The Role of Quantum Physics in Medicine

Oftentimes, when we think of the field of medicine, we think of the typical white coats, x-rays, thermometers, doctors, and nurses. However, the world of medicine is much more vast and theoretical than we think. In fact, medicine is so expansive and boundless that we can harness new technology and advancements in the industry faster than ever before. Thus, who can we partially thank for this? Quantum physics.

What is Quantum Physics?

Quantum physics, also referred to as quantum mechanics, is the study of energy and matter at their most fundamental levels: the subatomic stage. This includes protons, neutrons, and electrons, but it also encompasses other particles like photons. On the other hand, quantum physics can seem daunting to learn, as it is a difficult subject to not only learn but also comprehend and apply to the real world. This is because the study is highly theoretical, not relying on tangible factors but on invisible facets.

The study of quantum theory was originally discovered by Niels Bohr and Max Planck. This idea of quantum mechanics is entirely theoretical since it is difficult to tangibly study materials at such a small level. However, such theoretical science is incredibly important to understanding the building blocks of life beyond the cellular and even atomic levels.

Quantum Physics in Medical Technology

Quantum physics and quantum theory have helped immensely in terms of developing medical technology that aids in treatment, diagnostics, and imaging. For example, physicists use particle accelerators, which are machines that use electromagnetic fields to project charged particles to intense speeds, in order to collide them together to make their motion able to be studied. This same process is used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

MRI machines use particle accelerators to align spinning protons. Some of these protons absorb energy and change their alignment by the exertion of an applied radio pulse. Once these protons fall back into their original positions, their energy is released and able to be detected by the MRI sensors. Eventually, an image is created, which helps doctors diagnose various injuries and conditions. Quantum physicists call this particle motion the “spin” property.

Cancer Treatment with Quantum Physics

Throughout history, cancerous diseases have been difficult to treat without cures. However, quantum mechanics plays a major role in making this process less difficult and developing a promising future in targeted cancer treatment. For example, researchers from Kyoto University have discovered a new way to enhance radiation therapy used to treat cancer through novel iodine nanoparticles. They concluded that cancer cell death is triggered within three days when X-rays are used on tumor tissue that contains nanoparticles carried with iodine. In other words, this shows that the use of subatomic particles is fundamental to treating cancers at the cellular level. By using subatomic particles to fight cancer cell growth, it is possible that quantum physics speeds up the time in which cancer cells are destroyed.

In conclusion

Quantum physics plays a major role in diagnosing and treating diseases, particularly cancer. It is also fundamental to the process of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Without it, our medical technology and forms of treatment would not be as advanced as it is today. Furthermore, quantum mechanics continues to pave the way for a promising future in medicine.

---

References

Bisiani, Joseph, et al. “It’s Time to Go Quantum in Medicine.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 12, no. 13, 5 July 2023, pp. 4506–4506, https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12134506.

Higashi, Yuya, et al. “Iodine Containing Porous Organosilica Nanoparticles Trigger Tumor Spheroids Destruction upon Monochromatic X-Ray Irradiation: DNA Breaks and K-Edge Energy X-Ray.” Scientific Reports, vol. 11, no. 1, 14 July 2021, p. 14192, www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-93429-9, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93429-9.

“Ten Ways Physics Has Enhanced the Medical Field.” Inside the Perimeter, 23 June 2020, https://insidetheperimeter.ca/ten-ways-physics-has-enhanced-the-medical-field/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2024.