Signal Protein found in living cells turned into functioning qubit — UChicago PME

Summary

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering converted a protein found in living cells into a functioning qubit, announcing the result on 14 April 2026, World Quantum Day. The team was co-led by David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, alongside PME alum Jacob Feder (PhD '25) and PhD candidate Benjamin Soloway. Awschalom described the approach as distinctive, explaining that rather than adapting a conventional quantum sensor to fit inside a biological system, the team developed a biological system itself into a qubit. The resulting protein qubit functions as a quantum sensor capable of detecting minute changes in biological processes. The university describes the result as a first-of-its-kind breakthrough bridging quantum technology and biological systems.