Introduction
The ever-expanding frontiers of human knowledge continually propel us into the depths of the universe, prompting an evolution in our comprehension of the laws of physics and the essence of consciousness [
1-
3]. Within scientific inquiry, the relationship between the mind, brain, and quantum domain stands out as an intriguing and contentious area of exploration. This speculative field can be broadly categorized into three hypotheses: Mind-brain duality, quantum brain hypotheses, and quantum consciousness theories. Mind-brain duality postulates an intricate connection between the mind and the brain’s physical processes, suggesting that quantum phenomena within the brain could influence macro-level mental experiences. The quantum brain hypothesis proposes that principles such as superposition and entanglement play a role in the brain’s information processing and cognitive functions. Quantum consciousness theory posits that consciousness may have a quantum foundation, with the brain acting as a bridge between quantum phenomena and conscious experiences. These theories aim to unveil the elusive link between the quantum world and human consciousness [
4-
10]. In this article, we propose to delve into a captivating hypothesis suggesting that the speed of human brain-mind pulse transmission might exceed the speed of light.
The hypothesis: Faster-than-light information transfer
This article presents the intriguing possibility that the speed of human brain-mind pulse transmission might surpass the speed of light, denoted as “c” (approximately 299792458 m/s in vacuum). Although speculative and not widely accepted, this idea stems from the notion that the brain may engage in quantum processes facilitating faster-than-light communication [
11, 12].
Illustrating this concept, consider an astronaut, whom we shall refer to as Armstrong, stationed on the Moon, approximately 384000 km from Earth [
13]. The hypothesis suggests that even if Armstrong’s mental visualization of his home on Earth took just one second, it implies the transmission of a cognitive pulse from the Moon to Earth at a speed exceeding that of light. However, this scenario raises critical questions and challenges.
Challenges and implications
While faster-than-light brain-mind pulse transmission is fascinating, caution is necessary. This hypothesis challenges fundamental physics principles, particularly Einstein’s theory of relativity, which asserts that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. No empirical evidence supports information transfer at such speed within the human brain. Furthermore, the brain, a complex and still not fully understood organ, involves quantum processes whose precise role in cognition and consciousness remains an active area of research and debate [
12,
14, 15]. The concept of superluminal transmission within the brain raises significant questions about the processes involved and the mechanisms facilitating such communication.
Conclusion
Exploring the connection between the human mind, the brain, and the quantum realm remains a captivating frontier in scientific inquiry [
14]. The hypothesis that the speed of human brain-mind pulse transmission exceeds the speed of light challenges our current understanding of physics and cognition. While intriguing, this notion lacks empirical support and raises numerous questions about consciousness, brain function, and the fundamental principles of the universe. As scientific boundaries continue to be pushed, it is vital to approach such hypotheses with a blend of curiosity and skepticism. The mysteries of the mind and the quantum world are vast, necessitating further research and discoveries to illuminate these enigmatic connections. Only through rigorous investigation and exploration can we hope to deepen our understanding of the profound relationship between consciousness and the quantum realm.
Future considerations
Future considerations should delve into the specific quantum processes within the brain that could facilitate faster-than-light communication, addressing questions about the feasibility and mechanisms behind such phenomena.
Further exploration could focus on designing experiments or methodologies to empirically test the hypothesis of faster-than-light brain-mind pulse transmission, aiming to provide concrete evidence or refutation for this speculative idea.
Collaboration between physicists, neuroscientists, and cognitive scientists could enrich the investigation by integrating insights from different fields, offering diverse perspectives on the plausibility and implications of superluminal brain communication.
Consideration should be given to the ethical and philosophical implications of such a hypothesis, including its potential impact on our understanding of consciousness, free will, and the nature of reality, stimulating discussions beyond scientific boundaries.
References
- Davies P. Cosmic blueprint: New discoveries in natures ability to order universe. Pennsylvania:Templeton Press; 2004. [Link]
- Georgiev DD. Quantum information theoretic approach to the mind-brain problem. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2020 Dec;158:16-32. [DOI:10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2020.08.002] [PMID]
- Hameroff S, Penrose R. Consciousness in the universe: A review of the ‘Orch OR’theory. Phys Life Rev. 2014 ; 11(1):39-78. [PMID]
- Koch C, Hepp K. Quantum mechanics in the brain. Nature. 2006; 440(7084):611. [DOI:10.1038/440611a] [PMID]
- Kasabov NK. Time-space, spiking neural networks and brain-inspired artificial intelligence. Berlin: Springer; 2019.[DOI:10.1007/978-3-662-57715-8]
- Penrose R, Hameroff S. Consciousness in the universe: Neuroscience, quantum space-time geometry and Orch OR theory. J Cosmology. 2011. 14:1-17. [Link]
- Kauffman SA, Radin D. Quantum aspects of the brain-mind relationship: A hypothesis with supporting evidence. Biosystems. 2023; 223:104820. [DOI:10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104820] [PMID]
- Wendt A. Quantum mind and social science. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2015. [DOI:10.1017/CBO9781316005163]
- Hameroff S. Consciousness, neurobiology and quantum mechanics: The case for a connection. In: Tuszynski JA, editors. The emerging physics of consciousness. The frontiers collection. Berlin: Springer; 2006. [DOI:10.1007/3-540-36723-3_6]
- Stapp HP. Quantum interactive dualism, II: The libet and einstein-podolsky-rosen causal anomalies. Erkenntnis. 2006; 65(1):117-42. [DOI:10.1007/s10670-006-9017-y]
- Beck F, Eccles JC. Quantum aspects of brain activity and the role of consciousness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1992; 89(23):11357-61. [DOI:10.1073/pnas.89.23.11357] [PMID] [PMCID]
- Stapp HP. Quantum theory and the role of mind in nature. Found Phys. 2001; 31:1465-99. [DOI:10.1023/A:1012682413597]
- Bassi A, Cacciapuoti L, Capozziello S, Dell'Agnello S, Diamanti E, Giulini D, et al. A way forward for fundamental physics in space. NPJ Microgravity. 2022; 8(1):49.[DOI:10.1038/s41526-022-00229-0] [PMID] [PMCID]
- Atmanspacher H. Quantum approaches to consciousness. Stanford: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy; 2004. [Link]
- Schwartz JM, Stapp HP, Beauregard M. Quantum physics in neuroscience and psychology: A neurophysical model of mind-brain interaction. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2005; 360(1458):1309-27. [DOI:10.1098/rstb.2004.1598] [PMID] [PMCID]