Measuring scientific progress is tricky. The elucidation of the structure of DNA transformed genetics and biology. But was it bigger than recombinant DNA, or

Measuring scientific progress is tricky. The elucidation of the structure of DNA transformed genetics and biology. But was it bigger than recombinant DNA, or CRISPR? In some ways yes, because we knew so little before that breakthrough. But we keep making unexpected and even sometimes revolutionary discoveries. It is a lot easier to make big discoveries when little is known. So, on a percentage basis, the more you know, the harder it is to have a big impact. But recombinant DNA, embryonic stem cells, CRISPR, were transforming discoveries. Molecular biology was not "done" once the central dogma was established.