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Physics

Why nature is the ultimate quantum engineer

Historically, researchers believed that quantum properties disappear at the scale of biology, but there is increasing evidence that this isn't the full story, says physicist Clarice Aiello

By Clarice Aiello

8 September 2023

Nature is a quantum engineer

Nature is a quantum engineer

Sola Solandra/Shutterstock

The following is an extract from our Lost in Space-Time newsletter. Each month, we hand over the keyboard to a physicist or two to tell you about fascinating ideas from their corner of the universe. You can sign up for Lost in Space-Time for free here.

For years I underestimated nature. As a quantum physicist, my interests simply didn’t extend to the biological. I was fascinated by particles and forces, not cells and organisms. Then one day that all changed, when I realised nature is a better quantum engineer than…

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