Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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Does calling something “quantum” actually help us understand it?

Gerard McCaul joins FQxI’s Gabe Fitzpatrick to talk about quantum biology, consciousness, and why he thinks linear algebra offers a more useful way to understand life. His essay, “Spanspermia: Does Life Come from Outer Hilbert Space?”, won second prize in our “How Quantum is Life?” competition.

This interview is part of our podcast episode meeting the competition winners.

Read Gerard’s essay:
qspace.fqxi.org/competitions/entry/2393

Listen to the full podcast:
qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/129/2026.05.13

Explore the winning essays:
qspace.fqxi.org/competitions/winners/17