Biophysics uses physics to explain and develop more information on living things. Common examples of these includes wearing glasses with corrective lenses for vision, and X-ray machines, which show the skeletal structure of a creature. Lasers are also part of biophysics, as well as an ultracentrifuge, which is a machine spinning at high speeds to separate a solution.

Biophysics has been used to explain fundamental (basic) processes in Biology. This includes, the diffusion (moving of particles from a point of high concentration to that of a low one) of gases, osmosis, and how lenses can be used to correct vision.

Osmosis has been best explained as water moving across a membrane from a source of water with higher concentration to a lower area. This makes it a type of diffusion, which helps create solutes. Solutes are proteins and ions that dissolve in a solvent (water). An example of osmosis can be seen in red blood cells. These contain many solutes like salt and protein. When placed into a solvent, the water will move to the area with the highest concentrate of solute.

Diffusion of gases is gas moving in random directions that result in them moving away from the area. The kinetic theory states that a gas is many particles (atoms/molecules) which are in a rapid moving randomly which causes many collisions with each other and with the walls of the container. So, diffusion of gases is pulling apart the gases and making the particles have more space between.

Biophysics has a long rich history, going back to the 18^th century when an Italian physician, Luigi Galvani, started doing research on the nature of muscle contraction and nerve impulses. He found that electricity was constantly interacting with the muscles, and that work started off the entire biophysics properties, since electricity is part of nature. His discovery led to the creation of devices such as electrocardiograph (recording the electric impulses of heartbeats), electroencephalograph (recording brain waves), and the pacemaker (a device to keep heartbeats normal)

Medical technology has advanced tremendously because of research into biophysics. Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron-emission tomography (PET) have given researchers sight into the complex bodies of creatures, including humans. Today, these are used in a day to day environment, but just under 50 years ago, we would not be able to even fathom technology such as this.

Biophysics has helped us advance tremendously by incorporating aspects of biology with physics. It began so long ago, and only recently have we taken true advantage of it, but we have certainly made up for lost time with all the wonderful medical tools and advancements that have been made. It's something that will seemingly be needed for years and years to come.

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