# Biophysics ## expand\_more Our research illuminates new physical tools to better understand biological systems. One recent CCB discovery grants the ability to directly observe gene expression in live cells. We also investigate the interaction of proteins and nucleic acids, the folding of proteins, chromophores, biofilms, and the hydrophobic effect in water. ## Biophysics Faculty [### Adam Cohen ](/people/adam-cohen) John P. Reardon Jr. Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and of Physics (Accepting Graduate Students) Laboratory Manager: Hillary Piccerillo Adam Cohen works at the interface of physics, chemistry and biology. His lab develops new physical tools to study molecules and cells. The Cohen Lab developed fluorescent voltage-indicating proteins which enable... ![adam_cohen-sm.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/chemistry/files/adam_cohen-sm.jpg?itok=6uvokuoR) [### Daniel G. Nocera ](/people/daniel-g-nocera) Patterson Rockwood Professor of Energy (Accepting Graduate Students) Daniel G. Nocera is the Patterson Rockwood Professor of Energy at Harvard University. A descriptive bio of Professor Nocera can be found here. ![nocera2.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/chemistry/files/nocera2.jpg?itok=LpCxgzgZ) [### Eugene I. Shakhnovich ](/people/eugene-i-shakhnovich) Roy G. Gordon Professor of Chemistry (Accepting Graduate Students) Laboratory Manager/Administrator: Pattee McGarry The research of Professor Eugene Shakhnovich and his group is directed towards understanding the basic principles of protein folding and structural and dynamical properties of other complex polymer systems... ![shaknovich.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/shaknovich.jpg?itok=S02YEU6e) [### Joanna Aizenberg ](/people/joanna-aizenberg) Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Laboratory Manager/Administrator: Marina McLaughlin The Aizenberg lab's research is aimed at understanding some of the basic principles of biological architectures and the economy with which biology solves complex problems in the design of multifunctional... ![Professor Aizenberg](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/chemistry/files/aizenberg_web.jpg?itok=9YKXgg1W) [### Xiaowei Zhuang ](/people/xiaowei-zhuang) David B. Arnold, Jr. Professor of Science Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (Accepting Graduate Students) Laboratory Manager/Administrator: Rona Gertner Xiaowei Zhuang works in the areas of single-molecule biology and bioimaging, developing imaging techniques to study biological systems quantitatively. The understanding of living organisms has greatly... ![zhuang.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/zhuang.jpg?itok=f0uh_XZo) ## Recent News [### Adam Cohen receives Genomic Medicines Fund award ](/news/2026/06/adam-cohen-receives-genomic-medicines-fund-award) June 08, 2026 The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce that awards have been made to five projects from the Harvard University Genomic Medicines Fund. The fund is intended to support of research involving genome editing that is useful... ![Adam Cohen](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-05/Adam%20Cohen-Memories%20PUBLIC.jpg?itok=7EBCJf1R) [### Xiaowei Zhuang awarded the 2026 Dickson Prize in Medicine ](/news/2026/06/xiaowei-zhuang-awarded-2026-dickson-prize-medicine) June 05, 2026 Xiaowei Zhuang, David B. Arnold Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dickson Prize in Medicine, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s highest... ![A photo of Xiaowei Zhuang in her lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/chemistry/files/101518_zhuang_011_h_2500.jpg?itok=6bduJW0-) [### Profile: The atlas maker of the microscopic world ](/news/2026/05/profile-atlas-maker-microscopic-world) May 29, 2026 Throughout the history of biology, numerous discoveries stemmed from observing living systems, but seeing the innerworkings of living organisms presents challenges. Xiaowei Zhuang, David B. Arnold Professor of Science, has spent her career developing... ![MERFISH](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/MERFISH_whole%20mouse%20brain%20cell%20atlas_11485952504197301151_web.jpg?itok=EK3L4kll) [ more news arrow\_circle\_right ](/news)