National DNA Day Celebrations 2009
Promoting Genetics and Genomics Events in April 2009
Apr 21, 2009
Sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the seventh annual National DNA Day offers a celebration of science and nature. NHGRI’s genetics and genomics-themed activities include presentations, a moderated online chat and a DNA model competition.
Celebrating the Discovery of the Double Helix, and The Human Genome Project
In 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick made one of the most significant discoveries about DNA – its structure, the now famous double helix. Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins produced X-ray crystallography data that contributed significantly towards this accomplishment.
Fifty years later saw the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP), a 13-year international research effort to map the human genome in its entirety. However, although these events are remembered and celebrated, DNA Day also promotes learning about other areas of achievement within the genetics and genomics fields.
National DNA Day Celebrations 2009
DNA Day takes place on April 25th, however, since this date falls on the weekend, the NHGRI are having their activities on Friday the 24th April instead. However, anyone interested can run or participate in DNA Day activities. Organizations partnered with NHGRI for the day include:
- American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
- Genetic Alliance
- American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG)
- International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG)
- National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
All of the abovementioned organizations have websites containing educational resources that can be accessed all year round. Some also contain information on DNA Day events. For example, the American Society of Human Genetics site run their DNA Day Essay Writing Contest.
National DNA Day on Facebook and Twitter
Those interested can participate in DNA Day via Facebook and Twitter, free social networking websites that allow people to share information. The Facebook page invites people to discuss genetics and genomics, and to upload any relevant media. Details of NHGRI’s DNA model photo contest are available on the Facebook page.
National DNA Day Chatroom
The NHGRI will run a live chat on their website on 24th April (8am to 6pm EST), offering the chance for people all over the world to have their questions answered by those who work in genetics and/or genomics. Fields of expertise include genetic counseling, medical genetics and molecular biology.
Transcripts from previous years’ chats are available on the NHGRI website, and include a wide range of questions. Topics in the 2008 chat included genetic material in viruses, career choices in science, DNA structure and the genetics of identical twins.
For more information on the events, and/or to take part in this year’s chat, visit the NHGRI’s DNA day webpage and their page on Facebook. For some of the basics of genes and DNA, read Basic Cell Biology for Understanding Genetics and Introduction to Terminology Used in Genetics.
Sources
National DNA Day, NHGRI website, last updated: April 20th 2009, accessed: April 21st 2009, no author specified.
What Are You Doing for National DNA Day?, NHGRI website, last updated: April 15th 2009, accessed: April 21st 2009, no author specified.
DNA Day 2009, ASHG website, accessed: April 21st 2009, no author specified.
DNA and the Genome, What is the genome made of? (SK195_2), The Open University’s OpenLearn website, accessed: April 21st 2009, no author specified.
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