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Self-referential processing as the biological switch between classical and quantum functioning of the brain.

Josh Roeloffs1, Jack A Tuszynski2,3,4

  • 1Independent Researcher, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|May 15, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study proposes a quantum mechanism for brain processing modes, suggesting self-referential monitoring switches between fast (System 1) and slow (System 2) cognition by modulating microtubule quantum coherence.

Keywords:
DMNanesthesiabrain dynamicsflow statesmicrotubulesquantum coherence

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Quantum Physics
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Dual-process theory describes two brain cognition systems (System 1 and System 2) but lacks mechanistic explanations for their operation and switching.
  • Quantum cognition research suggests decision-making shifts between quantum and classical models based on confidence levels, hinting at a hybrid brain architecture.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a mechanistic explanation for the brain's dual-process theory using quantum principles.
  • To identify self-referential evaluative monitoring as the biological switch regulating transitions between System 1 and System 2 cognition.

Main Methods:

  • The study proposes a framework linking locus coeruleus-norepinephrine regulation of the default mode network (DMN) to microtubule quantum coherence.
  • It hypothesizes that electromagnetic fields generated by self-evaluation modulate calcium and microtubule electrostatic environments, influencing quantum coherence.

Main Results:

  • Microtubules exhibit quantum exciton energy migration, with robustness increasing with system size, supporting their role in quantum processes.
  • Anesthetics' effect on consciousness is consistent with the disruption of energy-threshold-dependent coherent processes in microtubules.

Conclusions:

  • Self-referential monitoring acts as a biological switch, modulating microtubule quantum coherence to transition between fast (System 1) and slow (System 2) cognition.
  • The proposed framework offers testable predictions linking DMN activity, flow states, insight, and confidence to quantum-classical processing shifts.