Quantum electrodynamics has paved the way for a deeper understanding of the dynamical features of brain activity. The methodology used opens the door to new approaches in quantum biology aimed at unveiling the fundamental organizing principles and regulatory processes underlying biological systems.
Research Statement
We know from neuroscientific studies that conscious states are associated with very specific dynamical characteristics of brain activity. When we are conscious, our brains form highly synchronized activity patterns that display the hallmarks of self-organized criticality, a delicate balance where the brain operates in the vicinity of a critical point of a phase transition. When consciousness fades, such as under anesthesia, the critical balance disappears. The big question has been: What keeps the brain tuned to this critical state?
The answer lies in quantum electrodynamics (QED), the fundamental theory of electromagnetism. According to QED, the vacuum is not empty but permeated by a fluctuating ocean of energy known as the electromagnetic zero-point field (ZPF). QED-based model calculations suggest that self-organized criticality can be traced back to macroscopic quantum effects resulting from the resonant coupling of the brain to the ZPF. The coupling is regulated by the brain's neurotransmitter pool.
These findings give reason to conjecture that the resonant interaction between specific molecules and the ZPF may represent a fundamental organizing principle underlying biological systems and could form the basis for many regulatory processes taking place in cells. To substantiate this conjecture, research projects are planned that will address key questions in quantum biology. Specifically, the methodology used to describe neurotransmitter-ZPF coupling will be applied to biomolecular condensates, which play a crucial role in regulating biological functions.
Aim 1: Study of the fundamental mechanisms governing gene regulation. Biomolecular condensates are abundant in the cell nucleus, where they are involved in regulating gene expression and orchestrating the transcription process. The purpose of this project is to develop a QED-based model of a biomolecular condensate and to investigate the interaction between the ZPF and the molecules constituting the condensate. It is expected that this investigation will provide new insights into the functioning of biomolecular condensates and the mechanisms behind gene regulation.
Based on the findings, follow-up projects are planned in a targeted manner.