Summary of Key Points
This article explores whether quantum biology could open new doors for medicine. It begins with an introduction to the hierarchical structure of quantum biology, ranging from basic atomic interactions to higher-level phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. The article then discusses the connections between light, electricity, magnetic therapy, and quantum effects. It proposes a new understanding of diseases from a quantum perspective (for example, that amyloid proteins may serve as a defense mechanism) and outlines the challenges associated with future applications. The overall argument is that while quantum principles underlie life, there is still debate about whether higher-level quantum phenomena (such as superposition and entanglement) directly affect biological processes. However, the practical progress of photonic, electromagnetic, and magnetic therapies is driving us to unravel the underlying quantum mechanisms. If these theories are confirmed, they could lead to a completely new paradigm in medicine.
1. The “Hierarchical Map” of Quantum Biology – From Basics to Higher Levels
Quantum biology is not a catch-all term; scientist Eilo has divided it into three main levels:
- Basic Level: Quantum effects that are essential for all life, such as how atoms combine to form molecules (like the structure of DNA). This level is fundamental, but not all biological processes can be categorized as quantum biology – just as not all vehicles can be considered part of mechanical engineering.
- Intermediate Level: Special behaviors of small particles, such as “quantum tunneling.” Tiny particles like protons and electrons can overcome energy barriers that seem insurmountable in classical physics; enzymes in plants use this to quickly find reaction sites. These are quantum effects, but they are not the “magical” aspects often imagined by the public.
- Higher Level: Superposition and entanglement. In superposition, particles exist in multiple states simultaneously; in entanglement, two particles are correlated regardless of distance. For example, proteins in the eyes of migratory birds use entanglement to sense the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation – this is an example of a higher-level quantum effect that scientists are particularly interested in because it may directly affect biological functions, potentially leading to medical applications.
2. Phototherapy: A Century-Old Technique with Promising Results but Unclear Mechanisms
Phototherapy is not a new concept; the Nobel Prize was awarded in 1903 to a doctor who used ultraviolet light to treat skin diseases. However, it fell out of favor for a long time. Recently, it has gained attention again, with low-intensity lasers being used to treat oral ulcers, promote hair growth, and aid wound healing. Some even claim it can treat depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
The mechanism behind phototherapy is still not fully understood. Some believe that light stimulates proteins in mitochondria, but the process from stimulation to therapeutic effects remains a black box. Scientist Skols suggests that phototherapy may only utilize lower-level quantum effects (or even ordinary chemical reactions), unlike the complex processes involved in bird navigation. For instance, slight changes in光照 duration (e.g., from 5 to 10 minutes) can affect the treatment outcome, indicating that the mechanism is very sensitive. However, there is no evidence linking these effects to higher-level quantum phenomena like superposition or entanglement.
3. Magnetic/Electric Field Therapies: Emerging Fields with Controversial Quantum Mechanisms
Magnetic and electric field therapies are relatively new compared to phototherapy. Devices like Optune have been approved for treating brain cancer and lung cancer by disrupting the division of cancer cells using rapidly alternating electric fields. There are two main theories explaining their mechanism:
- Classical Physics: The alternating electric field disrupts protein structures during cell division, making cancer cells more susceptible to damage – this has nothing to do with quantum phenomena.
- Quantum Perspective: Eilo suggests that magnetic therapy may involve the use of superposition of electron spins. Similar to how migratory birds use entanglement for navigation, magnetic fields could affect the superposition of electrons in living organisms, thereby altering cellular reactions. However, there is no direct evidence to support this theory.
Singapore and Japan are developing magnetic therapies to complement breast cancer chemotherapy, but the efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments remain controversial.
4. A New Understanding of Diseases from a Quantum Perspective: Amyloid Proteins as “Defenders”
Alzheimer’s disease has traditionally been thought to be caused by the accumulation of amyloid proteins. However, quantum biologist Curian proposes a different view:
He discovered that networks composed of tryptophan molecules (found in microtubules) can absorb harmful ultraviolet photons, protecting cells – this is known as the “superradiation” effect, a collective quantum phenomenon. Amyloid proteins themselves also contain tryptophan and have an even stronger ability to absorb ultraviolet light. Curian suggests that amyloid protein accumulation may not be the cause of the disease but rather a defensive response of cells to metabolic stress (manifested as the release of ultraviolet photons). If this theory is correct, it would explain why drugs designed to break down amyloid proteins have been ineffective – they are actually disrupting the body’s natural defense mechanisms. This would revolutionize our understanding of Alzheimer’s and point the way toward new treatments that enhance this quantum defense rather than simply removing amyloid proteins.
5. Challenges Ahead: The Long Road from Laboratory to Clinical Practice
The potential of quantum medicine is exciting, but there are three major obstacles:
- Unclear Mechanisms: It is still unclear whether higher-level quantum effects actually occur in living cells. Only the basic level has been proven, and direct evidence for higher-level phenomena is lacking. Eilo’s team is working on developing instruments to detect weak magnetic fields in living cells, but this is a challenging task.
- High Cost of Clinical Trials: Photonic and electromagnetic therapies use inexpensive materials and simple technologies, so pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to invest (as it is difficult to patent and profitable). For example, adjusting the dosage in Ahmed’s phototherapy experiments may require significant funding for detailed research, which few are willing to provide.
- Lack of Standardization: There are no unified standards for the dosage, wavelength, and duration of phototherapy treatments, leading to inconsistent results. This makes it difficult to generalize the effectiveness of these therapies.
Even if higher-level quantum effects are ultimately proven to be non-existent, the practical successes of photonic and electromagnetic therapies are worth exploring further, as they have already helped some patients. If quantum mechanisms are confirmed, medicine will enter a new era where diseases can be treated by manipulating the underlying quantum states of living organisms using light, magnetic fields, and electric fields – without the need for drugs.
Conclusion: Quantum biology is still in its early stages, but it offers a unique perspective: life is not only governed by chemistry but also by physics (quantum mechanics). In the future, we may be able to use quantum effects to maintain health, just as migratory birds use magnetic fields for navigation. However, much more scientific breakthroughs and patience are needed before we achieve this goal.