Quantum biology, suggesting that quantum phenomena play a role in biology, has become a topic of vivid discussion. This book presents glimpses of how the physics of atoms and molecules influences, and even controls, the way our cells function and how we interact with our environment. Certainly, biochemistry and molecular biology are the foundations for the biology of living cells, but there might be morequantum coherence and entanglement influencing the functioning of proteins and enzymes. There are even speculations that our thinking brains make use of quantum entanglement. In the end, however, this book is based on the solid ground of science, presenting the many fascinating phenomena of quantum physics and life without unwarranted mystification. To understand the "simple" facts of life is a sufficiently interesting and huge challenge that will keep us busy throughout the 21st century.
This book presents glimpses of how the physics of atoms and molecules influences, and even controls, the way our cells function and how we interact with our environment.
| Preface |
|
ix | |
| Acknowledgment |
|
xiii | |
| Quantum Biology: Where It Came From |
|
xv | |
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1 Life and Quantum Physics |
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|
1 | (4) |
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2 Our World Is Just One Part of the Whole |
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|
5 | (8) |
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3 The Gecko and Life Upside Down |
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|
13 | (4) |
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|
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17 | (10) |
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5 Evolution: About the Origin of Life |
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|
27 | (8) |
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6 From the Big Bang to Black Holes |
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|
35 | (8) |
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7 As Time Goes By: The Arrow of Time |
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43 | (12) |
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8 The Art of Finding Your Way Home |
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55 | (6) |
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9 The Vision in New Light |
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61 | (8) |
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10 The Photosynthesis and the Golf Putt |
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69 | (8) |
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11 The Respiratory Chain Sustains Our Lives |
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77 | (6) |
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83 | (10) |
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13 DNA Repair: Enzymes for Survival and Development |
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93 | (8) |
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14 Quantum Physics in Diagnosis and Treatment |
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101 | (8) |
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15 No More Mysterious Than Necessary |
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|
109 | (8) |
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16 Consciousness: The Greatest Mystery |
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117 | (10) |
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17 A Glance at the Future of Quantum and Life |
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127 | (6) |
| References and Recommended Readings |
|
133 | (12) |
| Dictionary |
|
145 | (8) |
| Table of Units |
|
153 | (2) |
| Index |
|
155 | |
Ingemar Ernberg is a professor at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, doing research on cancer and cell biology. Since more than 15 years, he is leading a popular lecture series on "What is life? The future of biology."
Göran Johansson is a professor of applied quantum physics at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. He is currently active in the WACQT quantum computer project.
Tomas Lindblad is a Swedish science journalist, publishing his work with Sveriges Radio, the National Swedish Public Service radio company, and several other outlets.
Joar Svanvik is a professor emeritus of surgery at Linköping University. He has practiced surgery in Sweden at the University of California San Francisco, in Kenya, and as a shipboard doctor in Antarctica. Currently, he is active at the Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Göran Wendin is a professor of theoretical physics at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. He has coordinated seven major EU projects on neuromorphic and quantum computing and is engaged in current and future Swedish and EU quantum computer missions.
