Towards Quantum Superposition of Living Organisms (uh-oh!)

Towards Quantum Superposition of Living Organisms (uh-oh!)

arxiv.org

The most striking feature of quantum mechanics is the existence of superposition states, where an object appears to be in different situations at the same time. Up to now, the existence of such states has been tested with small objects, like atoms, ions, electrons and photons, and even with molecules. Recently, it has been even possible to create superpositions of collections of photons, atoms, or Cooper pairs. Current progress in optomechanical systems may soon allow us to create superposition.

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I have to wonder what sort of unintended consequences from mucking about with quantum states of viruses. if this works, how long until the military start to look at possible weaponization of this -- especially if it scales up to multi-celled organisms, like soldiers.

One comment from technology review

But why bother? Performing a Schrodinger's cat experiment would be fun (although not for the virus). Romero-Isart and pals go further and say the work will "experimentally address fundamental questions, such as the role of life in quantum mechanics,and differences between many-world and Copenhagen interpretations". Perhaps.

[color=C35617]But their contention that it will also address "the role of consciousness in quantum mechanics" seems a step too far (although a flu virus may beg to differ).

arxiv.org
(visit the link for the full news article)

Originally posted by metamagic
I have to wonder what sort of unintended consequences from mucking about with quantum states of viruses. if this works, how long until the military start to look at possible weaponization of this -- especially if it scales up to multi-celled organisms, like soldiers.

The answer to that, I think, is not very long.

We are living in scary times, this is the first century where most huge countries on Earth have enough nuclear warheads to destroy the planet, the fallout will kill us all whenever WWIII hits. All out agriculture and infrastructure will be worthless.

But you always must stay one step ahead of your enemies in a world at war.