Quantum Coherence in Neural Microtubules a Testable Framework for Gamma Oscillation Generation

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.