I think this is an interesting profile of how someone who is very gifted, especially in math, applied his talents. Perhaps there is more scope for new applications of mathematics to biology than to physics, because physicists have been using advanced math for centuries.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/03/science/broad-institute-director-finds-power-in-numbers.html
PROFILES IN SCIENCE | ERIC LANDER
Power in Numbers
By GINA KOLATA
New York Times
January 2, 2012

"To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle." - George Orwell