Hooray for Double Helix: Celebrating DNA Day

We all love a good celebration, and every week it seems there is a birthday, an anniversary or some other milestone to remember.
Even the science world has a special day to celebrate! April 25 is DNA Day, and like the name suggests, recognises advances in DNA research, and marks the day that a ground-breaking paper on this amazing molecular key was first published.
James Watson and Francis Crick, along with scientist Maurice Williams discovered the famous double helix structure, and published their findings in the scientific journal Nature.
All three were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1962.

April 25 also holds extra significance for the world of genomics, as it marks the completion of the Human Genome Project, in which scientists first sequenced the DNA of the entire human genome. The project took 13 years to complete, and aimed to identify all of the genes in human DNA (approximately 20,000-25,000), as well as determine the sequences of all 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA.

The study of genomics has made some impressive advances since the completion of the Human Genome Project.
These include:

• Using genomics to understand and treat diseases
• Using genomic technology to yield better crops and livestock
• Non-invasive prenatal testing
• Solving crimes using forensic analysis of DNA, and
• DNA testing from the comfort of your own home!

At GTL, every day is DNA Day! Offering one of the largest ranges of DNA test in Australasia, we pride ourselves in providing accurate, reliable and efficient DNA testing, and handle every client with professionalism and confidentiality.
Since 2001, GTL has been dedicated to answering the genetic questions of thousands of people, and is proud to offer testing services through the world’s most highly accredited DNA testing laboratory.

The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) ensures that the laboratories used by GTL have the highest accreditation, and that each individual test is thoroughly checked by an external auditor, ensuring consistent and accurate results, delivered in a timely fashion.
Our most requested genetic tests are the Prenatal Peace and the NATA Accredited DNA Paternity tests.

There’s a world of unknowns for expectant parents, but the Prenatal Peace test can help to alleviate some of the worries that center around genetic conditions and chromosomal abnormalities. This screening test can detect conditions such as Down Syndrome, and Prader Willi Syndrome, is non-invasive and provides results within 10-14 working days.

The NATA Accredited Paternity Test is by far the most useful tool to have when engaged in family law related legal proceedings. The majority of government departments in Australia require an accredited paternity test to verify parentage, but this test can also be used for child maintenance issues, birth certificate changes, and immigration purposes. 
To coincide with DNA Day, GTL has a new test that will be showcased during the month of April. Ancestry research has become a popular pastime and interest of many Australians looking to find the missing pieces to their genetic history puzzle.

The Aboriginality Report is a simple mouth swab test that compares your sample with a massive database of Aboriginal and Caucasian profiles. Based on a range of commonalities, the results will reveal if you are more likely to be Aboriginal or Caucasian. This is a great way to extend upon your family tree research, and discover more about your heritage.

With every human cell containing around 2 metres of DNA, there’s a lot to learn, and a lot to celebrate about this unique and amazing carrier of genetic information.