The DNA probes provide information about the unknown sequence, which can't be seen under a microscope. Preparata's and Upfal's method inserts gaps into the DNA probes. The gaps are essential to provide complete information about the sequence, Preparata said. Brown has applied for a patent of the inventors' method. Preparata and Upfal have presented two major papers and published two journal articles on the work.
Information is online .
Preparata and Upfal propose that chemical curiosities called universal bases be used as the gaps in DNA probes. During the research, the computer scientists design and analyze algorithms, and Brown biochemists use DNA probes to test how well the mathematical models work. This is an extremely important project. The research will also help scientists learn about fundamental interactions of DNA, information that will have many applications, Parker said. The research project is unusual because it integrates biochemistry and computer science, two disciplines that don't easily mix.