At the Edge of Quantum Biology - Dr. Clarice Aiello, UCLA
May 21, 2023
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Dr. Clarice D. Aiello, a quantum engineer studying how subatomic physics affects biology, discusses topics such as quantum biology, superposition of spin states, defining spin and bonafide superposition, the wave character of spin, the mysticism of quantum, quantum conditional reactions, biophotons, magnetic fields and embryogenesis, birds, electromagnetic treatments in biology, and creating a scientific field in "The DemystifySci Podcast".
Electron spins influence chemical reactions, with the spin state determining the pathway and outcome.
Proteins with chromophores and redox centers provide a link between spin-dependent chemistry and biological processes.
Vibrations play a crucial role in noise-enhanced biological processes, highlighting the importance of spin-dependent chemistry.
Deep dives
Spin-dependent chemical reactions
There is a class of chemical reactions that depend on electron spins, where the spin state of an electron determines the pathway and outcome of the reaction. This spin property can be influenced by external magnetic fields, which can alter the superposition states of the electron and change the probability of reaction pathways and final products. It has been observed in test tube chemistry and certain proteins and biomolecules, where weak magnetic fields can have significant effects on the reaction outcomes. The exact mechanisms and effects are still being studied, but this spin-dependent chemistry provides evidence of how spins can play a role in biological systems.
Chromophores and redox biology
Proteins that can sustain spin-dependent chemical reactions often have chromophores and are involved in redox biology. Chromophores are known to be structural organizations in proteins that can act as antennas, capturing and transferring energy through vibrations at specific frequencies. Redox centers, like iron-sulfur clusters, are coordinated by sulfur molecules and can induce wave-like changes in nearby molecules through their vibrations. These structural elements provide a link between spin-dependent chemistry and the biological processes that utilize chromophores and redox reactions.
Noise-enhanced biology
Many biological processes have been found to be noise-enhanced, where vibrations (or phonons) play a crucial role in their occurrence. These vibrations assist and enhance the efficiency of the processes by harnessing the energy and motion of the surrounding environment. The utilization of vibrations in biological systems further highlights the importance of understanding spin-dependent chemistry and its connection to the overall dynamics and functionality of biological processes.
Quantum Biology and Magnetic Field Effects
Quantum biology and the effects of magnetic fields on biological systems are explored. The discussion centers around spin-dependent chemical reactions and the potential role of spin superpositions in biological processes. The guest hypothesizes that spin-dependent chemical reactions may explain phenomena such as cellular respiration rates, DNA repair, and stem cell regeneration. Current research focuses on understanding and harnessing electromagnetic effects in biology for therapeutic applications, with the goal of developing non-invasive, portable treatments using magnetic fields.
Challenges in Establishing Quantum Biology as a Legitimate Field
The guest highlights challenges in establishing quantum biology as a legitimate field of research. Funding and support for interdisciplinary science, especially quantum biology, can be limited, leading to a lack of resources and recognition for researchers in the field. The guest emphasizes the need for awareness and communication to change the perception of quantum biology, citing the importance of funding and encouraging younger researchers to join the field. They discuss the value of private science institutes and the potential for private funding to drive innovation in quantum biology.
The Importance of Mechanistic Understanding in Quantum Biology
The conversation explores the importance of mechanistic understanding in quantum biology. While current research focuses on correlative data and the use of low-tech experiments, the guest emphasizes the need to uncover the deterministic codebook underlying the spin-dependent chemical reactions involved. They discuss the need for mapping the underlying physics and developing a mechanistic understanding to predict the effects of magnetic fields on biological systems. The potential for advancements in non-invasive, cheap, and portable electromagnetic treatments is highlighted, with an emphasis on the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these treatments.
Dr. Clarice D. Aiello is a quantum engineer studying how subatomic physics affects biology. She has engineered quantum nanosensors that harness ambient systemic energies. Our conversation begins with the mechanics of electron spin and in the end imagines how cheap, readily available, technology - like that found in your cellphone - might be used in the future for personal quantum diagnostics and healing. It sounds far out but it's solidly grounded in empirical lab work. Let us know what you think!
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(00:00:00) Go!
(00:04:10) Quantum Biology
(00:11:33) Superposition of Spin States
(00:19:41) Defining Spin & Bonafide superposition
(00:37:21) The Wave Character of Spin
(00:55:26) Mysticism of Quantum
(00:59:11) Quantum conditional reactions
(01:04:57) Biophotons
(01:20:12) Magnetic Fields & Embryogenesis
(01:24:45) Birds
(01:33:10) Electromagnetic Treatments in biology
(01:38:03) Creating a Scientific Field
#physics #quantum #atomic
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PODCAST INFO: Anastasia completed her PhD studying bioelectricity at Columbia University. When not talking to brilliant people or making movies, she spends her time painting, reading, and guiding backcountry excursions. Shilo also did his PhD at Columbia studying the elastic properties of molecular water. When he's not in the film studio, he's exploring sound in music. They are both freelance professors at various universities.
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