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arXiv:0910.5294physics.bio-ph

DNA Breathing Dynamics in the Presence of a Terahertz Field

B. S. Alexandrov, V. Gelev, A. R. Bishop, A. Usheva, K. O. Rasmussen

Abstract

We consider the influence of a terahertz field on the breathing dynamics of double-stranded DNA. We model the spontaneous formation of spatially localized openings of a damped and driven DNA chain, and find that linear instabilities lead to dynamic dimerization, while true local strand separations require a threshold amplitude mechanism. Based on our results we argue that a specific terahertz radiation exposure may significantly affect the natural dynamics of DNA, and thereby influence intricate molecular processes involved in gene expression and DNA replication.

arXiv comments
Journal reference
Physics Letters A, Volume 374, Issue 10, 2010
DOI
doi:10.1016/j.physleta.2009.12.077
Subjects
physics.bio-phBiological Physics physics.comp-phComputational Physics

On Hacker News

Linked by 4 identifiable commenters in 4 comments across 4 threads, from Nov 2010 to Dec 2024. Found in 1 HN submission from Oct 2010 to Oct 2010. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments4 threads

  1. FCC opens entire 6 GHz band to low power device operations 1 comment

    • “DNA Breathing Dynamics in the Presence of a Terahertz Field” by B. S. Alexandrov, V. Gelev, A. R. Bishop, A. Usheva, K. O. Rasmussen (Submitted on 28 Oct 2009) "Abstract: We consider the influence of a terahertz field on the breathing dynamics of double-stranded DNA. We model…

      rpaddockView on HNParent context

  2. The Revival of Concorde 1 comment

    • Apparently millimeter wave radiation can be ionizing under the right circumstances. That's sort of terrifying. http://arxiv.org/abs/0910.5294

      toomuchtodoView on HNParent context

  3. Defeated 1 comment

    • Thanks for bringing the MIT article to my attention. I wouldn't say I referenced the type of radiation, but was just a little less specific. The only source for the article you pointed to (http://arxiv.org/abs/0910.5294) was a model, not an experiment or test. Given the…

      ignosticView on HNParent context

  4. Ask HN: Please critique backscatter argument 1 comment

    • There is extremely glaring factual mistake in this text. "And guess what wave frequency x-ray backscatter machines use? Hint: THz. http://arxiv.org/abs/0910.5294 Sorry. You missed by a multiplier of 10000-10000000. X-rays go from tens of petahertz to tens of exahertz. X-rays…

      sharpneliView on HNParent context

Submitted to Hacker News

  • Ask HN: Please critique backscatter argument52 points85 comments

    A friend wrote me on the subject of nude scans taken by backscatter x-ray machines: "No worse than a doctor seeing it." After reading several comments on a Hacker News thread, I decided to write a note expressing the implications of the machine and pat-downs. I would appreciate reading your thoughts and ways to improve the content. The original thread: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1848622 -- "No worse than a doctor seeing it." Respectfully, I disagree. * You can screen your doctor for…

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