Dear Slashdot folks, After reading some of th epostings, I feel I need a right to reply. A few points:
1) My theory does not depend on the multiverse interpretation of QM. As any physicist knows, all the interpretations are functionally equivalent. In QE I describe the theory in terms of the multiverse because I find it easier to visualise, but leave the reader to make up their own minds. The press relaeses have highlighted the parallel universe approach - because it sells more copy.
Life, in the Copenhagen interpretation is just as interesting because living cells become unique quantum measuring devices that collapse their own quantum states by amplifying them to the classical level.
2) The talk about 'multiple states' is an attempt to explain what's going on in layman's language. Of course a particle is in a single quantum state before measurement but that can collapse into a variety of possible classical states. To make this accessible in few words I am using the 'conventional' not technical, meaning of the word 'state'.
3) Finally, the classical world and classical laws are an illusion built upon the dissipation of quantum effects when you look at large numbers of particles in one lump. Once you realise that living cells and heredity are driven by single-particle dynamics (e.g. the dynamics of protons and electrons within a single DNA molecule) then you realise that quantum mechanics must loom larger in their dynamics. The implications of this are, I belive, a new understanding of what it means to be alive, and how we got here.
4) For more info, visit the Quantum Evolution website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/qe Johnjoe
For those who want more than the rather wild press release, I have set up a QUANTUM EVOLUTION website on: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/qe You will find an outline of the theory, bits of the book (and some bits that aren't in the book) and details of where to buy it. I will try to add in more links etc soon. I am considering whether to set up a bulletin board on quantum aspects of biology - any takers? Johnjoe
Slashdot Mirror
1) My theory does not depend on the multiverse interpretation of QM. As any physicist knows, all the interpretations are functionally equivalent. In QE I describe the theory in terms of the multiverse because I find it easier to visualise, but leave the reader to make up their own minds. The press relaeses have highlighted the parallel universe approach - because it sells more copy.
Life, in the Copenhagen interpretation is just as interesting because living cells become unique quantum measuring devices that collapse their own quantum states by amplifying them to the classical level.
2) The talk about 'multiple states' is an attempt to explain what's going on in layman's language. Of course a particle is in a single quantum state before measurement but that can collapse into a variety of possible classical states. To make this accessible in few words I am using the 'conventional' not technical, meaning of the word 'state'.
3) Finally, the classical world and classical laws are an illusion built upon the dissipation of quantum effects when you look at large numbers of particles in one lump. Once you realise that living cells and heredity are driven by single-particle dynamics (e.g. the dynamics of protons and electrons within a single DNA molecule) then you realise that quantum mechanics must loom larger in their dynamics. The implications of this are, I belive, a new understanding of what it means to be alive, and how we got here.
4) For more info, visit the Quantum Evolution website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/qe Johnjoe
For those who want more than the rather wild press release, I have set up a QUANTUM EVOLUTION website on: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/qe You will find an outline of the theory, bits of the book (and some bits that aren't in the book) and details of where to buy it. I will try to add in more links etc soon. I am considering whether to set up a bulletin board on quantum aspects of biology - any takers? Johnjoe