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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, April 26, 2021 will be the 68th anniversary of
3the publication of the description of the double-helix
4structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in Nature magazine by
5James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick; this is considered by
6many scientists to be one of the most significant scientific
7discoveries of the twentieth century; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Their discovery launched a field of inquiry that
9explained how DNA carries biological information in the
10genetic code and how this information is duplicated and passed
11from generation to generation; this forms the stream of life
12that connects us all to our ancestors and to our descendants;
13and
 
14    WHEREAS, This field of inquiry was crucial to the founding
15and continued growth of the field of biotechnology, which has
16led to historic scientific and economic advances for the
17world; these are advances in which the people of the United
18States have played a leading role and from which they have
19realized significant benefits; and
 
20    WHEREAS, April of 2021 marks the eighteenth anniversary of
21the completion of the international Human Genome Project; this
22research effort, led in the United States by the National

 

 

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1Human Genome Research Institute, sequenced the DNA base pairs
2of the human genome for the first time and made this
3information freely available to the public; and
 
4    WHEREAS, The Human Genome Project has provided an
5exemplary model for social responsibility in scientific
6research by devoting significant resources to studying the
7ethical, legal, and social implications of the project;
8therefore, be it
 
9    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
10ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 26,
112021 as DNA Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further
 
12    RESOLVED, That we recognize that the sequencing of the
13human genome is one of the most significant scientific
14accomplishments of the past hundred years and express our
15support for the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month and DNA
16Day; and be it further
 
17    RESOLVED, That schools, museums, cultural organizations,
18and other educational institutions are encouraged to recognize
19Human Genome Month and DNA Day with appropriate programs and
20activities centered on human genomics.