Intermolecular interactions within living organisms have been found to occur not as individual independent events but as a part of a collective array of interconnected events. The problem of the emergence of this collective dynamics and of the correlated biocommunication therefore arises. In the present paper we review the proposals given within the paradigm of modern molecular biology and those given by some holistic approaches to biology. In recent times, the collective behavior of ensembles of microscopic units (atoms/molecules) has been addressed in the conceptual framework of Quantum Field Theory. The possibility of producing physical states where all the components of the ensemble move in unison has been recognized. In such cases, electromagnetic fields trapped within the ensemble appear. In the present paper we present a scheme based on Quantum Field Theory where molecules are able to move in phase-correlated unison among them and with a self-produced electromagnetic field. Experimental corroboration of this scheme is presented. Some consequences for future biological developments are discussed.
The hypothesis that the synchronization and coherence of body systems and of the body's electromagnetic fields may be an important organizing principle in the organism is presented. A summary of early insights on synchronization and coherence in the organism is followed by the presentation of recent findings in neurobiology and other disciplines on synchronization within and between physiological systems and on interpersonal synchronization and coherence in social psychology and social neurobiology. This leads to the consideration of the role of synchronization and coherence in the overall integration of physiological systems, in body-mind integration, and in a field model of consciousness. Finally, the possible importance of synchronization and coherence for the optimal functioning of the organism and for health is discussed, and the possible biophysical relevance of Antonovsky's concept of a "sense of coherence" as a state of complete integration of all systems of body and mind, of holistic and optimal functioning, and optimal regulatory capability corresponding to a coherent integrated state of the physiological systems, the body's electromagnetic fields, and consciousness, which is known in various cultural traditions of the world.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.