WORLD DNA DAY: 25TH APRIL 2016

WORLD DNA DAY: 25TH APRIL 2016

The World DNA Day celebrates the discovery and understanding of DNA and the scientific advances that understanding has made possible.

It commemorates the day in 1953 when James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin and colleagues published papers in the journal Nature on the structure of DNA.

Furthermore, on that day in 2003 it was declared that the Human Genome Project was very close to complete, and “the remaining tiny gaps” were considered too costly to fill.

The study of human DNA and genetics can be intellectually fascinating, but it also has plenty of practical applications.

From the use of DNA in court cases to the discovery of new therapies for genetic diseases.

Human in Olden Days

Studying human DNA and genetics can help scientists better understand the human.

This can help to prove the connections between different groups of people and where historians and anthropologists get a perfect picture of historic human migration.

An individual's genome can give clues to his ancestry and help him understand his genetic background.

Diseases (Diagnosis & Treatment).

Genetic basis behind human disease is one of the most important reasons for studying the human genome.

Many genetic disorders are incurable but early diagnosis can help improve the life quality or even extend the lifespan of diseased subject.

Diagnostic tests can help pregnant women to decide whether the risk passing on specific disease-related genes to their babies.

Tests assist in-vitro fertility doctors to specifically select embryos that do not carry the dangerous gene.

Legal and Forensic Involvement

Use of human DNA in criminal cases and the importance of human genetics in forensics became even more important as techniques have improved.

Human genetic information has been used to either match or rule out a suspect's DNA to biological evidence found at a crime scene.

Paternity testing is another common legal application of genetic testing.

Genetic Improvement

Genetic improvement is an open to question topic, but research in this area has biggest promise for upcoming applications.

Requires a thorough understanding of human DNA prior to scientists alter the human DNA at embryonic level.

When that’s achieved, it will be an end to certain incurable genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, Congenital deafness and Congenital heart defects.

Controversial applications may include enhancing athletic ability, intelligence, or other characteristics.

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