Celebrate National DNA Day with Citizen Science
Genome is just a fancy word for all your DNA. Whether you realize it or not, many parts of our daily lives are influenced by genomic information and genomic technologies. Genomics now provides a powerful lens for use in various areas – from medical decisions, to food safety, to ancestry.
National DNA Day (April 25) is a special day designed to encourage students, teachers, and curious humans to share, learn about, and celebrate the latest advances in genomic research and explore how those advances might impact their lives. Designated by Congress in 2003, DNA Day commemorates the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953.
15 Ways Genomics Influences Our World
2020 Question
This year’s DNA Day will be on Saturday, April 25, 2020 and the winner will be announced on Friday, April 24.
Ancestry testing is a form of direct-to-consumer genetic testing designed to inform customers about their genetic ancestry. There are generally three types of ancestry testing: Y chromosome testing, mitochondrial DNA testing, and autosomal DNA testing. If a person did all three ancestry tests, what types of information could they learn about their genetic ancestry and how does this genetic ancestry information compare and contrast with their cultural heritage (family traditions, etc.)?
Important Dates
Early January 2020: Submission site opens
Wednesday, March 4, 2020: Submission site closes
Friday, April 24, 2020: Winners and Honorable Mentions announced
Saturday, April 25, 2020 : DNA Day
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest
750 words
2020 Question
Ancestry testing is a form of direct-to-consumer genetic testing designed to inform customers about their genetic ancestry. There are generally three types of ancestry testing: Y chromosome testing, mitochondrial DNA testing, and autosomal DNA testing. If a person did all three ancestry tests, what types of information could they learn about their genetic ancestry and how does this genetic ancestry information compare and contrast with their cultural heritage (family traditions, etc.)?
Questions: dnaday@ashg.org
Science Cats 