US scientist James Watson, who co-discovered the double-helix form of DNA, has died aged 97.
The Chicago-born DNA pioneer was simply 24 when he made the breakthrough discovery, which cemented his place as a distinguished scientist for many years.
The invention turned him right into a legendary determine, however later in life he confronted condemnation for offensive remarks, together with saying black persons are much less clever than white individuals.
Watson shared the 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for locating that deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a double helix, consisting of two strands that coil round one another to create what resembles a protracted, gently twisting ladder.
James Watson. Pic: AP
That discovery revealed how genetic data is saved and the way cells replicate their DNA throughout division, a course of that begins with the 2 DNA strands separating like a zipper.
Even exterior the scientific neighborhood, the double helix grew to become an immediately recognizable emblem of science, showing in works by artists like Salvador Dali and even on a British postage stamp.
A mannequin of a DNA molecule. Pic: AP
The invention paved the best way for contemporary advances, together with genetic engineering, gene remedy to deal with illnesses, figuring out people by DNA, and mapping household histories.
On the identical time, it has sparked moral debates over whether or not it’s applicable to change the physique’s genetic blueprint for beauty functions or in ways in which might be inherited by future generations.
Queen Elizabeth II meets Sir Paul Nurse and James Watson. Pic: AP
“There was no method we may have foreseen the explosive influence of the double helix on science and society,” Watson as soon as wrote.
Watson by no means achieved one other laboratory breakthrough of the identical magnitude.
Nonetheless, within the years that adopted, he authored influential textbooks and a best-selling memoir; helped information the venture to map the human genome; mentored promising younger scientists; and leveraged his fame and connections to form science coverage.
Sophisticated legacy
Watson grew to become the main target of criticism in 2007, when The Sunday Occasions Journal quoted him as saying he was “inherently gloomy in regards to the prospect of Africa” as a result of “all our social insurance policies are primarily based on the truth that their intelligence is identical as ours – the place all of the testing says not likely”.
He stated that whereas he hopes everyone seems to be equal, “individuals who should cope with black workers discover this isn’t true”.
Pic: Reuters
Watson later apologised, however was suspended from his job as chancellor of the distinguished Chilly Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York.
He stepped down per week later, after almost 40 years in numerous management roles.
Greater than a decade later, in a tv documentary that aired in 2019, Watson reaffirmed that his views haven’t modified.
The director of the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, Dr Francis Collins, stated in 2019 that Watson has proven “a regrettable tendency towards inflammatory and offensive remarks, particularly late in his profession”.
“His outbursts, significantly once they mirrored on race, have been each profoundly misguided and deeply hurtful,” stated Dr Collins.
“I solely want that Jim’s views on society and humanity may have matched his good scientific insights.”
