TEDGlobalLondon
Jim Al-Khalili: How quantum biology might explain life's biggest questions
Jim Al-Khalili: 量子生物學如何解答生命最重要的難題
Filmed:
Readability: 4.9
2,255,707 views
知更鳥是如何知道向南遷徙的？答案可能比你想的要更加奇異；因答案可能與量子物理有關。Jim Al-Khalili 向我們展示量子生物學這個極為新穎，極為迥異的世界，正是那個曾被愛因斯坦叫做「遠距離的幽靈行動」在為鳥類導航，而量子效應或許將揭示生命的起源。
Jim Al-Khalili - Quantum physicist
Physicist Jim Al-Khalili and co-author Johnjoe McFadden, a biologist, explore the far edges of quantum biology in their book "Life on the Edge." Full bio
Physicist Jim Al-Khalili and co-author Johnjoe McFadden, a biologist, explore the far edges of quantum biology in their book "Life on the Edge." Full bio
Double-click the English transcript below to play the video.
00:13
I'd like to introduce you
to an emerging area of science,
to an emerging area of science,
0
1190
4528
我想向你們介紹
一個新興的科學領域，
一個新興的科學領域，
00:17
one that is still speculative
but hugely exciting,
but hugely exciting,
1
5742
3943
一個仍在推導中，
但十分激動人心的，
但十分激動人心的，
00:21
and certainly one
that's growing very rapidly.
that's growing very rapidly.
2
9709
2629
並且發展尤為迅速的領域。
00:25
Quantum biology
asks a very simple question:
asks a very simple question:
3
13448
4048
量子生物學
問了一個很簡單的問題：
問了一個很簡單的問題：
00:29
Does quantum mechanics --
4
17520
1350
量子力學---
00:30
that weird and wonderful
and powerful theory
and powerful theory
5
18894
3302
這個怪誕奇妙而強大的理論，
00:34
of the subatomic world
of atoms and molecules
of atoms and molecules
6
22220
2688
存在於原子和分子的亞原子世界，
00:36
that underpins so much
of modern physics and chemistry --
of modern physics and chemistry --
7
24932
3488
並為現代物理和化學
打下如此堅固的基礎---
打下如此堅固的基礎---
00:40
also play a role inside the living cell?
8
28444
3412
是否也在活細胞中
扮演著一定角色？
扮演著一定角色？
00:43
In other words: Are there processes,
mechanisms, phenomena
mechanisms, phenomena
9
31880
4079
換句話說：是否某些進程，
機制和現象
機制和現象
00:47
in living organisms
that can only be explained
that can only be explained
10
35983
3988
在生物有機體中只能通過
00:51
with a helping hand
from quantum mechanics?
from quantum mechanics?
11
39995
2743
量子力學的幫助得以解釋說明？
00:55
Now, quantum biology isn't new;
12
43546
1637
如今，
量子生物學並不是新事物；
量子生物學並不是新事物；
00:57
it's been around since the early 1930s.
13
45207
2401
早在20世紀30年代
量子生物學就出現了。
量子生物學就出現了。
00:59
But it's only in the last decade or so
that careful experiments --
that careful experiments --
14
47928
3715
然而，直到大約過去十年內，
那些周密的實驗---
那些周密的實驗---
01:03
in biochemistry labs,
using spectroscopy --
using spectroscopy --
15
51667
3464
在生物化學實驗室中，
使用光譜儀---
使用光譜儀---
01:07
have shown very clear, firm evidence
that there are certain specific mechanisms
that there are certain specific mechanisms
16
55155
6863
才得出非常確鑿的證據，
證明的確有某些特定的機制
證明的確有某些特定的機制
01:14
that require quantum mechanics
to explain them.
to explain them.
17
62042
2511
需要量子力學來解釋。
01:17
Quantum biology brings together
quantum physicists, biochemists,
quantum physicists, biochemists,
18
65674
3329
量子生物學領域聚集了
量子物理學家，生物化學家
量子物理學家，生物化學家
01:21
molecular biologists --
it's a very interdisciplinary field.
it's a very interdisciplinary field.
19
69027
3641
和分子生物學家---
一個極具交叉性的學科。
一個極具交叉性的學科。
01:24
I come from quantum physics,
so I'm a nuclear physicist.
so I'm a nuclear physicist.
20
72692
3929
我來自量子物理學領域，
然後我是一個核物理學家。
然後我是一個核物理學家。
01:28
I've spent more than three decades
21
76645
2265
我花了三十多年的時間
01:30
trying to get my head
around quantum mechanics.
around quantum mechanics.
22
78934
2929
來嘗試研究量子力學。
01:33
One of the founders
of quantum mechanics, Niels Bohr,
of quantum mechanics, Niels Bohr,
23
81887
2493
Niels Bohr，
量子力學的創始人之一
量子力學的創始人之一
01:36
said, If you're not astonished by it,
then you haven't understood it.
then you haven't understood it.
24
84404
3350
說過：如果你沒有為之震撼，
那麽你就沒有理解它。
那麽你就沒有理解它。
01:40
So I sort of feel happy
that I'm still astonished by it.
that I'm still astonished by it.
25
88237
2843
我現在仍然對它感到震驚，
所以我還挺高興的。
所以我還挺高興的。
01:43
That's a good thing.
26
91104
1745
這是個好事。
01:44
But it means I study the very
smallest structures in the universe --
smallest structures in the universe --
27
92873
6885
但這意味著我研究的
是宇宙中最最細微的結構---
是宇宙中最最細微的結構---
01:51
the building blocks of reality.
28
99782
2075
是現實的基石。
01:53
If we think about the scale of size,
29
101881
3215
如果我們想知道這個結構的大小
01:57
start with an everyday object
like the tennis ball,
like the tennis ball,
30
105120
2952
先從一個日常物品開始，
比如說一個網球，
比如說一個網球，
02:00
and just go down orders
of magnitude in size --
of magnitude in size --
31
108096
2901
然後將物體的尺寸大小按降序排列---
02:03
from the eye of a needle down to a cell,
down to a bacterium, down to an enzyme --
down to a bacterium, down to an enzyme --
32
111021
5197
從一個針眼，到一個細胞，
到一個細菌，再到一個酶---
到一個細菌，再到一個酶---
02:08
you eventually reach the nano-world.
33
116242
1729
最後你就來到了奈米的世界。
02:09
Now, nanotechnology may be
a term you've heard of.
a term you've heard of.
34
117995
2495
現在你可能聽說過
奈米科技這個名詞。
奈米科技這個名詞。
02:12
A nanometer is a billionth of a meter.
35
120841
2853
一奈米是一米的十億分之一。
02:16
My area is the atomic nucleus,
which is the tiny dot inside an atom.
which is the tiny dot inside an atom.
36
124560
4370
我的研究領域是原子核，
相當於原子力的一個小點。
相當於原子力的一個小點。
02:20
It's even smaller in scale.
37
128954
1932
它的尺寸規模甚至更小。
02:22
This is the domain of quantum mechanics,
38
130910
1918
這屬於量子力學的領域，
02:24
and physicists and chemists
have had a long time
have had a long time
39
132852
2516
而且物理學家和化學家
已經花了很久的時間
已經花了很久的時間
02:27
to try and get used to it.
40
135392
1301
來做出嘗試並適應該領域。
02:29
Biologists, on the other hand,
have got off lightly, in my view.
have got off lightly, in my view.
41
137248
4457
另一方面我認為，
生物學家已經輕易地離開了該領域。
生物學家已經輕易地離開了該領域。
02:34
They are very happy with their
balls-and-sticks models of molecules.
balls-and-sticks models of molecules.
42
142071
4331
他們對自己的分子球-棍模型
已經很滿意了。
已經很滿意了。
02:38
(Laughter)
43
146426
1082
（笑聲）
02:39
The balls are the atoms, the sticks
are the bonds between the atoms.
are the bonds between the atoms.
44
147532
3198
球就是原子，
而棍是連接各個原子的紐帶。
而棍是連接各個原子的紐帶。
02:42
And when they can't build them
physically in the lab,
physically in the lab,
45
150754
2494
而且當他們不能在實驗室裏
用實物建造這種結構時，
用實物建造這種結構時，
02:45
nowadays, they have
very powerful computers
very powerful computers
46
153272
2392
他們現在可以使用
強大的計算機技術
強大的計算機技術
02:47
that will simulate a huge molecule.
47
155688
1967
來模擬出一個巨大的分子結構。
02:49
This is a protein made up
of 100,000 atoms.
of 100,000 atoms.
48
157679
3664
這是一個由10萬原子構成的蛋白質。
02:54
It doesn't really require much in the way
of quantum mechanics to explain it.
of quantum mechanics to explain it.
49
162003
4335
事實上它並不需要
用量子力學的理論來解釋。
用量子力學的理論來解釋。
02:59
Quantum mechanics
was developed in the 1920s.
was developed in the 1920s.
50
167695
2889
量子力學發展於20世紀20年代。
03:02
It is a set of beautiful and powerful
mathematical rules and ideas
mathematical rules and ideas
51
170965
6880
它是一套美妙且強大的
數學規則和理念，
數學規則和理念，
03:09
that explain the world of the very small.
52
177869
2608
用來解釋那些微小的世界。
03:12
And it's a world that's very different
from our everyday world,
from our everyday world,
53
180501
3372
同時這個世界
於我們日常世界非常迥異，
於我們日常世界非常迥異，
03:15
made up of trillions of atoms.
54
183897
1519
這個世界包括幾萬億原子。
03:17
It's a world built
on probability and chance.
on probability and chance.
55
185440
3557
它是一個建立在可能性和概率上的，
03:21
It's a fuzzy world.
56
189818
1302
比較模糊的世界。
03:23
It's a world of phantoms,
57
191144
1730
猶如一個幽靈居住的世界，
03:24
where particles can also behave
like spread-out waves.
like spread-out waves.
58
192898
3348
在這裏，
粒子也可以表現出散開的波狀形態。
粒子也可以表現出散開的波狀形態。
03:30
If we imagine quantum mechanics
or quantum physics, then,
or quantum physics, then,
59
198157
2862
如果我們把量子力學，
或量子物理學
或量子物理學
03:33
as the fundamental
foundation of reality itself,
foundation of reality itself,
60
201043
5214
想象為是現實本身的基礎，
03:38
then it's not surprising that we say
61
206281
1730
那麽我們會自然而然地說，
03:40
quantum physics underpins
organic chemistry.
organic chemistry.
62
208035
2420
有機化學是基於量子物理學的。
03:42
After all, it gives us
the rules that tell us
the rules that tell us
63
210479
2120
畢竟，量子物理學的規則向我們解釋了
03:44
how the atoms fit together
to make organic molecules.
to make organic molecules.
64
212623
2641
原子們是如何配合在一起
來組成有機分子的。
來組成有機分子的。
03:47
Organic chemistry,
scaled up in complexity,
scaled up in complexity,
65
215288
3239
因複雜性而放大的有機化學，
03:50
gives us molecular biology,
which of course leads to life itself.
which of course leads to life itself.
66
218551
3322
產生出分子生物學，
當然就指向了生命本身。
當然就指向了生命本身。
03:54
So in a way, it's sort of not surprising.
67
222174
1977
因此在某種意義上說，
它並不令人驚訝。
它並不令人驚訝。
03:56
It's almost trivial.
68
224175
1214
它幾乎是很細微的。
03:57
You say, "Well, of course life ultimately
must depend of quantum mechanics."
must depend of quantum mechanics."
69
225413
4220
你會說：“好吧，
那生命最終必然依賴於量子力學。”
那生命最終必然依賴於量子力學。”
04:02
But so does everything else.
70
230141
2390
但是其它所有的一切都是這樣。
04:04
So does all inanimate matter,
made up of trillions of atoms.
made up of trillions of atoms.
71
232555
3615
所有由幾萬億原子構成的
無生命的物質都是如此。
無生命的物質都是如此。
04:08
Ultimately, there's a quantum level
72
236501
4878
最終，應該有一個量子水平
04:13
where we have to delve into
this weirdness.
this weirdness.
73
241403
2183
讓我們不得不
去深入探索這種怪異性。
去深入探索這種怪異性。
04:15
But in everyday life,
we can forget about it.
we can forget about it.
74
243610
2416
但在日常生活中，
我們又會經常忘記這點。
我們又會經常忘記這點。
04:18
Because once you put together
trillions of atoms,
trillions of atoms,
75
246404
3199
因為一旦當你將幾萬億的原子
放在一起時，
放在一起時，
04:21
that quantum weirdness
just dissolves away.
just dissolves away.
76
249627
2615
量子的怪異性就消失了。
04:27
Quantum biology isn't about this.
77
255288
2569
量子生物學不是研究這個的。
04:29
Quantum biology isn't this obvious.
78
257881
2556
量子生物學並不是這樣明顯的。
04:32
Of course quantum mechanics
underpins life at some molecular level.
underpins life at some molecular level.
79
260461
4229
當然在某個分子級上的生
是由量子力學來支撐的。
是由量子力學來支撐的。
04:37
Quantum biology is about looking
for the non-trivial --
for the non-trivial --
80
265254
6004
量子生物學研究的是非細微的---
04:43
the counterintuitive ideas
in quantum mechanics --
in quantum mechanics --
81
271282
4476
量子力學中反直覺的理念---
04:47
and to see if they do, indeed,
play an important role
play an important role
82
275782
3015
去研究它們是否確實
04:50
in describing the processes of life.
83
278821
2452
在描述諸多生命過程中起作用。
04:54
Here is my perfect example
of the counterintuitiveness
of the counterintuitiveness
84
282653
5220
這是我舉的一個很典型的例子來闡釋
04:59
of the quantum world.
85
287897
1446
量子世界中的反直覺性。
05:01
This is the quantum skier.
86
289367
1251
這是一位量子滑雪者。
05:02
He seems to be intact,
he seems to be perfectly healthy,
he seems to be perfectly healthy,
87
290642
2640
他看上去是完整無缺的，
還是很健康的，
還是很健康的，
05:05
and yet, he seems to have gone around
both sides of that tree at the same time.
both sides of that tree at the same time.
88
293306
4127
然而，
他好像同時穿過了樹的兩邊。
他好像同時穿過了樹的兩邊。
05:09
Well, if you saw tracks like that
89
297457
1663
正如你們看到的軌跡一樣，
05:11
you'd guess it was some
sort of stunt, of course.
sort of stunt, of course.
90
299144
2309
你可能會覺得這是某種特技表演。
05:13
But in the quantum world,
this happens all the time.
this happens all the time.
91
301477
2591
但是在量子世界中，
這卻是常事。
這卻是常事。
05:16
Particles can multitask,
they can be in two places at once.
they can be in two places at once.
92
304864
3026
粒子們能夠完成多種任務，
它們可以同時在兩個不同的地點。
它們可以同時在兩個不同的地點。
05:19
They can do more than one thing
at the same time.
at the same time.
93
307914
2328
它們可以同時做不止一件事。
05:22
Particles can behave
like spread-out waves.
like spread-out waves.
94
310266
2643
粒子們可以呈現出散開的波狀。
05:25
It's almost like magic.
95
313298
1599
這就是像是魔法一樣。
05:27
Physicists and chemists have had
nearly a century
nearly a century
96
315538
2749
物理學家和化學家
已經用了一個世紀的時間
已經用了一個世紀的時間
05:30
of trying to get used to this weirdness.
97
318311
2646
來適應這件怪事。
05:33
I don't blame the biologists
98
321445
1350
我不會責怪生物學家們，
05:34
for not having to or wanting
to learn quantum mechanics.
to learn quantum mechanics.
99
322819
2635
責怪他們沒有
或者不想去了解量子力學。
或者不想去了解量子力學。
05:37
You see, this weirdness is very delicate;
100
325478
3198
你們看，
這種怪異是很微妙易損的；
這種怪異是很微妙易損的；
05:40
and we physicists work very hard
to maintain it in our labs.
to maintain it in our labs.
101
328700
4450
所以我們物理學家在實驗室裏
很努力的在維持這種怪異。
很努力的在維持這種怪異。
05:45
We cool our system down
to near absolute zero,
to near absolute zero,
102
333174
4204
我們將系統冷卻至接近絕對零度，
05:49
we carry out our experiments in vacuums,
103
337402
1945
我們在真空的環境中進行實驗，
05:51
we try and isolate it
from any external disturbance.
from any external disturbance.
104
339371
3527
我們還努力將它
隔絕於一切外部的干擾。
隔絕於一切外部的干擾。
05:55
That's very different from the warm,
messy, noisy environment of a living cell.
messy, noisy environment of a living cell.
105
343602
5078
這些與一個活細胞中溫暖，
混亂和吵鬧的環境截然不同。
混亂和吵鬧的環境截然不同。
06:01
Biology itself, if you think of
molecular biology,
molecular biology,
106
349960
2787
如果你思考一下分子生物學的話，
生物學本身
生物學本身
06:04
seems to have done very well
in describing all the processes of life
in describing all the processes of life
107
352771
3457
似乎將所有的生命進程，
06:08
in terms of chemistry --
chemical reactions.
chemical reactions.
108
356252
2486
從化學---化學反應---
的角度已經描述得很好了。
的角度已經描述得很好了。
06:10
And these are reductionist,
deterministic chemical reactions,
deterministic chemical reactions,
109
358762
4850
而且這些還原論者，
或這些確定性的化學反應，
或這些確定性的化學反應，
06:15
showing that, essentially, life is made
of the same stuff as everything else,
of the same stuff as everything else,
110
363636
5114
告訴我們：基本而言，
生命的構成材質與其他物質相同，
生命的構成材質與其他物質相同，
06:20
and if we can forget about quantum
mechanics in the macro world,
mechanics in the macro world,
111
368774
3060
所以如果我們能夠忘記
宏觀世界裡的量子力學，
宏觀世界裡的量子力學，
06:23
then we should be able to forget
about it in biology, as well.
about it in biology, as well.
112
371858
3246
那麽我們就也能夠忘記生物學。
06:27
Well, one man begged
to differ with this idea.
to differ with this idea.
113
375706
3364
但是，有人很不同意這個觀點。
06:32
Erwin Schrödinger,
of Schrödinger's Cat fame,
of Schrödinger's Cat fame,
114
380062
3469
以“Schrödinger的貓”實驗而著名的
Erwin Schrödinger，
Erwin Schrödinger，
06:35
was an Austrian physicist.
115
383555
1317
是一位澳大利亞的物理學家。
06:36
He was one of the founders
of quantum mechanics in the 1920s.
of quantum mechanics in the 1920s.
116
384896
3183
他是20世紀20年代
量子力學的創始人之一。
量子力學的創始人之一。
06:40
In 1944, he wrote a book
called "What is Life?"
called "What is Life?"
117
388663
2707
在1944年，
他寫了一本書叫“生命是什麼？”。
他寫了一本書叫“生命是什麼？”。
06:43
It was tremendously influential.
118
391839
1731
這本書非常具有影響力。
06:45
It influenced Francis Crick
and James Watson,
and James Watson,
119
393594
2881
它影響了Francis Crick和
James Watson
James Watson
06:48
the discoverers of the double-helix
structure of DNA.
structure of DNA.
120
396499
2523
這兩位是發現DNA雙螺旋結構的人。
06:51
To paraphrase a description
in the book, he says:
in the book, he says:
121
399343
3668
他是這樣闡釋書中的一個描述的：
06:55
At the molecular level,
living organisms have a certain order,
living organisms have a certain order,
122
403035
5786
在分子水平，
生物體都有一個明確地秩序，
生物體都有一個明確地秩序，
07:00
a structure to them that's very different
123
408845
3232
一種結構，
這個結構不同於
這個結構不同於
07:04
from the random thermodynamic jostling
of atoms and molecules
of atoms and molecules
124
412101
4736
那些在複雜程度相同的
無生命物質中的
無生命物質中的
07:08
in inanimate matter
of the same complexity.
of the same complexity.
125
416861
3706
原子和分子的隨機性熱力推撞。
07:13
In fact, living matter seems to behave
in this order, in a structure,
in this order, in a structure,
126
421504
5014
事實上，有生命體似乎都以
這種秩序存在，在一個結構中，
這種秩序存在，在一個結構中，
07:18
just like inanimate matter
cooled down to near absolute zero,
cooled down to near absolute zero,
127
426542
3834
就像被冷卻至近絕對零度的
無生命物質一樣，
無生命物質一樣，
07:22
where quantum effects
play a very important role.
play a very important role.
128
430400
3033
那個時候量子效應
就起到很重要的作用。
就起到很重要的作用。
07:26
There's something special
about the structure -- the order --
about the structure -- the order --
129
434280
4160
關於一個活細胞內的結構---秩序---，
07:30
inside a living cell.
130
438464
1560
有某些很特殊的地方。
07:32
So, Schrödinger speculated that maybe
quantum mechanics plays a role in life.
quantum mechanics plays a role in life.
131
440048
5293
因此，Schrödinger推測量子力學
也許在生命中扮演重要角色。
也許在生命中扮演重要角色。
07:38
It's a very speculative,
far-reaching idea,
far-reaching idea,
132
446096
3425
這是一個意義深遠的猜想，
07:41
and it didn't really go very far.
133
449545
2873
但這個猜想並沒有走多遠。
07:45
But as I mentioned at the start,
134
453536
1533
但就像我一開始提到的，
07:47
in the last 10 years, there have been
experiments emerging,
experiments emerging,
135
455093
2799
在過去的十年中，
已經有一些新興的實驗，
已經有一些新興的實驗，
07:49
showing where some of these
certain phenomena in biology
certain phenomena in biology
136
457916
4055
證明了生物學中的某些特定的現象
07:53
do seem to require quantum mechanics.
137
461995
1763
的確需要量子力學來解釋。
07:55
I want to share with you
just a few of the exciting ones.
just a few of the exciting ones.
138
463782
3123
我想與大家分享幾個
令人興奮的現象。
令人興奮的現象。
08:00
This is one of the best-known
phenomena in the quantum world,
phenomena in the quantum world,
139
468215
3707
這是一個量子世界中
最著名的現象之一，
最著名的現象之一，
08:03
quantum tunneling.
140
471946
1701
叫量子隧穿。
08:05
The box on the left shows
the wavelike, spread-out distribution
the wavelike, spread-out distribution
141
473671
4389
左邊的方框中顯示的是
一個量子實體的波狀，
一個量子實體的波狀，
08:10
of a quantum entity --
a particle, like an electron,
a particle, like an electron,
142
478084
2761
散開分布形態---
它是個電子一樣的粒子，
它是個電子一樣的粒子，
08:12
which is not a little ball
bouncing off a wall.
bouncing off a wall.
143
480869
3637
而不是一個從墻面彈開的小球。
08:16
It's a wave that has a certain probability
of being able to permeate
of being able to permeate
144
484530
4739
這個波紋有一定的可能性能夠穿過，
08:21
through a solid wall, like a phantom
leaping through to the other side.
leaping through to the other side.
145
489293
3406
一面實墻，
像一個幽靈一樣躍過了另一邊。
像一個幽靈一樣躍過了另一邊。
08:24
You can see a faint smudge of light
in the right-hand box.
in the right-hand box.
146
492723
4098
大家可以看到右邊的方框中
有一絲微弱的光痕。
有一絲微弱的光痕。
08:29
Quantum tunneling suggests that a particle
can hit an impenetrable barrier,
can hit an impenetrable barrier,
147
497773
4612
量子隧穿現象說明
粒子在撞不可穿透的障礙物，
粒子在撞不可穿透的障礙物，
08:34
and yet somehow, as though by magic,
148
502409
2460
可以不明原因地，
像施了魔法般，
像施了魔法般，
08:36
disappear from one side
and reappear on the other.
and reappear on the other.
149
504893
2444
從一端消失並重新出現在另一端。
08:39
The nicest way of explaining it is
if you want to throw a ball over a wall,
if you want to throw a ball over a wall,
150
507658
4251
這個現象最好的解釋是，
如果你想把球扔到墻那邊去，
如果你想把球扔到墻那邊去，
08:43
you have to give it enough energy
to get over the top of the wall.
to get over the top of the wall.
151
511933
3577
你必須給它足夠的力量
讓它跳過墻頭。
讓它跳過墻頭。
08:47
In the quantum world,
you don't have to throw it over the wall,
you don't have to throw it over the wall,
152
515534
3058
在量子的世界裏，
你就沒必要非要把球扔過墻頭，
你就沒必要非要把球扔過墻頭，
08:50
you can throw it at the wall,
and there's a certain non-zero probability
and there's a certain non-zero probability
153
518616
3407
你可以把球扔向墻面，
然後有一定的非零概率
然後有一定的非零概率
08:54
that it'll disappear on your side,
and reappear on the other.
and reappear on the other.
154
522047
3323
使它消失在你這邊，
繼而在另一邊重現。
繼而在另一邊重現。
08:57
This isn't speculation, by the way.
155
525394
1678
對了，提醒一下，這不是推測。
08:59
We're happy -- well, "happy"
is not the right word --
is not the right word --
156
527096
3396
我們很高興---好吧，
“高興”不是一個恰當的表達。
“高興”不是一個恰當的表達。
09:02
(Laughter)
157
530516
2045
（觀眾笑聲）
09:04
we are familiar with this.
158
532585
1618
我們對此非常熟悉。
09:06
(Laughter)
159
534227
2745
（觀眾笑聲）
09:08
Quantum tunneling
takes place all the time;
takes place all the time;
160
536996
2294
量子隧穿一直都在發生；
09:11
in fact, it's the reason our Sun shines.
161
539314
2667
事實上，它就是我們能看到
陽光普照的原因。
陽光普照的原因。
09:14
The particles fuse together,
162
542655
1509
顆粒熔合在一起，
09:16
and the Sun turns hydrogen
into helium through quantum tunneling.
into helium through quantum tunneling.
163
544188
3698
然後太陽通過量子隧穿把氫變成氦。
09:21
Back in the 70s and 80s, it was discovered
that quantum tunneling also takes place
that quantum tunneling also takes place
164
549464
5220
在七八十年代的時候，
人們發現量子隧穿還發生在
人們發現量子隧穿還發生在
09:26
inside living cells.
165
554708
1192
活細胞內部。
09:28
Enzymes, those workhorses of life,
the catalysts of chemical reactions --
the catalysts of chemical reactions --
166
556290
6266
酶，是生命的老黃牛，
是化學反應的催化劑---
是化學反應的催化劑---
09:34
enzymes are biomolecules that speed up
chemical reactions in living cells,
chemical reactions in living cells,
167
562580
4166
作為生物分子，
酶加速了活細胞中的化學反應，
酶加速了活細胞中的化學反應，
09:38
by many, many orders of magnitude.
168
566770
1703
借助的是很多數量級上的指令。
09:40
And it's always been a mystery
how they do this.
how they do this.
169
568497
2784
而且我們一直不知道
酶是如何做到這一點的。
酶是如何做到這一點的。
09:43
Well, it was discovered
170
571650
1189
好，人們還發現
09:44
that one of the tricks that enzymes
have evolved to make use of,
have evolved to make use of,
171
572863
4852
酶在進化時用到的一個小把戲，
09:49
is by transferring subatomic particles,
like electrons and indeed protons,
like electrons and indeed protons,
172
577739
5228
就是將像電子，
實際上是質子一樣的亞原子粒子，
實際上是質子一樣的亞原子粒子，
09:54
from one part of a molecule
to another via quantum tunneling.
to another via quantum tunneling.
173
582991
4661
通過量子隧穿送分子的一個部位
轉移到另一個部位。
轉移到另一個部位。
10:00
It's efficient, it's fast,
it can disappear --
it can disappear --
174
588333
2851
這個過程效率很高，
很快，它可以消失---
很快，它可以消失---
10:03
a proton can disappear from one place,
and reappear on the other.
and reappear on the other.
175
591208
3111
一個質子可以從一個地方消失，
然後出現在另一個地方。
然後出現在另一個地方。
10:06
Enzymes help this take place.
176
594343
1629
酶可以促進這一切的發生。
10:08
This is research that's been
carried out back in the 80s,
carried out back in the 80s,
177
596548
2683
這項研究是80年代做的，
10:11
particularly by a group
in Berkeley, Judith Klinman.
in Berkeley, Judith Klinman.
178
599255
4037
研究者主要來自伯克萊，
由 Judith Klinman 領導。
由 Judith Klinman 領導。
10:15
Other groups in the UK
have now also confirmed
have now also confirmed
179
603316
2205
英國的其他實驗組現在也證實了
10:17
that enzymes really do this.
180
605545
1411
酶的確可以做到以上這些。
10:21
Research carried out by my group --
181
609048
2549
我的實驗組做了研究---
10:23
so as I mentioned,
I'm a nuclear physicist,
I'm a nuclear physicist,
182
611621
2434
我之前說過，
我是一個核物理學家。
我是一個核物理學家。
10:26
but I've realized I've got these tools
of using quantum mechanics
of using quantum mechanics
183
614079
3055
但是我意識到，我在原子核中
使用量子力學時積累的方法工具
使用量子力學時積累的方法工具
10:29
in atomic nuclei, and so can apply
those tools in other areas as well.
those tools in other areas as well.
184
617158
5085
也同樣可以很好地應用在
其他領域的研究中。
其他領域的研究中。
10:35
One question we asked
185
623404
1810
我們問過一個問題，
10:37
is whether quantum tunneling
plays a role in mutations in DNA.
plays a role in mutations in DNA.
186
625238
4298
量子隧穿是否在DNA突變中起作用。
10:41
Again, this is not a new idea;
it goes all the way back to the early 60s.
it goes all the way back to the early 60s.
187
629843
3660
同樣，這也不是一個新觀點；
早在60年代早期人們就提出過。
早在60年代早期人們就提出過。
10:45
The two strands of DNA,
the double-helix structure,
the double-helix structure,
188
633527
2961
DNA的兩條鏈，
就是雙螺旋結構，
就是雙螺旋結構，
10:48
are held together by rungs;
it's like a twisted ladder.
it's like a twisted ladder.
189
636512
2823
像階梯一樣盤旋在一起，
像一個扭曲的梯子。
像一個扭曲的梯子。
10:51
And those rungs of the ladder
are hydrogen bonds --
are hydrogen bonds --
190
639359
3507
那些梯子的階梯是氫鍵---
10:54
protons, that act as the glue
between the two strands.
between the two strands.
191
642890
3790
質子，
就像是兩條鏈之間的粘合劑。
就像是兩條鏈之間的粘合劑。
10:58
So if you zoom in, what they're doing
is holding these large molecules --
is holding these large molecules --
192
646704
4750
因為當你放大來看，
能看見它們正在將這些大分子---
能看見它們正在將這些大分子---
11:03
nucleotides -- together.
193
651478
1607
核甘酸---聚合在一起。
11:06
Zoom in a bit more.
194
654130
1150
再放大一點。
11:07
So, this a computer simulation.
195
655304
1916
所以，這是一個計算機模擬圖。
11:09
The two white balls
in the middle are protons,
in the middle are protons,
196
657855
3542
中間的兩個白球是質子，
11:13
and you can see that
it's a double hydrogen bond.
it's a double hydrogen bond.
197
661421
2299
而且大家可以看到這是一個雙氫鍵。
11:15
One prefers to sit on one side;
the other, on the other side
the other, on the other side
198
663744
3314
一個選擇坐在這邊；
另一個選擇兩條鏈的另一邊。
另一個選擇兩條鏈的另一邊。
11:19
of the two strands of the vertical lines
going down, which you can't see.
going down, which you can't see.
199
667082
4558
沿著垂直線上的兩條鏈向下，
大家就看不到了。
大家就看不到了。
11:24
It can happen that
these two protons can hop over.
these two protons can hop over.
200
672410
3395
有一種情況就是
這兩個質子可能會跳另一邊。
這兩個質子可能會跳另一邊。
11:27
Watch the two white balls.
201
675829
1436
看一下這兩個白球。
11:29
They can jump over to the other side.
202
677748
1998
他們可以跳到另一邊去。
11:32
If the two strands of DNA then separate,
leading to the process of replication,
leading to the process of replication,
203
680239
5646
如果DNA的兩條鏈分開，
導致了複製的過程，
導致了複製的過程，
11:37
and the two protons
are in the wrong positions,
are in the wrong positions,
204
685909
3199
那麽這兩個質子就處於錯誤的位置，
11:41
this can lead to a mutation.
205
689132
1763
這就能導致突變的產生。
11:43
This has been known for half a century.
206
691204
1872
大家已經知道這個事有半個世紀了。
11:45
The question is: How likely
are they to do that,
are they to do that,
207
693100
2343
但問題是：
它們這樣做的可能性有多大，
它們這樣做的可能性有多大，
11:47
and if they do, how do they do it?
208
695467
2378
而且如果它們做了，
是怎麽做的呢？
是怎麽做的呢？
11:49
Do they jump across,
like the ball going over the wall?
like the ball going over the wall?
209
697869
3019
它們會不會像小球翻墻那樣跳過去?
11:52
Or can they quantum-tunnel across,
even if they don't have enough energy?
even if they don't have enough energy?
210
700912
3502
或者它們是不是發生了量子隧穿，
即使它們沒有足夠的力量？
即使它們沒有足夠的力量？
11:57
Early indications suggest that
quantum tunneling can play a role here.
quantum tunneling can play a role here.
211
705089
4252
早期的種種跡象說明，
量子隧穿可以在這起到作用。
量子隧穿可以在這起到作用。
12:01
We still don't know yet
how important it is;
how important it is;
212
709365
2124
但我們還是不知道它到底有多重要；
12:03
this is still an open question.
213
711513
1792
這仍是一個討論中的問題。
12:06
It's speculative,
214
714199
1150
它很有推測的空間，
12:07
but it's one of those questions
that is so important
that is so important
215
715373
2643
但它卻是一個很重要的問題，
12:10
that if quantum mechanics
plays a role in mutations,
plays a role in mutations,
216
718040
2446
重要到，
如果量子力學在突變中起作用，
如果量子力學在突變中起作用，
12:12
surely this must have big implications,
217
720510
2299
這絕對對於理解某些突變的類型
12:14
to understand certain types of mutations,
218
722833
2694
甚至有可能是
那些導致癌細胞的突變類型，
那些導致癌細胞的突變類型，
12:17
possibly even those that lead
to turning a cell cancerous.
to turning a cell cancerous.
219
725551
3756
有十分重大的意義。
12:22
Another example of quantum mechanics
in biology is quantum coherence,
in biology is quantum coherence,
220
730803
5299
生物學中的另一個
量子力學的例子是量子相干性，
量子力學的例子是量子相干性，
12:28
in one of the most
important processes in biology,
important processes in biology,
221
736126
2353
存在於生物學中
一個最重要的過程之一，
一個最重要的過程之一，
12:30
photosynthesis: plants
and bacteria taking sunlight,
and bacteria taking sunlight,
222
738503
3941
光合作用：植物和細菌吸收光照，
12:34
and using that energy to create biomass.
223
742468
2954
並用此能量來創造生物。
12:38
Quantum coherence is the idea
of quantum entities multitasking.
of quantum entities multitasking.
224
746215
4152
量子相干性是關於
量子實體進行多種任務的理念。
量子實體進行多種任務的理念。
12:42
It's the quantum skier.
225
750912
1604
它就是一個量子滑雪者。
12:44
It's an object that behaves like a wave,
226
752540
2952
它是一個像波紋的物體，
12:47
so that it doesn't just move
in one direction or the other,
in one direction or the other,
227
755516
2902
因此它不僅是
向一個或另一個方向移動，
向一個或另一個方向移動，
12:50
but can follow multiple pathways
at the same time.
at the same time.
228
758442
3320
它能夠同時在多種路徑上運動。
12:54
Some years ago,
the world of science was shocked
the world of science was shocked
229
762708
3916
幾年以前，
有一件事情讓全球科學界震驚：
有一件事情讓全球科學界震驚：
12:58
when a paper was published
showing experimental evidence
showing experimental evidence
230
766648
3584
一篇發表論文中展示了實驗證據，
13:02
that quantum coherence
takes place inside bacteria,
takes place inside bacteria,
231
770256
3776
證明量子相干性在細菌內部發生，
13:06
carrying out photosynthesis.
232
774056
1686
進行光合作用。
13:07
The idea is that the photon,
the particle of light, the sunlight,
the particle of light, the sunlight,
233
775766
3064
這個觀點相當於：
質子，作為光、太陽光的顆粒，
質子，作為光、太陽光的顆粒，
13:10
the quantum of light
captured by a chlorophyll molecule,
captured by a chlorophyll molecule,
234
778854
3344
作為光的量子，
被一個葉綠素分子捕捉到，
被一個葉綠素分子捕捉到，
13:14
is then delivered to what's called
the reaction center,
the reaction center,
235
782222
2591
然後被運送到了
一個所謂的反應中心，
一個所謂的反應中心，
13:16
where it can be turned into
chemical energy.
chemical energy.
236
784837
2064
在那裏，它變成了化學能量。
13:18
And in getting there,
it doesn't just follow one route;
it doesn't just follow one route;
237
786925
2648
而且為了到達那裏，
它不止沿著一條路徑運動，
它不止沿著一條路徑運動，
13:21
it follows multiple pathways at once,
238
789597
2215
它同時走了多種路徑，
13:23
to optimize the most efficient way
of reaching the reaction center
of reaching the reaction center
239
791836
4337
來優化出到達
反應中心的效率最高的路徑。
反應中心的效率最高的路徑。
13:28
without dissipating as waste heat.
240
796197
1721
在這個過程中
並沒有耗掉多余的熱量。
並沒有耗掉多余的熱量。
13:31
Quantum coherence taking place
inside a living cell.
inside a living cell.
241
799228
3309
量子相干性發生在一個活細胞內。
13:34
A remarkable idea,
242
802561
2120
這是一個了不起的理念，
13:36
and yet evidence is growing almost weekly,
with new papers coming out,
with new papers coming out,
243
804705
6235
而且證據幾乎是每週都隨著
新論文的發表出現，
新論文的發表出現，
13:42
confirming that this
does indeed take place.
does indeed take place.
244
810964
2212
來證實量子相干性的確在發生。
13:45
My third and final example
is the most beautiful, wonderful idea.
is the most beautiful, wonderful idea.
245
813555
4739
我的第三個也是最後一個例子
是一個最美妙絕倫的觀點。
是一個最美妙絕倫的觀點。
13:50
It's also still very speculative,
but I have to share it with you.
but I have to share it with you.
246
818318
4063
這個觀點也是推測性的，
但我還是要與大家分享。
但我還是要與大家分享。
13:54
The European robin
migrates from Scandinavia
migrates from Scandinavia
247
822405
4612
歐洲的知更鳥
每個秋天都從斯堪地維亞
每個秋天都從斯堪地維亞
13:59
down to the Mediterranean, every autumn,
248
827041
2635
南下遷徒到地中海，
14:01
and like a lot of other
marine animals and even insects,
marine animals and even insects,
249
829700
3373
像許多其他的海洋動物
甚至昆蟲一樣，
甚至昆蟲一樣，
14:05
they navigate by sensing
the Earth's magnetic field.
the Earth's magnetic field.
250
833097
4300
牠們通過感應地球的磁場來導航。
14:10
Now, the Earth's magnetic field
is very, very weak;
is very, very weak;
251
838968
2427
現在，地球的磁場非常非常的微弱，
14:13
it's 100 times weaker
than a fridge magnet,
than a fridge magnet,
252
841419
2080
比一個冰箱貼的磁場要弱100倍，
14:15
and yet it affects the chemistry --
somehow -- within a living organism.
somehow -- within a living organism.
253
843523
5601
但是它卻以某種方式地影響了
一個有機生命體中的化學。
一個有機生命體中的化學。
14:21
That's not in doubt --
a German couple of ornithologists,
a German couple of ornithologists,
254
849932
3806
這點是毫無疑問的---
一對德國的鳥類學家夫婦，
一對德國的鳥類學家夫婦，
14:25
Wolfgang and Roswitha Wiltschko,
in the 1970s, confirmed that indeed,
in the 1970s, confirmed that indeed,
255
853762
4260
Wolfgang和Roswitha Wiltschko，
在20世紀70年代證實，
在20世紀70年代證實，
14:30
the robin does find its way by somehow
sensing the Earth's magnetic field,
sensing the Earth's magnetic field,
256
858046
3977
知更鳥確實通過
感知地球磁場來找路，
感知地球磁場來找路，
14:34
to give it directional information --
a built-in compass.
a built-in compass.
257
862047
3327
獲得方向性的資訊---
像一個內置的指南針。
像一個內置的指南針。
14:37
The puzzle, the mystery was:
How does it do it?
How does it do it?
258
865398
2249
令我們疑惑的是：
牠是如何做到的？
牠是如何做到的？
14:40
Well, the only theory in town --
259
868351
3030
好，唯一盛行的理論---
14:43
we don't know if it's the correct theory,
but the only theory in town --
but the only theory in town --
260
871405
3436
我們不知道它是否正確，
但卻是唯一一個為人所知的理論---
但卻是唯一一個為人所知的理論---
14:46
is that it does it via something
called quantum entanglement.
called quantum entanglement.
261
874865
2984
是知更鳥是通過某種叫做
量子糾纏的現象做到的。
量子糾纏的現象做到的。
14:50
Inside the robin's retina --
262
878567
2374
在知更鳥的視網膜裏---
14:52
I kid you not -- inside the robin's retina
is a protein called cryptochrome,
is a protein called cryptochrome,
263
880965
4232
這不是玩笑---
知更鳥的視網膜中有種隱色素蛋白，
知更鳥的視網膜中有種隱色素蛋白，
14:57
which is light-sensitive.
264
885221
1380
它對光很敏感。
14:58
Within cryptochrome, a pair of electrons
are quantum-entangled.
are quantum-entangled.
265
886625
3939
在隱色素內，
一對電子發生量子糾纏。
一對電子發生量子糾纏。
15:02
Now, quantum entanglement
is when two particles are far apart,
is when two particles are far apart,
266
890588
3232
現在，我們理解量子糾纏
是兩個分離甚遠的粒子
是兩個分離甚遠的粒子
15:05
and yet somehow remain
in contact with each other.
in contact with each other.
267
893844
2834
卻以某種方式保持著彼此的聯系，
15:08
Even Einstein hated this idea;
268
896991
1446
甚至於愛因斯坦都討厭這個觀點；
15:10
he called it "spooky action
at a distance."
at a distance."
269
898461
2039
他把這個叫做
「遠距離的幽靈行動」。
「遠距離的幽靈行動」。
15:12
(Laughter)
270
900524
1881
（觀眾笑聲）
15:14
So if Einstein doesn't like it,
then we can all be uncomfortable with it.
then we can all be uncomfortable with it.
271
902429
3443
如果連愛因斯坦都不喜歡它，
那我們或許都對此感到不適。
那我們或許都對此感到不適。
15:17
Two quantum-entangled electrons
within a single molecule
within a single molecule
272
905896
2853
兩個發生量子糾纏的電子
在一個單獨的分子內
在一個單獨的分子內
15:20
dance a delicate dance
273
908773
1471
跳著微妙的舞蹈，
15:22
that is very sensitive
to the direction the bird flies
to the direction the bird flies
274
910268
2541
這對於鳥在地球磁場中飛往的方向
15:24
in the Earth's magnetic field.
275
912833
1531
是非常敏感的。
15:26
We don't know if it's
the correct explanation,
the correct explanation,
276
914848
2610
我們不知道這是不是正確的解釋，
15:29
but wow, wouldn't it be exciting
if quantum mechanics helps birds navigate?
if quantum mechanics helps birds navigate?
277
917482
4544
但是，如果量子力學能幫鳥類導航，
這該是多麽激動人心的事情啊？
這該是多麽激動人心的事情啊？
15:35
Quantum biology is still in it infancy.
278
923069
2721
量子生物學仍然處於初級階段。
15:37
It's still speculative.
279
925814
3484
仍然處於推測階段。
15:41
But I believe it's built on solid science.
280
929742
3849
但是我相信它是建立在
紮實的科學基礎上的。
紮實的科學基礎上的。
15:45
I also think that
in the coming decade or so,
in the coming decade or so,
281
933917
3809
我也認為在未來的十年左右，
15:49
we're going to start to see
that actually, it pervades life --
that actually, it pervades life --
282
937750
4841
我們會看到這一領域
實實在在地充斥於生命中---
實實在在地充斥於生命中---
15:54
that life has evolved tricks
that utilize the quantum world.
that utilize the quantum world.
283
942615
4596
生命會利用量子世界中的一切
來進化發展。
來進化發展。
16:00
Watch this space.
284
948026
1428
請大家一起關注。
16:01
Thank you.
285
949478
1157
謝謝大家！
16:02
(Applause)
286
950659
2202
（掌聲）
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jim Al-Khalili - Quantum physicistPhysicist Jim Al-Khalili and co-author Johnjoe McFadden, a biologist, explore the far edges of quantum biology in their book "Life on the Edge."
Why you should listen
A professor of physics at the University of Surrey, Jim Al-Khalili doubles as a science communicator and broadcaster. He’s the co-author with Johnjoe McFadden of Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology. The book explores this emerging -- and still largely speculative -- area of science suggesting that quantum mechanics may play a role in biology. If so, it may help us understand what drives genetic mutations that lead to cancer, or how robins fly from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.
More profile about the speakerJim Al-Khalili | Speaker | TED.com