• James D. Watson, co-discoverer of DNA, has died at the age of 97.
• His work on DNA's double helix structure transformed genetics, medicine, and biotechnology.
• Despite his immense contributions, Watson faced backlash for his controversial comments on race.
• Watson's memoir, "The Double Helix," provides a personal account of scientific discovery.
• He shared the 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for his groundbreaking research.

James D. Watson, the renowned co-discoverer of the DNA double helix structure, has passed away at 97. His death was confirmed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, marking the end of a remarkable career that revolutionized the fields of genetics and molecular biology. In 1953, Watson, alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, unveiled the twisted-ladder structure of DNA, a discovery which laid the groundwork for significant advancements in medicine, criminal justice, and genealogy. This breakthrough, frequently regarded as a pivotal moment in life sciences, earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962, highlighting its monumental impact on scientific understanding and biotechnological innovations.

Watson's pioneering research significantly contributed to the understanding of genetic inheritance and cellular division. His insight into how DNA's double helix structure allows for the precise replication of genetic information fundamentally changed the course of biological research. The image of the double helix became synonymous with science, expanding public engagement with genetics and paving the way for future innovations in fields such as gene therapy and forensic analysis. However, Watson's later years were marred by controversy due to his inflammatory remarks regarding race and intelligence, resulting in professional alienation and the revocation of numerous honors. His comments not only drew widespread condemnation but also raised ethical questions about the intersection of science and societal perceptions of race.

Born in Chicago in April 1928, Watson exhibited an early aptitude for science, enrolling at the University of Chicago at just 15. His academic journey led him to the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge, where he met his collaborator Francis Crick. Together, they assembled the first accurate model of DNA's structure, integrating critical insights from the work of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. This collaboration, however, has been scrutinized due to the perceived lack of acknowledgment of Franklin's significant contributions to the discovery. Despite the professional rivalries depicted in Watson's memoir "The Double Helix," which presents a dramatic account of the scientific journey, critics have highlighted its problematic representation of Franklin and other colleagues.

Throughout his extensive career, Watson's mentoring shaped many young scientists, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and critical thinking. His reflections on learning underscored the idea that understanding "why" matters is crucial in scientific inquiry. He advocated for an ambitious pursuit of knowledge, shaping a legacy that melded groundbreaking science with educational mentorship. In the decades following his landmark discovery, Watson played a crucial role in the Human Genome Project, significantly influencing the direction of genetic research and policy. However, his legacy remains a complicated one, intertwining extraordinary scientific achievements with a series of deeply offensive remarks that ultimately overshadowed his contributions.