Photo: sg.news.yahoo.com
James Watson, DNA Double-Helix Co-Discoverer, Passes Away at 97
James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double-helix structure and Nobel laureate, has passed away at 97, leaving a complex legacy in genetics and science.
- James Watson died at the age of 97 in hospice care on Long Island, New York, as confirmed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he spent much of his career.
- Watson, alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962 for their groundbreaking work on the nucleic acid double helix, revolutionizing the field of genetics.
- Despite his monumental contributions to science, James Watsons legacy was marred by his controversial and repeated racist remarks, which overshadowed his achievements in DNA research.
Why It Matters
The death of James Watson marks the end of an era in genetics and highlights the ongoing conversation about the ethical responsibilities of scientists. His groundbreaking work on DNAs structure has had profound implications on biology, medicine, and ethics, prompting reflection on how personal views can impact professional legacies.