Unraveling a Knotty Problem in DNA (IMAGE) University of California - Davis Caption When E. coli bacteria divide, they have to separate two linked circles of DNA into two separate circles. UC Davis mathematician Mariel Vazquez and colleagues are using the mathematics of shapes (topology) and computer modeling to understand this process. Credit Mariel Vazquez/UC Davis Usage Restrictions May be used with acknowledgement. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.