Scientists capture stunning real-time images of DNA damage and repair

Scientists at Utrecht University developed a revolutionary fluorescent sensor that allows real-time observation of DNA damage and repair inside living cells, overcoming previous limitations that required killing cells for analysis. The sensor uses natural cellular proteins to attach to damaged DNA without interfering with repair processes, creating continuous "movies" of cellular repair. Testing in laboratory cells and living worms demonstrated the tool's versatility, with potential applications in cancer research, drug development, and aging studies where precise measurement of DNA damage is crucial.