BREAKING: Discoverer of DNA double helix construction dies aged 97

Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist and geneticist James Watson, known for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA, has died aged 97.

The American scientist, along with Francis Crick, built a foundation for work to better explain how DNA replicates and carries genetic information after their discovery in 1953, also setting the stage for rapid advances in molecular biology.

He was stripped of his honorary titles in 2019 after repeating comments about race and intelligence during a TV programme, referring to a view that genes cause a difference on average between black and white people on IQ tests.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he worked and researched for decades, confirmed the death of the co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA.

This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos.

You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.

Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name.

Follow Daily Star on Android – CLICK HERE

Follow Daily Star on Apple – CLICK HERE

Follow Daily Star on Snapchat – CLICK HERE

You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @starbreaksnews and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.

Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/thedailystar.