James Watson on DNA, the human genome, and his controversial life

James Watson, an American scientist and Nobel laureate who was involved in two of the most important scientific achievements of the 20th century, died on Thursday. He was 97.James Watson and Francis Crick received the Nobel prize in 1962 for the discovery of the structure of DNA, the genetic blueprint for life. It is considered one of the most momentous breakthroughs in the history of science. He wrote one of the most noted memoirs in science called the Double Helix published in 1968. He built on that fame by leading the human genome project.Watson was associated with two famous universities. Cambridge and Harvard and led the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.To appreciate his historic achievements as a scientist you have also take note of his controversial life. He was severely criticized for what he said about the intelligence of black people and his failure to give appropriate credit to women in science, especially Rosalyn Franklin who was part of the team that discovered the double helix. When he repeated assertions on racial differences about intelligence on the PBS show American Masters the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory revoked its relationship with Watson.James Watson made five solo appearances with me. Here are those conversations.