New York :  James D. Watson, the American scientist who helped uncover the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. He passed away on November 6, 2025, at a hospice in East Northport, New York, following complications from an infection. His death was confirmed by his son, Duncan Watson, and by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he spent much of his scientific career.

Born in Chicago in 1928, Watson began his scientific journey at a young age. At just 24, he and British physicist Francis Crick, using crucial data from Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, discovered the double-helix model of DNA in 1953. Their discovery revealed how genetic information is stored and transmitted, forming the foundation of modern genetics and molecular biology.

Watson, Crick, and Wilkins received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 for their groundbreaking work. Their discovery paved the way for major advances such as genetic engineering, the Human Genome Project, and DNA-based medical research.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Watson played a vital role in transforming the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York into a world-class research institution. He was also the author of several influential books, including The Double Helix, a personal account of the race to discover DNA’s structure.

In later years, Watson’s reputation was overshadowed by controversy. His public comments about race, intelligence, and genetics were widely condemned, leading to the loss of several honorary titles and positions. In 2014, he sold his Nobel Prize medal, saying he felt excluded from the scientific community.

Despite the controversies, Watson’s discovery remains one of the most important milestones in science. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, in its tribute, called him “a complex figure whose work transformed biology.”

James Watson’s passing marks the end of an era in molecular science, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped our understanding of life itself.