Quantum effects in biological systems

According to their model, subjective experience arises from quantum processes occurring in microtubules, dense cylindrical structures inside neurons, about 25 nm in diameter, made of the protein tubulin. In addition to the structural and transport functions, in this model microtubules can act as sub-iron quantum computing systems. Logical, isn't it? Tubulin is thought to exist in two conformational states that exist in superposition. Functional analogue of qubits. If many such molecules interact coherently, a quantum computing process occurs.

According to Penrose's model, this process ends with objective reduction, the spontaneous collapse of the superposition. When the system reaches a certain gravitational threshold, it is this moment that is interpreted as an elementary act of consciousness. Although Orch-OR is not a mainstream theory in neuroscience, evidence has emerged in recent years to support its physical validity. But where is the evidence?

In 2023, it was discovered that tubulins within microtubules exhibit the effect of superradiation, a cooperative radiation caused by the coherent interaction of many molecules. This is precisely what testifies to the possibility of the existence of coherent states inside microtubules, a key condition for quantum computing. And yet, scientists regularly make new assumptions. For example, in 2024, a paper was published showing that neurons are capable of emitting entangled photons, a phenomenon previously thought impossible in biological conditions.

Can't be. This discovery shows and indicates that states of quantum entanglement can be maintained in the brain. There is a strange feature. The brain is too hot, humid and noisy an environment for stable quantum states, but it is possible. Moreover, it is not uncommon. After all, quantum biology has already shown the opposite. Similar effects are observed in plant photosynthesis and magnetoreception in birds, where biology can adjust physics to its own purposes.

Additional support for the quantum model of consciousness is offered by the theory of physicist Matthew Fisher. He proposed that the nuclear spins of phosphorus involved in phosphate groups could remain coherent for seconds. Posner molecules, phosphate clusters capable of protecting these states from decoherence, are considered as possible quantum registers built into neuronal metabolism. We'll turn to research on the effects of anesthetics, but I certainly didn't expect this. Xenon isotopes with non-zero nuclear spin have been shown to have lower anesthetic activity than isotopes without spin, despite identical chemical properties.

This difference is not explainable from the standpoint of classical biochemistry, but indicates the possible involvement of quantum spin effects in the generation of consciousness. It can be assumed that anesthesia suppresses the coherent quantum states involved in its formation. In addition, a meta-analysis of studies on the effects of noble gases, including xenon, has shown their proven effects on neuroprotective functions: neurotransmitters, membrane complexes and transcription factors. Coincidence? Don't think. These data confirm that xenon actively influences all levels associated with the functioning of consciousness. After all, even without direct evidence of quantum computing in the brain, we have a solid biological basis for a deep connection between anesthesia and fundamental processes of subjective experience. In 2025, this work showed that the neuron excitation equation, including the classical Hodgkin-Huxley model, allows for quantum formalization. This creates a potential mathematical basis for describing neural activity as a quantum process. A strong statement. I will check it, of course. All these data are not direct proof of the Orch-OR theory, but they confirm its physical feasibility. Consciousness probably arises from the interaction of different levels from the classical neural network to quantum information processes. The quantum component is not necessarily dominant, but perhaps fundamentally necessary. It can be realized through microtubules, nuclear phosphorus spins, photon channels. In those biological structures where quantum superpositions, coherence and non-local interactions are allowed. This approach does not deny classical models, but complements them, revealing the deep physical layer of subjective experience. In the long term, this interpretation could influence not only the philosophy of consciousness, but also the development of cognitive interfaces, quantum neuroprosthetics, and perhaps the reconsideration of the very boundary between biological intelligence and artificial intelligence. Those who don't understand will understand. And remember, trust is better than questions.