Today in History: Watson and Crick Decipher DNA
Can you imagine the significance of unlocking the secret of creation? If so, you’d appreciate the fervent race to determine the structure of DNA, the hereditary material found in humans and almost all living organisms. Maybe you did not realize that behind two great men, American molecular biologist James Watson and British biophysicist and neuroscientist Francis Crick, (indeed a “third man”, New Zealand born physicist and molecular biologist Maurice Wilkins) stood English chemist and X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin, a great woman whose remarkable achievements were recognized only posthumously? It is a fascinating story — oft described as a lonely and competitive tale — with a bearing on scientific knowledge and how we live and work; for it is not just about cracking the genetic code, but also personal and professional ethics in doing what’s right; giving credit where it’s due; and continuing to learn.
Leading University of Cambridge scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announce their discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule containing human genes, on February 28, 1953. They found that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) replicated itself in being a spiral structure in which two DNA strands, each containing a long chain of monomer nucleotides, separated. This amazing break through led to further advances in science and technology: pre-natal screening of disease; identification of human remains; treatments for other diseases; genetically engineered foods — rather, how genes determine living bodies and are passed between generations.
The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning.
- Menzies, L. (1962, Oct 19). This DNA Determines What We Look Like. Boston Globe (1960-1986)
- Laurence, W. (1962, Oct 21). Nobel Winners: Importance of the Discovery of the DNA Structure Is Examined. New York Times (1923-Current File)
- Edson, L. (1968, Aug 18). Says Nobelist James (Double Helix) Watson, “To Hell With Being Discovered When You’re Dead.” New York Times (1923-Current File)
- Jacobs, P. (1979, May 13). A New Twist for Double Helix: Young Turk Biologists Attacking a World Famous Theory? Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File)
- Schmeck, H.M., ,Jr. (1983, Apr 12). DNA’s Code: 30 Years of Revolution. New York Times (1923-Current File)
- Mckie, R. (1983, May 08). The Double Helix. The Times of India (1861-Current)
- Crick, F. (1989, Mar 19). Genius Who Cracked the Genes. The Observer (1901- 2003) Retrieved from
- Centennial Journal: 100 Years in Business: Learning the ABCs of DNA, 1953. (1989, Jul 27). Wall Street Journal (1923 – Current File)
- Nair, R. (1991, Dec 08). Life Decoded. The Times of India (1861-Current)
- Stolberg, S. (1994, Feb 28). Chasing the Mysteries of Life: After You Have Helped Crack the DNA Code, What’s Next? Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File)
- Maddox, B. (2003, Mar 27). The Dark Lady of DNA: Few Know of the Contribution Made by Rosalind Franklin to the Discovery of DNA’s Double Helix. The Irish Times (1921-Current File)
- Dizikes, P. (2006, Jul 30). Genome Human: After Identifying the Structure of DNA, Francis Crick Set About Learning How It Works. New York Times (1923-Current File)
Tips: 
- Baldwin, Joyce. DNA Pioneer: James Watson and the Double Helix. New York: Walker & Co, 1994. CURR QP620.W38 B35 1994
- Life Story, or the Race for the Double Helix, WeberTube. BBC Horizon Science Series, 1987.
- Maddox, Brenda. Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA. HarperCollins, 2002. CU Milstein, Butler QH506.F72 M33 2002
- Phelan, Glen. Double Helix: The Quest to Uncover the Structure of DNA. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2006. CURR QP624 .P482 2006
- Watson, James D. The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA. New York: Atheneum, 1968. Stacks QD341.A2 W315
- Wilkins, Maurice. The Third Man of the Double Helix: The Autobiography of Maurice Wilkins. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. e-book
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