1950’s - Maurice Wilkins (1916- ), Rosalind Franklin (1920-1957), Crick and Watson discover chemical structure of DNA, starting a new branch of science--molecular biology.
1957 - Arthur Kornberg (1918- ) of the U.S. produced DNA in a test tube.
1966 - The Genetic code was discovered; scientists are now able to predict characteristics by studying DNA. This leads to genetic engineering, genetic counseling
1972 - Paul Berg (1926- ) of the U.S. produced the first recombinant DNA molecule.

1982 - The first recombinant DNA drug approved by the FDA--genetically engineered insulin for diabetics.
1983 - Barbara McClintock (1902-1992) of the U.S. was awarded the Nobel Prize for her discovery that genes are able to change position on chromosomes.
1988 - An international team of scientists began the project to map the human genome.
The Late 1980’s - The first crime conviction based on DNA fingerprinting, in Portland Oregon.