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Lowering Salt Content in DNA Solutions
Georgia Institute of Technology Associate Professor Nicholas Hud (left) and Ph.D. student Christine Conwell--along with Ph.D. student Igor Vilfan (not shown)--have made a significant advance in controlling the size of DNA toroids. The finding could improve the efficiency of gene delivery for medical treatment and disease prevention.
Scientists are seeking to understand the natural mechanism of DNA condensation into nanostructures--in particular, toroids, which look like tightly wound garden hoses. Densely packed DNA is nature's efficient way of transporting genetic information, done particularly well by sperm cells and viruses. For more information on this research, see the July 28, 2003, Georgia Tech Research News story, "Hold the Salt, Please: Lowering Salt Content in DNA Solutions May Help Improve Gene Therapy Success." (Date of Image: 2003)
Credit: Photo by Gary Meek; courtesy Georgia Tech
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