Quanta Magazine · Science

Quantum Biology's Future May Lie in Classical Mimicry

While early research suggested life might exploit quantum effects, a new perspective proposes that complex classical systems can mathematically mimic quantum phenomena, potentially redefining the field.

Scientists once believed life could harness quantum effects like coherence. However, phenomena like "beats" in photosynthesis were found to be classical resonances, not true quantum coherence.

Chemist Gregory Scholes proposes that life might be imitating quantum effects. Complex classical networks can produce behaviors mathematically indistinguishable from quantum objects.

These "quantumlike" states arise from classical parts, not quantum mechanics. Evolution may have found classical ways to achieve quantumlike functionality.

Historically, pioneers speculated about quantum mechanics in biology. Early attempts lacked proof of long-lived quantum coherence in biological systems.

While quantum tunneling occurs, it's fleeting. The challenge is whether life can maintain quantum states long enough to use them as a resource.

Scholes's work shows complex networks can generate states that mathematically mimic quantum ones, like qubits. This could have practical applications.

These quantumlike states are not physically quantum. Mimicking quantum logic gates with classical systems requires vast resources.

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