Biophysics at JILA

At JILA, biophysics research groups are applying tools and concepts from physics to the understanding of living systems at the molecular level. This vibrant research field promises to yield answers to important questions about the structure, dynamics, function, and interaction of biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. This research is made possible by new instruments that allow researchers to measure distances much shorter than the wavelength of light (nanometers) and forces as small as one trillionth of the force required to hold an apple against Earth's gravity (piconewtons). JILA biophysics researchers are currently studying "protein motors," protein motions, and the folding dynamics of RNA and DNA.