One of the most well-known figures in modern science, James D. Watson, died on November 6, 2025, at the age of 97. The American biologist passed away at a hospice, according to The New York Times, a report confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island.Watson, an American molecular biologist, geneticist, and zoologist, co-discovered the double helix of DNA. His contributions in the field of molecular genetics helped explain how the genetic information is stored and passed on between generations.He was a recipient of the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which he shared with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins. They presented their collaborative work on DNA to the scientific community, revealing the principles of molecular heredity. Watson later became one of the most renowned scientists in genetics and molecular biology. His work on the structure of DNA remains one of the greatest scientific discoveries in history.Despite his significant contributions to science, Watson later became a controversial figure due to remarks he made on genetics and race.James D. Watson's early life and scientific careerJames D. Watson (Image via Getty)James D. Watson was born in Chicago on April 6, 1928. From a young age, he was curious about how life worked and showed a strong enthusiasm for science. As a result, he earned undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago and his PhD in zoology at Indiana University. Watson was a postdoctoral researcher and scholar, and later a faculty member at the University of Cambridge, England.He met Francis Crick at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. Watson and Crick began collaborating to study the structure of DNA. They published their findings in 1953 in the journal Nature. In their paper, they described DNA as a double helix, a structure that explains how genetic information is stored and replicated.James D. Watson later became a professor of biology at Harvard University, where he trained future scientists. His research paved the way for a new generation of molecular biologists and advanced understanding of genetic processes within cells.Read More: Prince Harry addresses "hatgate" controversy, apologizes to Canada for Dodgers hat at World SeriesLeadership, books, and later lifeIn 1968, James D. Watson was appointed director of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, where he helped establish it as a leading center for genetic and cancer research. He later served as its president and chancellor. During his tenure, the laboratory became a leading institution for molecular genetics research. Watson also made significant contributions to scientific education through his writing.His book, the Molecular Biology of the Gene, became one of the most widely used biology textbooks. In his autobiography, The Double Helix, he recounted the discovery of DNA's structure. The book sparked controversy among many in the scientific community but was praised for its clear and straightforward depiction of the scientific process.James Watson participated in the Human Genome Project, which aimed to map all human genes. However, he made controversial comments on genetics and race, which led to the loss of several honors and positions. Nonetheless, his foundational work remains highly valuable to biology and medicine.Read More: Who is Hilary Duff married to? Relationship timeline explored as she makes musical comeback after a decade