Scientists at UMBI study many different diseases, disorders, and organisms. While each of these can be viewed from a clinical or macro level, perhaps the most interesting and informative research occurs while looking inside the cell at the large molecules (called macromolecules), such as proteins, RNA and DNA, that carry out all of the functions of the organism as a whole, in both health and disease. The cell is the fundamental unit of every living species, including multicellular organisms and the microorganisms with which they interact. Most modern biological and medical research is performed at the cellular or molecular level of organization. The interactions between macromolecules define the fundamental activities and capabilities of all living things, including human beings. The structure and interactions of these molecules are explored through modern techniques that involve genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, and structural analysis such as x-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy. The tagging and visualization of macromolecules, and their interactions in health and disease, are directly linked to opportunities in biotechnology. Real-world applications include new drug discovery, protein engineering, environmental remediation and preservation, new energy sources, and new nanoscale materials, to name just a few.