James D. Watson, whose co-discovery of the twisted-ladder structure of DNA in 1953 helped light the long fuse on a revolution in medicine, crime-fighting, genealogy, and ethics, has died. He was 97.
The breakthrough — made when the brash, Chicago-born Watson was just 24 — turned him into a hallowed figure in the world of science for decades. But near the end of his life, he faced condemnation and professional censure for offensive remarks, including saying Black people are less intelligent than white people.
Watson shared a 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for discovering that deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a double helix, consisting of two strands that coil around each other to create what resembles a long, gently twisting ladder.
That realization was a breakthrough. It instantly suggested how hereditary information is stored and how cells duplicate their DNA when they divide. The duplication begins with the two strands of DNA pulling apart like a zipper. Even among non-scientists, the double helix would become an instantly recognized symbol of science, showing up in works of art and postage stamps.
The discovery helped open the door to more recent developments such as tinkering with the genetic makeup of living things and treating diseases by inserting genes into patients. It also raised a host of ethical questions, such as whether altering the body’s blueprint for cosmetic reasons is justifiable.
Watson’s legacy is clouded by his later remarks, including assertions about race and intelligence that led to his suspension from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he had served for nearly 40 years. Despite apologizing, the controversy followed him, culminating in a 2019 interview where he reiterated his controversial views.
Watson’s initial motivation for supporting the gene project was personal: his son had suffered mental health issues, and Watson believed that understanding DNA was crucial for addressing such ailments.
Throughout his long career, Watson remained a prominent figure in genetics, helping drive the project to map the human genome and raising crucial ethical debates about the implications of genetic research.
Watson, born in Chicago and gifted with a penchant for science from an early age, embarked on a journey that would culminate in one of the most significant scientific achievements of the 20th century. His story exemplifies the dual-edged nature of scientific advancement, where incredible breakthroughs coexist with profound moral and ethical dilemmas.
