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Scientists have solved a possible life-saving mystery DNA process that once featured in a story line for cult Sci-Fi series The X-Files.

The incredible process, which has baffled scientists for more than 20 years, could be used for cancer treatment and to fight antibiotic resistant bacteria.

The University of Sheffield research has revealed how branch DNA molecules are removed from the iconic double-helical structure - a process that is essential for all life forms.

Professor of Functional Genomics at the university, Jon Sayers, says the latest discovery "could pave the way for better diagnostics or new drugs (to treat cancer)" and "may one day be used to fight antibiotic resistant bacteria."

The process was used in a plot for the popular 90s drama - which returned to screens this year - in which Agent Scully, played by Gillian Anderson, suspected aliens inserted branched DNA into her blood.

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The DNA was added to her blood after she was abducted, which as claimed to be a way to "track" her and turn her into "something inhuman" - aka an alien.

Prof Sayers said: "In reality, far from being of alien origin, branched DNA is formed every day in our bodies.

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"It happens every time our cells divide.

"These branches are essential intermediates formed during the process of copying our DNA."

(Image: Getty)

The Sheffield team captured for the first time snapshots of the molecular events in incredible detail.

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They show how Flap EndoNuclease enzymes (FENs) trim branched DNA molecules after cells have divided.

The scientists found the FEN threads then move through a hole in the enzyme before sliding along to the trunk where it acts like a pair of "molecular secateurs" - trimming the branch and restoring the iconic double-helix.

(Image: Getty)

The team made the discovery using the Diamond Light Source - the UK's synchrotron which works like a giant microscope harnessing the power of electrons to produce bright X-ray light which scientists can use to study anything from fossils and jet engines to viruses and vaccines.

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Professor Sayers said: "The FENs analysed in the study are very similar to those used in diagnostic tests for genetic diseases, bacteria and viruses.

"Understanding how they work will help to engineer better and more reliable tests and tools for laboratory research and hospital diagnostics labs.

(Image: University of Sheffield)

"Because DNA replication is essential for all life forms, understanding how it works at a molecular level provides insight into one of the most basic cellular processes common to all life.

"The enzymes that carry out this process are sometimes involved in cancer. They have been linked to tumour progression and mutation, so this discovery could pave the way for better diagnostics or new drugs."

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He added: "Knowing how these enzymes work could aid development of new antimicrobial drugs that may one day be used to fight antibiotic resistant bacteria."

Study author Dr John Rafferty added: "We can now see the details of how cells have evolved to tidy up after themselves as they copy their DNA, which reduces their risk of harmful mutations.

"This sort of information is fundamental in helping us understand and maybe treat those cells where occasionally things do go wrong."

The findings of the pioneering study were published in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.