Nobel-Winning DNA Pioneer James Watson Passes Away Amid Racial Controversy
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Renowned American scientist James Watson, who co-discovered the DNA double helix structure and won the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, has died at 97. His son confirmed the news, stating Watson passed away on Thursday in East Northport, NY. Born in Chicago in 1928, Watson shared the Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for their groundbreaking 1953 model of DNA. However, his legacy is marred by controversy, including racist comments made in 2007. Watson's remarks, suggesting African intelligence was genetically inferior, sparked widespread condemnation and led to his resignation from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). The backlash intensified in 2019 when a PBS documentary aired his views, prompting CSHL to strip him of his honorary titles in 2020. Director Bruce Stillman described the views as "repugnant and unsupported by science," severing ties after 40 years. Watson responded by saying he "never meant harm.
