Why we won’t be doing genetic engineering any time soon.

Abstract: We propose a model for the fluctuation dynamics of the local denaturation zones (bubbles) in double-stranded DNA. In our formulation, the DNA strand is model as a one dimensional Rouse chain confined at both the ends. The bubble is formed when the transverse displacement of the chain attains a critical value. This simple model effectively reproduces the autocorrelation function for the tagged base pair in the DNA strand as measured in the seminal single molecule experiment by Altan-Bonnet et. al (Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 138101 (2003)). Although our model is mathematically similar to the one proposed by Chatterjee et al. (J. Chem. Phys. 127, 155104 (2007)) it goes beyond a single reaction coordinate description by incorporating the chain dynamics through a confined Rouse chain and thus considers the collective nature of the dynamics. Our model also shows that the autocorrelation function is very sensitive to the relaxation times of the normal modes of the chain, which is obvious since the fluctuation dynamics of the bubble has the contribution from the different normal modes of the chain.

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Normally I hate neologisms as vampires do the daystar, but Lynn Viehl is a Professional Writer, so she must know more than me, right?

Although I suppose the ‘wordrobe’ is actually a pun … but I hate them, too.

Ah, well.

Read it.

A reminder that you can find good stuff in Wikipedia if you look hard enough.

John Derbyshire, Patron Saint of Dyspepsia, does a public service.

Oddly, the front page of the A&L section is dominated by a huge black and white photograph showing the cracked, cratered, pock-marked surface of an asteroid. Taken by the Cassini space probe, no doubt … Oh, no, wait a minute; it’s actually a close-up photograph of Keith Richards.

Second lead: “Taylor Swift is Angry, Darn It.” Who she? Can I be bothered to find out? Nah.

What else? “In a new column, a defense of women’s right to long hair, even if it’s gray.” I can feel my will to live draining away. Let’s move on.