We’re Celebrating DNA Day. Here’s Why.

DNA
1 March 2016
by Ancestry Team

We’re excited to celebrate DNA Day, in honor of all the amazing DNA-related discoveries scientists have made.

If you’ve heard about DNA Day but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about, don’t worry.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Exactly is DNA Day? 

DNA Day commemorates two of the biggest milestones in the study of DNA:

  • The discovery of DNA’s double helix in April 1953: Today many of us instantly recognize the twisted-ladder structure of DNA. But the discovery of the double helix, led by James Watson and Francis Crick, was a huge scientific milestone that gave rise to modern molecular biology.
  • The completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003: This project was one of the most significant undertakings of modern scientific times. The 15-year-long project brought together an international team of researchers who succeeded in sequencing and mapping all of the genes (together known as the genome) of human beings.

When Is DNA Day? 

DNA Day is officially celebrated every April 25th.

In the United States, the first DNA Day was on April 25, 2003. The National Human Genome Research Institute continued to commemorate the day yearly from then on.

DNA Day is by no means a US-only event. It is also celebrated internationally.

Let’s Celebrate

Join Ancestry in celebrating DNA Day!

If you haven’t taken an AncestryDNA test yet, take advantage of the lowest price of the year on AncestryDNA today.*