Today Special : National DNA Day
Every year on April 25 since 2003, scientists, biologists, and genetics enthusiasts come together to observe National DNA Day, celebrating the discovery and research into DNA and the scientific advancements that helped make progress possible. Organized annually by the Human Genome Research Institute, National DNA Day encourages people to learn more about the science that makes them genetically unique.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DNA DAY
On April 25, 1953, molecular biologist James Dewey Watson’s academic paper presenting DNA’s double-helix structure (which he co-authored with British molecular biologists Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins) was published in the scientific journal, Nature. Nine years later, the three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for unearthing the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its importance for genetic information transfer in living beings.
On April 14, 2003, the Human Genome Project, an international scientific research project with the goal of determining the base pairs that make up human DNA and identifying all genes of the human genome, was declared complete. The project lasted for 13 years, finishing two years ahead of schedule, and was publicly funded by the U.S. government. It originally set to map the nucleotides contained within a human haploid genome, but scientists quickly realized that the genome of any given individual is completely unique, so mapping the human genome involved mapping the DNA of a small number of individuals and then piecing them all together to create a complete sequence for each individual chromosome. Meaning the complete human genome is more-so a mosaic rather than representative of any one individual.
Following the completion of the Human Genome Project, both the Senate and the House of Representatives proclaimed April 25, 2003 DNA Day and April as Human Genome Month. The day marked 50 years since Watson, Crick, and Wilkins’ academic paper was published and the month itself was considered significant in genome discovery. However, they only declared it a one-time celebration rather than an annual holiday. Since then, National DNA Day events and celebrations have been hosted by the National Human Genome Research Institute in order to encourage further research as well as celebrate and continue to acknowledge all of the hard work that has been dedicated to the study of DNA.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DNA DAY
- Take a DNA test : Due to the scientific breakthroughs by the HGP and Watson, Crick, and Wilkins, we now have programs such as 23&Me and Ancestry in order to track our family history through our DNA. Fulfill your curiosity and learn more about yourself and your family by investing in a DNA test.
- Participate in a local event : The National Human Genome Research Institute hosts annual National DNA Day Events. If you’d like to attend a local event, or host one for your city, check out their events page.
- Have an open conversation with your family : The fastest way to learn about your genetic history, with some added allegorical context, is through the stories of your family members. Though family stories are often like a decades long game of telephone, where some information may not be completely accurate, there’s a sense of pride that comes from hearing the stories that lead to you being able to exist today.
WHY NATIONAL DNA DAY IS IMPORTANT
- It acknowledges advancements in scientific discovery : Ever since the days of Aristotle, the Father of Biology, scientists have been studying living organisms and contributing to the genetic discoveries that were published in 1953 and continued today. On National DNA Day, we recognize the efforts that lead us to the knowledge we have access to today and the continued research that will lead to the discoveries of tomorrow.
- It encourages people to learn more about their genetic history : The research that’s lead to the celebration of National DNA Day is the science that brings us closer to our roots. This day feeds that sense of belonging by encouraging us to take the dive into learning more about who we are and where we come from.
- It’s a day where the public can learn more about genetics and genomics : From genetic history to gene editing, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to the structure and function of genomes. On National DNA Day, the public is encouraged to access any and all available information to learn more about their genetic makeup and the molecular biology of all living things.
