Quantum Neuroscience

Overview

Could quantum phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, play a role in neural processes, such as synaptic transmission, and cognitive functions like perception or decision-making? This is the central question at the intersection of quantum mechanics and neuroscience. It has long been assumed that quantum properties are not important to neural function because of the noisy and warm environment inside biological organisms. However, over the last decade, experimental evidence emerged suggesting that quantum effects may indeed play a role in biology, and brain function in particular. Quantum biological phenomena in enzyme catalysis [1], photosynthesis [2,3], and avian magnetoreception [4,5] are the most established examples, while demonstrating quantum effects in processes such as olfaction [6] and anesthetics [7] is still an area of active investigation.