They are essentially new to science form of communication between neurons.
In the brain can exist in the photon tunnels, which are essentially new to science form of communication between neurons. This assumption is expressed by a group of researchers from the University of calgary and University of Alberta (Canada) based on the developed theoretical model.
Neuroscientists had known that nerve cells can emit photons, so the authors wondered whether the light to provide additional communication between neurons. The speed of biophotons generated by oxidation reactions exceeds the rate of electrical impulses a million times. In addition, the distribution of light is not influenced from the temperature of the body, making it an ideal carrier of information. However, scientists not known whether there are appropriate channels through which could pass the photons.
Using mathematical modeling, researchers have shown that waveguides can be of the myelin sheath covering the axons of neurons. Myelin has a higher refractive index than the extracellular environment and the contents of the neurons, which endows it with the necessary conductive properties. According to scientists, biophotons and the myelin sheath, resulting in the formation of quantum optical networks in the brain.
Myelin plays a role of electrical insulation of axons, long processes of nerve cells. It provides for an electrical pulse 5-10 times faster than demyelination nerve fibers. The destruction of myelin sheaths is associated with severe neurodegenerative diseases.
