What Are James Watson's Significant Scientists

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James Watson was only twenty-five years old when he became known as a very significant scientists of the twentieth century. In a May 30, 1953, issue of Nature, Watson, along with Francis H. C. Crick and Maurice H.F. Wilkins, published an article on their news worthy work: the discovery of what DNA looks like or the double helical construction of DNA. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins came to their discovery when working together at Cambridge University. Though Watson and his two workmates usually get the credit for this significant discovery, the work actually involved the research findings of scientists from around the world, a fact openly revealed in Watson’s book, The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA (1968). Although very public problems with …show more content…

He was a regular contestant on the popular radio show, "The Quiz Kids" by the time he was ten. At 15, he studied zoology at the University of Chicago. At 19, he occupied himself with postgraduate research in illness and viruses at the University of Indiana. Three years later the same university gave him his Ph.D. degree. He continued studying the illness in Denmark for a time, then changed to genetics and molecular biology. His new way of study led him to Cambridge University and the Cavendish Laboratory. In 1951,It was there, when he met Francis Crick, an english molecular biologist, biophysicist, and neuroscientist. The two became quick friends and research pals. Genetic research happened to be a low priority for most scientists at the time, but Watson's spirit for the field convinced Crick to help him develop a DNA model. They had entered the race to discover the structure of DNA pretty late. Several other scientists, including Linus Pauling, had already laid claim to understanding parts of the puzzle. Also, other scientists doubted whether Watson had the genetic and mathematical background to handle such a demanding