James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning American scientist best known for co-discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at age 97. His death was confirmed by his son and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where Watson spent much of his career; he passed away at a hospice facility on Long Island following a brief illness.bbc+2
Scientific Contributions
Watson's work with Francis Crick in 1953 formed the foundation of modern genetics, revolutionizing our understanding of heredity and advancing the field of molecular biology. Their discovery directly enabled breakthroughs such as genetic engineering, gene therapy, DNA-based forensics, and the widespread study of genomes.cbc+2
Legacy and Controversy
Although celebrated for his scientific achievements, Watson's legacy was later overshadowed by repeated controversial statements about race and intelligence. These views led to his ostracism from the broader scientific community and the rescinding of his honorary titles by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the institution he helped build into a major research center.nytimes+2
Impact and Remembrance
Watson's double-helix model became a global scientific icon, widely recognized even outside biological sciences, and was featured in art, literature, and educational materials worldwide. His passing marks the end of an era in genetics and molecular biology, with his scientific accomplishments remaining central to life sciences despite the complexities of his later public role.abcnews.go+2
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- https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/watson-james-obituary-9.6971457
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- https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/07/us/james-watson-death
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/7/james-watson-who-co-discovered-dna-double-helix-dies-at-97
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- https://apnews.com/article/james-watson-obituary-dna-double-helix-nobel-c1f6d589f2d0d4751859168f9fae295c
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