Editorial

Applications of ideas from physics to study situations in biology are not new. Pauling, Crick and Watson and other scientists right from Einstein had been applying physics to solve biological problems. However, since The structure of the genes was studied by X-rays, a host of the latest applications ranging from electron microscopy, NMR, ESR to laser and fibre optics have become quite common to study medical problems, Quantum theoretical applications are new to biology. Electrons moving through a green leaf as well as a green sulphur bacterial bloom have been observed to be effectively performing a quantum "random walk to seek the optimum path to solar energy. A parallel can be sought in the "random walk" of the conduction electrons choosing a particular path in an integrated circuit changing according to conditions- After all Einstein's earlier work was on Brownian motion.

The olfactory bulb of an adult mouse may provide the sense of smell via quantum vibrations. Tunnelling is a quantum effect. When light passes through glass, it is tunnelling. When we walk, we take quantum steps. This is more evident when climbing stairs. Without our knowing It, we apply quantum mechanics in life.

This has another interesting application. The free-radicals produced by the body's break-down of food or environmental toxins have a spare electron. This is what it makes dangerous when it travels in the blood stream. Catechins are among the important organic compounds found in tea some fruits and vegetables. These compounds seek the free-radicals and the electron in catechins attaches itself to the electron in the free-radial by tunneling making the free-radical non-dangerous. Tunnelling is the ability to cross an energy gap because of the wave associated with the particles,

The study of the micro effects of the motion of electrons in bacteria stimulated by lasers and the application of quantum theories in biology molecules and the utilization of the latest techniques in medicine has clearly demonstrated the advantages of synergetic interaction with other fields.