Scientists have long sought to understand the nature of consciousness, and a recent study suggests that quantum entanglement could be key. A team from China has demonstrated that many entangled photons can be generated within the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers, potentially explaining the rapid communication between neurons.
The brain communicates through electrical signals called synapses between neurons. The synchronized activity of millions of neurons is crucial for consciousness and other brain functions. However, the precise synchronization process remains unknown.
Recent evidence suggests that myelin, a fatty substance surrounding axons (electrically conductive fibers), plays an important role in promoting neural synchronization. However, the speed at which signals propagate along axons is too slow to account for the rapid synchronization required by consciousness.
To address this issue, researchers investigated whether entangled photons within the axon-myelin system could enable instant communication across distances. They applied quantum mechanical techniques to simulate the interaction of photons with matter inside a perfect cylinder surrounded by myelin.
Their calculations revealed that entangled photons can be generated at a high rate within the myelin cavity. This entanglement allows for instantaneous signaling along the sections of myelin encasing segments of axons, potentially transforming into neural synchronization.
While this study does not directly link consciousness to quantum entanglement, it offers a possible mechanism for neural synchronization, which affects various neurobiological processes. The researchers hope that their work will contribute to a deeper understanding of this complex phenomenon.
Source: Physical Review E (2024) DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.110.024402
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-08-photon-entanglement-rapid-brain-consciousness.html