University of York

Stories

Scientists directly observe DNA strands zipping together for the first time

As of September 2026: Co-led the imaging study

For 20 years, biologists knew matching DNA duplexes could pair up despite carrying identical negative charges, but no one had seen how. Researchers at the universities of York and Sheffield now have: metal ions, including nickel, magnesium, and calcium, nestle into the helices' grooves and zip them together, groove for groove.

Updated Sep 11

Study traces Devil's Arrows stones to Brimham Rocks, 11 miles away

New Capabilities

As of September 2026: Research collaborator

Britain's tallest surviving stone row, the Devil's Arrows near Boroughbridge, has guarded its secret for 4,000 years: where did the three pillars come from? New research answers it. Builders hauled each 25-tonne stone 18 kilometers from Brimham Rocks, bypassing nearer sources.

Updated Sep 9