Carolinas celebrates National DNA Day with fervor

It's that time of year when we celebrate everyone's favorite pair of genes—April 25 is National DNA Day. And the National Human Genome Research Institute is ready to share the mitochondrial love.

"The goal of National DNA Day is to offer students, teachers and the public an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the latest advances in genomic research and explore how those advances might impact their lives," according to the institute's website.

A map compiled by the institute shows that while activities are planned around the country, the Carolinas are a veritable hotbed of DNA Day celebrations. South Carolina, which is home to the Gene Machine Mobile Science Laboratory, has more than 20 events planned with the 41-foot mobile lab. The Greenwood (S.C.) Genetic Center acquired the mobile gene lab with a grant from the Genome Research Institute.

And April 25 has been designated North Carolina DNA Day, with scientists from the Tarheel State's leading universities and research institutions visiting more than 100 high schools "to present interactive, hands-on lessons about genetics, genomics and biotechnology," according to the event's website.​

National DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix structure in 1953.