Scientists have discovered a new way that living organisms process information, using quantum degrees of freedom to achieve unprecedented computing speeds. Contrary to previous assumptions about the limitations of biological systems, researchers found that networks of quantum emitters in cells can perform calculations at speeds up to 1 trillion operations per second, more than 1 billion times faster than previously thought.
These findings challenge our understanding of the capabilities of neural organisms and neurons, which are often considered the primary units of information processing. The discovery sheds new light on the potential role of quantum computing in biology and artificial intelligence.
The research, published in Science Advances, compares the computational capabilities of superradiant life to those of the entire matter-dominated universe. It suggests that life may be more powerful than previously thought, and highlights the need for a reevaluation of our understanding of computing with quantum degrees of freedom.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/1065730