Finally, a pleasant intersection between two of the things I understand least in life, health idiots and quantum mechanics. I was just reading an article on Science Daily called Can We Detect Quantum Behavior In Viruses? and while the concept is interesting, I have a horrible, Deepak Chopra flavored dread of their findings.

The idea is that they are now “looking for ways to detect quantum properties in more complex and larger entities, possibly even living organisms.” A little bit further down, we learn that the researchers are “using the principles of an iconic quantum mechanics thought experiment — Schrödinger’s superpositioned cat — to test for quantum properties in objects composed of as many as one billion atoms, possibly including the flu virus”. Dagnabbit! The last thing we need is to find a legitimate intersection between these two topics. Assuming anything comes of this, I can imagine the Chopras of the world saying that observation impacts flu infection, and that we can stay healthy just by controlled observation.

That’s NOT what this means, Deepak.

Next flu season, if this pans out at all (or even if it’s just interesting ongoing research) I have a feeling we’ll be hearing from the alt-meddies on the topic, ensuring us that all it takes to stay flu-free is the right think in your thinking box. And that just makes my blood run cold.

Jim