SMRTR Science & EngineeringAug 26, 2025Live Science

Scientists uncover 'coils' in DNA that form under pressure

SMRTR summary

Cambridge scientists discovered DNA's mysterious "plectonemes"—coil structures that form under twisting pressure, not knots as previously thought. By passing DNA through nanopores, researchers observed these spring-like coils forming when DNA spins, measuring approximately 2,100 nanometers compared to knots at 140 nanometers. This finding may help explain how DNA's natural twisting affects gene regulation in cells.

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