DNA Day in the Time of COVID-19
Today is DNA Day, commemorating the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953, two huge scientific milestones benefiting human health. Genomics creates a path toward personalized health insights that inspires hope for people around the world. Today, as the coronavirus pandemic continues across the globe, hope is exactly what we need.
So many mysteries still remain around COVID-19, including why it affects some people much more seriously than others. We know genetics can influence a person’s susceptibility to different infectious diseases — and COVID-19 is likely no exception. Researchers around the world are studying how our DNA can help determine just how vulnerable we are to this virus and pave the way for life-saving therapeutics and vaccines. Genomics is more important than ever.
The genomic revolution is powered by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology that reads DNA and unlocks the mysteries hidden inside every living thing, helping solve some of humankind’s most challenging health problems – from personalizing cancer therapies to diagnosing rare diseases. What can genomics tell us about the SARS-CoV-2 virus? Can genomic insights help save lives and end this global pandemic?
On DNA day, I’d like to recognize the efforts of scientists, researchers and health care professionals who are using sequencing to identify and trace the virus, and develop therapies and vaccines, ensuring the long-term safety of ourselves and our loved ones. Sequencing enables the mass diagnostic testing capabilities the world desperately needs and regular screening capabilities to get people back to work and school safely. And surveillance by sequencing can help track viral transmission, monitor where outbreaks are happening around the world, and enable quick containment of those outbreaks, while preparing us for the next global public health crisis.
We must all continue to band together, and humanity will end up stronger for it on the other side. To learn more about some of the current COVID-19 genomics efforts, click here. Happy DNA Day, everyone. Be safe. #DNADay #Illumina
manger at Mebep
4 年supply large Poly A,RNA carrier, T RNA carrier
Seasoned executive in genomic laboratory design, licensing, management, and clinical interpretation
4 年I want to be Adenine so I can be paired with U ??
DTCC, Program Management, IIM
4 年Little bit earlier, I had posted this, but very relevant in light of what you have posted here. DNA Day - Wish List Today is a DNA Day. Watson and Crick published their paper describing structure of DNA in Nature Magazine in 1953 on this day. As an engineer, I was amazed at the Bardeen’s invention – transistors - and what kind of innovations it unleashed in the field of computer science. But then when I started reading about DNA, Central Dogma, Transcription, Translation, PCR, Next Gen Sequencing, Synthetic Biology and inner working of cells, I found it even more amazing With latest research/innovations in genetics and synthetic biology, I certainly hope that this it will usher in new era that will make everyone’s life much better. Here is a short wish list for this DNA Day 1. Put behind curse of COVID-19 very quickly 2. Figure out approach to fight Virus and Bacterial infection in an expeditious way 3. Both PCR based testing and antibody testing can be developed/deployed faster for any virus/bacteria. 4. Find the cure to Cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer and other rare disease 5. Use this technology to see if life can exist on other planets 6. Biotechnology is never used as biological weapon
Co-founder, Chief Science Officer, and Head of Clinical Research at Viome Life Sciences
4 年We definitely need an RNA day for SARS-CoV-2. The virus does not care for DNA one bit (or one base pair).