DNA Pioneer, James Watson Passes Away at 97
Renowned American geneticist and Nobel laureate, James D. Watson, one of the scientists credited with discovering the structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97.
Watson’s groundbreaking work, carried out in 1953 alongside British researcher Francis Crick, unveiled the double-helix structure of DNA, marking a defining moment in 20th-century science.
Their discovery revolutionized biology, paving the way for modern genetics, biotechnology, and advances in medical research.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in New York, where Watson spent much of his career, confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as “a brilliant yet controversial figure whose work forever changed our understanding of life.”
In 1962, Watson shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Crick and Maurice Wilkins for their discovery. Reflecting on their achievement, the trio famously declared, “We have discovered the secret of life.”
However, in later years, Watson’s reputation was overshadowed by controversial remarks he made regarding race and intelligence. His 2007 comments suggesting genetic differences in IQ between black and white populations drew widespread condemnation from the scientific community. The backlash ultimately led to his resignation from his leadership role at CSHL, where he had served as director and later chancellor.
Born in Chicago in April 1928, Watson showed early academic brilliance, earning a scholarship to the University of Chicago at just 15 years old. Initially drawn to ornithology, he soon shifted his focus to genetics, studying X-ray diffraction methods used to analyze atomic structures. His move to Cambridge University in England brought him into collaboration with Crick, and together they pieced together DNA’s now-iconic double-helix model.
After his landmark discovery, Watson joined Harvard University, where he became a professor of biology. He and his wife, Elizabeth, raised two sons—one of whom was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a personal experience that deepened Watson’s interest in genetic research.
In 1968, he took the helm at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, transforming it into one of the world’s leading molecular biology research centers.
Despite the controversies that marred his later years, James Watson’s scientific legacy remains monumental, with his contributions forming the foundation of modern molecular biology and genetic research. He is survived by his wife and sons.
