Celebrating PCR: 5 Innovative Breakthroughs That Changed the Course of Science

Nearly 40 years after its invention, scientists continue to find ground-breaking applications for PCR. What is even more amazing is that these achievements span vastly across scientific disciplines including forensics, paleontology, and agriculture. 

PCR is shorthand for a simple but very powerful procedure in molecular biology called polymerase chain reaction. Scientists can amplify a segment of DNA or produce millions of copies and compare this DNA to other samples.

Let's take a look at some of the top triumphs that are the result of this incredible technology.

1- The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project was the international research effort to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome. The first drafts of the human genome, published 20 years ago, opened the doors to a whole new understanding of genetics, DNA and how it affects humans physiologically.

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