Researchers introduced an "ultra‑mild" bisulfite sequencing method (UMBS‑seq) published in Nature Communications that reduces DNA strand damage inherent to traditional bisulfite conversion and addresses inconsistencies seen with enzyme‑based alternatives. UMBS‑seq preserves DNA integrity while maintaining high sensitivity for methylation calls, enabling more reliable cancer DNA methylation profiling from limited or degraded samples. The method promises to improve epigenetic biomarker development and clinical methylation assays by lowering false negatives and expanding usable sample types, including cell‑free DNA and archival specimens.