  There has been a recent interest in quantum algorithms for the modelling and
prediction of non-unitary quantum dynamics using current quantum computers. The
field of quantum biology is one area where these algorithms could prove to be
useful, as biological systems are generally intractable to treat in their
complete form, but amenable to an open quantum systems approach. Here we
present the application of a recently developed singular value decomposition
algorithm to two well-studied benchmark systems in quantum biology: excitonic
energy transport through the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex and the radical pair
mechanism for avian navigation. We demonstrate that the singular value
decomposition algorithm is capable of capturing accurate short- and long-time
dynamics for these systems through implementation on a quantum simulator, and
conclude that this algorithm has the potential to be an effective tool for the
future study of systems relevant to quantum biology.
