Where would we be without it?

badbullgator

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is thirty years old this month. PCR is arguably the most valuable tool to ever come along in terms of molecular diagnostics and research. Without PCR most, if not all, of our current genomic technologies would Not exist. Kerry Mullis is one of the scientist I admire the most in this world. I have had the honor of meeting him a few time (handshake and hellos) and have seen him lecture several times. His book Dancing Naked in the Mine Field is a good read if your a science guy. He is the definition of the fine line that exist between genius and bat crap crazy.

Since PCR’s invention in the 1980s by chemist Kary Mullis at the Cetus Corporation, our ability to amplify DNA is often taken for granted. Even after 30 years of use, PCR continues to evolve; scientists adapt the basic protocol to address new research questions, with new tools that didn’t exist around the time of PCR’s birth. Beyond the research lab, PCR takes center-stage in genetic identification of people in crime investigations (both real and dramatized), and genetic diagnoses of diseases in clinics. Take a look at some recent developments in PCR that are speeding researchers’ progress today – Happy Birthday, PCR!