Celebrating 70 Years of DNA Discoveries
The world loves a good celebration. There’s a day for everything you can think of; World Braille Day, International Day of Happiness, International Day of Forests, and believe it or not, World Tuna Day! Even the science world has special days to recognise the amazing achievements and milestones of the people who work in the field. Take International DNA Day, 25 April, for example. Although a predominantly American holiday, this day is recognized globally, and celebrates the discovery and understanding of DNA and the scientific advances that continue to be made in the world of genetics. So, what exactly is DNA? DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the storage system for our genetic information. It contains all of our hereditary material and the thing that makes unique – our genes! A gene is the basic unit of heredity, passed from a parent to a child. It is estimated that humans have between 20000 and 25000 genes.
DNA Day is a day to celebrate the work of James Watson, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, scientists whose work on the structure of DNA was published for the first time in 1953 in the scientific journal Nature. After discovering that DNA comprised a double helix, Crick, Watson and Williams went on to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. Today, DNA Day recognizes the importance of human genetics and genetic research to develop strategies to treat and prevent genetic diseases and conditions. April 25 also has added significance for the world of genomics, as it marks the completion of the Human Genome Project, in which scientists first sequenced the DNA of the entire human genome. The project took 13 years to complete and aimed to identify all of the genes in human DNA.
Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, the world of genomic study has seen some notable advances, which include:
- Using genomics to understand and treat diseases
- Using genomic technology to yield better crops and livestock
- Non-invasive prenatal testing
- Solving crimes using forensic analysis of DNA, and
- DNA testing from the comfort of your own home!
To celebrate International DNA Day, EasyDNA Australia is offering 10% of all DNA tests for 24, 25 and 26 April. There are so many DNA tests to choose from, and there is a test to answer your questions about everything genetic.
Paternity Tests – establish if you are the biological father or not. Can be used for immigration purposes or peace of mind.
Relationship Tests – Does a biological relationship exist? Tests available for siblings, grandparents, aunt & uncle, twins and maternity.
Prenatal Tests – Non-invasive DNA testing during pregnancy. Baby gender, genetic screening, paternity testing.
Ancestry Tests – discover new things about your ancestry, family lineage and genealogy.
Clinical & Molecular Tests – manage your health more effectively
Health & Wellbeing Tests – Something for everyone! Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, DNA Diet & Healthy Weight, Ovarian cancer test, Self-Discovery Package.
Animal Tests – take your pet care to the next level! Find out if your pet is allergic or intolerant. Cats, dogs, birds and even horses!
DNA Storage – store your genetic code for 3, 5, 10 or 15 years.
April 24, 25 & 26 are the best times this month to discover more about what really makes you unique, and this is only possible thanks to the people who uncovered the mystery of DNA and the human genome.