James Watson, a pivotal figure in 20th-century science, has died at 97. He is best known for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA, which earned him a Nobel Prize in 1962, alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins. Watson’s career included leadership roles at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and heading the Human Genome Project. However, he also courted controversy, including the under-acknowledgement of Rosalind Franklin’s contributions and making offensive statements, leading to his retirement. Nevertheless, his groundbreaking work revolutionized biology, fostering advancements in genetics and medicine.
Read More
James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA’s double helix, dead at 97. It’s hard to ignore the news, isn’t it? The passing of James Watson, at the impressive age of 97, is certainly a moment to reflect. It’s truly amazing that the discovery of the structure of DNA, something we now take for granted, happened not so long ago.
It’s a strange mix of admiration and, let’s face it, a healthy dose of historical reckoning that surrounds his legacy. Watson, along with Francis Crick, is credited with unraveling the double helix, a discovery that revolutionized biology and medicine. But their story is far from simple.… Continue reading
After more than 50 years, the identity of a woman found dead in Marlborough in 1974 has been confirmed using DNA analysis. Originally unidentified, the deceased was believed to be between 18 and 48 years old at the time of discovery. Through the efforts of the Brattleboro Police Department and DNA provided by her siblings, the woman was identified as Nancy Gale Erickson, who was 21 years old when she died. Before her death, Erickson worked as a nurse in Florida before abruptly leaving in 1973, with her last known employment being at the Brattleboro Retreat.
Read More
Adnan Syed, whose case was featured in the podcast “Serial,” is requesting a sentence reduction under Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act, aiming to secure his freedom while his conviction is challenged. His legal team argues this is necessary to stabilize his status following the reinstatement of his conviction, a decision his legal team continues to fight. While the conviction was reinstated due to procedural errors regarding notification of Hae Min Lee’s family, Syed remains free pending further legal action. Opposition to the reduction cites a lack of compelling new evidence of innocence and maintains Syed remains a convicted murderer.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood