Quantum Effects in Biology

Masoud Mohseni · Yasser Omar · Gregory S. Engel · Martin B. Plenio

Aug 2014 · Cambridge University Press

About this ebook

Quantum mechanics provides the most accurate microscopic description of the world around us, yet the interface between quantum mechanics and biology is only now being explored. This book uses a combination of experiment and theory to examine areas of biology believed to be strongly influenced by manifestly quantum phenomena. Covering subjects ranging from coherent energy transfer in photosynthetic light harvesting to spin coherence in the avian compass and the problem of molecular recognition in olfaction, the book is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, biology and chemistry seeking to understand the applications of quantum mechanics to biology.

About the author

Masoud Mohseni is a Senior Research Scientist at Google, where he develops novel machine learning algorithms that fundamentally rely on quantum dynamics. He has made significant contributions to quantum transport, quantum measurement and open quantum systems approaches to biology.

Yasser Omar is Assistant Professor at the University of Lisbon and leads the Physics of Information Group at Instituto de Telecomunicações. His research is centered on quantum information theory, quantum transport, and their interface with biology.

Gregory S. Engel is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and the James Franck Institute at the University of Chicago. His group is working on creating synthetic mimics of biological systems.

Martin B. Plenio is Alexander von Humboldt Professor and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Physics, Ulm University. His main contributions are in the fields of quantum information, quantum optics, and the development of the theory of quantum effects in biology.