James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA September 26, 2007

James Watson is a molecular biologist best known as one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA. Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine "for their discoveries concerning the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its significance for information transfer in living material".

In 1968 Watson wrote "The Double Helix", one of the Modern Library's 100 best non-fiction books. The account is the sometimes painful story of not only the discovery of the structure of DNA, but the personalities, conflicts and controversy surrounding their work.

Watson, who is a secular humanist, is known for his frank opinions on politics, religion, and the role of science in society. Watson has repeatedly supported genetic screening and genetic engineering in public lectures and interviews, arguing that stupidity is a disease and the "really stupid" bottom 10% of people should be cured; and further that "it would be great" if all women were genetically engineered to be pretty. He is a strong proponent of genetically modified crops, holding that the benefits far outweigh any plausible environmental dangers, and that many of the arguments against genetically modified crops are unscientific or irrational. His views on these matters are covered in some depth in his book "DNA: The Secret of Life" (2003).

(text courtesy of Wikipedia)

Official Website: http://www.cityboxoffice.com/default.asp?SearchMonth=9/28/2007&MV=9/26/2007&sel=x