James D. Watson, Co-Discoverer of DNA Structure, Dies at 97

Sat Nov 08 2025 03:00:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

James D. Watson, who was pivotal in uncovering the double helix structure of DNA, has passed away at 97. His scientific contributions revolutionized genetics and medicine but were marred by controversial remarks that clouded his legacy.

James D. Watson, famed for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. His groundbreaking work, conducted in 1953 alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, transformed the understanding of genetics and paved the way for advancements in medicine and criminal justice. Despite his monumental contributions to science, Watson's later years were marred by controversy due to his offensive comments on race and intelligence, leading to professional censure. His legacy remains complex, blending remarkable scientific achievement with a contentious reputation.

James D. Watson, whose co-discovery of the twisted-ladder structure of DNA in 1953 helped ignite a revolution in medicine, crimefighting, genealogy, and ethics, has passed away at the age of 97.

The breakthrough — made when Watson was just 24 — elevated him to a revered status in the scientific community for decades, but his legacy faced tarnishing near the end of his life due to a series of offensive remarks concerning race and intelligence.

Watson shared the Nobel Prize in 1962 with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for their groundbreaking discovery that deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a double helix, comprising two strands coiling around each other to create a structure resembling a long, gently twisting ladder.

This realization was revolutionary, clarifying how hereditary information is stored and how cells duplicate their DNA. The process begins with the two DNA strands unzipping, akin to a zipper separating.

The double helix has become an emblem of scientific achievement, appearing in various artworks and even on postage stamps.

Watson's discovery paved the way for advancements in genetic modification, disease treatment through gene insertion, crime scene investigations, and ancestry tracing. However, it also sparked ethical debates regarding the manipulation of genetic material and its implications.

“Francis Crick and I made the discovery of the century, which was pretty clear,” Watson previously stated. He noted, “There was no way we could have foreseen the explosive impact of the double helix on science and society.”

Though Watson's subsequent discoveries did not reach the same monumental height, he authored influential textbooks, a memoir, and played a key role in mapping the human genome, mentoring the next generation of scientists along the way.

Watson's death followed a brief illness, confirmed by his son, Duncan Watson. His son emphasized that Watson had a lifelong commitment to aiding individuals suffering from diseases.

Tragically, Watson gained unwelcome notoriety in 2007 for controversial statements suggesting intellectual disparities based on race, which led to his suspension from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and tarnished his reputation further.

In a 2019 documentary, Watson revealed his views had not changed, prompting the lab to revoke several honorary titles previously awarded to him.

Despite his brilliance, Watson's legacy is a complicated one, combining scientific success with a tendency for inflammatory remarks. Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, observed that Watson’s comments exhibited profound misguidance and should serve as a lesson against conflating science with social opinion.

James Dewey Watson was born on April 6, 1928, in Chicago, where a passion for science took root at an early age. His trajectory led him to become one of the most significant figures in modern science. From his monumental work in uncovering DNA's structure to the controversial aspects of his public persona, Watson's life remains a pivotal chapter in the history of genetics.