James Watson: Pioneer of DNA Double Helix Structure Dies at 97, Leaving Complex Scientific Legacy

Nov 08, 2025 04:24 am CST

James D. Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning co-discoverer of DNA's double helix structure who revolutionized medicine and genetics, has died at 97. His 1953 breakthrough transformed science and medicine while enabling advances in forensics, gene therapy, and genealogy. Despite his scientific genius, Watson's later years were overshadowed by controversial racial statements that damaged his reputation and led to professional censure, creating a complex legacy that balances remarkable scientific achievement with troubling personal views.