Abstract

This research proposal outlines an experimental framework designed to explore the gravitational redshift within the microtubules of neurons. Building on principles derived from atomic physics and quantum mechanics, we aim to bridge the gap between quantum phenomena and biological systems, offering insights into the fundamental nature of gravity's influence on biological structures at the quantum level.

The gravitational redshift is observed in samples as small as one millimeter.1 Gravitational redshift is a phenomenon predicted by the theory of General Relativity. It occurs when light or other electromagnetic radiation emitted from an object in a strong gravitational field is increased in wavelength, or redshifted, as it climbs out of the gravitational well. This effect is observed because, according to General Relativity, the presence of mass curves spacetime, and the path of light follows this curvature. The energy of the light decreases (which corresponds to an increase in wavelength) as it moves away from the source of gravity. This is because, in a gravitational field, time runs more slowly closer to the source of the field. As light moves away from such a source, its frequency appears to decrease to an observer located at a higher gravitational potential. This decrease in frequency translates to a shift toward the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum, hence the term "gravitational redshift."

The magnitude of the gravitational redshift depends on the strength of the gravitational field through which the light is traveling. The stronger the gravitational field (i.e., the closer to a massive body like a planet, star, or black hole), the more significant the redshift. Gravitational redshift has been observed in various astrophysical contexts, including the light coming from the surface of white dwarfs and neutron stars, and it serves as a crucial test for the theories of gravity.

Researching gravitational redshift in neuron microtubules would involve exploring whether gravitational effects within the brain, particularly within microtubules, could influence quantum states in a way that contributes to consciousness or cognitive processes.

Roger Penrose, a mathematical physicist, suggested that quantum gravity could play a role in the collapse of the quantum wave function. In traditional quantum mechanics, the wave function describes a superposition of all possible states of a system. This wave function collapses to a single outcome when observed. Penrose hypothesized that this collapse is not merely a result of observation (as traditionally thought) but can occur spontaneously due to gravitational effects. According to Penrose, when a quantum system reaches a certain level of mass-energy difference between its possible states, the gravitational difference becomes significant enough to cause the system to "choose" a state in a process called "objective reduction" (OR), without the need for an external observer.

This would require linking the microscopic quantum gravitational effects predicted by Penrose23 with the biological structures and functions identified by Hameroff4, an ambitious and highly theoretical endeavor that would bridge physics, neuroscience, and the study of consciousness.

The Orch OR theory is highly speculative and has been met with skepticism by many in the scientific community. One of the main criticisms is the lack of empirical evidence supporting coherent quantum states within the warm, wet environment of the brain, which many argue would lead to rapid decoherence of quantum states.

But that all seemed to change with the results of a recent study where, Polyatomic time crystals of the brain neuron extracted microtubule are projected like a hologram meters away.5

The role of gravitational effects in brain function, particularly in wave function collapse, remains a controversial proposition.

Research Proposal:

Investigating Gravitational Redshift in Neuronal Microtubules

Recent advancements in quantum physics have enabled the precise measurement of gravitational effects on atomic scales, as demonstrated by experiments measuring the gravitational redshift across millimeter-scale atomic samples. Extending these principles to biological systems, particularly neuronal microtubules, presents a novel approach to understanding the intersection of gravity, quantum mechanics, and biology.

Objectives

• To develop an experimental setup capable of isolating and stabilizing neuronal microtubules in a controlled environment.
• To measure the gravitational redshift within these microtubules by detecting shifts in their vibrational frequencies.
• To analyze the implications of gravitational effects on quantum biological processes.

Methodology

1. Sample Preparation: Neurons will be prepared to isolate microtubules, maintaining their structural integrity.

2. Isolation Mechanism: Utilize magnetic or optical tweezers to stabilize microtubules in a controlled quantum state.

3. Frequency Measurement: Employ advanced spectroscopic techniques to detect minute changes in the vibrational frequencies of microtubules, indicative of gravitational redshift.

4. Data Analysis: Use computational models to analyze frequency shift data, comparing observed effects with theoretical predictions.

Equipment and Tools

• Magnetic/optical tweezers for microtubule stabilization
• High-precision spectroscopy equipment for frequency measurement
• Computational resources for data analysis and modeling

Expected Outcomes

The successful execution of this proposal is expected to provide the first measurements of gravitational effects within biological structures at the quantum level, potentially unveiling new insights into the role of gravity in biological processes and quantum biology.

Budget and Timeline

A detailed budget and timeline will be developed, encompassing equipment acquisition, experimental setup, data collection, and analysis phases, projected to span over three years.

Initial Lab Hardware

For your research proposal aiming to measure gravitational redshifts within neuronal microtubules, you would need to integrate advanced optical and magnetic tweezers technologies. These tools are crucial for manipulating and measuring the quantum mechanical properties of microtubules with the precision required to detect such subtle phenomena.

Optical Tweezers

C-Trap® Optical Tweezers: Offered by LUMICKS, these are dynamic single-molecule microscopes that allow for simultaneous manipulation and visualization of single-molecule interactions in real-time. They combine high-resolution optical tweezers with fluorescence and label-free microscopy, integrating an advanced microfluidics system for a comprehensive solution to study molecular dynamics.

Modular Optical Tweezers from Thorlabs: This system provides a tool for trapping and manipulating microscopic-sized objects with a laser-based trap. It includes a high-precision 100X oil immersion objective lens and a 10X air condenser, making it suitable for a range of biological experiments. The system features adjustable force and spot size settings, ensuring precise control over the manipulation of microtubules.

Magnetic Tweezers

Magnetic Tweezers Technology: According to information from Frontiers in Physics, magnetic tweezers are capable of applying forces up to about 20 pN at distances of about 1 mm, using NdFeB magnets and standard beads. This force is sufficient for many single-molecule applications. Magnetic tweezers technology also includes electromagnetic tweezers, which offer efficient feedback loops for stable force clamps and the ability to modulate the strength and direction of the magnetic field with electric current.

Bead Tracking and Force Calibration: Critical for magnetic tweezers, bead tracking in 3D space and force calibration are essential techniques for precise measurements. The technology employs computer programs to track the bead in real-time and uses DNA attachment methods for single-molecule studies, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.

Acquisition Sources

• LUMICKS: For purchasing C-Trap® Optical Tweezers, you can directly contact LUMICKS, as they provide detailed product specifications and support for their integrated systems.
• Thorlabs: The Modular Optical Tweezers system can be acquired from Thorlabs, which offers detailed product descriptions and technical specifications online, allowing for customization based on specific research needs.

These tools, combined with your innovative experimental design, aim to unlock new insights into the quantum biological processes within neurons, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of the interplay between gravitational forces and biological structures at the quantum level.

This research has the potential to fundamentally alter our understanding of the interface between gravity, quantum mechanics, and biology, opening new avenues for interdisciplinary research and technological innovation.

If I may add, footnotes for this question: 1

Bothwell, T., Kennedy, C.J., Aeppli, A., et al. (2022). Resolving the gravitational redshift across a millimetre-scale atomic sample. *Nature*, 602, 420–424. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04349-7

2

Penrose, Roger. The Emperor's New Mind: Concerning Computers, Minds, and The Laws of Physics. Oxford University Press, 1989. This book presents Penrose's early thoughts on the connection between quantum mechanics, consciousness, and the role of gravity in the wave function collapse, introducing the idea that physical processes could influence consciousness.

3

Penrose, Roger. Shadows of the Mind: A Search for the Missing Science of Consciousness. Oxford University Press, 1994. In this follow-up, Penrose delves deeper into the theory that quantum mechanics plays a role in human consciousness, further developing his hypothesis on objective reduction (OR) and its gravitational basis.

4

Hameroff, Stuart, and Penrose, Roger. "After 20 years of skeptical criticism, the evidence now clearly supports Orch OR." *ScienceDaily*, 2014. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140116085105.htm

5

Saxena, Komal, Singh, Pushpendra, Sarkar, Jhimli, Sahoo, Pathik, Ghosh, Subrata, Krishnananda, Soami Daya, and Bandyopadhyay, Anirban. "Polyatomic time crystals of the brain neuron extracted microtubule are projected like a hologram meters away." *Journal of Applied Physics*, vol. 132, no. 19, 194401, Nov. 2022. [https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0130618]