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Article
Keeping Time: Could Quantum Beating in Microtubules be the Basis for the Neural Synchrony Related to Consciousness?
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
  • Travis J. A. Craddock, Nova Southeastern University
  • Avner Priel, Israel Institute for Advanced Studies
  • Jack A. Tuszynski, University of Alberta
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-9-2014
Disciplines
Abstract/Excerpt

This paper discusses the possibility of quantum coherent oscillations playing a role in neuronal signaling. Consciousness correlates strongly with coherent neural oscillations, however the mechanisms by which neurons synchronize are not fully elucidated. Recent experimental evidence of quantum beats in light-harvesting complexes of plants (LHCII) and bacteria provided a stimulus for seeking similar effects in important structures found in animal cells, especially in neurons. We argue that microtubules (MTs), which play critical roles in all eukaryotic cells, possess structural and functional characteristics that are consistent with quantum coherent excitations in the aromatic groups of their tryptophan residues. Furthermore we outline the consequences of these findings on neuronal processes including the emergence of consciousness.

DOI
10.1142/S0219635214400019
Citation Information
Travis J. A. Craddock, Avner Priel and Jack A. Tuszynski. "Keeping Time: Could Quantum Beating in Microtubules be the Basis for the Neural Synchrony Related to Consciousness?" Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Vol. 13 Iss. 2 (2014) p. 293 - 311 ISSN: 0219-6352
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/travis-craddock/45/