I discovered this phrase in a Science Fiction story. When I Google the phrase I discover it is part of a theory of consciousness proposed by the Nobel Prize Winner, Sir John Eccles more than 30 years ago! This theory resolves several things for me about Quantum Mechanics, as well as solving the conservation of energy problem that consciousness presents to Physics. The para-crystalline vesicular grid (also known as a paracrystalline presynaptic vesicular grid) is a quantum mechanical device!
The main problem with current theory of Consciousness for Physicists is the issue of conservation of energy. Our awareness, or consciousness, is an artifact of our perceptions; a result of the synergy between the various mechanisms of the brain that collect and correlate the data from our senses into a coherent “picture” of the world around us. Consciousness is seen to be a virtual construct and therefore has no access to the electro-mechanical machinery of the brain, which actually sets muscles into action resulting in a specifically desired result. In this limited model, the Physicist argues, Consciousness can be no more than an observer.
One of the fundamental axioms of quantum mechanics is Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which is all about what an observer can know about small things. The Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment suggests that the observer can effect the collapse of the general quantum wave, into a specific quantum state by the simple act of observation. (I would like to think that the consciousness of the cat inside the box has more effect on the outcome than opening the door. That may only be because I happen to like cats.) When we add the para-crystalline vesicular grid to the model of consciousness, there is now a mechanism for the observing consciousness to directly effect the physical machinery of the body!
The para-crystalline vesicular grid is a nano-sized collection of vesicles (pockets within the cell) arranged at the end of the nerves where electrical signals are transmitted between one nerve cell and another. A honey comb is an example of a para-crystalline grid. Looked at in one direction the honey comb appears to be crystalline. From other directions it just looks like a stack of wax tubes. These vesicles are arranged is just such a structure on the surface of the dendrite, with each vesicle in the grid containing different sets of neurotransmitters. When a signal is transmitted over this channel, some subset of the vesicles within the grid burst, releasing their particular set of neurotransmitters thus completing a specific signal across the dentrite. Because consciousness is an observer, it can effect the quantum state of these vesicles and thus control the signals within the brain directing the muscles to create the desired action. It is our conscious mind that interrupts the flight-or-fight response that is triggered by lower brain functions when we are startled by a loud noise. This lower brain function is often called the “lizard brain” because, like the lizard’s brain this part of our brain is responsive to stimuli without conscious thought. Consciousness thereby provides options not available to predetermined responses provided by evolution that are coded in the genes of animals.
Animals without the complex brain mechanisms that produce consciousness are said to be “signal bound”. That is, if the correct visual stimulus is provided, the animal will respond with the specific evolutionarily encoded behavior that is the response to that stimuli. If you wave a tree frog in front of a captive black snake, the snake will attempt to eat the frog, even long after the snake has become lumpy with frogs, even when that last frog will simply not go down his throat for lack of available space, the snake will continue to try to eat the next frog you present. I don’t know if these animals have these para-crystalline vesicular grids, but they don’t seem to have the self awareness of consciousness to see the unproductive nature of continuing to respond to the presented sensory signals. Animals with additional neurological layers to their brain have enough self awareness to execute hunting behaviors only when they are actually in need of food and are hungry making self awareness a useful evolutionary trait. While we, as humans, are certain of our superiority to the other animals, by virtue of our consciousness and intellect, we are not the only animals that make conscious decisions about the actions we take. Anyone who has shared space with a cat, has seen that cat contemplate whether or not to violate one of your rules. You can infer contemplation because the decision is not always the same.
The fact that these para-crystalline vesicular grids may provide consciousness a path for effecting the bodies actions has several other implications. The Quantum Brain refers to what is sometimes called the Quantum Sea. The general quantum field equations require an infinite amount of negative energy exist to balance out the equations positive side. This negative energy “sea” is where the energy comes from to effect quantum events on the positive energy side of the field. This has also been the Holy Grail of unlimited energy supplies, but so far without a solution. On the other hand, if the universe is a simulation, as some scientists are beginning to believe, the computational energy for running that simulation would certainly be available in this negative energy sea.
One of the conclusions I am tempted to come to as a result of researching this article is that consciousness lives and operates both in the quantum sea and the physical world. I have always thought that the purpose of consciousness was to observe the world around us and appreciate the beauty of the design. This more complete theory of consciousness expands that idea to include the responsibility of consciousness to actually direct and not simply observe. The span of consciousness across the boundary between the physical and the quantum makes it possible for a consciousness aware of what is available there to accomplish many things that we now do with physical constructs. Through the quantum mechanical operations that consciousness is capable of performing, the limits to what we might learn to use may only be our ability to comprehend those operations. We certainly have a ways to go before we might travel to the stars without star ships. We certainly have much to learn before this will be possible. The World of Null A is a science fiction story that describes a world where some humans have the powers that I suspect the quantum sea might provide to the conscious mind. Its a good story too!