• The team of researchers created a fluorescent molecule then had it interact with quadruplex DNA while studying the interactions using a powerful microscope. The florescent molecule glowed more intensely when attached to DNA, which helped highlight the difference between quadruplexes and normal DNA.
  • Quadruplexes usually form when guanine-rich DNA folds over onto itself. Some researchers believe that quadruplexes are deeply involved in switching genes on and off, which would mean it would be a key to treating diseases like cancer.
  • Several quadruplex structures have been found in human genes but scientists still don't know exactly what they do. The hope is that this discovery is a "game-changer" for quadruplex-related research.

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