DNA Day is celebrated across the world on 25 April. On this day in 1953, historic research on the double helix structure of DNA was published, which changed the direction of biology and medicine. With the help of DNA, it became easy to get information from the identity of the deceased to the family. Now in the year 2026, DNA has progressed from cancer treatment to epidemic control and precision medicine.
Professor, President of DNA Society of India Dr. Ashok Sharma Explain that in the treatment of cancer dna A new hope has become. Cancer is now being seen not only as a disease of cells but also as a disease of the epigenome. Due to this, now scientists are working on such medicines which are working on the treatment of the disease by identifying the genes. Targeted therapy like Herceptin for HER2 positive breast cancer is considered a big change in this direction. The return of cancer can be detected at an early stage by detecting tumor DNA in the blood through liquid biopsy technique.
Role of DNA in epidemic and vaccine also
Professor Sharma tells that Corona epidemic had come in the world. During this time it was revealed that this virus constantly changes itself. Many variants of the virus also came from this. DNA plays a role in this. New variants can be identified by rapid sequencing of the virus’s genome. The vaccine can also be updated by identifying variants. Many vaccines are also being made on similar lines.
Impact on agriculture and food security also
Beyond health, DNA research is also revolutionizing agriculture. Initiatives like heat and drought tolerant crops, nutrition enhancing grains and golden rice are considered important for food security. In the future, the genetic code may become not just health data, but the most valuable data in the world, which can change treatment, prevention and quality of human life.
Help in early detection of diseases
Diseases which earlier took many years to identify, can now be detected quickly with the help of gene testing and genome sequencing. On similar lines, work is also being done on genetic screening of the newborn child. Now DNA research has progressed a lot. This will prove to be a big benefit for the health care sector in the coming years.
