Jim Al-Khalili - Quantum Life: How Physics Can Revolutionise Biology

In this Friday Evening Discourse at the Royal Institution, Professor Jim Al-Khalili explores how the mysteries of quantum theory might be observable at the biological level.
Jim's book "Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology" is available to buy now - geni.us/kJrKCz
Although many examples can be found in the scientific literature dating back half a century, there is still no widespread acceptance that quantum mechanics -- that baffling yet powerful theory of the subatomic world -- might play an important role in biological processes. Biology is, at its most basic, chemistry, and chemistry is built on the rules of quantum mechanics in the way atoms and molecules behave and fit together.
As Jim explains, biologists have until recently been dismissive of counter-intuitive aspects of the theory and feel it to be unnecessary, preferring their traditional ball-and-stick models of the molecular structures of life. Likewise, physicists have been reluctant to venture into the messy and complex world of the living cell - why should they when they can test their theories far more cleanly in the controlled environment of the physics lab?
But now, experimental techniques in biology have become so sophisticated that the time is ripe for testing ideas familiar to quantum physicists. Can quantum phenomena in the subatomic world impact the biological level and be present in living cells or processes - from the way proteins fold or genes mutate and the way plants harness light in photosynthesis to the way some birds navigate using the Earth's magnetic field? All appear to utilise what Jim terms "the weirdness of the quantum world".
The discourse explores multiple theories of quantum mechanics, from superposition to quantum tunnelling, and reveals why "the most powerful theory in the whole of science" remains incredibly mysterious. Plus, watch out for a fantastic explanation of the famous double slit experiment.
Watch this video on the Ri Channel with additional learning materials:
bit.ly/X826sE
Friday Evening Discourses
The tradition of Friday evening discourses at the Royal Institution was started by Michael Faraday in 1825. Since that time most major scientific figures have spoken in the famous Lecture Theatre at the heart of the Ri building at 21 Albemarle Street. Notable talks include Faraday announcing the existence of the technology of photography in 1839 and J.J. Thomson announcing the existence of the fundamental particle later called the electron in 1897.
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[@bryan__m]

I'm by no means an expert, but I think it's fair to say that I know more than the average person about quantum mechanics. I was reading Feynman books in middle school, took AP physics in high school, and physics in college (even ran the double slit experiment myself as part of the course). Now out of college (for quite some time) I still often read and watch quantum mechanics materials because I find the subject fascinating. This particular presentation has been one of the most informative and easy to follow that I've ever seen. Even when Professor Al-Khalili was describing something I've known about for decades, he managed to do it in such a way that I gained new insight, so much so that it caused me to exclaim out loud more than once. I especially love how he clarifies things for his particular audience, knowing they aren't all physicists (for instance, when he clarifies that he's talking about the nucleus of an atom, not the nucleus of the cell, even though it would have been painfully obvious to people with a physics background). Kudos to Professor Al-Khalili and thanks so much to the Royal Institution for hosting and posting his talk!

[@ningxiabird]

He's great isn't he ? Just in case you didn't know, he has a regular spot on BBC radio 4 called "The life scientific" where he interviews leading contemporary scientists.

[@f.r.i.e.n.d.s.forlyf9748]

What do u do now? Hopefully something in physics?

[@bryan__m]

@@f.r.i.e.n.d.s.forlyf9748 funnily enough I got a degree in chemical engineering and I now work as a data analyst at a construction equipment firm. So pretty far from it!

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

It's a pleasure! It's all about extending the reach of our public events outside of the lecture theatre! - We have a short film with Jim on quantum navigation in Robins coming up next, so check back soon!

[@Epicsandmore24]

Did he say that the electrons moved by themselves after the switch for measuring the slit was turned off. I read it somewhere along the of You had two particles on the surface, then after the measurement parameter was off, there was a wave of potentialities. Implying that they did move by themselves after it was off.

[@maliksulaimandawood8146]

0p

[@rachaell.m.lyones8335]

As a student of biology, I LOVE quantum mechanics and want to see as many potentials of combining the two disciplines as possible!

[@nezmaf]

Rachael L.M. Lyones Hi

[@rajukep6599]

Same😂😂😂

[@Johansebastion]

Check out Bruce Lipton and Tom Campbell chat. It’s amazing

[@alicat7281]

I hope whoever is paying for this lecture is paying you a lot of money. Because you are doing a great job coming up with such bs in such short order. I think it’s worth at least a billion dollars per hour, don’t you?

[@alicat7281]

Now you are going somewhere. Consciousness. Keep going.

[@macbuff81]

I hated physics in high school. I esp. had trouble with the concept of spin. I still haven't quite grasped it I think, but I am trying. Listening to lectures like these and similar one on shows like SciShow really makes me want to understand it. And indeed, presenters like Jim make complex science like this accessible and fun. Really really cool! If I understand the science correctly, quantum entanglement would seem to suggest that faster than light communication is possible. I like when different disciplines like physics and biology come together to give us a really deep understanding of the world around us and, which is very cool, might also give us an understanding of consciousness. In other words, what makes you you and me me. Something that seems to be an inevitable consequence of how the universe works. This also raises intriguing questions when it comes to emerging field of AI. At what point does a sophisticated emulation of a biological system become truly conscious? I think this is something we need to address rather soon since the science of AI is evolving quite quickly. The RI truly is a great human treasure. Advancing science through collaboration and playful curiosity

[@theKashConnoisseur]

I started this video going "Geez, I recognize this guy's name from somewhere..." and then at the start he mentioned his book Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed. I keep it at work at my desk. A very good book, worth the read.

[@hellosnackbar]

Jim is top of the tree as a lecturer and deserves some serious accolades!I look forward to his future programs!

[@gravityrules]

777

[@gravityrules]

777

[@gravityrules]

8778

[@gravityrules]

8u88888888888888877

[@gravityrules]

888888888uu888877

[@thegreatdisillusionist]

This is so interesting. I wish I had never abandoned school at a rather young age. There is so much to learn in life.

[@applepeel1662]

The funny thing is that I was given an introduction to these topics but I never really understood them. I love the internet

[@hak2187]

بروفيسور اني فخورة بيك والعراقيين هم فخورين بيك ماتدري شكد سعداء أن حضرتك دتوصل لكل هالمراتب موفق 💕💕

[@T2Exile]

omg this is so sick. Im a bio major but I absolutely LOVE physics. And Ive often wondered how in anyway physics and bio can be incorporated. This vid just broadened my view.

[@sax1ize]

The best talk I ever heard I don't know where to start, thank you Sir!

[@mrwideboy]

I studied under Jim at university, he was a really good lecturer he made them interesting

[@pchamney]

Thanks so much to Professor Al-Khalili and the Ri for this. I'm a layperson with a very limited science background, and very much appreciate accessible presentations like this one!.

[@agooddoctorfan651]

Yes!

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

Thanks for all the comments everyone!

[@cndbrn7975]

So, effectively the robins eyes, being somewhat hermaphrodite, is the product of Quantum tunneling?

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

Thank you for posting this interesting lecture! "Life is but a veil It's paths are dark and rough Only because We don not know enough. When science Has discovered something more, We shall be happier Than we were before." Hilaire Belloc ( 1870 - 1953 )

[@louispadron3255]

Love it ! Did this experiment in college and understood the wavelike behavior of light - we never were giving more info about the atomic detector or lack thereof pertaining to the presence of the interference pattern... love how something seemingly so simple is just not understood and this is why quantum physics is amazing - cheers

[@billhong4216]

My thanks to Jim for this great presentation, seven years after the event though.

[@garciassun7020]

This is the most amazing thing I have heard when it comes to the field of Physics and Biology in long while. Simply amazing the seemingly opposite sciences are so deeply connected.

[@lyrimetacurl0]

I thought physics and biology were already connected through biomechanics 😁

[@Illawarra13]

Jim Al-Khalili is a great communicator and perhaps because of this, we should be careful not to confuse conjecture with fact. Just because our current best guesses about the physical world are communicated with assurance and vigour, this doesn't make them true...

[@jackmoores5209]

Yes, I agree his documentary on shock and awe which was very good but he made remarks on Tesla towards the end of his life about losing his mind is quite far from the truth. Being in a higher conscious state as Nikola was should not be looked at from a declining mental state but an ascending to which mediocre minds have been stuck in since his time.

[@mikestevens8012]

His science is well grounded , known , tested ,repeated , agreed upon by most professionals , the data is right 98% , some small corrections will occur , in precision , not altering the nature of our understanding , change will allways go on , it seams to advance slow now , the low fruit is gone , groups of guys spending decades to perfect a blue ray player. For instance , it was allways going to be blue , higher frequency. More space for data.

[@sarahjett8417]

TY

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

Fantastic, it will be interesting to see how the field of quantum biology develops.

[@PianoGesang]

If you are interested there is also a new field called Quantum Conscience and IMHO it overlaps with Quantum Biology. Sorry consciousness

[@DIONYABA]

Much respect to Mr. Al Khalili !! Thanks for sharing :^)

[@PutuDharmaMahaYusa]

I can feel Imagination in Him, in physics! And that makes this lecture somehow intresting What a great lecture

[@charlesflannery4610]

A good teacher can make a subject that you may think is boring come to life and be fascinating. Unfortunately the converse is true -- I have had subjects I have loved and hated the classes because of poor teaching.

[@ptahhotep8888]

Charles Flannery was

[@rgoodwinau]

I suspect quantum biology holds the keys to many of the mysteries of life.

[@k29king1]

The British version of Michio Kaku, he has the British version of excitement for physics, it’s great. Keeps me engaged.

[@sattarabus]

Jim is a very vibrant and lucid communicator. Quantum entanglement is not an easy subject to expound. It can cause even the most attentive listener to de-cohere into thin air. The quiddity of this lecture is that you can enjoy it even if you don't understand the ramifications of the theme. The magic of how and who triumphs over the relative complexity of the what.

[@Gary-Anglebrandt]

Lucid is the exact word for Dr. Jim! He's a genius at relaying these concepts.

[@sandystorey5711]

I'm really interested in Quantum Mechanics. Thank you for the free videos. Please to continue to upload them. It's much appreciated :)

[@davidjames9626]

This guy is to my mind the first person of science who has ever moved me, I find his use of language in describing quantum events where I was spell bound like listening to baroque music..suddenly seeing a pattern of existence which throws light on existence, whereby the micro world has different laws/ways of behaviour and it is astonishing and very beautiful..

[@livehabesha4642]

The only physicist that can reach the minds of lay people. Respect 🙏

[@karlschmied6218]

Oh no! Please! He is one of many. Are you blind?

[@malarieharris5054]

"lay" people?

[@captrath2879]

His explanations are so simple to understand to laymen like me. Very engaging indeed.

[@MarcF.Nielssen]

Brilliant. Mindblowing. Fascinating.

[@robchevalley8960]

Quantum physics is consciousness, things are aware of being observed and behave differently when they are observed

[@medfaxx1]

Hi Jim Al-Khalili, Thank you for a very nice, well presented understandable explanation. This is a video/teaching session that is long overdue and needed. One slight correction that you may or may not be aware of. Albert Szent-Gyorgi ( Nobel prize Krebs Cycle about 1938) published "Introduction to Submolecular Biology" in 1960. His book is the first I've found on the quantum physics aspect of submolecular biology. Saw where you attributed "first" to someone in 1962 or 63 but a fyi that Szent-Gyorgi was trying to explain the potential of medicine sub atomically prior to then. Loved your video and look forward to seeing more. Great job.

[@miguelferreiramoutajunior2475]

It is indeed all very nice civilization, till their traison decapitates you just for being non-muslim. I have spanic blood, thus I know very well how the historical glorious islamic science - and people - hiddes a totally perverse desire. Sorry.

[@spijkerpoes]

Miguel Ferreira Mouta Junior sorry indeed.. ..as is the way of our people

[@II-we2yp]

Thank you for the superb lecture, Professor Al-Khalili.

[@jeffknott7360]

I prefer the saying "if you think you understand quantum mechanics, you dont understand quantum mechanics"

[@mariocepeda2797]

Ha ha! Like the 60's!

[@aaaaaaaaooooooo]

You understand it until your understanding is put under observation.

[@BJohn429]

@@aaaaaaaaooooooo )lllpppppp

[@ALavin-en1kr]

It is as Heraclitus the Ancient Greek philosopher saw it: All is flux. The ancients knew about the quantum even though they did not call it that.

[@ALavin-en1kr]

We are nowhere close to understanding magnetism yet; we have a little understanding of electro magnetism. It will likely be a couple of more millenniums before magnetism itself is understood. It won’t happen anytime soon. Nature which operates as instinct only can key into it without a problem. Intellect in humans is more of a problem than a help with this. Nature operates according to laws and instinct without the interference of reason which is helpful to humans as partially embedded in nature as biology but also outside it in hyperspace where human cognition resides. We are partly in nature and partly outside of it, our cognition is good as it is objective but it also separates us from the total experience. Unless we consciously experience it in a peek experience which our cognitive faculties cannot quite process and makes explaining it to others as something there is no language for so it has to remain as a personal experience only.

[@93thelema777]

If the universe is a computer simulation,it would make sense to implement certain types of data compression and speed optimizations. What would be the point in calculating unobserved events to a high level of precision ? The logic being that the machine would save a large amount of it's compute power by only processing observed events to a high level of precision whilst generalizing unobserved events to an acceptable degree to increase CPU economy whilst still maintaining an accurate universe .

[@leejuicy]

Good to hear someone finally delineating quantum woo (likes of orch or) from science.

[@mattmcclure6352]

I just explained it ...and it bridges the chasm between Quantum and naturally observed physics

[@user-uq6ic8pw8x]

Simply brilliant this whole lecture was. I could never understand any other lecture videos. This is was smooth and very implicative. Thank you Professor and Thank you The Royal Institution.

[@BarryWahLee]

Pandemic research needed through a wave versus words and concepts of Quantum biology.

[@garylcroxford]

It's great to be able to see these presentations online - I would so love to get into London to see them live but because they are held generally Mon-Fri, because of work/life commitments I can't get there in the flesh! Excellent presentation though and well done for posting them in glorious hi-res for KZbin to enjoy. Thanks Ri!

[@traruhsynred3475]

Ah! He does get to this point after a bit. I should have listened all the way!

[@StephenDix]

26:49 thank you thank you thank you I finally understand this experiment!

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

You can delete the two annotations on the video.

[@michaelsuh6024]

Such an interesting talk, raising so many unknowns. I also like all the KZbin comments too!

[@bd7491]

I could listen to that dude all day.

[@woodwork5574]

Thank you Ri for these wonderful lectures.

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

You're very welcome. We're happy to have you here.

[@MWRiff]

My tutors were well educated but weren't working together and sometimes I felt a grim competition between their fields that was very confusing and off-putting for a young learner, then again I experienced only college Im sure if I got to university it would have been a different matter. Thank goodness for mediums like youtube, people can learn things without unnecessary pressure which makes the world of difference if you ask me, thanks for the vid!

[@vinnycrism]

Normally, I see comments like, “I don’t understand this”, but Jim just took such a twisted topic and simplified for my brain. Thanks :) loved it.

[@markmacdonald3260]

Fantastic lecture. Going to have to watch it again. Brand new subject for me with the biology component. Very exciting stuff.

[@chonrie1]

Two things come to mind. The Windex prankster birds, and Lost in An Echo. Seriously, though,... the guy is super smart. Hard to follow some times. Sweet.

[@thedelta88]

very insightful. I remember this guy from the BBC documentary about maths. great upload.

[@RayLNelson]

So many people have had great ideas but no way to explain them either mathematically or as a teacher. Realizing the greatest compounding effect (without which we have nothing) is our ability to teach and communicate our ideas to others so they can be expanded. Jim Al-Khalili is good at these things.

[@samdavison-wall4972]

I always thought it was the extreme gravity that fused hydrogen atoms to make helium! Never knew about the quantum tunnelling involved.

[@CountryboyNZ]

Goodness. Offer all this information for free, and its expected to deliver it in a demanded way of the viewer. I wonder what quantum mechanic that relates to! All this info is incredible and appreciated more than can be realised- in any form it is provided.

[@rosewood9874]

So fascinating to think that biological systems might be using things like quantum entanglement, quantum tunneling and superposition.

[@stephenboing]

Love that bow tie Professor! Three cheers for the Royal Institute.

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

It was good wasn't it! As it was only a short Q&A and we've been really busy this month, we've had to prioritise other films! If we can find the time to get it up we will! Thanks for watching!

[@ryanaball]

The Royal Institution what a great service. Your efforts are so essential. Do not be discouraged. Do not let your light go out.

[@edwardmirza]

Are there any lectures talking about fine tuning and the seven clouds we know and the seven harmonic notes?

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

No problem and thanks for watching! - Everything looks a lot nicer in HD doesn't it? Especially if you're watching these through your TV.

[@colinhedges4689]

Hahahaha I’m sat here with an 85” tv with KZbin built in and it’s on mute as I watch this through my phone….. I am never going to understand quantum physics am I?

[@teacherkimtv6795]

It's a pleasure to be able to watch this. omg this is my kind of netflix and chill.

[@14shubi]

Thnak you Ri for truly amamzing content.

[@enquirygametechnologymetho2271]

thank you! we use in practise what Dr. explained, and we see how the biology is affected, improved in the process... to finish with expressions from the people that uses ENQUIRY, like I feel that I'm healed, relieved... in minutes of the process. I will get in touch with Dr.

[@MrPerfectlogic]

Interesting, but the presentation spread over to many subjects. He should have focused on quantum life. When he eventually got to the point his time runned out. To put it in quantum terms, when he eventually got to the point the cat was already dead!

[@geoffringham1051]

Yes he does over talk the subject. I commented on this regarding his presentation of ' The Double Slit Experiment.'

[@ajjimenez9140]

😄😄😄😂🤣

[@davidkincade7161]

The idea that a cell is too “messy” of an environment is a hold over or related idea akin to cells being “bags of water”. It’s highly ordered and much will be learned by looking at all that “mess” as having communication functions... the idea that quantum entanglement is imbedded in it will reveal itself as the only answer regardless of whether you can pick out a certain example right away. Looking at the whole thing will slowly reveal the right spot to “show it” will likely reveal itself only when the entire “mess” is more completely understood. I hear photosynthesis is being studied intensely - makes sense to me- energy states- electron manipulation...... if it quacks like a duck.... Great presentation! Thanks!

[@Tossphate]

I really wanted to attend this lecture- thanks for sharing!!! (please dont sell the building)

[@ritamorris1783]

I love quantum physics the little that I can understand !!I I read about it all the time 🤔😄

[@roelwieers4566]

Absolutely Fascinating !

[@michaeljoseph3528]

The world is mysterious and unfathomable, yet marvelous. After 45 years of studying Carlos Castaneda's field-study, as a UCLA PhD candidate, of the Shamans of Mexico I'm convinced quantum physics verifies the contentions and observations contained in his eleven best-seller books. I now have a better grasp of what his teacher, Don Juan Matus, meant when he said:"We are perceivers." Carlos' final book "The Active Side of Infinity" unveils the dance between our fate to give the Universe consciousness and it's power of "Intent" over us. Ergo, "entanglement" says it best. Michael Antonio Joseph, BSc, JD

[@DANNY40379]

The easy answer is that the act of observing the atom forces you to interact with it and "collapse" its wave function, there is no magic behind this, he could have explained it a little further but decided not to to keep the explanation interesting. Tecnically speaking once the atom leaves the gun it could be anywhere in the universe but that is another story...

[@Dyslexic-Artist-Theory-on-Time]

This is an invitation to see a theory on the physics of light and time that gives us an objective understanding of quantum mechanics.

[@bergweg]

31:26 Would it be more correct to say that the detector senses the particle, thereby influencing it? i.e. it's not the act of human observation but the detectors influence on the particle that leads to the collapse.

[@xrisku]

bergweg but the detector is how humans "see", therefore it is still human interference.

[@christianschwalbach7561]

xrisku via proxy

[@crash5868]

Best ever demo of the two slit experiment.

[@danabee3775]

Wonderful lecture! What a bliss to watch Professor Jim. Thank you, Sir, for your input and such a good spin on super difficult and mysterious concept. Seriously, a lecture super well put together, quantum physics and mechanics are rather difficult to go through and here is a fantastic summary of that crazy particles zoo pictured in the world of biology and all is wrapped into one hour of delicious brain food. Yay! I have been wondering about the same thing - how could all the models of subatomic particles with its spooky properties explain processes that take place in a cell? Imagine, all the applications based on full understanding and using these principles in biology once we crack that code!

[@el6178]

Al Khalili has a captivating manner that reaches out and engages even the laziest among us. His biggest passion is education as well as physics.

[@matthewseaman8021]

This was awesome. Thank you

[@LynneSagen]

I see several have offered their comments on how this works, Mine - is that the sensor when active add's it's own electro-magnetic field to the field created by the atoms, thus with the additional interferance field it' "focuses" the pattern - reducing the number of interference points between the atoms or wave fronts as they travel. Remove it and they are doing their own thing in free space again. If I remember correctly (been a while I could be off) we did something similar with light. Anyway - when you introduced the sensor you changed the electromagnetic fields and thus changed the experiment. - And yes the Atoms are Sentient enough to know and thus mess with your experiment and your mind ;-)

[@dsweet5273]

Look at the delayed choice quantum eraser experiment if you wanted the double slit experiment to be even more mind blowing....

[@megankinnaird9372]

Usually I watch videos to help me fall asleep. Pretty hard to do when the subject matter is this interesting... He's always had a way with wording things in a way that's easier to understand...😌

[@syntaxed2]

What if quantum tunnelling was the primary driver for two primordial organic masses, that could not otherwise merge, to suddenly merge and share information?

[@casslittleford1398]

Hi Jim , I just watched your video about firing Atoms through two slits. You asked for a response if someone thought of an answer on how the Atoms react when the sensor or measurement device is on or secretly unplugged. I was just woundering if it has to do with the sensors light beam , or wave that senses the Atoms going by. When turned on it changes the pattern by interfering with the Atoms as they pass through the beam that is produced by the sensor. And when it's secretly unplugged (lol) no interference on the Atoms and the pattern changes accordingly. Just a thought , and I enjoyed you presentation thanks.

[@okeytextiles822]

Fantastic lecture Quantum mechanics is playing important role in all subjects like chemistry organic chemistry physics and biology including zoology.Every is interconnected with universe Thanks to the Instution who arranged and Dr.thank you very muchTirupur KandasamyI India

[@rosemacaskie]

"Love heralds should be thoughts that ten times faster fly than suns beams chasing back shadow over lowering hills". Juliet romeo and juliet. Shakespearrre. mind you if he is talking about how fast a shadow moves ie a cloud moves it dose not fit in with what you say but if he is talking of hte suns beams then it does..

[@jackmoores5209]

Christian texts tell us god is love, Ed Leeskalnin's love for his sweet sixteen was so great that god's love showed him the mysteries of levitation.

[@anaghaanilkumar5879]

THANKS SIR! WORTH LIFE & TIME TO LISTEN TO YOU!

[@charlesbrightman4237]

To me, Double-Slit experiment explained: Whether an atom is shot out or an electron is shot out, a moving electrical charge generates a magnetic field. That magnetic field moves along with the moving electrical charge acting like a moving wave. The moving magnetic field interacting with atoms/molecules of the gun itself, the atoms/molecules in the medium it is going through (ie: air), or at a minimum the atoms/molecules that surround the tiny slit, generate electromagnetic radiation photons which are a wave. The atom/electron going through one slit (along with a portion of the magnetic field), has the energy of the magnetic field concentrated on the atom/electron. The other slit just has the magnetic field and/or EMR photons going through it. When a detector is present and on, it's energy affects the magnetic and/or EMR photons so that they don't spread out. When the detector is off, and in and of itself does not interfere with the outgoing energy of the slit, then the EMR photons are a wave that spreads out and gives an interference pattern. Isn't this even more logical than some of the other explanations? No fancy hocus pocus needed, just basic science?

[@charlesbrightman4237]

Olga Olgaki By "door" do you mean tiny "slit"? Assuming that is what you mean right now, if only the "slit" is open that the electron/atom goes through, I believe you would not see the pattern as the energy would be concentrated on the electron/atom. If the other "slit" is the only one open, then the electron/atom would not be going through the opposite "slit" because it is closed. (No wave at all coming from that "slit" then). The interaction of the detector itself and whether it is on or off, "I believe" (and I certainly could be wrong), has to do with the energy of the detector itself (including any energy that may come from it). The way I am looking at all of this is that 1) Pure energy is the singularity of everything in existence in this universe, 2) Everything in existence can be reduced to that pure energy singularity and can be understood in those terms, 3) In this specific case, look at the entire experiment as if it is only all pure energy, 4) Follow the flow and interaction of energy and you will probably find your answers. Please keep in mind, this is only a mind experiment on my part and I certainly could be wrong. Make sure though that you account for all the pertinent energy. To me, the more logical and scientific explanation is probably the correct one.

[@charlesbrightman4237]

Olga Olgaki With only one "door" open and the detector is on, do you get the pattern?

[@charlesbrightman4237]

Olga Olgaki That's okay on "door" versus "slit", I just wanted to make sure we were talking about the same thing. Language barriers have their own situations that have to be worked through. I did figure though that is what you meant as I don't know what else it could of meant, but I just wanted to be sure, thank you. If I understand your above comment correctly, you are saying that with only one door open, you still get the interference pattern? Is that correct? With the detector on, does it detect the (what are you sending through, an atom or an electron or what?) item you are sending through? Yes or no? It is only a theory on my part but it goes something like this: 1) Moving electrical charges generate a magnetic field. 2) Atoms, molecules, protons, and electrons that are moving are moving electrical charges and hence generate moving magnetic fields. 3) That moving magnetic field interacts with other atoms, molecules, protons and especially electrons along the way. 4) The interactions with those other electrons (via those electrons magnetic fields), electron -> generated magnetic field / interaction / generated magnetic field

[@charlesbrightman4237]

Olga Olgaki As far as the detector being on or off, take a look at how it's energy interacts with the photon energy coming through and/or from the door frame.

[@matlord8799]

The electron is not interfering with any atoms inside the double split experiment, you can suck out the air and do it in a vacuum. The reason electrons behave like a wave and a particle in the experiment is because the electron takes every possible route through the space at the same time, like a wave does, allowing a single electron to interfere with it's self by taking every possible route through both slits, creating the pattern on the other side.

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

I am desperate to learn more about relativistic effects on biochemistry. I know relativistic chemistry takes into account general relativity of electrons in heavy elements. But, what about light elements?

[@robcohn3442]

If the detector is plugged in, YOU KNOW it's plugged in! If you know, they know. . you know?

[@Tysoreny]

k(no)w

[@dreadthefeds]

Rob Cohn nah because you’re observing the particles and when you’re observing the particles while being measured, they account for that. So what I’m saying is, where there is perspective, there is certainty. Where there is the possibility of observation, there is uncertainty, therefore waves not particles

[@Shpongledbluehaze]

Obviously you haven't plugged in something, left, came back and it was no longer plugged in; or plugged in your headphone, stood up and immediately they yank unplugged.

[@4nc13nt]

once plugged in it observes by interacting trough a stream/field of photons, that has to bounce back. So it interacts with it. That's how it knows..

[@lyrimetacurl0]

@@4nc13nt I would expect that if the detector was on but it concealed its own signal ("didn't beep") then it would still produce the interference pattern. Since the "delayed choice quantum eraser" experiment does a similar thing - it detects it (thus causing interaction), then deletes the result, and it shows an interference pattern. A test I would try is to find out where the cut off point is for measuring something - for example, if you got one group to work the detector but the detector deletes the result, then one where the detector records the results at first but then deletes them after the experiment is run, one where it records the result but the team doesn't look at the result and instead destroys the data without looking, and another as above but they wait till the end (so they can see whether it produced an interference pattern) and then check. Or better still, the quantum paradox eraser experiment: send a sub-light speed electron at a detector in a quantum delayed choice eraser setup, then send a photon that signals to the mechanism to delete the data if no interference pattern has appeared but not delete the data if an interference pattern has appeared. This would probably require some large distances to pull off but would be interesting. If anyone knows of a time when they actually did something like any of these then please link something.

[@infiniteinfiniteinfi]

As a student of quantum mechanics, cellular biology and surrounding fields, I'm looking forward to the development of this infant field.

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

I love this juicy brainy stuff even though I don't understand it!

[@rajwarnakulasuriya5935]

Mike Fuller .... Actually 4701 of them (so far) like it including Jim Al Khalili the presenter, and none of them understands anything, they just pretends to understand , so you are not alone. Lots of big scientific words, mostly assumptions, yet no real answers and they still get away with it. They don't have a bloody clue how consciousness arise however they talk about life. Talk about conmen.

[@johnattwood7114]

You understand it a 'bit, otherwise u couldn't appreciate it.

[@sirisena7669]

Same here

[@jjcale539]

@@rajwarnakulasuriya5935 so on what do you base this enlightened view....? oooh sorry..you must be Einstein reincarnated....

[@arivaldodeoliveira5700]

Continue to consume quality mental food.

[@larryfroot]

I wonder if Jim ever dreamed he would be lecturing on the quantum physics involved in the European Robin's migration? Extraordinary.

[@Jack7967]

Very interesting presentation! I need to know the answer to that question though! Why would some abstract concept such as "an observer" have a real deterministic affect on the path of atoms!? He said that math explains this? How does one represent "an observer" in math terms and why does this change the equations? This video did tell me something new with how birds navigate but mostly it has just opened up way more questions than when I started watching this haha.

[@daphnemaclean4204]

I believe it is the electrical current of the observer that is interfering with the wave pattern. Why hasn't anyone thought of this?

[@Animuldok]

an "observer" is any interaction with something other than the waveform itself. Interaction collapses the waveform (going from the unknown probabilistic function to the determined function) with the understanding that measuring something requires interaction.

[@jovanasavic4357]

I think the easiest way to get what the observer is and how the math works is to see how it works in control theory, since that's more practical. But, simply put it's that every measurement makes a change. If you want to see the position of the ball, for example, you can do it by shinning the light on it. You did influence it, but it's negligible. But, if what you're measuring is the electron then that light makes a huge deal.

[@patrickmfallon2463]

Excellent Jim. Great work. Science is art.

[@neilkadu8745]

maybe quantum things happen in higher dimensions that we could never understand because we are stuck in 3 dimensions.

[@donsolenodon]

Sometimes, these three dimensions feel like a prison.

[@svenwoldt8268]

Sir I am sorry but we are stuck in 4 dimensions. Just to be correct!

[@nyctreeman]

Sven, yes we do, but what about "stuff" that is under the Planck limit of size? When something loses locality, it is no longer in our dimensions.

[@avadhutd1403]

@@nyctreeman can u explain in detail please

[@nyctreeman]

The Planck limits or laws which have been demonstrated to be correct, show that there is a size limit to what we call matter or substance, and even time intervals ... thus the word "quantum" or quantized which simply means that there is a final "bit" or piece that exists within our space-time dimension. It's actually a form of digitization. Anything within our space-time dimension (with some spooky exceptions) has what physicists call "locality" ... meaning it's here, we can identify it's locality ... once something is smaller than the Planck limit in size, it is now so small that it loses locality and can exist outside of our space-time dimension. Think of it like a big piece of paper if you looked at it with a super powerful microscope ... you would see all kinds of stuff, huge fibers tangled together, bits of other stuff like ink perhaps, dust, debris, etc etc. Now suppose that piece of paper is our space-time dimension, and we're stuck in it because we are made of stuff that cannot slip through the holes that lead to the rest of whatever exists around the paper. If we could identify something that was small enough to do that, we could observe it leaving our dimension of space and time. Once outside of that dimension, the rules that govern us and the matter in our dimension no longer apply ... there is no time, there is no space as we know it. This is probably how entanglement works, entangled particles are not violating the speed of light because the speed of light only applies in our dimension ... once the particles are outside of that dimension, there is no more "speed" or limits that work in ours.

[@marthareal8398]

Dr. Al-Khalili, you had a most informative presentation. I understand in your technical language what the questions can be and why. Biology is different because of life and physics is about energy but life needs energy. I would consider a very grand opportunity of listing to one of your lecture live and a Q&A session available. Thank you for your time, I understand the risk and the limited “time” you have. Gracias!

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

22:30 I used to carry around Roger Penrose's book Shadows of the Mind to look clever. I can't read more than 2 or 3 pages of a fat brainy book like that without getting bored. I can not read well anyway! I just switch off to science documentaries on particle physics. Cheers - Mike.

[@narayankhanal9662]

It is always Worth to take your wisdom

[@leo333333able]

what is the difference between unplugging the detector and removing the detector?

[@seekeezhang5763]

Thou Art That photon

[@leo333333able]

Seekee Zhang ok ...collapsing the wave function. What about leaving it plugged in and then smashing it to pieces before looking at the measurement? ..??..?

[@michaelwolfmer2377]

Thou Art That the detector will still act as an observer even though you didn't look at it because it's not affected by you but by interactions done to the particle that is what observer is in quantum mechanics (I am not an expert nor do i know anything about quantum mechanics my comment is merely a reflection of what i understand from reading and watching videos on quantum mechanics i don't clam that it is true nor do i clam that is wrong but my comment is how i think about it if you can tell me why i am wrong providing proof i will be willing to change the way i think about it )

[@leo333333able]

michael wolfmer I'm in the same not-entirely-sure boat as you on this.

[@Darkduke1000]

Thou Art That They don't have a detector it's bs they use a bbo crystal to entangle the photons then light splitters to multiple points to see the interference pattern. Basically the whole thing is just rubbish if it has Quantum in the title just write it of lol

[@samsonian]

I particularly love the notion that ‘yes, quantum mechanics is quite complex and strange...and so is consciousness...but we don’t know if they are connected.’ It truly captures in one quirky comment the exact nature of what it is we’re trying to find out; I would like to add (IMHO) the pieces of sacred geometry and the nature of vortices to the equation as the truly grand extreme puzzle. I’m quite convinced that understanding sacred geometry and vortices (gravity) and their contribution will answer why healing is affected by gravity. Also, it could more accurately explain how insects truly fly (reference Viktor Grebennikov’s study of scarab/beetle carapaces/insect wings and their shape effect on how gravity flows).

[@philipmcdonagh1094]

Now I know the fridge light is on when I close the door because I'm not in the fridge to keep an eye on it.

[@danieljones741]

...did you get me there or had i been got before i thought about being got? ;))

[@richardofoz2167]

I understand how the robin could use magetic inclination o determine latitude, but that's no more sufficient for navigation than it was for early sailors. How does it pull off the longitude trick?

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

44:00 What if the cat's own consciousness keeps it alive.

[@barbaratruan899]

Incredible! Thank you Jim Al-Kbalili!!!

[@envisionrex4026]

He is my cousin :)

[@blueeyes3555]

So has anyone figured it out yet , have you ? I have and it has left me with even more questions than answers. Tell your cousun I have the answer to the million dollar question and am ready for my prize. I posted it on this video comment section...It is a fact and I can prove it !

[@blueeyes3555]

@Lemon SplashIf your sure you want to go down the worm hole I'll give you the right position to do that. You have to be really sure, like I said it has absolutely stole 3 years of my life because it was hard to believe what I was seeing. Every morning I would wake up and run to mu computer to try to prove myself wrong and after 3 years of trying to do that or/and proving I didn't have pareidolia or some other mental problem I came to the conclusion that what I was seeing was/is really real. Even until this day I have to go to the computer every once in a while and see if it is still there , and it is. So you have to be really sure you want to see this.....