U.S. Genomics announced today that Dr. Howard C. Berg, the Herchel Smith Professor of Physics the Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Member of the Rowland Institute at Harvard University, is the recipient of the Biophysical Societys annual award for Outstanding Investigator in Single Molecule Biology, sponsored by U.S. Genomics. The award will be presented this evening at the 51st Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society in Baltimore, Maryland. The purpose of the Biophysical Societys Awards Program is to honors its members, recognize excellence in biophysics, and promote greater interaction among life scientists throughout the world.

Conducting critical research focused on better understanding the motility system and behavior of flagellated bacteria is only one of Dr. Bergs numerous achievements. He has demonstrated the importance of working at the level of single molecules to discover the basis of fundamental cellular processes, "said John J. Canepa, CEO of U.S. Genomics. "As the pioneer of single molecule biology tools, U.S. Genomics is proud to sponsor an award that recognizes and promotes outstanding contributions in this field. The Biophysical Society Annual Meeting offers a premier venue in which to acknowledge Dr. Bergs great achievements."

"It seems altogether fitting that the Biophysical Societys Single Molecule Biophysics Award be bestowed this year upon Howard C. Berg," said Joe Falke, incoming President of the Biophysical Society. "Dr. Berg not only helped to found this modern field by establishing the very first single-motor assay, but continues today to lead the way with his unique and innovative approaches to single-cell and single-molecule physiology."