We develop and apply single molecule approaches to acquire quantitative understanding of biology and to find ways to improve human medicine. The current directions of our research include investigations of G-quadruplex and R-loop mediated gene expression, telomere regulation with focus on oxidative damage and molecular mechanism underlying phase separation of RNA binding proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, ALS/FTLD. We employ biochemical, biophysical, cellular and genetic tools in conjunction with single molecule detection platforms to gain comprehensive understanding of the biological pathways with the emphasis on elucidating molecular mechanisms.