Biophysics is a field that applies the theories and methods of physics to understand how biological systems work.

Biophysics is critical to understanding how the molecules of life are formed, how different parts of a cell move and function, and how the complex systems within our bodies (the brain, circulatory system, immune system, and more) work. It is also a vibrant scientific field where scientists from many fields, including mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, pharmacology, and materials science, use it to discover and develop new tools to understand how biology works.

Biophysics: The bridge between sciences!

Physicists use mathematics to explain what happens in nature. The life sciences seek to understand how biological systems work. These systems include very complex molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Biological research in the 21st century involves experiments that generate large amounts of data. How can biologists begin to understand this data or predict how these systems work? That’s where biophysicists come in. Biophysicists are trained in the quantitative sciences of physics, mathematics, and chemistry, and can tackle topics as wide-ranging as how nerve cells communicate, how plant cells capture and convert light. The biophysics community also contributes to research on how changes in the DNA of healthy cells can trigger the transformation into cancer cells and many other biological problems.

– What Do Biophysicists Do?

Biophysicists work to develop methods to overcome disease, eliminate global hunger, generate renewable energy sources, design cutting-edge technologies, and solve countless scientific mysteries. In short, biophysicists are at the forefront of solving the problems of the future, as well as solving the problems of aging.

– Data Analysis and Structure

The structure of DNA was solved using biophysics in 1953, and this discovery was crucial for demonstrating what DNA is for life. We can now read DNA sequences from thousands of people and all types of living organisms. Biophysical techniques are required to analyze these vast amounts of data.

– Computer Modeling

Biophysicists apply computer modeling methods to understand the shapes and structures of proteins, viruses, and other complex molecules, important information needed to develop new drug targets. They also develop and use computer modeling methods to understand how proteins mutate and cause tumors to grow.

– Molecules in motion

Biophysicists study how hormones move around cells and how cells communicate with each other. Using fluorescent labels, biophysicists can make cells burn like fire under a microscope and learn about the cell’s sophisticated internal passage system.

– Neuroscience

Biophysicists create computer models called neural networks to model how the brain and nervous system work. These models are shedding new insights into how visual and auditory information is processed.

– Bioengineering, Nanotechnology, Biomaterials

Biophysics is critical to understanding biomechanics and better applying this knowledge to the design of prosthetic limbs.

– Imaging

Biophysicists have developed sophisticated diagnostic imaging techniques, including MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans. Biophysics continues to be central to the development of safer, faster, and more sensitive technology to improve medical imaging and teach us more about the inner workings of the body.

– Medical applications

Biophysics has been fundamental to the development of many lifesaving treatments and devices, including kidney dialysis, radiation therapy, heart defibrillators, pacemakers, and artificial heart valves.

– Ecosystems

Environmental biophysics measures and models all aspects of the environment, from the stratosphere to the deep ocean floor. Environmental biophysicists study the diverse microbial communities that live on every corner of the planet, monitor atmospheric pollutants, and find ways to convert algae into biofuels.

Where Do Biophysicists Work?

Biophysicists are teachers and researchers in biology, physics, engineering, and many other fields. They work at universities, hospitals, technology startups, and engineering companies to develop new diagnostic tests, drug-delivery systems, or potential biofuels. Biophysicists develop computer models to learn why a new strain of the flu evades the immune system or create 3D models of new protein structures to better understand how they work.

In short, those who study biophysics have limitless career opportunities.