Nobel Laureate James Watson Dies at 97

James Watson, a Nobel Prize-winning American scientist and co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, has died at 97. Watson's discovery in 1953 alongside Francis Crick revolutionized molecular biology, but his reputation was marred by controversial comments on race and sex. He faced backlash and was stripped of his honorary titles after making claims about genes causing differences in average IQ between black and white people. Despite his contributions to science, Watson's later years were marked by ostracism from the scientific community.

James Watson, the Chicago-born scientist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at 97. Watson's discovery, made at 24, earned him the 1962 Nobel Prize and cemented his place as a distinguished scientist. However, his later life was marred by controversy over his offensive remarks about race, including claims that black people are less intelligent than white people. Despite apologizing for his comments in 2007, Watson reaffirmed his views in 2019, leading to widespread condemnation. Watson's legacy is complex, with significant contributions to science, including the discovery of the double helix, but also hurtful and misguided remarks.

The discovery of the DNA structure by James Watson, Francis Crick, and Rosalind Franklin revolutionized our understanding of life and ourselves. The breakthrough led to a deeper understanding of genetics, the molecular basis of evolution, and the development of genome sequencing. However, Watson's later life was marred by controversy due to his racist views on genetics and intelligence. The article reflects on the impact of the DNA discovery and the complexities of understanding the human genome.