James Watson, Nobel Prize laureate and co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97, leaving behind controversy related to his racist comments.

James Watson, famous for discovering the double helix structure of DNA alongside Francis Crick in 1953, has died at the age of 97. His death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he worked for decades. Although he was honored with the Nobel Prize in 1962, his reputation was affected by controversial comments related to race and intelligence, which led to his marginalization in the scientific community. Watson claimed that genes influence IQ differences between races, which resulted in the withdrawal of his honorary titles. Born in Chicago, Watson had a remarkable career, transforming Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory into a world-renowned research center. He also sold his Nobel medal for 4.8 million dollars, feeling marginalized by the scientific community after the controversies surrounding his comments.