James D. Watson, scientist who co-discovered DNA’s double-helix shape, dies at 97
Summary
James D. Watson, a scientist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953, has died at the age of 97. His discovery had a major impact on science and medicine, but his later years were marked by controversial remarks about race.Key Facts
- James D. Watson co-discovered the DNA double-helix structure in 1953 when he was 24 years old.
- Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins shared the 1962 Nobel Prize for their DNA discovery.
- The double-helix discovery has been crucial in fields like medicine and genealogy.
- Watson later faced criticism and professional consequences for making racially offensive remarks.
- He wrote influential scientific books and played a key role in the Human Genome Project.
- Watson was suspended and later retired from his position at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory due to his controversial statements.
- His comments on race led to Cold Spring Harbor revoking several honorary titles they had given him.
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