James Watson, Co-Discoverer of DNA Structure, Passes Away at 97

Nobel Prize-winning scientist James Watson has died aged 97. His co-discovery of the structure of DNA opened the door to help explain how DNA replicates and carries genetic information, setting the stage for rapid advances in molecular biology.

While celebrated for his contributions, Watson's later life was marked by controversy. In 2019, he faced backlash and had his honorary titles removed after making remarks that suggested a link between race and intelligence, which he reiterated in an interview, claiming it affected societal policies.

Watson's passing, confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory where he conducted significant research, highlights a career underscored by both monumental achievements and significant controversies. Born in 1920, he co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953 with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, earning a Nobel Prize in 1962. Upon the discovery, they famously declared, We have discovered the secret of life. However, his views on race have led to a distancing from the scientific community, resulting in the loss of several prestigious titles.

Watson's contentious views first drew wide criticism in 2007, when he expressed pessimism regarding Africa’s socioeconomic prospects based on intelligence differences, a sentiment that severely affected his academic career. The laboratory denounced his comments as reprehensible and lacking scientific support, effectively reversing an earlier apology he had issued.

Despite his groundbreaking achievements in genetics, Watson's legacy remains mixed due to the implications of his controversial statements on race. His passing invites reflection on the intersection of scientific achievement and societal responsibility.

In 2014, Watson auctioned his Nobel Prize gold medal for $4.8 million, citing social ostracism as a reason for selling the medal that once embodied his scientific triumphs.