185 - Jim Al-Khalili: The Fundamentals of Quantum Biology

Patreon: https://bit.ly/3v8OhY7

Jim Al-Khalili holds a University of Surrey Distinguished Chair in physics and a university chair in the Public Engagement in Science at the University of Surrey, where he is a theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster. In this episode, Robinson and Jim talk about the fundamentals of quantum biology, including what it is, how some animals—like Robinson’s namesake, the Robin—take advantage of quantum mechanics, how exotic phenomena like quantum tunneling fit into the biological world, and how quantum mechanics relates to the arrow of time. Jim’s latest book is The Joy of Science (Princeton, 2022).

The Joy of Science: https://amzn.eu/d/hREAipW

Jim’s Website: https://jimal-khalili.com

OUTLINE

00:00 In This Episode

00:37 Introduction

03:02 What Is Quantum Biology?

17:00 How Do Robins Use Quantum Mechanics?

26:42 Where Does Quantum Tunneling Fit into Biology?

34:16 What is Quantum Decoherence?

40:03 Jim on His Preferred Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

43:18 Quantum Mechanics and the Arrow of Time

Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.