DNA: The tiny code that helps find people and solve mysteries
But now, because of a science called DNA technology, things are different. A recent Air India plane crash also had many victims, but scientists have already identified at least 135 of them using DNA. This means their families can finally know what happened and say goodbye.
So what is DNA?
DNA is like a tiny instruction book inside every living thing. It decides things like the color of your eyes, your height, and even your blood type. Everyone's DNA is different, which makes it super useful to tell people apart.
A scientist named Alec Jeffreys made a big discovery in 1984. He figured out how to match DNA to people – kind of like matching a puzzle piece. This helped solve crimes and even helped a boy prove who his parents were so he could stay in the UK.
Since then, DNA has helped in amazing ways:
Catching criminals
Freeing innocent people from jail
Helping people learn where their ancestors came from
Fixing mistakes made in hospitals long ago (like babies switched at birth)
Today, DNA machines are so small they can fit in a backpack. In 2019, U.S. soldiers used one to identify a dangerous terrorist named Baghdadi while flying in a helicopter.
Over 40 million people have given their DNA to special companies to learn more about their family history. And you can even order a DNA test online to see who your parents are or where your great-great-grandparents came from.
DNA is powerful, personal, and super helpful. It's a science gift that keeps on giving — helping families, solving mysteries, and changing lives.
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