
, Daniel LidarDaniel LidarDaniel A. Lidar is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Chemistry, and the Director and co-founder of the USC Center for Quantum Information Science & Technology , notable for his research on control of quantum systems and quantum information processing.-Education:He is class of 1986 graduate...
, Howard BrandtHoward BrandtHoward Edward Brandt was born in Emerado, North Dakota, and is presently with the United States Army Research Laboratory in Maryland, and is notable for his work in general relativity and quantum field theory and quantum information. He is the inventor of the turbutron.-Education:In 1958, he...
, Alexander R. HamiltonAlexander R. HamiltonAlexander Rudolf Hamilton is with the School of Physics at the University of New South Wales . He is notable in the area of experimental condensed matter physics, particularly semiconductor nanofabrication and the study of quantum effects in nanometer scale electronic devices at ultra-low...
; Against panel: David K. FerryDavid K. FerryDavid Keane Ferry is the Regents' Professor of Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University , notable for his research in semiconductor devices.-Education:...
, Julio Gea-BanaclocheJulio Gea-BanaclocheJulio Gea-Banacloche is Professor of Physics and currently the Head of Department of Physics at the University of Arkansas...
, Sergey M. BezrukovSergey M. BezrukovSergey M. Bezrukov is a biophysicist notable for his work on ion channels and stochastic resonance.-Education:He received his MS in Electronics and Theoretical Physics fromSaint Petersburg Polytechnical University, 1973; and he obtained his PhD under...
, Laszlo B. KishLaszlo B. KishLászló Bela Kish is a physicist and professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University. His activities include a wide range of issues surrounding the physics and technical applications of stochastic fluctuations in physical, biological and technological systems, including...
; Debate chair: Charles R. DoeringCharles R. DoeringCharles Rogers Doering is professor of mathematics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is notable for his research that is generally focused on the analysis of stochastic dynamical systems arising in biology, chemistry and physics, to systems of nonlinear partial differential equations...
; Transcript Editor: Derek AbbottDerek AbbottDerek Abbott is a physicist and electronic engineer. He is a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Adelaide, Australia...
. - Chapter 16: "Plenary Debate: Quantum Effects in Biology: Trivial or Not?" For panel: Paul C. W. Davies, Stuart HameroffStuart HameroffStuart Hameroff is an anesthesiologist and professor at the University of Arizona known for his scientific studies of consciousness.-Career:...
, Anton ZeilingerAnton ZeilingerAnton Zeilinger is an Austrian quantum physicist. He is currently professor of physics at the University of Vienna, previously University of Innsbruck. He is also the director of the Vienna branch of the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information IQOQI at the Austrian Academy of Sciences...
, Derek AbbottDerek AbbottDerek Abbott is a physicist and electronic engineer. He is a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Adelaide, Australia...
; Against panel: Jens EisertJens EisertJens Eisert, born October 9, 1970, is a physicist notable as one of the co-pioneers of quantum game theory with Maciej Lewensteinand PhD advisor Martin Wilkens.He is also known for his research in quantum information science and related fields....
, Howard M. WisemanHoward M. WisemanHoward Mark Wiseman is a theoretical quantum physicist notable for his work on quantum feedback control, quantum measurements, quantum information, fundamental questions in quantum mechanics, and open quantum systems.- Early life :...
, Sergey M. BezrukovSergey M. BezrukovSergey M. Bezrukov is a biophysicist notable for his work on ion channels and stochastic resonance.-Education:He received his MS in Electronics and Theoretical Physics fromSaint Petersburg Polytechnical University, 1973; and he obtained his PhD under...
, Hans FrauenfelderHans FrauenfelderHans Frauenfelder was born June 28, 1922 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. He is notable for his1951 discovery of perturbed angular correlation . Today, PAC spectroscopy is widely used in thestudy of condensed-matter physics.-Education:...
; Debate chair: Julio Gea-BanaclocheJulio Gea-BanaclocheJulio Gea-Banacloche is Professor of Physics and currently the Head of Department of Physics at the University of Arkansas...
; Transcript Editor: Derek AbbottDerek AbbottDerek Abbott is a physicist and electronic engineer. He is a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Adelaide, Australia...
. - Chapter 17: "Non-trivial Quantum Effects in Biology: A Skeptical Physicist’s View" Howard M. WisemanHoward M. WisemanHoward Mark Wiseman is a theoretical quantum physicist notable for his work on quantum feedback control, quantum measurements, quantum information, fundamental questions in quantum mechanics, and open quantum systems.- Early life :...
and Jens EisertJens EisertJens Eisert, born October 9, 1970, is a physicist notable as one of the co-pioneers of quantum game theory with Maciej Lewensteinand PhD advisor Martin Wilkens.He is also known for his research in quantum information science and related fields.... - Chapter 18: "That’s Life! — The Geometry of π Electron Clouds" Stuart HameroffStuart HameroffStuart Hameroff is an anesthesiologist and professor at the University of Arizona known for his scientific studies of consciousness.-Career:...
- Chapter 15: "Dreams versus Reality: Plenary Debate Session on Quantum Computing" For panel: Carlton M. Caves
- Section 1: Emergence and Complexity