On February 28, 1953, Cambridge University scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced that they had determined the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule containing human genes.

The molecular biologists were aided significantly by the work of another DNA researcher, Rosalind Franklin, although she was not included in the announcement, nor did she share the subsequent Nobel Prize award for it.

James Watson was photographed for the 1992 book American Legends in which Karsh is quoted: “The informal and charming Nobelist, not content to rest on the laurels of his spectacular youthful discovery of the structure of DNA, is now himself an inspiring mentor to a group of brilliant young research scientists.”