Happy National DNA Day ! April 25 marks the 60th anniversary of scientists ' discovery of the double helix . It 's also the 10th anniversary of the completion of the Human Genome Project , which set out to sequence the more than 3 billion letters in our genetic code . Biologist James Watson and physicist Francis Crick realized our DNA molecules form a three-dimensional double helix in 1953 . But DNA research dates back to the late 1860s , according to Nature Education . Friedrich Miescher was the first to identify `` nucleic acid '' in our white blood cells ; his 1869 finding was later named deoxyribonucleic acid , or DNA . Others later defined the components that make up DNA molecules , identified RNA ( ribonucleic acid , the other type of nucleic acid found in all cells along with DNA ) and determined that although DNA differs in each species , it always maintains certain properties . Those findings led to Watson and Crick 's conclusion , which paved the way for decades of DNA discoveries . Today we use DNA tests to tell us about all kinds of things -- from Justin Bieber 's baby daddy status to the innocence of a man sitting on death row . But genetic scientists are doing more than trying to prove Bigfoot 's existence . Here are five cool things DNA testing can do : . Map your family tree . A $ 99 DNA test could give you thousands of new relatives ( although if they 're anything like ours , we 're not sure why you 'd want them ) . Sites such as Ancestry.com offer to compare your DNA to those they already have on record in hopes of connecting you to unknown branches of your family tree . Ancestry.com 's test can also tell you your genetic ethnicity . `` The new test looks at a massive amount of your DNA ... and compares it to other DNA samples from around the world . By detecting similarities , we can trace back generations to connect you to the lands your ancestors once called home , '' the site states . Solve ancient mysteries . No one knew where Richard III , one of the most famous kings of England , was buried until his remains were discovered in a parking lot in Leicester . The remains showed evidence of battle wounds and scoliosis , but scientists were n't sure the skeleton was Richard III 's until DNA extracted from the bones was matched to Michael Ibsen , a direct descendant of the king 's sister . It was n't the first time ancient remains had been identified using DNA . If it 's stored in a cold , dry , dark place , DNA can last for thousands of years . In 2009 , a DNA analysis of some bone fragments showed two of Czar Nicholas II 's children were killed along with the rest of the family during the Russian Revolution , despite speculation they could have escaped . Scientists have even extracted DNA from Neanderthals , who went extinct about 30,000 years ago , in hopes of gaining insight into the evolution of humans . Shakespeare , thou art stored in DNA . Distinguish your mutt . `` Where does Buddy get his curly tail from ? Why does he love digging holes in the backyard ? Could I be doing more to make him happier and healthier ? Your dog may not be able to tell you the answers -- but his DNA can , '' claims one dog DNA site , WisdomPanel.com . You 'll probably never figure out why Buddy loves to eat your favorite Italian pumps ( other than the fact he 's a dog ) but you can figure out where he comes from . WisdomPanel.com will test your mutt 's DNA against that of more than 190 breeds to determine his genetic background . `` But why ? '' cat lovers may be asking . `` When you understand your dog 's natural tendencies , you can tailor a training , exercise and nutrition program to his needs , '' the site explains . Predict the future . Using blood from the mother and saliva from the father , scientists can now determine whether a fetus has any chromosomal abnormalities that could cause a genetic disorder . For example , DNA testing can reveal if an unborn baby will have trisomy 21 , or Down syndrome . Researchers are beginning to expand the field of prenatal genetic testing even further , using it to identify potential developmental delays and intellectual disabilities such as autism . Genetic testing can also reveal risk factors you may have inherited from your parents , such as a high risk for breast or colon cancer . While this genetic risk factor does not guarantee you will get the disease , it does increase your chances ; knowing about the risk may help you take preventive steps . Help you lose weight . A growing body of research suggests that our ability to lose weight -- or gain 10 pounds by simply looking at a piece of chocolate -- is shaped in large part by our genes . Scientists have identified several gene variants that may predispose us , and our children , to obesity . Rodent studies have also shown that up to 80 % of body fat is regulated by our genes , according to TIME . That said , we would n't search for a customized DNA Diet just yet . While there is a genetic component to obesity , our understanding of it is limited , says CNN diet and fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis . Researchers are still trying to figure out how genetics , nutrition and exercise are related so we can help people lose weight and keep it off .
James Joyce and Francis Bacon discovered the double helix in 1953 . In 2003 , scientists completed the Human Genome Project . DNA testing can tell us everything from paternity to risk factors for chronic disease .