Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Microbiologist Michael Montague argues that biology is already set up as the perfect quantum detector by evolution.
In this conversation, we cover his concept of "scale shifting effects", why he thinks microbes are the right place to look for quantum biology, his pitch for using magnetic field tuning to boost yields in precision fermentation, and his vision of magnetic field treatments that could one day function like antibiotics.
Michael's essay was one of eight winners in the 2025 FQxI / Paradox Science Institute "How Quantum Is Life?" essay competition, which awarded $53,000 across anonymously-submitted entries. The winners were announced in February 2026.
This is one segment from a larger podcast episode featuring five of the eight winners.
Listen to the full podcast episode: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/129/2026.05.13
Read Michael's essay: qspace.fqxi.org/competitions/winners/17
Microbiologist Michael Montague argues that biology is already set up as the perfect quantum detector by evolution.
In this conversation, we cover his concept of "scale shifting effects", why he thinks microbes are the right place to look for quantum biology, his pitch for using magnetic field tuning to boost yields in precision fermentation, and his vision of magnetic field treatments that could one day function like antibiotics.
Michael's essay was one of eight winners in the 2025 FQxI / Paradox Science Institute "How Quantum Is Life?" essay competition, which awarded $53,000 across anonymously-submitted entries. The winners were announced in February 2026.
This is one segment from a larger podcast episode featuring five of the eight winners.
Listen to the full podcast episode: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/129/2026.05.13
Read Michael's essay: qspace.fqxi.org/competitions/winners/17
