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Repair proteins appear to efficiently scan the genome for errors by jumping like fleas between DNA molecules, sliding along the strands and perhaps pausing at suspicious spots. Researchers tagged the proteins with quantum dots to watch the action unfold.

Bennett Van Houten, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, says the repair process is "akin to spotting potholes on every street all over the country and getting them fixed before the next rush hour."

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Photo credit: Neil Kad/University of Essex