Systems that display sustained quantum coherence are distinctly different from systems that do not. It is presently the assumption of scientists in the field of quantum consciousness that consciousness is a coherent quantum effect.

This does not mean that atoms have consciousness. It's more like the difference between an ordinary electron conductor and a superconductor. The latter is frictionless. The electrons do not collide with atoms as they do in ordinary conductors. This is apparently because coherent quantum matter seemingly knows where everything is and collisions can be avoided. But my belief is just like in electromagnetic waves, electron and other matter waves that are coherent can interpenetrate without interaction.

Richard