08 Nov 2025, 04:31
James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA structure, has died
- Watson died at the age of 97 in a hospital in Long Island.
- He, along with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, discovered the structure of DNA in 1953.
- After racist remarks, he was dismissed from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
James Watson, who co-discovered the structure of the double helix of DNA, died at the age of 97. His colleagues Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, along with him, received the Nobel Prize in 1962 for this discovery. Watson died in a hospital in Long Island, New York.
The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953 was an important step in understanding the genetic information and the mechanics of cell division. Research has shown that DNA consists of two spirals that twist around each other, forming a structure that resembles a twisted ladder.
This structure became a symbol of science and led to numerous achievements in medicine, criminalistics, and genetic research. However, it also raised ethical questions about the potential to alter the genetic code of living organisms.
Despite his significant contributions to science, Watson faced criticism for racist remarks he made in 2007. He claimed that black people have a lower level of intelligence than white people, and he reaffirmed this belief in a documentary film in 2019. As a result, he was dismissed from his position as chancellor of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he had worked for decades.
Watson left behind a mixed legacy: on one hand, his discovery marked the beginning of a new era in science, while on the other hand, his personal views sparked outrage among colleagues and society.
Tags: Research