Quantum Life: How Physics Can Revolutionise Biology: Jim Al-Khalili at TEDxSalford

Jim Al-Khalili is a professor of physics, author and broadcaster based at the University of Surrey where he holds a chair in the Public Engagement in Science. He is active as a science communicator and has written a number of popular science books, between them translated into over twenty languages. He is a regular presenter of TV science documentaries, including the Bafta nominated Chemistry: A Volatile History, and presents the weekly Radio 4 programme, The Life Scientific. He is a recipient of the Royal Society Michael Faraday medal and the Institute of Physics Kelvin Medal.

He has also presented Atom, a three-part series for BBC Four, The Secret Life of Chaos, and Science and Islam, covering the leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th centuries. He's also a regular on Radio 4 and on the BBC's Horizon programme.

Credits:

[higherresolution]

In one of BBC's Horizon programmes, Jim interviews David Deutsch. It may have been in the last episode of the "Atoms" series. What Deutsch says is that IF you accept the principles of the world's most accurate predictor of physical reality--quantum mechanics--in microcircuitry, lasers, GPS, the generation of starlight, the creation of heavy elements, etc, then you must accept these same principles as they play out in human biology (biology in general). You can't have it only one way.

[jasondecker]

You are...,
as young as the moment,
and as old as the universe,
too small to see everything,
big enough to be connected to it all,
one of many while being many of one,
outside my body,
inside my mind,
a reflection,
to my,
"I"

[Shreyaagrawal_]

BEST Talk!!! So intrinsically explained . Thank you :)

[generalturner]

I love both physics and biology. Based on the amazing finds he is sharing it seems like a field I will be interested in.

[naqiyahmulachelah]

thank you, Jim. that was amazing. words can't describe how much i awe this great presentation. one more time, THANK YOUUU

[chantellehollingsworthplow]

I found this most intriguing. As my professional goals are to use stem cells to treat, prevent, and cure bipolar and schizophrenia this may have pertinent influence in achieving these goals. I will be following their progress more closely.

[ahmedshafaie]

Really very beautiful lecture it has a great connection between QM and biology this can be comprehended according to quantum tunneling in some animals and birds

[dermodsmyth]

That was a very short 18 minutes! Jim never fails to impress as a public communicator of science. It's just a pity he had to gloss over things so quickly in the short amount of time he was given.

[goerizal]

what a presentation!!! even i can understand it. thanks.

[sudkjain]

To me Quantum physics explains why the logic which seems to be integral to our vast universe is not really necessary to live and survive in this grand illusion. At ground zero, picture is absolutely fluid and responds differently to each observer. However, when interaction grows, a common set of logic, rules or faith comes in play and starts controlling the group of objects or life.

[LP_yt]

Very interesting. I had come across instances of QM influencing biological systems before (in plants) but not the stuff mentioned here by Jim. Must read some more on this.

[anosmianAcrimony]

Having looked up NMR spectroscopy, I think I now understand how physicists can say that electrons spin. Though they have no physical features or structure that can be used to determine if they are spinning, they create a magnetic field as if they were spinning. Have I understood correctly?

[steve]

After decades of scoffing from the old scientists on the role of QM in organisms (esp the brain), this will truly be the dawn of a new era of understanding nature

[woodyeckerslyke]

Reductionism vs Emergent Properties. I'm a fan of emergent properties.

[anosmianAcrimony]

If anyone has an alternative explanation, I'd love to hear it.

[PacoOtis]

Thanks for the video as it is quite excellent. It is interesting, however, that Jim is like the astronomers in that he does not know when to use "among" vs. "between." Something can only be "between" two items.

[anosmianAcrimony]

I don't think electrons can spin at all. If they are fundamental particles, then they have no internal structure or physical features or protrusions, and so the very idea that they can spin doesn't make sense. I think probably that's just a term physicists have given to a certain attribute of them, in the same way that quarks with colors and flavors obviously don't have such features in the conventional definition of the word.

[EDUARDO]

In 1963 Per-Olov Löwdin published proton tunneling as another mechanism for DNA mutation.

[phy]

dont try to change your apparence she is perfect

[phy]

biology have many quantum aspects just took the planck constante some see it as a limit but it is what authorize you to form new molecules the spirit you have controlate every input and output of your body if you are a buddha so you can control the creation of new feelings