James D. Watson, Co‑Discoverer of DNA’s Double Helix, Dies at 97

James D. Watson, the American molecular biologist whose partnership with Francis H.C. Crick unveiled the double‑helix structure of DNA, passed away at the age of 97. The discovery, announced in 1953, revolutionized biology by revealing the molecular basis of heredity and earned Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962.Born in Chicago in 1928, Watson showed an early fascination with genetics, eventually earning a Ph.D. in zoology from Indiana University. After a stint at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where he and Crick pieced together the iconic model of the DNA molecule, he returned to the United States to become a leading figure at Harvard and later the director of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Under his stewardship, the institution grew into a world‑renowned center for genetics research.In 1968 Watson published *The Double Helix*, a candid and literary memoir that chronicled the excitement, rivalry, and personalities behind the discovery. The book became a bestseller and introduced a broad audience to the human drama of scientific breakthrough.Watson’s later career was marked by both continued scientific influence and controversy. He remained an outspoken advocate for genomic research and played a pivotal role in the Human Genome Project. However, his public remarks on race and intelligence, especially a 2007 interview in which he suggested a link between intelligence and African ancestry, provoked widespread condemnation. The statements led to his removal from several advisory boards, the revocation of honors, and a lasting debate over the separation of a scientist’s work from his personal views.Despite the controversies, Watson’s contributions to molecular biology remain foundational. His work paved the way for modern genetics, biotechnology, and medical advances ranging from gene therapy to forensic science. As colleagues and critics alike reflect on his legacy, they acknowledge that the image of DNA’s twisted ladder would not exist without his relentless curiosity and determination.Watson is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The scientific community will remember him both for the monumental insight that unlocked the blueprint of life and for the complex, often contentious, public persona he carried throughout his long career.