Life on the edge : the coming of age of quantum biology

Life is the most extraordinary phenomenon in the universe, yet its workings remain elusive. Despite advancements in cloning and synthetic biology, no one has created life from non-living materials. This raises the question: are we missing a crucial element in its creation? In a manner reminiscent of Richard Dawkins' influential work, this exploration shifts our understanding of life's dynamics by revealing quantum mechanics as the missing ingredient. Drawing on groundbreaking global experiments, the authors illustrate how photosynthesis depends on subatomic particles that exist in multiple places simultaneously. They also explain how enzymes, the essential catalysts in our cells, operate by having particles disappear from one location and reappear in another. Each chapter begins with a captivating example that poses a fundamental question about life—such as how migrating birds navigate or how we perceive scents—and then demonstrates how quantum mechanics provides the answers. The authors guide readers through the rapidly evolving field of quantum biology, highlighting its exciting discoveries and potential revolutionary applications. Ultimately, they delve into the profound question of what life truly is, inviting readers to engage with the mysteries that surround this extraordinary phenomenon.