OSF Pre-Registered
Research Plan
Study Information
Hypotheses
We propose a testable hypothesis linking quantum coherence in neural microtubules to gamma-band oscillations (30-100 Hz) observed in neural networks. Rather than claiming direct causation, we hypothesize that microtubule quantum dynamics may influence the temporal precision and frequency characteristics of established gamma-generating mechanisms. Our model predicts specific correlations between microtubule coherence properties and gamma oscillation features that can be experimentally tested using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center quantum sensing combined with high-resolution neurophysiology. We present detailed decoherence calculations showing that while individual tubulin coherence is limited to picoseconds under physiological conditions, collective effects across microtubule networks might create mesoscopic coherent domains with coherence times of 1-10 milliseconds. The framework provides concrete experimental pathways to investigate potential quantum effects in neural computation without requiring exotic physics or consciousness-specific mechanisms. Key predictions include correlations between microtubule coherence and gamma timing precision, specific temperature dependencies, and selective effects of microtubule-targeting drugs on both quantum and classical neural measures.
Design Plan
Study type
Experiment - A researcher randomly assigns treatments to study subjects, this includes field or lab experiments. This is also known as an intervention experiment and includes randomized controlled trials.
Blinding
Personnel who interact directly with the study subjects (either human or non-human subjects) will not be aware of the assigned treatments. (Commonly known as “double blind”)
Personnel who analyze the data collected from the study are not aware of the treatment applied to any given group.
Is there any additional blinding in this study?
n/a
Study design
This project consists of a series of controlled in vitro experiments using primary cortical neuron cultures. The core of the study is a mixed experimental design that incorporates both within-subject and between-subject elements. Within-Subject Design, the primary manipulations will use a within-subject (paired), repeated-measures approach. For each biological preparation (a single neuron culture), we will record baseline measurements of quantum coherence and neural activity. We will then apply an intervention—such as a specific drug concentration, a change in temperature, or an electromagnetic field—and record the subsequent effects on the same preparation. This allows each culture to serve as its own control, minimizing inter-preparation variability. Between-Subject Design Comparisons between different types of interventions (e.g., a microtubule-stabilizing drug vs. a synaptic control drug) will be conducted as a between-subject design, using different sets of culture preparations for each condition. In terms of Randomization and Counterbalancing: To mitigate order effects and batch variability, several controls will be implemented. We will use block randomization by culture batch to distribute preparations evenly across conditions. The order of drug concentrations will be randomized, and a Latin square design will be used for temporal controls where appropriate.