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Traditionally physics and biology are considered to be two different subjects. Physics stands for the study of Newtonian mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism,motion and action of macroscopic objects. Biology on the other hand is the science describing how life is build up of complex molecules such as DNA or proteins that make part of cells constituting our body. However, many famous physicists who are known for their acievements in 'hard condensed matter' and nuclear physics (like Erwin Schroedinger or Niels Bohr), and also natural scientists such as Charles Darwin have contributed profoundly to our understanding of life. Some have done fundamental experimental work in areas such as molecular structure and dynamics, photosynthesis, or cell membranes. Others have applied their mathematical skills to develop theories for neural networks, electron transfer and phenomena such as the heart rhythm. Others have found that their skill as instrumentalists can change medicine, through such advances as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
All have experienced the excitement of working in this rich and interdisciplinary field.
The double helix of DNA was discovered here in the Cavendish by Watson and Crick. It is one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century, and led to the understanding we have of genes and how they work. But how are genes actually controlled? Is DNA always a double helix? And how does it all fit inside every human cell - there's 2 metres of it in every single cell?
But DNA can be used for much more than just biology - we can make new materials out of it, and make complicated three-dimensional shapes - a kind of DNA origami. We can use it to make tiny motors, and boxes that open and shut with a key. And maybe we can make computers out
of it as well ... a true biological computer.
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