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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Using the Split Retina Technique for Enhanced Access and Accelerated Experiments
Published on: January 16, 2024
Quantum biology of the retina
Paul Ikgan Sia1, André N Luiten, Thomas M Stace
1South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Hanson Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
The emerging field of quantum biology has led to a greater understanding of biological processes at the microscopic level. There is recent evidence to suggest that non-trivial quantum features such as entanglement, tunnelling and coherence have evolved in living systems. These quantum features are particularly evident in supersensitive light-harvesting systems such as in photosynthesis and photoreceptors. A biomimetic strategy utilizing biological quantum phenomena might allow new advances in the field of quantum engineering, particularly in quantum information systems. In addition, a better understanding of quantum biological features may lead to novel medical diagnostic and therapeutic developments. In the present review, we discuss the role of quantum physics in biological systems with an emphasis on the retina.
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