Happy Dna Day! (4/25/2007)

It's been 5 years since congress set about creating National DNA day. Though it probably won't garner the media attention that Earth Day does, it is no less significant. The discovery of DNA, and the process of unlocking its secrets, is probably the biggest scientific discovery of all time.

Most people only hear about DNA in the news and on TV in shows like Miami CSI. It's really a shame, because DNA is changing everything we know in science, and is reinventing medicine completely. Daily new discoveries, insights and tools are being created because of our growing understanding of this tiny little molecule.

One day your ability to read and understand DNA may be as important as using a computer. Who thought 30 years ago that most jobs in the US would require some level of computer competency? Heck, computers themselves may be made out of DNA in another 30 years.

Before you start to fall behind, you might consider learning more about DNA and the field of genetics. Genetics labs across the country are opening their doors so that citizens can see what research into DNA is all about. Chances are your local University or Medical Center have DNA equipment, give them a call or checkout their web site to find out if they have anything going on for DNA Day. If you come across anything, please post it here.

One news release I ran across from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, located on Long Island, in New York is doing exactly that. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, created by one of DNA's discoverers and Nobel laureate James D. Watson, has invited regional high schools to their campus for guided walking tours of the facility. The scientists employed at the facility will be the tour guides, providing special insight to the genetics and molecular biology research that is being conducted today in the fields of cancer, neuroscience, and plant biology.

If you're in the area stop by. I'd bet it will be a trip you'll never forget, and will probably be something you'll tell your grandkids about.

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