James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA double helix, dies aged 97

Nobel Prize-winning scientist James Watson, who co-discovered the DNA double-helix structure, has died at 97, his former research lab confirmed.

American geneticist James Watson, whose work reshaped modern biology, died on Friday, according to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he conducted research for decades.

In 1953, at just 24, Watson and British scientist Francis Crick identified the double-helix structure of DNA, revealing how genetic information is stored and replicated in cells. The breakthrough became central to advances in medicine, forensics, biotechnology, and genetics.

Watson shared the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Crick and Maurice Wilkins for the discovery, which later enabled developments including DNA-based disease research, ancestry tracing, and criminal identification.

While widely celebrated for his scientific impact, Watson also faced criticism later in life. In 2019, several honorary titles were revoked after he publicly repeated controversial claims linking race and intelligence. The comments were condemned by scientific and academic institutions.

Despite the controversy, Watson’s contribution to genetic science remains foundational. The DNA double helix remains one of the most recognized scientific symbols worldwide.

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