April 25 is DNA Day
April 25 is DNA Day, the date that marks the publication, in 1953, of the scientific article by James Watson and Francis Crick in the journal Nature, describing the double helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The discovery, which included fundamental contributions from Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, revolutionized molecular biology and laid the foundations for modern genetics.
In addition to celebrating this historic milestone, the date also celebrates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, which mapped the complete sequence of human DNA, paving the way for advances in personalized medicine, diagnosis of genetic diseases and biotechnology.
Scientific and educational institutions around the world promote events, lectures and interactive activities to raise public awareness of the importance of genetics in health, agriculture and understanding biological diversity. World DNA Day is an opportunity to reflect on the impacts of genetic research on society and to honor scientists whose discoveries continue to influence contemporary science and medicine.
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