The backward DNA molecule above Union Square

(ADAM FEUERSTEIN/STAT)

You can’t miss it if you’re in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square this week: a towering billboard urging conference goers to “discover health innovation in the UK.” It’s the kind of prime placement — no doubt costing a pretty penny — designed to make a statement to biotech insiders. 

The only problem: The molecules of the DNA pictured in the billboard are left-handed, or turned in the wrong direction. D-oh!

We asked the U.K.’s international trade department how the goof happened but haven’t heard back.