While quantum theory revolutionized the very foundations of classical mechanics based on the contributions of physicist Max Planck, quantum biology is changing some prevailing ideas not only within biology but also within the very foundations of quantum theory and its applications. Everything revolves around the concept of quantum coherence, a state in which particles behave as a single entity, vibrating in unison, a reflection of extraordinary synchronization. When we speak of coherence, we are referring to the collective and coordinated behavior of particles, which consequently requires a harmonious relationship among their parts. Until very recently, it was thought that such behavior could only occur in very low-temperature systems (temperatures well below zero degrees Celsius), such as in Bose-Einstein condensates, a state in which atoms are brought to a very low temperature (near absolute zero in kelvin) and can behave as a single entity, exhibiting a single quantum wave function. Over the past few decades, this concept has evolved to such an extent that today (November 2023) it is widely accepted that states of coherence exist in nature itself and, consequently, in biology, in both plants and animals, each exhibiting specific temperatures at which life develops.

In coherent states, particles, in very short time intervals, behave like waves and thus exhibit typical wave characteristics such as frequency, wavelength, or amplitude, for example. When particles behave as waves, they become delocalized, able to be here and there at the same time, always for extremely brief intervals (take a nanosecond, 10^-9 s, as a reference). This mechanism is necessary to explain key biological phenomena such as photosynthesis, the movement of electrons and protons along protein chains, ion conduction in neuronal ion channels, and the sense of smell itself, to name a few examples. In these coherent states, the transmission of information is instantaneous over very brief intervals of time and across very short distances; and although this may seem like a rather insignificant feat in the macroscopic world, it is crucial when considering metabolism and other processes involved in life itself. In his book What is Life, published in 1944, physicist Erwin Schrödinger already pondered the nature of life and how an organism can be so orderly and efficient despite the thermal motion of its constituent particles. According to this physicist, there should be an organizational field, a mechanism of self-organization that goes beyond the foundations of classical biology. The organism is typically viewed as a sum of parts that are fundamentally separate from one another, without a thorough consideration of the interrelationships among them. Schrödinger wondered: How can trillions and trillions of cells coordinate their actions at the same time? This gives rise to a higher-level organizational perspective, which constitutes one of the basic premises of quantum biology. Other “properties” typical of particles in a coherent state are the tunneling effect (the ability to pass through seemingly impenetrable barriers) and the effect of instantaneous long-distance interconnection, known as entanglement in quantum terminology, a connection that the physicist Einstein referred to as the spooky action at a distance.

What are the implications of all this?

The view of living beings as a mosaic of isolated parts gives way to the concept of a field of interconnection, an energy field, or rather, a complex network of interconnected energy fields that extends throughout them, where the term “vibration” takes on its rightful significance when we consider nature. In addition to examining the ingenuity of life as matter in its fundamental structures, from the subatomic level to higher organizational levels (cells, organs, tissues), we must also address the vibrational interrelationships across its multiple frequencies. A typical example is the brain’s electromagnetic field, which appears to play a key role in the synchronization of ion channels as well as in the microtubules that make up the cytoskeleton of cells.

Electromagnetic resonance is another key concept in these biological mechanisms. A form of remote energy interaction that occurs when separate systems oscillate at similar frequencies, establishing a sort of remote energy bridge. Irena Cosic, a biophysicist, was quite emphatic on this point throughout the 1990s, noting that this type of long-range interaction is selective and brings together macromolecules separated by distances greater than those over which any chemical interaction could take place.

Another important feature of the new biology is that very low-intensity energy fields can have biological effects. A typical example is magnetoreception in birds and other species. The geomagnetic field is very weak, and according to classical biology, too weak to induce any chemical reaction. This idea is changing, and one example is magnetic orientation, most likely due to a genuinely quantum mechanism called quantum spin resonance, according to which the geomagnetic field resonates with certain spin states (the rotation of any subatomic particle)—in this case, those of electrons and nucleons (protons and neutrons)—present in a protein called cryptochrome. According to the resonance in question, certain metabolic reactions are triggered that do have an effect, and a very significant one at that, on navigation along migratory routes, a fundamental ability for the survival of the species in question. The list of species that orient themselves along geomagnetic field lines continues to grow. While the first examples that come to mind are birds, whales, turtles, and dolphins, bees, flies, and even bacteria also exhibit such behaviors, as do certain other mammals, which display specific habits when hunting and navigating. Therefore, quantum behaviors take center stage if we want to address the phenomena associated with life with greater precision.

A Holistic View of the Human Being

From a quantum perspective, energy is the essential substance of the universe. Everything that exist, including humans, animals, plants, and objects, is made up of subatomic particles that are fluctuations of energy within an immense universe of energy and information. Little by little, as the relevant research progresses, we will undoubtedly arrive at a much broader understanding of who we are as human beings. We are not merely physical bodies in which chemical and electrical processes take place; rather, we are part of a larger whole characterized by energetic interactions that play a fundamental role in the organism itself.

The quantum level leads us toward a concept of reality filled with energy fields, in which human beings become energetic beings immersed in this immense sea of vibrating waves. Quantum physics offers us a holistic framework for thinking based on these energy fields, which play a crucial role in the behavior of the universe, the properties of observable matter, and even our health and well-being. Human beings are systems of energy in constant vibration. We are both emitters and receivers of a wide range of frequencies. The organism is not a mosaic of independent organs and molecules, but rather a coherent whole, a highly ordered and orchestrated field of interconnections.

Numerous scientific publications have shown that unpleasant emotions weaken the immune system; for example, a particular emotion or state of stress triggers certain metabolic mechanisms that have a direct impact on well-being. We know that environmental factors (epigenetics) have a direct impact on DNA and on biological water, which, as we know, accounts for nearly 70% of the human body. You don’t need to be much more specific to know that our state of consciousness has a direct impact on our physical body. Conversely, a healthy physical body has an impact on our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, although the latter is rarely discussed in mainstream scientific circles. Let’s remember that most living beings on this planet hold some kind of spiritual belief, and without getting into dogmatism, I think this is an important point to keep in mind.

Toward a Promising Future

I have a feeling that in the coming decades, some very significant research will come to light that will change our perspective on who we are and what surrounds us. We must not forget the delicate network of ecosystems in which we live, and their interrelationships will be fundamental when addressing the holistic health of all living beings on the planet. This interconnection has been nurtured for millennia by indigenous tribes because they know, live, and feel the intimate energetic web of all that exists. For them, being in close contact with the elements of nature is a natural part of their daily lives; their survival and legacy depend on it. Being in touch with the Earth and following its natural rhythms sharpens our intuition and helps prevent many of the illnesses prevalent in Western society. Some publications claim that direct contact with the ground while barefoot (Grounding) benefits our entire being, promoting health and well-being.

Photo from a gathering with the Arhuaco indigenous tribe (mamos from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia), an event that took place in Barcelona in November of last year:

I believe in this collaboration, scientific knowledge, and ancestral wisdom. In this encounter, there is a hint of mystery, hope, and a deeper understanding of the magic of life.
November 30, 2023
© Teresa Versyp