Why in the News

Two recent studies published in Nature in February 2026 have demonstrated that fluorescent proteins can be genetically engineered to function as quantum sensors inside living cells, detecting magnetic fields and radio waves.

Background

• The discovery of Green Fluorescent Protein revolutionised biology by allowing scientists to visualise cellular processes. This breakthrough was recognised with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008.
• Now, researchers have shown that such proteins can be modified to detect quantum level signals inside cells.

Core Scientific Principle

When a fluorescent protein absorbs light:

1. An electron moves to a higher energy state.
2. It usually returns, emitting light.
3. In some cases, a radical pair forms with unpaired electrons.
4. Their spin states are influenced by weak magnetic fields.
5. Changes in spin alter fluorescence intensity.

This is known as optically detected magnetic resonance, a quantum phenomenon.

Key Research Findings

1. Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein

• Exhibits a metastable triplet state
• Spin state controlled using laser pulses and microwaves
• Demonstrated qubit like behaviour inside cells
• Observed in human kidney cells and in Escherichia coli at room temperature

2. MagLOV Proteins

• Engineered from plant light sensing proteins
• Magneto sensitive fluorescent variants
• Show stable magnetic resonance inside living bacterial cells
• Genetically encodable and biologically compatible

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