Proteins as Quantum Field DevicesWhere nature computes through path integrals and life emerges from quantum mechanics
Advancing our understanding of quantum effects in biological systems through collaborative research on protein science, enzymatic reactions, and molecular processes.
Built on 2024 Nobel Prize-Winning Science
Chemistry: Baker, Hassabis & Jumper revolutionized protein design with AlphaFold and computational methods
Physics: Hopfield & Hinton laid foundations for machine learning that now predicts protein structures
But the fundamental quantum physics that makes proteins work remains unexplored...
Quantum Tunneling Observed 15 Years Before Theory
Dr. Mercier des Rochettes' groundbreaking 1985 PhD research on hydrogen transfer in bicyclic systems presaged the field of quantum biology
From Catalytic Cracking to Quantum Biology
PhD Research, 1985 • ChemRxiv Preprint
A pioneering observation of quantum tunneling effects in hydrogen transfer between bicyclic molecular systems—documented in 1985, fifteen years before quantum biology became an established field.
The Bicyclic Discovery of 1985
Accessible Explanation • 5 min read
An accessible explanation of why hydrogen refuses to transfer between rigid bicyclic rings—and how this 1985 observation revealed fundamental principles of quantum biology.
A 40-Year Journey from Observation to Understanding
In 1985, during his PhD research on catalytic cracking, Dr. Mercier des Rochettes observed that hydrogen transfers between two connected ring structures were "forbidden" by classical chemistry—yet they happened anyway. This observation of quantum tunneling in constrained molecular systems came 15 years before the field of quantum biology was established, demonstrating that conformational flexibility is essential for quantum effects in biological catalysis.
The Fundamental Problems
Inspired by Hilbert's famous 23 problems, these 24 challenges represent the frontier of quantum biology research.
Protein Folding Prediction
Develop algorithms for accurate protein structure prediction
Quantum Tunneling in Enzymes
Investigate quantum tunneling effects in enzymatic reactions
Protein-Ligand Binding
Model quantum effects in protein-ligand interactions
Electron Transfer Chains
Study quantum coherence in electron transfer processes
Proton Transfer Mechanisms
Analyze quantum proton transfer in biological systems
Photosynthesis Efficiency
Explore quantum effects in photosynthetic complexes