A blueprint for your life

Today I'm celebrating how lives are changed due to the discovery of DNA

On this date in 1953 the chemical nature of DNA was discovered. Wikipedia notes that DNA contains the genetic information that allows all modern living things to function, grow and reproduce. There are numerous uses of DNA in technology, including genetic engineering (for medical research and agriculture), forensics, bioinformatics, and DNA nanotechnology.

Perhaps you've heard of The Genographic Project , which was launched in April 2005 by the National Geographic Society, IBM, geneticist Spencer Wells, and the Waitt Family Foundation. It is a five-year research study which uses sophisticated computer analysis of DNA voluntarily contributed by hundreds of thousands of people to reveal the migratory history of mankind and to better understand the connections and differences making up mankind. The DNA samples are collected and analyzed for specific markers of descent to probe questions about deep ancestry and historical human migration. Post a comment if you have donated your DNA as a part of this historic project.

No doubt you've heard how DNA profiling is used in forensics to identify a perpetrator by identifying DNA in blood, semen, skin, saliva or hair. It's often called genetic fingerprinting or DNA profiling. You likely can recall vivid testimony in several high profile legal cases where DNA evidence was discussed exhaustively. However, DNA testing has also been used to exonerate individuals previously found guilty and imprisoned. In Dallas county alone, the fifteenth inmate since 2001 was recently freed due to DNA testing. The latest, Charles Chatman, was recently exonerated and walked free after nearly 27 years in prison for a rape that he did not commit. How amazing!

For more information about DNA:
nature.com's double helix: 50 years of DNA site
DNA Structure video on YouTube
DNA Fingerprinting video on YouTube

As you've likely noticed on this blog, if I can find a related music video about the topic of the day, you'll likely be able to view it or link to it. I actually found an intriguing lecture by Professor David Deamer involving DNA music, musical composition with DNA codes. However, I've added the DNA music video by Peter Weatherall here for your enjoyment.

As posted on YouTube by peterweatherall


Image credit: An overview of the structure of DNA. Created by Michael Ströck (mstroeck) on February 8, 2006. Released under the GFDL and acquired from Wikimedia Commons