James D. Watson, the scientist known for co-discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. His former research lab confirmed his passing, which occurred after a brief illness. Watson's groundbreaking work in 1953, when he was just 24, revolutionized fields such as medicine, forensics, and genetics. Watson shared the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for their discovery that DNA is structured as a double helix. This structure, resembling a twisted ladder, revealed how genetic information is stored and replicated in living organisms. The discovery has had far-reaching implications, leading to advancements in genetic engineering, disease treatment, and forensic science. Despite his scientific achievements, Watson faced significant backlash in his later years due to controversial remarks regarding race and intelligence. In 2007, he made headlines for stating that he was "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa" and suggested that intelligence levels were not equal across races. His comments led to widespread condemnation and resulted in his suspension from his position as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he had worked for nearly 40 years. He retired shortly after. Watson's legacy is complex. While he is celebrated for his contributions to science, his later remarks have overshadowed his achievements. Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, noted in 2019 that Watson had shown a "regrettable tendency toward inflammatory and offensive remarks, especially late in his career." Throughout his career, Watson authored influential textbooks and a best-selling memoir, and he played a key role in the Human Genome Project. His initial motivation for supporting this project was personal; he sought to understand genetic factors related to his son's mental health issues. Watson's scientific journey began in Chicago, where he was born on April 6, 1928. He earned his Ph.D. in zoology at Indiana University and became fascinated with genetics at a young age. His collaboration with Crick at Cambridge University led to their historic discovery, aided by the X-ray work of Rosalind Franklin, whose contributions were often overlooked. In his 1968 book, "The Double Helix," Watson expressed his views on the scientific community, stating, "A goodly number of scientists are not only narrow-minded and dull, but also just stupid." He emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with intelligent peers to succeed in science. Watson's impact on science and society is undeniable, but his controversial views have sparked ongoing discussions about the intersection of science and ethics. His death marks the end of an era for a figure who was both a pioneer in genetics and a polarizing public figure.