Exploring Biological and Quantum Computations

by Jesus Perdomo

Submitted : Fall 2012

In this project, the similarities of quantum computers and the brain were explored to use as a stepping stone for future research. After calculating the processing speed of the brain and the memory capacity of DNA, and reason about the potential speed of a quantum computer, the project explores the possibility of each neuron behaving as an oscillator, allowing multiple neurons to synchronize. This approach was taken using the Kuramoto Model and a few assumptions. Although the capacity of DNA was determined to be 1.5 gigabytes of memory, and the speed of the brain was calculated, interpreting these results as actual facts is rather daring. The use of the Kuramoto model shows that it is possible to have various neurons synchronize under certain assumed conditions, supporting the theory that it could be possible that each neuron processes all the information inside of our brains, for which their weak pulses synchronize to form one stronger pulse that allows for mental processing.

Although many theories exist regarding the functioning of the brain, concrete understanding of how the brain processes and stores information is still in its early stages. Projects of this sort aim at simplifying the inner workings of the human brain by means of modeling. This project seeks to offer a possible account of how it may be conceivable that each single neuron processes all information and outputs a weak signal, which in combination with all other neurons, could produce a signal strong enough to trigger memories, execute operations, etc. Though the mathematics involved in the development of such models can be complicated, simpler models (such as the one used in this project) can be used to understand and develop more complex models. This project provides an example of how it is often essential to make simplifying assumptions about a situation in order to create a comprehensible, practical model. Doing so provides the first stepping-stone from which we can then explore what occurs as that model is extended and/or modified.

[ Back ]