Spectral analysis of DNA sequences by entropy minimization

Spectral analysis can be applied to study base-base correlation in DNA sequences. A key role is played by the mapping between nucleotides and real/complex numbers. In this paper, we present a new approach where the mapping is not kept fixed: it is allowed to vary aiming to minimize the spectrum entropy, thus detecting the main hidden periodicities. The new technique is first introduced and discussed through a number of case studies, then extended to encompass time-frequency analysis.