Can Biological Quantum Networks Solve NP‐Hard Problems?

Abstract

There is a widespread view that the human brain is so complex that it cannot be efficiently simulated by universal Turing machines, let alone ordinary classical computers. During the last decades the question has therefore been raised whether it is needed to consider quantum effects to explain the imagined cognitive power of a conscious mind. Not surprisingly, the conclusion is that quantum‐enhanced cognition and intelligence are very unlikely to be found in biological brains. Quantum effects may certainly influence signaling pathways at the molecular level in the brain network, like ion ports, synapses, sensors, and enzymes. This might evidently influence the functionality of some nodes and perhaps even the overall intelligence of the brain network, but hardly give it any dramatically enhanced functionality. The conclusion is that biological quantum networks can only approximately solve small instances of nonpolynomial (NP)‐hard problems. On the other hand, artificial intelligence and machine learning implemented in complex dynamical systems based on genuine quantum networks can certainly be expected to show enhanced performance and quantum advantage compared with classical networks. Nevertheless, even quantum networks can only be expected to solve NP‐hard problems approximately. In the end it is a question of precision—Nature is approximate.

Quantum Machine Learning and Bioinspired Quantum Technologies

“…[5] -A Review Article on the progress in using artificial neural networks to build quantum many-body states, by Zhih-Ahn Jia et al [6] In the quantum biomimetic field, we have -Contributions related to quantum synchronization via quantum machine learning, in the parallel works by Francisco A. Cárdenas-López et al [7] and Gabriel Garau Estarellas et al [8] -An article motivating the debate on possible quantum effects in conscious minds, by Göran Wendin. [9] We believe that this Special Issue will shed light on unexplored areas up to now, acting as the precursor for further exciting research in the field of bioinspired quantum technologies.…”

“…and Gabriel Garau Estarellas et al ‐An article motivating the debate on possible quantum effects in conscious minds, by Göran Wendin …”