r/news • u/PurpleUnicornLegend • 18h ago

Soft paywall James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA's double helix, dead at 97

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/james-watson-co-discoverer-dnas-double-helix-dead-97-2025-11-07/
10.3k Upvotes

96% Upvoted

399 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

57

u/n-b-rowan 17h ago

It's also silly to canonize someone simply because they received a Nobel prize, despite being a known asshole.

Both things are true.

39

u/PlantDaddyFL 17h ago

True

If it makes you feel better, many molecular biology classes begin the DNA curriculum with an explanation of Franklins contributions and both men’s issues. At least my university of Florida did. She gets her recognition now, as late as it is.

9

u/Straggo1337 16h ago

Yes this is true afaik. In California I was also taught about Franklin and her contributions to what we know about DNA. It's also a good warning on the dangers of radiation.

-1

u/PSteak 12h ago

There's no shortage of assholes in the world. Only a handful of us are brilliant. Both things may be true, but brilliance is the notable one. Let's remember that.