An Obel prize winning scientist Dr. James Watson who co-discovered the structure of DNA has died aged 97. Achieving one of the biggest breakthroughs of the 20th century Watson alongside British scientists Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins identified the double helix structure of the DNA in 1953 setting the stage for rapid advances in molecular biology.
The trio went on a trio went on to win the 1962 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their groundbreaking work on DNA structure. James Watson was just 25 when he joined in on one of scientists greatest discoveries. He later went on to do groundbreaking work in cancer research and mapping the human genome. His 1968 memoir, The Double Helix, was a best-seller praised for its writing about fierce competition in the name of scientific advancement.
But Dr. James Watson’s career was not one without controversy marked by his repeated racist remarks. In 2007, he stated to the Times that he believed Africa’s prospects were gloomy due to perceived differences in intelligence. Now, this led to his resignation as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. In 2019, he reiterated similar views, prompting the lab to revoke his honorary titles. Now, the DNA pioneer passed away in hospice care on Long Island in New York.