Quantum Physics and the Brain: What Does Science Already Know?

Quantum Physics and the Brain: What Does Science Already Know?

The human mind is undoubtedly one of nature’s most complex and fascinating mysteries. On the other hand, quantum physics reveals to us the surprising behavior of subatomic particles, challenging our most basic notions about the physical world. It is natural, then, that the question arises: is there any relationship between the principles of quantum physics and the functioning of the human brain?

The connection between these two fields is still far from understood, but in recent years, scientists have been investigating possible points of contact between them. In this article, we will explore what is known, what is still speculative, and how science is trying to answer this provocative question.

How does the brain work according to traditional neuroscience?

Before delving into the field of quantum physics, it is important to understand how current science describes the brain. Neuroscience views the brain as an extremely complex system made up of about 86 billion neurons , which communicate with each other through electrical impulses and chemicals called neurotransmitters.

These impulses follow classical physical and chemical laws — that is, there is no need to invoke quantum physics to explain most of what is known about perception, memory, emotions or consciousness. The brain is treated as a “biological machine,” based on computational, electrical and chemical models.

However, there are those who question whether this approach is sufficient to explain all the complexity of the mind , especially phenomena such as self-awareness, intuition or deep creativity.

Where does quantum physics come in?

Quantum physics studies the behavior of particles on an extremely small scale, such as electrons and photons. Its most important concepts include:

• Superposition : a particle can be in several states at the same time.

• Entanglement : Particles separated by great distances can maintain an instantaneous connection.

• Wave function collapse : the act of measuring a particle causes it to “choose” a defined state.

These ideas, especially that of superposition and collapse, raised the hypothesis that brain processes could involve quantum events , which would give rise to consciousness or decision-making.

The quantum theory of consciousness

The best-known proposal in this sense is that of Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff , called Orch-OR (Orchestrated Objective Reduction). It states that quantum processes in the microtubules of neurons would be responsible for consciousness.

These microtubules are internal structures of neurons that were previously thought to be merely supportive. Penrose and Hameroff suggest that they contain quantum superposition states that collapse in a coordinated manner, resulting in what we call consciousness.

Although the theory is elegant and has generated much interest, it faces significant criticism:

• There is no direct experimental evidence that such quantum states occur in microtubules.

• The brain's environment is hot and wet , which tends to quickly destroy any quantum coherence.

• Many scientists believe that the phenomena described by the theory can be explained classically, without resorting to quantum physics.

  
  

Can the brain sustain quantum states?

This is a crucial point in the discussion. Most physicists believe that quantum states are extremely fragile, easily “disrupted” by interactions with the environment. For a system to maintain quantum states long enough to generate measurable effects, it needs to be in controlled environments , such as those found in quantum computing labs.

The brain, on the other hand, is noisy, hot, biological and chaotic. — everything that makes it difficult to preserve quantum states.

Despite this, recent studies have investigated brain structures in search of signs of quantum coherence , and some experiments indicate that certain quantum effects can occur, even if only for brief moments. But there is no scientific consensus on their relevance to thought or consciousness.

What is already scientifically proven?

So far, what is known for sure is:

• Particles in the brain, such as electrons and ions, follow the laws of quantum physics, just like any particle in the universe.

• There is no direct evidence that macroscopic quantum effects are related to mental functioning.

• Traditional neuroscience continues to explain most mental phenomena based on classical mechanisms.

• Quantum theories of the mind are still unproven hypotheses , although they are under investigation.

  
  

What about the side effects of this discussion?

One of the dangers of this conversation is that it opens the door to mystical, pseudoscientific, and commercial interpretations , such as “quantum healing,” “quantum thinking,” and other unsubstantiated terms.

It is essential that any discussion of quantum physics and the brain maintains scientific rigor and intellectual honesty , clearly separating what is speculation from what is consolidated knowledge.

The future of this research

The possibility that the brain uses quantum processes at some level has not yet been ruled out . New neuroimaging techniques, advances in applied quantum physics, and the growing interest in interdisciplinary research may provide clearer answers in the coming decades.

If any relevant quantum interaction in the brain is proven in the future, this could completely change our way of understanding the mind, consciousness and even the relationship between matter and spirit.

Final considerations: science with responsibility

The connection between quantum physics and the brain is, today, more a research question than an answer . There is, so far, no evidence that mental processes depend on quantum physics, but scientific curiosity continues to drive this investigation.

When dealing with this topic, the most important thing is to avoid hasty conclusions. Science moves slowly, with tests, revisions, and refutations. The union between physics and neuroscience may only be beginning—and its results, when they come, will have the potential to transform our understanding of what it means to be human.