Core Points - James Watson, Nobel Prize winner and co-discoverer of the DNA double helix structure, passed away at the age of 97 [1] - Watson's discovery in 1953, alongside Francis Crick, laid the foundation for rapid advancements in molecular biology [2][3] - Despite his scientific achievements, Watson faced significant controversy due to his racially discriminatory remarks regarding intelligence [5][6] Group 1: Scientific Contributions - Watson and Crick's 1953 publication in Nature revealed the double helix structure of DNA, explaining how genetic information is stored and replicated [3] - Their work became a fundamental theory in modern molecular biology, leading to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded in 1962 [3] Group 2: Controversies and Reputation - Watson's later comments linking race and intelligence severely damaged his reputation and standing in the scientific community [5] - His statements led to the loss of his position as director at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the revocation of honorary titles [5] - Despite the backlash, Watson's contributions to molecular biology remain significant, with his co-authored book "Molecular Biology of the Gene" being a staple in the field [6]

Core Viewpoint - James Watson, the co-discoverer of the DNA double helix structure and Nobel Prize laureate, passed away at the age of 97, marking the end of an era in molecular biology and genetics [2][3]. Group 1: Contributions to Science - Watson and Francis Crick proposed the DNA double helix model in 1953, which unveiled the secrets of life's genetic code and laid the foundation for modern molecular biology and biotechnology [2][3]. - The DNA double helix is regarded as one of the "three great scientific wonders of the 20th century," alongside Einstein's theory of relativity and Heisenberg's quantum mechanics, signifying a shift in biology from descriptive to molecular science [4]. Group 2: Academic and Professional Achievements - Watson served as a researcher at Harvard University from 1955 to 1956 and was a biology professor from 1956 to 1976, during which he authored "Molecular Biology of the Gene," a textbook that became a cornerstone for generations of biologists, selling over one million copies globally [5]. - As the director of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory from 1968, Watson transformed the institution into a leading center for molecular biology research and established the "James Watson Scholarship" [5]. Group 3: Legacy and Influence - Watson had a significant impact on the Chinese scientific community, fostering collaborations since the 1980s and promoting academic exchanges in molecular biology [5]. - He expressed pride in witnessing China's emergence as a leader in genomics and aimed to establish a world-class life sciences center in Shenzhen, named after him, to focus on cancer and genetics research [5].

Core Viewpoint - James Watson, a pivotal figure in 20th-century science and co-discoverer of the DNA double helix structure, passed away at the age of 97, marking the end of an era in molecular biology [2][11]. Group 1: Discovery of DNA Structure - Watson and Francis Crick proposed the double helix structure of DNA, inspired by Rosalind Franklin's X-ray images, with their findings published in Nature on April 25, 1953 [3][9]. - The discovery of the DNA double helix is regarded as a landmark in biology, comparable to Darwin's theory of evolution, and it laid the foundation for the field of molecular biology [9][11]. Group 2: Academic and Research Contributions - From 1956 to 1976, Watson taught at Harvard University, advancing molecular biology research [10]. - Watson served as the director of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory starting in 1968, significantly enhancing its funding and research capabilities, and later became its honorary president [10]. Group 3: Controversies and Legacy - Watson faced controversy in 2007 for suggesting a genetic link between intelligence and race, leading to his resignation from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory [10]. - His works include the textbook "Molecular Biology of the Gene" (1965) and the bestseller "The Double Helix" (1968), and he played a role in establishing the Human Genome Project, completed in 2003 [10].

Core Insights - The Southeast Asia Genome Project has created the most comprehensive dataset of genomic variations in Southeast Asian populations, filling a critical gap in global genomic research [1][14] - The project utilizes advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools to analyze and compare human genes, addressing previous criticisms regarding the limited number of loci in molecular biology methods [3][4] - The findings from the project indicate significant genetic contributions from Denisovans to modern human populations in Southeast Asia, highlighting the complex evolutionary history of human beings [5][12] Group 1: Technological Advancements - The project employs second and third-generation sequencing technologies for comprehensive genome coverage, effectively dispelling concerns about insufficient loci [3] - A suite of bioinformatics tools is used to identify and analyze genetic variations, allowing for statistical analysis of frequency and genetic similarity among populations [3][4] Group 2: Evolutionary Insights - The Southeast Asia Genome Project has revealed evidence of multiple gene flow events from Denisovans into indigenous Southeast Asian populations, suggesting a close relationship between Denisovans and modern humans [5][12] - The project challenges previous assumptions about molecular clock hypotheses, indicating that genetic variation rates can differ and that some genetic lineages may disappear due to genetic drift [4][12] Group 3: Historical Context - The research highlights the historical neglect of Asian populations in genomic studies, emphasizing the importance of Southeast Asia as a key region in the migration routes of early modern humans [14] - The genetic diversity found in Southeast Asian populations provides critical insights into potential disease-related genetic markers relevant to East Asian populations [14]