Quantum-Neurocritical Filter Hypothesis (HFQNC): An Integrative Framework for Consciousness

The Quantum-Neurocritical Filter Hypothesis (HFQNC) proposes an integrative mechanism for consciousness articulated across three levels of processing: QF->A. Level Q describes quantum fluctuations documented in synapses (proton tunneling in synaptic enzymes, electron radical pairs, cryptochromes, Posner molecules, and lithium ionic tunneling) generating genuine variability as a functional resource. Level F describes the filtering of that variability through selective decoherence in an environment structured by tripartite history H (t) = Hₑvo + Hcult + Hₚers. Level A describes the selective amplification in neural networks operating near criticality (exponent sigma approx. 1. 0), determining conscious access. The central conceptual inversion: decoherence is not the enemy of quantum effects but their functional translation mechanism. Myelin, classically conceived as a conduction accelerator, fulfills an additional and original role: it structures the decoherence environment that defines which synaptic quantum variability translates into conscious experience. The framework offers falsifiable quantitative predictions: H->D isotopic substitution must reduce synaptic variability by factor KIEₙet in the range 1. 5-3. 5x; correlation r < -0. 5 between myelination and intensity of childhood magical perception; normal wakefulness sigma approx. 0. 98-1. 02, deep anesthesia sigma < 0. 85. Related work: Collados, J. (2026b). Isotopic modulation of neural criticality. DOI: 10. 5281/zenodo. 18870856. Collados, J. (2026c). Quantum tunneling in synaptic enzymes. DOI: 10. 5281/zenodo. 20026348