50,000 'knots' scattered throughout our DNA control gene activity

Medical illustration showing a molecule of DNA that is forming an i-motif against a black background. The i-motif is in the middle of the image and a y-shaped antibody is next to it. The DNA molecule and the antibody are multi-colored. .

Scientists have mapped tens of thousands of mysterious "knots" in human DNA, and they may play a key role in controlling gene activity.

Knowing the exact locations of these knots — known as "i-motifs" — could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases, including cancer, according to the researchers behind the work.