DNA and biotechnology The work of James Watson (1928– ), Francis Crick (1916–2004), Maurice Wilkins (1916–2004), and Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958) uncovered the structure of DNA. But the announcement of the double helix in 1953 was just one event in the larger story of our increasing knowledge of the chemistry of life. The science of DNA, proteins, hormones, and other biomolecules and biochemical processes has brought forth new treatments and better health, as well as new challenges to be wrestled with, such as the ethics of human cloning.