Topic: photosynthesis

Investigate how carotenoids and their metabolites support photosynthesis, photoprotection, signalling and organismal health. Research presentations connect pigment biosynthesis and molecular function with retinoids, plant stress responses, animal coloration and human nutrition. The programme examines new metabolic pathways, crop biofortification, disease prevention and practical applications, with extensive discussion and poster sessions. 10–15 January: check-in begins Sunday at 14:00 and scientific introductions at 19:30; departure is Friday at 09:00. Times: America/Los_Angeles (PST, UTC−08:

Clarice D. Aiello examines evidence that quantum effects influence biological function, including magnetic sensing used in animal navigation, cellular metabolism and enzyme activity, and the capture of light energy in photosynthesis. The talk reviews proposed biophysical mechanisms and their implications for human, plant and environmental biology, while considering the difficulty of connecting observations from nanometre scales to whole organisms. A central question is whether quantum mechanics can be established or ruled out as the explanation for physiologically relevant effects, and whether

Charlotte Sletten Bjorå discusses plants, photosynthesis and the biological systems that sustain other life. Conversation in Norwegian.

Nick Lane traces how a metabolic cycle that converts gases into organic molecules and back can connect major transitions in the history of life. The lecture links this chemistry to the origin of life, photosynthesis and the emergence of animals, and considers its connections with cancer and the emergence of consciousness.

Johnjoe McFadden discusses possible quantum effects in living organisms, including sensory processes and photosynthesis. Conversation in English.