Without a doubt, Nanopoulos's presentation describing the possible relationships between the topology of theoretical string-groups in physics and how they could play a role in the performance of biological consciousness was extraordinary.   I was particularly pleased to see many parallels with concepts of the Integrity Paradigm.

Tucson  AZ         April, 1996

                    Classified Abstracts     

                                        NEUROSCIENCE

                                                                    2.8 Quantum neurodynamics

Brains with strings attached

D. Nanopoulos
(Texas A&M University)

Microtubules (MT) seem to play a very important role in brain function. From a physical point of view there are, effectively, 2-dimensional (1-space + 1-time) systems with very characteristic properties resembling closely the behavior of 1-dimensional, extended objects, i.e. strings moving in specific backgrounds. I'll discuss how we can cast the complicated MT dynamics, including environmental friction effects, into string dynamics, thus providing a consistent quantum treatment. It is thus suggested that the MTs are the microsites, in the brain for the emergence of stable, macroscopic quantum coherent states, identifiable with the preconscious states. Quantum space-time effects, as described by string dynamics, trigger an organized collapse of the coherent states down to a specific or conscious state. The whole process is estimated to take (1 sec), in excellent agreement with a plethora of experimental/observational findings. The microscopic arrow of time, endemicin string theory, and apparent here in the self-collapse process, provides a satisfactory and simple resolution to the age-old problem of how the sensation of the progression of time, so central to our feelings of awareness, is generated. A new mechanism for memory coding will be discussed based on the integrability of the quantum MT system.The above picture of emerging consciousness and its preconscious states are very much in accord with the basic views of the founding fathers of psychology, notably of W.James and S.Freud, while on more practical issues the MT network dynamics may provide a physical, and not artificial basis for the emergence of neural networks. 

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