In brief
James Watson, who passed away at 97, partnered with Francis Crick to unveil the double helix structure of DNA in 1953. This discovery revolutionized molecular biology, leading to significant scientific advancements. Watson's career, however, was overshadowed by contentious statements regarding race and intelligence, leading to a decline in his standing within the scientific community. His death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he spent a significant part of his career.
Nobel Prize-winning American scientist James Watson, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA, has died aged 97.
In one of the greatest breakthroughs of the 20th Century, he identified the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953 alongside British scientist Francis Crick, setting the stage for rapid advances in molecular biology.
But Watson's reputation and standing were badly hurt by his comments on race and sex. In a TV programme, he made claims about genes causing a difference in average IQ between black and white people.
His death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he worked and researched for decades, before having to resign as its chancellor over the comments.
Watson shared the Nobel in 1962 with Maurice Wilkins and Francis Crick for the DNA's double helix structure discovery.
We have discovered the secret of life, they said at the time.
By the early 2000s, he had been largely ostracised by the scientific community over his comments on race and gender.
In 2007, he expressed pessimism about the prospects for African nations based on intelligence testing, which led to further backlash and the loss of his position at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Despite his groundbreaking early work, Watson's legacy remains complicated due to his controversial views, which have been widely criticized as unscientific and harmful.
