This idea has come up on other threads, but seemed like a good idea for a thread all on it's own. It seems the concept of mutations being influenced by quantum mechanics and interacting perhaps with consciousness, or perhaps with the environment informationally, is picking up a little steam. WK linked to some papers discussing this idea related to adaptive mutations.
My question is whether this is real science, has merit, etc,...? Obviously, I think it does. Unfortunately, I will not likely be able to respond until March 9th (just in case anyone wonders).
Abstract
The principle that mutations occur randomly with respect to the direction of evolutionary change has been challenged by the phenomenon of adaptive mutations. There is currently no entirely satisfactory theory to account for how a cell can selectively mutate certain genes in response to environmental signals. However, spontaneous mutations are initiated by quantum events such as the shift of a single proton (hydrogen atom) from one site to an adjacent one. We consider here the wave function describing the quantum state of the genome as being in a coherent linear superposition of states describing both the shifted and unshifted protons.
Shortened Link
The theory of quantum evolution is a radical new take on how mutations in DNA occur. Basically the theory postulates that DNA molecules are in fact macroscopic quantum objects that undergo quantum interference. It is spearheaded by Johnjoe McFadden, a professor in the UK and makes for an interesting read. Here is a brief overview of the main ideas of the theory. He also has some interesting ideas about a possible interaction between electromagnetic fields and consciousness.
This Blog has Moved to NovaSpivack.com: Quantum Evolution -- A Radical Theory
Profesor Anton Zeillinger's group in Vienna have recently demonstrated that the fullerene molecule, composed of 60 carbon atoms (the famous ”buckyball’), can pass through two slits simultaneously. Few physicists doubt that as the technology advances, bigger and more complex systems will be shown to inhabit the quantum world. Fullerene molecules are spheres with a diameter similar to that of the DNA double helix. If fullerene can enter the quantum multiverse then DNA may do the same.
http://www.surrey.ac.uk/qe/O3.htm
This message has been edited by randman, 02-27-2006 03:14 PM
This message has been edited by Admin, 02-27-2006 03:33 PM