86
Subtle Agroecologies
function as quantum computers, with MT protein subunits (tubulins) existing transiently in quantum superposition of two or more conformational states (i.e. as quantum bits, or ‘qubits’). The quantum state reductions yield conscious perceptions and volitional choices, which then govern neuronal
actions. This is essentially the same idea on which technological quantum computing is based,
except that in Orch OR the proposed qubits are tubulin protein conformations, and the reduction/
collapse occurs due to a specifc objective threshold (objective reduction) rather than environmental
interaction. The theory considers a conscious event as a quantum computation, which concludes
via objective state reduction. The biological conditions in the brain, including synaptic activity, are
considered to infuence the quantum computations, thus orchestrating the collapse of the qubits and
giving rise to a conscious event. ‘Orch OR’ is an attempt to place consciousness within the empirical
sciences as a fundamental concept in science. The central postulate of the Orch OR theory is that
the site of action of consciousness is located within the brain’s MTs which operate at the interface
between classical neurophysiology and quantum gravitational forces. These are very bold claims
that have found both ardent supporters (Stapp, 1995) and vocal critics (Seife, 2000) in the scientifc
community.
There have been many debates concerning whether the quantum description of consciousness
is valid, realistic or needed. However, only recently have advances in nanotechnology been made,
allowing for serious empirical investigation into the biophysical workings of sub-cellular structures.
As such, the lack of evidence in support of quantum brain theories should not be taken as proof
against these theories, but rather as an area in need of careful and vigorous scientifc investigation.
The several enigmatic features of consciousness are still, for the most part, left unexplained by classical theories. The apparent ability of quantum theories to answer these questions may provide new
avenues of investigation into consciousness. Macroscopic quantum phenomena such as superconductivity, and superfuidity need to be highly isolated from their environment in order to avoid the
effects of decoherence. In order for such phenomena to exist in the brain, nature would need to provide mechanisms to isolate against decoherence. Clearly, these issues are not completely resolved.
Thus, investigations into the quantum nature of MTs are still badly needed.
Empirically, a host of studies indicate that the MT matrix in dendrites is structurally reorganised
with learning and memory. Using an associative learning paradigm combined with immunohistochemistry, fear conditioning either to tone or to the training context induced signifcant changes in
MT-associated protein (MAP2) in circumscribed regions of the cerebral cortex or hippocampus,
with alterations correlating with the type of training (Woolf et al., 1994, 1999). In terms of molecular biophysics, based on their ability to propagate signals through the neuron, MTs and actin flaments can be viewed as computationally relevant nanowire networks that operate within neurons
(Woolf et al., 2010). Rather than inputs to neurons being limited to causing discrete responses,
this viewpoint offers the possibility of local and global neuroplasticity, based on the cytoskeleton
computing and storing templates that translate patterns of inputs across widespread synapses into
the ‘behavioural’ output of the neuron. This behavioural output of the neuron is not limited to
axonal fring and dendritic integration of electrochemically mediated inputs. Instead, it includes
connecting the cell nucleus with the postsynaptic density, initiating transport of receptor molecules,
membrane proteins, organelles and mRNA, regulating neurite motility, restructuring of spines and
complex dendrite architecture, the lateral movement of receptor and membrane proteins of neurons,
and governing the availability of ion channels in the membrane.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
I foresee major progress in bridging the gap between nanoscience and consciousness in the area of
nano-neuroscience where MTs, actin flaments and motor proteins connect between neurophysiology and molecular biology. Studying neural phenomena at a nanoscale could lead to monumental breakthroughs in science and medicine and aid in consciousness studies. Further possibilities
involving physically based quantum mechanisms of consciousness should also be considered. The
Subtle Agroecologies
function as quantum computers, with MT protein subunits (tubulins) existing transiently in quantum superposition of two or more conformational states (i.e. as quantum bits, or ‘qubits’). The quantum state reductions yield conscious perceptions and volitional choices, which then govern neuronal
actions. This is essentially the same idea on which technological quantum computing is based,
except that in Orch OR the proposed qubits are tubulin protein conformations, and the reduction/
collapse occurs due to a specifc objective threshold (objective reduction) rather than environmental
interaction. The theory considers a conscious event as a quantum computation, which concludes
via objective state reduction. The biological conditions in the brain, including synaptic activity, are
considered to infuence the quantum computations, thus orchestrating the collapse of the qubits and
giving rise to a conscious event. ‘Orch OR’ is an attempt to place consciousness within the empirical
sciences as a fundamental concept in science. The central postulate of the Orch OR theory is that
the site of action of consciousness is located within the brain’s MTs which operate at the interface
between classical neurophysiology and quantum gravitational forces. These are very bold claims
that have found both ardent supporters (Stapp, 1995) and vocal critics (Seife, 2000) in the scientifc
community.
There have been many debates concerning whether the quantum description of consciousness
is valid, realistic or needed. However, only recently have advances in nanotechnology been made,
allowing for serious empirical investigation into the biophysical workings of sub-cellular structures.
As such, the lack of evidence in support of quantum brain theories should not be taken as proof
against these theories, but rather as an area in need of careful and vigorous scientifc investigation.
The several enigmatic features of consciousness are still, for the most part, left unexplained by classical theories. The apparent ability of quantum theories to answer these questions may provide new
avenues of investigation into consciousness. Macroscopic quantum phenomena such as superconductivity, and superfuidity need to be highly isolated from their environment in order to avoid the
effects of decoherence. In order for such phenomena to exist in the brain, nature would need to provide mechanisms to isolate against decoherence. Clearly, these issues are not completely resolved.
Thus, investigations into the quantum nature of MTs are still badly needed.
Empirically, a host of studies indicate that the MT matrix in dendrites is structurally reorganised
with learning and memory. Using an associative learning paradigm combined with immunohistochemistry, fear conditioning either to tone or to the training context induced signifcant changes in
MT-associated protein (MAP2) in circumscribed regions of the cerebral cortex or hippocampus,
with alterations correlating with the type of training (Woolf et al., 1994, 1999). In terms of molecular biophysics, based on their ability to propagate signals through the neuron, MTs and actin flaments can be viewed as computationally relevant nanowire networks that operate within neurons
(Woolf et al., 2010). Rather than inputs to neurons being limited to causing discrete responses,
this viewpoint offers the possibility of local and global neuroplasticity, based on the cytoskeleton
computing and storing templates that translate patterns of inputs across widespread synapses into
the ‘behavioural’ output of the neuron. This behavioural output of the neuron is not limited to
axonal fring and dendritic integration of electrochemically mediated inputs. Instead, it includes
connecting the cell nucleus with the postsynaptic density, initiating transport of receptor molecules,
membrane proteins, organelles and mRNA, regulating neurite motility, restructuring of spines and
complex dendrite architecture, the lateral movement of receptor and membrane proteins of neurons,
and governing the availability of ion channels in the membrane.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
I foresee major progress in bridging the gap between nanoscience and consciousness in the area of
nano-neuroscience where MTs, actin flaments and motor proteins connect between neurophysiology and molecular biology. Studying neural phenomena at a nanoscale could lead to monumental breakthroughs in science and medicine and aid in consciousness studies. Further possibilities
involving physically based quantum mechanisms of consciousness should also be considered. The