Bridging Biology Research and DeSci with Quantum Bio DAO
Recently we alpha and yapped with Clarice D. Aiello and Geoff Anders from Quantum Bio DAO about the intersection of DeSci, quantum biology, and community governance. We learned about how quantum mechanics plays a fundamental role in biology, the DAO's ambitious research roadmap, and the ways they are using Common’s governance tools to structure decision-making.
Here’s a recap of the key insights shared during our conversation!
What is quantum biology & why does it matter?
Quantum biology investigates the idea that biological systems leverage quantum mechanics to function optimally. The Quantum Bio DAO team explained that for decades, researchers have observed biological phenomena that appear to be influenced by quantum effects, including:
- Bird navigation using the Earth’s magnetic field
- Enzyme reactions occurring faster than classical physics predicts
- Photosynthesis efficiency linked to quantum coherence
Their research particularly focuses on how weak magnetic fields influence biological processes, an area that could unlock new methods of cell regulation and healing.
Launching Quantum Bio DAO
Quantum Bio DAO is one of the most successful DeSci fundraising efforts to date, having raised $6.8 million through a token auction in December. Their governance token, QBio, is now tradable on Uniswap, allowing broader participation in decision-making and funding allocation.
Geoff explained that DeSci provided the ideal funding model:
“We talked to government agencies, philanthropists, and VCs—but the decentralized science community was the most excited and willing to fund this research. DeSci made it happen.”
Using DAOs to advance open science
The DAO has implemented a three-step governance process to ensure proposals are evaluated transparently and efficiently:
- Drafting and discussion: Proposals start in Discord, where community members give feedback.
- Public comments on Common: Proposals are formally shared on Common’s governance platform for structured discussion and refinement.
- Onchain voting on Snapshot: Token holders vote on finalized proposals before implementation.
This structured approach has already impacted key decisions, including the timing of their token launch and budget allocations, demonstrating how DAOs can enable scientific governance with real community input.
Future roadmap
The team outlined their next major experiment to develop a one-of-a-kind quantum microscope that could provide the first direct evidence of quantum effects inside living cells at room temperature.
Beyond the microscope, Quantum Bio DAO is expanding its research with synthetic biology experiments on bacteria, studying how removing the Earth’s magnetic field influences cellular behavior.
Clarice explains that, “we expect to make fast progress, but some science takes time. That’s why DeSci is important—it gives us the freedom to pursue high-risk, high-reward research without bureaucratic slowdowns.”
How to get involved
Quantum Bio DAO is actively seeking contributors from all different backgrounds to help shape the future of quantum biology. Their Discord community brings together researchers and crypto enthusiasts to foster collaboration across typically separate industries.
Join the discussion on Common.
Common is also exploring ways to support DeSci projects through governance tooling, incentives, and contests. Stay tuned for more collaborations, and reach out on X if you’d like to partner with us!