Importance of Quantum Decoherence in Brain Processes

By Max Tegmark

Summary

Calculated decoherence time for microtubule superpositions: ~10⁻¹³ seconds (far below the ~10⁻¹ seconds needed for neural function). Concludes quantum effects cannot survive in the warm, wet, noisy brain environment.

Why It Matters

The most cited objection to quantum consciousness. Hameroff defends Orch-OR, citing ordered water in microtubules, cooperative lattice dynamics, and experimental results (Bandyopadhyay 2020) showing quantum vibrations at MHz frequencies.

Notes

This entry is a seed import from the Phase 1 Knowledge Inventory. It has not yet been manually reviewed.