General News
JAMES D. WATSON, NOBEL PRIZE WINNER WHO CO-DISCOVERED DNA STRUCTURE, DIES AT 97
James D. Watson, the American biologist who co-discovered the double helix structure of DNA, a breakthrough that earned him the Nobel Prize and launched the genetic age, has died at the age of 97. His death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, where he worked for many years. The New York Times reported that Watson died this week at a hospice on Long Island.
Watson’s death marks the passing of a monumental yet contentious figure in science. In 1953, while at Cambridge University with British physicist Francis Crick, Watson deduced the three-dimensional shape of DNA as two intertwined staircases. This discovery won them a share of the 1962 Nobel Prize in medicine and paved the way for genetic engineering, gene therapy, and modern biotechnology. However, Watson’s reputation was later tarnished by offensive comments on genetics and race, which led to his ostracism from the scientific community.
Even in his youth, Watson was known for his provocative style. His 1968 memoir, “The Double Helix,” offered a racy account of the DNA discovery, drawing criticism from colleagues. Crick complained that the book “grossly invaded my privacy,” and Maurice Wilkins objected to what he called a “distorted and unfavorable image of scientists” as ambitious schemers. Additionally, Watson and Crick were widely criticized for using raw data from X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin without fully acknowledging her contribution. As Watson wrote in “Double Helix,” scientific research feels “the contradictory pulls of ambition and the sense of fair play.”
In 2007, Watson sparked widespread anger by telling the Times of London that he believed testing indicated the intelligence of Africans was “not really … the same as ours.” Accused of promoting racist theories, he was forced to retire as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Although he apologized, he repeated similar claims in a 2019 documentary, attributing racial differences in IQ test results to genetics, contrary to most scientists who point to environmental factors.
Born in Chicago on April 6, 1928, James Dewey Watson graduated from the University of Chicago in 1947 with a zoology degree and earned his doctorate from Indiana University. At Cambridge’s Cavendish Lab, he met Crick and began the quest for DNA’s structure. Their model revealed that nucleotides paired in a way that, as they noted in their 1953 paper, “immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material.” This understatement heralded the mechanism for genetic inheritance.
After the DNA discovery, Watson never matched that achievement but remained a scientific force. He joined Harvard University’s biology department in 1956, where he championed molecular biology. Harvard biochemist Guido Guidotti recalled that Watson immediately told traditional biologists “that they were wasting their time and should retire,” earning long-term enmity but attracting young scientists. In 1968, Watson brought his drive to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, transforming it from a “mosquito-infested backwater” into a world-class institution, as friend Mark Ptashne described.
In 1990, Watson was named to lead the Human Genome Project, but he resigned after clashing with the National Institutes of Health over patenting DNA sequences, arguing that genome knowledge should remain public. In 2007, he became the second person to have his full genome sequenced and made it public, though he avoided learning about genes linked to Alzheimer’s risk. Watson often boasted of chasing “popsies” and made disparaging remarks about women, yet he supported female scientists like MIT biologist Nancy Hopkins, who said, “I certainly couldn’t have had a career in science without his support.”
Watson considered his books his proudest accomplishment, not the double helix, which he said “was going to be found in the next year or two.” He admired writers like Graham Greene and Christopher Isherwood, and he cherished his bad-boy image, emphasized in his 2007 book “Avoid Boring People.” Despite his complexities, Watson’s legacy endures through the genetics revolution he helped ignite.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.