City Research Online

Abstract

It is unclear whether quantum phenomena can be observed in brain recordings because of thermal noise causing decoherence, that is, quantum superpositions and entanglement quickly collapsing into classical, i.e. nonquantum states. This paper demonstrates that intrinsic neuronal noise naturally leads to a wave-particle description of neural activity of the sort predicted by a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics known as the Schr¨odinger equation. The predicted quantum-like fluctuations in firing rates are consistent with data. This approach could provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of brain function, thus challenging existing paradigms in both quantum physics and neuroscience.

Publication Type:	Other (Preprint)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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