> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://aidenlab.gitbook.io/juicebox/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://aidenlab.gitbook.io/juicebox/background.md).

# Background

## 3D Genomics

If the DNA from a single cell was taken out and stretched end to end, it would span 2 meters. But all that DNA has to fold up tightly inside a single nucleus only a few microns wide. Studying the patterns and rules of DNA folding, and the implications this folding has for disease or epigenetics is the field of 3D genomics.

Hi-C data represent one major approach for studying 3D interactions within the cell, using a technique known as contact mapping. See more below from Dr. Erez Aiden's talk at the Scripps Research Translational Institute.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPjQynxMZ4w>" %}