Does Quantum Physics Affect the Cardiovascular System?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Identity
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Quantum Scale
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the potential influence of quantum physics on the cardiovascular system, particularly regarding the flow of oxygen and other chemicals in the body. Participants examine the scale at which quantum effects manifest and their implications for biological processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether quantum effects could alter the flow of oxygen or chemicals in the cardiovascular system, noting the visibility of atoms through electron microscopes.
  • Another participant suggests that quantum effects do have subtle influences, particularly regarding protons in hydrogen bonds, citing differences between heavy water (D2O) and regular water (H2O) due to zero-point energy differences.
  • A different participant emphasizes that the existence of O2 instead of just O in oxygen gas and phase transitions are evidence of quantum effects, asserting that chemistry itself demonstrates these effects even prior to the formal development of quantum mechanics.
  • One participant expresses a focus on quantum probability and Heisenberg's principles, indicating a narrower interpretation of quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant argues that a broader understanding of quantum effects is necessary, pointing out that modern electronics and the behavior of various materials are fundamentally based on quantum mechanics.
  • A participant acknowledges their limited understanding of physics, indicating a desire for clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a range of views on the relevance and implications of quantum effects in biological systems, with no clear consensus reached regarding the specific impacts on the cardiovascular system.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various aspects of quantum mechanics, including zero-point energy and quantum probability, but there are unresolved definitions and assumptions regarding the scale and nature of quantum effects in biological contexts.

Identity
Messages
151
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone, I had to write about the cardiovascular system in biology and that got me thinking, would quantum effects alter the flow of oxygen or other chemicals around the body? Atoms really aren't that small, electron microscopes can after all see them, but at what scale do quantum effects actually occur? Thanks. :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes- but in subtle ways. The largest effect would be for protons/H nuclei involved in H-bonds. For example, D2O (heavy water) has slightly different properties to H2O because of zero-point differences.
 
Identity said:
Hi everyone, I had to write about the cardiovascular system in biology and that got me thinking, would quantum effects alter the flow of oxygen or other chemicals around the body? Atoms really aren't that small, electron microscopes can after all see them, but at what scale do quantum effects actually occur? Thanks. :smile:

The fact that you have O2 instead of just O in ordinary oxygen gas, and that you can have a phase transition between solid and liquid, etc. are evidence of quantum effects. In fact, chemistry in general are evidence of quantum effects even before QM was discovered/formulated.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
The fact that you have O2 instead of just O in ordinary oxygen gas, and that you can have a phase transition between solid and liquid, etc. are evidence of quantum effects. In fact, chemistry in general are evidence of quantum effects even before QM was discovered/formulated.

Zz.

I assume the poster was referring to nuclear zero-point effects. I could be wrong.
 
hmmm actually I was more referring to quantum probability and Heisenbergian physics
 
Identity said:
hmmm actually I was more referring to quantum probability and Heisenbergian physics

Then you have a very narrow idea of what quantum mechanics and its effects are. Your modern electronics are "quantum effects". That is the only way we have understood the behavior of semiconductors, insulators, and ordinary conductors.

Zz.
 
Sorry, I only have a surface understanding of physics
 

Similar threads

Graduate Cause of spontaneous emission?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Graduate Macroscopic systems in the quantum theory book by Asher Peres
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate Quantum theory and the implications on human life
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
Undergrad A Bold New Take on Quantum Theory
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
Undergrad Does Decoherence get rid of all Quantumness?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Graduate Bulk and Slab electronic structure differences
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Admissions Safety School Programs for a Physics PhD
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Admissions Can someone critique my statement of purpose? (Master's Degree in Quantum Engineering)
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Validity of the Pauling Scale of Electronegativity?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
High School Is Time's Flow Affected by Cosmic and Quantum Scales?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K