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Editorial: Celebration of DNA Day
Hereditas volume 161, Article number: 16 (2024)
As April unfolds, we are approaching DNA Day on April 25th, which marks one of the most pivotal moments in scientific history. This day serves not only as a celebration of a groundbreaking discovery, but also as a highlight of the intricate blueprint that shapes life as we know it - Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
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In 1953, James Watson, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, and Maurice Wilkins unveiled the double helix structure of DNA [1,2,3], which transformed our understanding of genetics and laid the foundation for numerous advancements in medicine, agriculture, forensics, and beyond. The discovery of DNA was akin to deciphering the code of life itself, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of inheritance, evolution, the very essence of our being, and the causes of genetic disorders.
Today, DNA Day is more than just a historical milestone. It is a celebration of the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the spirit of discovery, and the collaborative efforts of scientists from around the globe. It serves as a testament to what humanity can achieve when we come together to unravel the complexities of the natural world. Genetics continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, fueled by technological advancements such as CRISPR gene editing, next-generation sequencing, high-throughput DNA synthesis, and precision medicine. These innovations promise to revolutionise healthcare, agriculture, conservation, and many other fields, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity.
Notably, the Hereditas journal began publication in 1920, about 33 years before the discovery of DNA structures, by the Mendelian Society of Lund in Sweden [4,5,6,7]. In its long history, Hereditas has published significant papers in the field of genetics, such as the first discovery of the correct human chromosome count by Joe Hin Tijo and Albert Levan in 1956 [8]. Along with the technical surges based on the ever-improving understanding of DNA, the scope of Hereditas has evolved to publish groundbreaking research that expands our knowledge of genetics, genomics, and their myriad applications. From revealing complex inheritance patterns to exploring the role of genetics in evolution and disease, the contributions of authors, reviewers, and editors to our journal have been nothing short of remarkable.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we unlock the mysteries embedded in our DNA, it’s crucial to proceed cautiously, prioritizing ethical principles, safeguarding privacy, and promoting fair access to genetic insights, technologies, and advantages across diverse global communities. Hereditas remains committed to fostering discussions on these critical issues, providing a platform for diverse voices to shape the future of genetics research and its applications.
DNA Day serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity and endless potential of our genetic code. It’s a day to celebrate past achievements, present advancements, and future possibilities in the ever-evolving world of genetics. As we mark this special day, Hereditas extends its gratitude to the global community of researchers, readers, and supporters who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genetics and genomics field.
References
Watson JD, Crick FH. Molecular structure of nucleic acids; a structure for deoxyribose nucleic acid. Nature. 1953;171(4356):737–8.
Wilkins MH, Stokes AR, Wilson HR. Molecular structure of deoxypentose nucleic acids. Nature. 1953;171(4356):738–40.
Franklin RE, Gosling RG. Molecular configuration in sodium thymonucleate. Nature. 1953;171(4356):740–1.
Hoglund M, Bengtsson BO. The origin of the Mendelian Society in Lund and the start of Hereditas. Hereditas. 2014;151(6):110–4.
Shi Y, Baumgartner S. The centenary of Hereditas - almost a fairytale. Hereditas. 2020;157(1):45.
Baumgartner S. Resurrection of Hereditas, a journal with almost 100 years of tradition. Hereditas. 2015;152:2.
Tunlid A, Kristoffersson U, Åström F. A century of Hereditas: from local publication to international journal. Hereditas. 2020;157(1):50.
Tjio J, Levan A. The chromosome number of men. Hereditas. 1956;42(1–2):1–6.
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Massoumi, R., Shi, Y. Editorial: Celebration of DNA Day. Hereditas 161, 16 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41065-024-00319-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41065-024-00319-x