From the subatomic world to the depths of our brain: quantum entanglement, one of the most enigmatic phenomena of modern physics, could be the hidden conductor behind the neuronal symphony we call thought.
A team of Chinese researchers recently shed light on this possibility. And he did so by proposing a model in which nerve fibers generate pairs of quantumly linked particles. A frontier theory, which would revolutionize our understanding of the brain, and which naturally also raises fundamental questions about nature of consciousness and on the border between the quantum and macroscopic worlds.
The mystery of neuronal synchronization
The human brain is an organ of extraordinary complexity. Billions of neurons firing simultaneously have long tormented neuroscientists: how do these cells coordinate with almost instantaneous precision? Yong-Cong Chen from Shanghai University and his colleagues they proposed a surprising answer: quantum entanglement.
Entanglement: a “spectral” phenomenon
Quantum entanglement, described by Einstein as “spooky action at a distance,” is a phenomenon in which two particles become so intrinsically linked that the state of one instantly affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them. This property, so far observed mainly at the subatomic level, could, according to researchers, play a crucial role in the functioning of the brain.
The proposed model: myelin and photons
In his studio (that I link to you here) Chen's team focused its attention on the interaction between the myelin sheaths, which cover the nerve fibers, and the photons produced inside the brain. According to their calculations, when infrared photons collide with a myelin sheath, modeled as a cylindrical cavity capable of storing and amplifying electromagnetic radiation, an interesting phenomenon occurs: the sheath emits two photons in rapid succession, and many of these pairs would be entangled , linked to each other.
Implications for neuronal communication
If confirmed experimentally, this theory could explain how “distant” parts of the brain communicate so quickly. Chen suggests that the property of quantum entanglement could be transmitted to other parts of neurons, such as the “protein pores” involved in electrical signaling.
This would allow for much faster synchronization than any other known type of connection.
The reactions of the scientific community: caution and skepticism
Despite the excitement generated by this theory, many researchers remain cautious. Bo Song of Shanghai University of Science and Technology e Yousheng Shu from Fudan University, both not involved in the study, commented that the introduction of quantum entanglement into neuroscience “is rather speculative in nature.”
In summary, a lot of work is needed before claiming that the brain is a sort of quantum super computer. The main challenge remains the experimental verification of these quantum phenomena in such a complex biological system as our brain.
Chen and his team are aware of the difficulties that await them: the next phase of their research will focus on the theoretical study of how quantum entanglement could influence brain functions. As Chen himself points out, “the mere existence of entangled photons in the brain does not, in itself, prove that they drive the synchrony of millions of neurons.” But if they did…
“Quantum mind”, an evolving field of research
The idea that quantum phenomena could play a role in the functioning of the brain is not new, but this research offers a concrete mathematical model to explore this possibility. The debate on “quantum cognition” remains heated: the challenge for the future will be to find ways to test these theories experimentally, bridging the gap between quantum physics and neuroscience.
Research at the intersection of quantum mechanics and neuroscience continues to challenge our preconceptions about the nature of reality and consciousness, and perhaps will help us understand that some of the universe's deepest secrets live within us.
