Researchers could even try looking inside our own minds to discover what’s feasible in the ongoing effort to reach the full potential of quantum computing: According to a recent study, the brain and quantum computers are actually very similar.
Our understanding of both the principles of quantum physics and the workings of neurons may be greatly improved by the discoveries. The study may help to explain why our brains still outperform supercomputers in some activities, like decision-making and learning new knowledge, for example.
The study examines the concept of entanglement, which is two distinct particles being in states that are connected to one another. This is a common theme in research on quantum computing.
According to physicist Christian Kerskens from the University of Dublin, “We modified a notion, devised for tests to verify the existence of quantum gravity, whereby you take known quantum systems, which interact with an unknown system.”
“If the known systems entangle, then the unknown must be a quantum system, too. It circumvents the difficulties to find measuring devices for something we know nothing about.”
In other words, if the mediating system in the middle—the unknown system—operates on a quantum level as well, then only can there be entanglement or relationship between the known systems. While the unknown system cannot be directly investigated, its consequences, like quantum gravity, can be seen.
The fluid that accumulates in the brain, known as “brain water,” and its proton spins serve as the known system for this study, with unique magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans being utilized to non-invasively detect the proton activity. A particle’s magnetic and electrical properties are determined by its spin, which is a quantum-mechanical feature.
The researchers used this method to detect signals that resembled heartbeat-evoked potentials, a type of electroencephalography (EEG) signal. The theory is that these signals, which are ordinarily undetectable by MRI, appeared as a result of entangled nuclear proton spins in the brain.
The team’s observations need to be confirmed by additional research in a variety of scientific disciplines, but the preliminary findings are encouraging in terms of non-classical, quantum events occurring in the human brain when it is engaged.
“If entanglement is the only possible explanation here then that would mean that brain processes must have interacted with the nuclear spins, mediating the entanglement between the nuclear spins,” says Kerskens.
“As a result, we can deduce that those brain functions must be quantum.”
That shows the quantum processes – if that’s truly what they are – play a crucial part in cognition and consciousness, contends Kerskens. The brain functions that lit up the MRI readings were also linked to short-term memory and conscious awareness.
In order to properly comprehend the operation of the quantum computer that we carry around in our heads, researchers must first discover more about this unidentified quantum system in the brain.
“Our experiments, performed only 50 meters away from the lecture theatre where Schrödinger presented his famous thoughts about life, may shed light on the mysteries of biology, and on consciousness which scientifically is even harder to grasp,” says Kerskens.
