 transcription factors bind to specific regions of DNA known as CIS regulatory modules, CRMs, which then activate genes and drive developmental processes. However, the exact mechanism behind this process has been unclear. Researchers found that the timing of when these transcription factors bind to CIMs is important for controlling the timing of gene expression, which in turn affects the developmental progress of cells. This suggests that measuring the timing of transcription factor binding to CIMs could provide insight into the mechanism's underlying developmental progression. This article was authored by Bartek Wilczynski and Eileen E. M. Ferlong.