DNA Pioneer James Watson Leaves Legacy of Science and Controversy at 97
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Renowned American biologist James Dewey Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, has passed away at the age of 97. His groundbreaking 1953 discovery revolutionized genetics and paved the way for the biotechnology revolution. However, Watson's reputation was marred by comments on genetics and race, which led to his ostracization by the scientific community. Watson's 1968 memoir, 'The Double Helix,' offered a candid account of his and British physicist Francis Crick's research, which won them the 1962 Nobel Prize in medicine. However, their achievement was tainted by the criticism of using raw data collected by X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin without proper acknowledgment. In his later years, Watson faced widespread backlash for his comments on genetics and race, which many deemed as promoting long-discredited racist theories. His statements in a 2007 interview with The Times of London sparked outrage, and he was forced to retire as chancellor of New York's Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Despite the controversy, Watson remained a significant figure in the scientific community. He was a pioneer in molecular biology, leading the biology department at Harvard University and transforming the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory into a world-class institution. Watson's leadership in the Human Genome Project and his decision to make his full genome publicly available also left a lasting impact. Watson's personal life was also marked by controversy. He often spoke about his womanizing past and made disparaging comments about women in public statements. However, his friends and colleagues, including biologist Nancy Hopkins, attest to his support for women in science. Watson's legacy is complex, reflecting both his groundbreaking contributions to science and his personal controversies. As a scientist, he left an enduring impact on genetics and biotechnology, but his comments on genetics and race raised concerns about his character.
