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Scientists at Caltech have used 4D electron microscopy to visualize the biomechanics of DNA.

DNA was made to vibrate with a laser pulse and then probed with electron pulses to observe the specimen in space and time, revealing the natural resonant frequency. With selective nanocutting, it was possible to determine the stiffness of the DNA filament at different points.

Pictures and a summary of the research are available from Caltech, along with details of the 4D electron microscope.

Researchers at the Cambridge Research Institute and University of Cambridge have found evidence for the formation of G-quadruplex structures in the genome of mammalian cells.

G-quadruplexes are capable of forming a four-stranded structure, unlike the normal two strands of DNA.

The experiments demonstrate that G-quadruplex structures are modulated during the cell cycle in a manner that is sensitive to whether or not the DNA is being replicated. It may be possible to develop drugs that trap the quadruplexes to stop cells dividing and prevent proliferation of cancer cells.