James D. Watson, whose co-discovery of the twisted-ladder structure of DNA in 1953 helped light the long fuse on a revolution in medicine, crimefighting, genealogy, and ethics, has died. He was 97.
The breakthrough — made when the brash, Chicago-born Watson was just 24 — turned him into a hallowed figure in the world of science for decades. But near the end of his life, he faced condemnation and professional censure for offensive remarks, including saying Black people are less intelligent than white people.
Watson shared a 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for discovering that deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a double helix, consisting of two strands that coil around each other to create what resembles a long, gently twisting ladder. This realization not only suggested how hereditary information is stored but also demonstrated how cells duplicate their DNA when they divide.
Even among non-scientists, the double helix would become an instantly recognized symbol of science, appearing in works of art and postal stamps. Watson's discovery paved the way for more recent scientific advances, such as gene editing technologies and DNA analyses in forensic science.
Watson died after a brief illness in hospice care. His son, Duncan, mentioned that Watson never stopped advocating for those suffering from diseases, motivated by personal experiences, including his own son's health struggles.
Despite his profound scientific insights, Watson’s late-life controversies, including explicit comments regarding race and intelligence, overshadow his achievements. His statements led to international backlash, censure from scientific institutions, and professional repercussions such as his suspension from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Watson’s scientific legacy is intertwined with these controversies. His dual persona as a scientific pioneer and a figure of public ire accentuates the complexities surrounding ethics in science. Today, his mixed legacy prompts reflection on the implications of scientific discovery alongside social responsibility and the need for accountability in the scientific community.
The breakthrough — made when the brash, Chicago-born Watson was just 24 — turned him into a hallowed figure in the world of science for decades. But near the end of his life, he faced condemnation and professional censure for offensive remarks, including saying Black people are less intelligent than white people.
Watson shared a 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for discovering that deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a double helix, consisting of two strands that coil around each other to create what resembles a long, gently twisting ladder. This realization not only suggested how hereditary information is stored but also demonstrated how cells duplicate their DNA when they divide.
Even among non-scientists, the double helix would become an instantly recognized symbol of science, appearing in works of art and postal stamps. Watson's discovery paved the way for more recent scientific advances, such as gene editing technologies and DNA analyses in forensic science.
Watson died after a brief illness in hospice care. His son, Duncan, mentioned that Watson never stopped advocating for those suffering from diseases, motivated by personal experiences, including his own son's health struggles.
Despite his profound scientific insights, Watson’s late-life controversies, including explicit comments regarding race and intelligence, overshadow his achievements. His statements led to international backlash, censure from scientific institutions, and professional repercussions such as his suspension from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Watson’s scientific legacy is intertwined with these controversies. His dual persona as a scientific pioneer and a figure of public ire accentuates the complexities surrounding ethics in science. Today, his mixed legacy prompts reflection on the implications of scientific discovery alongside social responsibility and the need for accountability in the scientific community.
