James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA double helix, dies at 97

James Watson, Co-Discoverer of DNA Double Helix, Dies at 97

James Watson, the American molecular biologist who shared the 1962 Nobel Prize for the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. His work was crucial for the mapping of the human genome and revolutionized biology.

Scientific Achievement

In the spring of 1953, Watson and Francis Crick published their description of the double-helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid in the British journal Nature. This was the first clear model of the DNA molecule, which carries the genetic information of all living organisms.

The discovery transformed understanding of evolutionary origins and inherited diseases, reshaping biology fundamentally.

"I made the discovery of the century," Watson reflected years later. "Suddenly to see the molecule which is responsible for heredity, and which makes possible human existence, was a very big step in man's understanding of himself in the same sense that Darwin knew that the human species wasn't fixed, that we were changing."

Controversies

Though widely celebrated as a genetics pioneer, Watson's legacy was later clouded by allegations of uncredited contributions and his racist and sexist remarks, which tainted his reputation.

Legacy

Despite his groundbreaking discoveries, these controversies complicated public and scientific views of Watson’s contributions to biology.

Author's summary: James Watson's pioneering DNA discovery forever changed genetics, yet his legacy remains complex due to later controversies over his conduct and statements.

National Geographic — 2025-11-07