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Nature:量子生物学里程碑!斯坦福团队首次在活体动物中拨动量子开关,远程遥控基因表达
生物世界· 2026-03-23 04:53
Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by Stanford University represents a groundbreaking achievement in bridging quantum physics and biology, successfully controlling spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP) dynamics in vivo using magnetic resonance technology, which opens new avenues for remote control of biological processes such as gene expression and highlights the broader potential of quantum tools in biomedicine [3][15]. Group 1: Quantum Biology Milestone - Scientists have long been curious about how weak magnetic fields influence living systems, with phenomena such as migratory birds navigating using Earth's magnetic field potentially linked to quantum mechanics [7]. - SCRP, a pair of special free radicals, can undergo chemical reactions based on their spin states, which can be subtly adjusted by external magnetic fields, akin to tuning a radio [7][8]. Group 2: Engineering Quantum Systems - The research team engineered a quantum-sensitive system in multicellular organisms by combining red fluorescent protein (RFP) and flavin cofactor, allowing the formation of SCRP in modified Caenorhabditis elegans [9]. - A sophisticated experimental setup was designed, utilizing Helmholtz coils for static magnetic fields and a ring resonator for radiofrequency magnetic fields, functioning as a quantum "remote control" to precisely manipulate the state of free radicals within the nematodes [11]. Group 3: Experimental Findings - The study observed a 6% decrease in the fluorescence intensity of RFP under appropriate static magnetic fields, which significantly increased when a specific frequency of radiofrequency magnetic field was applied, aligning with quantum theoretical predictions [12]. - The quantum coherence time of these free radical pairs exceeded 4 nanoseconds, demonstrating that quantum coherence can exist and be controlled in complex biological environments [13]. Group 4: Future Implications - The research signifies a shift in quantum biology from merely observing natural phenomena to actively designing and engineering applications, with potential future applications including non-invasive cancer treatments through remote gene expression control and the development of quantum-sensitive biosensors [15].
量子驱动的蛋白质成功制备
Ke Ji Ri Bao· 2026-01-21 23:10
Core Insights - Quantum biology has entered a new phase of practical application through the artificial design of quantum-driven proteins, specifically magnetic-sensitive fluorescent proteins (MFPs) that interact with magnetic fields and radio waves [1][2] - This research marks the first time that quantum effects have been transformed into a series of new technologies with practical value, moving from mere observation of natural quantum phenomena to actively utilizing and modifying these phenomena for real-world applications [1][2] Group 1 - The research team developed a prototype imaging device that utilizes principles similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate artificially modified proteins in vivo, enabling tracking of specific molecular or gene expression changes within biological systems [1] - This capability is significant for addressing medical challenges such as targeted drug delivery and tracking genetic changes within tumors [1] Group 2 - The creation of these proteins involved a bioengineering method called "directed evolution," which introduced random mutations into the DNA sequence encoding the protein, generating thousands of variants from which the best-performing mutants were selected through multiple rounds of screening and evolution [1] - The sensitivity of the resulting proteins to magnetic fields was significantly enhanced through this iterative process [1] Group 3 - The breakthrough relies on the deep integration of engineering biology, quantum physics, and artificial intelligence, showcasing the unpredictable path from scientific discovery to technological advancement [2] - The understanding of the quantum processes within the magnetic-sensitive fluorescent proteins is built upon years of research into the geomagnetic navigation mechanisms of birds, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration [2] Group 4 - The development of this technology is likened to equipping biological research with a "quantum radar," allowing scientists to actively direct a transformation rather than merely observing natural phenomena [3] - This innovation could enable doctors to visualize genetic changes within tumors in real-time, akin to weather forecasting, thereby allowing for precise targeting of drug therapies [3] - The research exemplifies how breakthroughs often emerge from cross-disciplinary collaboration, bridging fields such as avian navigation, protein modification, quantum physics, and AI [3]
新研究:生物体系中的质子转移受量子力学影响
Xin Hua She· 2025-05-16 13:59
Core Insights - A new study from Israel reveals that the proton transfer process in biological systems is significantly influenced not only by chemical factors but also by the quantum property of electron spin, providing a new physical perspective on energy and information transfer within cells [1][2] - The research indicates a coupling relationship between electron spin and proton transfer in chiral biological systems, challenging the traditional view of proton transfer as a purely chemical process [1][2] Group 1 - The research team from Hebrew University of Jerusalem published findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrating that injecting electrons with specific spin directions into lysozyme crystals significantly reduces proton mobility [1] - The study confirms the existence of a coupling mechanism between electron spin and proton transfer, suggesting that energy and information transfer in living systems may be more selective and controllable than previously thought [2] Group 2 - The findings align with the "chiral-induced spin selectivity" effect in quantum chemistry, indicating that chiral molecules interact selectively with electrons of different spin directions [2] - This research provides important evidence for the potential integration of quantum mechanisms in biological phenomena, paving the way for new biomimetic technologies aimed at controlling intracellular information transfer [2]