James Watson, pioneer of DNA research and Nobel Laureate, dies at 97
His discovery of the double-helix structure transformed modern biology; his work, however, remains one of the most influential contributions in the history of science — a discovery that continues to underpin genetics, biotechnology, and medical research around the world.
American biologist James Watson, whose groundbreaking research on DNA reshaped modern biology, has died at the age of 97, according to U.S. scientific sources.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where Watson worked for much of his career, announced that he passed away on Thursday.
Watson, together with his British colleague Francis Crick, is credited with discovering the double-helix structure of DNA — a milestone that revolutionized the understanding of genetics and is now a cornerstone of biological education worldwide.
Born in Chicago on April 6, 1928, Watson studied biology and became fascinated by the molecular mechanisms of life. Before his discovery, scientists knew that DNA carried genetic information but did not understand its physical form.
In April 1953, Watson and Crick published a one-page paper in Nature describing the structure of DNA, explaining how genetic information is replicated and transmitted in living organisms. Crick later wrote to his son, saying, “We think that the nucleic acid is a code… the original data transmission mechanism that makes life springs from life.”
For this discovery, Watson, Crick, and New Zealand biophysicist Maurice Wilkins were jointly awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Despite his scientific achievements, Watson’s later years were marked by controversy due to several public statements criticized as discriminatory. He later apologized, acknowledging that his remarks had no scientific basis.
Watson’s work, however, remains one of the most influential contributions in the history of science — a discovery that continues to underpin genetics, biotechnology, and medical research around the world.
