Beijing symposium celebrates discovery of DNA double helix

A two-day international scientific symposium to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the discovery of DNA's double helix structure, the most profound biological discovery of the past century, concluded in Beijing on Sunday.

The symposium, also celebrating the third anniversary of Beijing's Changping Laboratory, focused on recent life science advances based on the DNA double helix, including gene editing and genomic medicine.

Laboratory director Xie Xiaoliang said the gathering of experts and scholars from various countries symbolized the return of international exchanges and cooperation, which promoted scientific advances and enhanced people's well-being,

Nobel laureate James Watson, who codiscovered the DNA double helix, sent a congratulatory video to Changping Laboratory.

After the symposium, Columbia University professor Tom Maniatis, who won the prestigious Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science in 2012, said it had been a pleasure to celebrate the occasion in China with close international colleagues.

"The discovery of the structure of DNA 70 years ago not only revealed the extraordinary beauty of the double helix, but it has also led to deep insights into the nature of humankind and provided lifesaving treatments of diseases," he said.

Changping Laboratory focuses on fundamental biomedical research that addresses national and global challenges, and aims to become a world-class hub for science, technology and innovation in the life sciences.

Luo Jiayuan contributed to this story.