Videos of the Introduction to Quantum Biology Series

The Introduction to Quantum Biology Series is the first project on this theme conducted in Portuguese and led by the Quantum Bio BR Team.

The Quantum Bio BR Team is composed of Dr. Marcelo Sousa, CEO of Bright Photomedicine and associate researcher at IDOR, and PhD students Pedro Alvarez (Gleb Wataghin Institute of Physics) and Matheus Araña (École Polytechnique de Paris) who are dynamically and innovatively leading the series for a broad and diverse audience.

5th Episode: The Future of Quantum Bio: Techs and Innovations

On October 19, we welcomed Clarice Aiello (UCLA), Catxere Casacio (University of Surrey), and Gabriel Aguillar (UFRJ). In this last episode of the Introduction to Quantum Biology series, we explored the technological innovations that are shaping the future of this fascinating scientific field. Our experienced guests guided us on a journey of discovery, revealing the current state of research and emerging practical applications that promise to revolutionize medicine and biology.

“The 20th century witnessed, in terms of applications, the flourishing of medicinal chemistry, marking an era in pharmacology and the development of a multitrillion-dollar industry that essentially relies on the application of chemistry to produce biological effects, many of which have therapeutic purposes.” – words from our host Marcelo Sousa.

Pedro Alvarez mentioned radiotherapy for cancer treatment as a notable example of how medicinal physics is already in action.

In this vein, Clarice said that it has already been demonstrated that weak magnetic fields can alter the functioning of ion channels in cells, opening new possibilities for future treatments.

A participant asked if in the future Quantum Biology could assist in mental health treatment.

Catxere responds optimistically: “We still do not fully understand how the brain works, but Quantum Biology has the potential to aid in understanding our entire body. I am confident that this will contribute to the development of treatments for mental health in the future.”

To conclude, Gabo mentioned that we are on the brink of a second era of quantum technologies, with quantum computers and sensors, which promise to assist in the development of Quantum Biology.

Click on the image below to watch the 5th episode:

4th Episode: Quantum Bio in the Human Body

On October 5, we welcomed Francisco Laurindo (In-Cor – USP) and Guilherme Brockington (UFABC – IDOR).

Are we seeking answers without fully understanding the questions?

This wise reflection brought by Laurindo enriched our conversation that ventured into the world of Geeks: “Anyone who has read ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ knows that when asking what is the question to the answer about life, the answer is 42!” – commented our host Marcelo Sousa.

Guilherme shared that his mission is to make people stop hating physics. He had fun saying that: “Physics is the second best thing in life”! For him, Quantum Biology is fascinating because it is controversial and speculative. Quantum mechanics governs the behavior of subatomic particles, and since everything is made of atoms, its influence is present everywhere.

A participant asked if we could identify quantum effects in epidemiological data to assess the impact of cell phone radiation on people’s health.

Laurindo stated that it is possible to investigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation on cells, but epidemiological studies face challenges in standardization due to variability in exposure. Interestingly, initial experiments suggest that the dose of the magnetic field does not directly correlate with the cellular response, as weaker fields seem to have notable effects.

Marcelo emphasized the complexity when it comes to the human body and that nature does not produce excess energy; everything is directed towards the vital needs of the cells.

Our PhD student Matheus Araña commented on how interesting it is how living beings manage to expend energy to maintain a low entropy.

Click on the image below to watch the 4th episode:

3rd Episode: Fundamentals of Quantum Physics

On September 28, we gathered 3 brilliant Brazilian physicists! Professors Daniel Felinto (UFPE), Marcelo Paleologo (UFRJ), and Marcos de Oliveira (UNICAMP).

“I am amazed to know that there is a new way to teach quantum physics” – said our host Marcelo Sousa during the session when the professors explained a new approach to understanding quantum physics.

Paleologo emphasized the significant transition in the study of quantum physics. The student of this century no longer needs to just hear about the postulates in an abstract way, but can relate them to practical experiments that test these properties.

Daniel stated that recognizing quantum mechanics in everyday situations is also a contemporary movement. This includes more controlled experiments to clarify theories and isolate their effects, as well as the emerging exploration of quantum effects in more trivial systems.

A participant asked if the mathematics taught in the undergraduate biological sciences is sufficient to make the assimilation of quantum possible.

Our PhD student Matheus Araña informed that a good understanding of linear algebra and integral differential calculus is important.

Marcos added that several concepts are crucial, regardless of mathematics. In the popularization of quantum physics, he highlighted the importance of demystifying incorrect concepts from non-academic sources and building a solid foundation of understanding.

Click on the image below to watch the 3rd episode:

2nd Episode: Science and Pseudoscience

On September 21, we welcomed Adilson Oliveira (UFSCar), Bruss Lima (UFRJ), and Leandro Tessler (UNICAMP).

Our host Marcelo Sousa concluded: “Today’s debate was excellent. Historic! A timeless episode.”

Bruss expressed his fascination with science and emphasized that today’s scientists can no longer remain trapped in their laboratories. He has been striving to communicate with the public and inspire them about science.

Cazuza, quoted by Tessler: “Science is the best way to test if your ideas correspond to the facts.” He pointed out that faith is a human evolutionary advantage, but science questions beliefs, highlighting the need to understand the difference between science and pseudoscience.

Our PhD student Pedro observed that people may adhere to pseudosciences to fit into social groups.

For Adilson, with each advancement in knowledge, new challenges and questions arise. He quoted Arthur Clarke, the renowned writer, who stated that advanced scientific knowledge in a primitive society may be perceived as magic and witchcraft.

Click on the image below to watch the 2nd episode:

1st Episode: Unraveling What Quantum Biology Is

On September 14, we welcomed Dr. Sérgio T. Ferreira, Scientific Director of Pioneer Science, who opened the project and commented on the Pioneer Science initiative.

Dr. Clarice Aiello (UCLA) and Dr. Catxere Casacio (University of Surrey), who are internationally relevant researchers, kicked off the series, bringing inspiring perspectives on Quantum Biology.

Clarice, who declares herself a card-carrying physicist, said: “The time is now and the hour is already! The whole world is starting to work on Quantum Biology and there is no natural leader on the subject.” She expressed her conviction that Brazil should invest in Quantum Biology, as she believes, ‘the train is ready to leave and needs a conductor.’

Catxere began his journey in physics and later migrated to optical engineering, then delving into Quantum Optics. When Marcelo asked which phenomenon he considered the most beautiful and interesting, one that would be extremely difficult to explain with classical physics alone, Catxere mentioned the fascinating case of migratory birds and the cryptochromes present in their retinas. These cryptochromes act in a quantum manner, allowing birds to perceive the Earth’s magnetic lines, thus revealing one of the many mysteries of nature.

Click on the image below to watch the 1st episode: