His research paved the way for important advances in understanding cell growth and division, with profound implications for cancer research

It was an honor and a privilege to know and work with James D. Watson, father of modern genetics and co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, during my years at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, which he directed. Under his guidance and constant support, I discovered the fundamental mechanism of cyclins and CDKs and their crucial role in cancer development, along with other key proteins that regulate the cell cycle. This research paved the way for important advances in the understanding of cell growth and division—with profound implications for research into cancer and many other diseases.

During those years, Watson often spoke to me about his deep affection for Naples, a city to which he felt particularly attached. It was at the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station that he first met Francis Crick, beginning an extraordinary collaboration that changed the history of biology forever. I too had the privilege of working at Cold Spring Harbor in a laboratory inspired by the Dohrn Station — a symbolic bridge between Italian and international scientific tradition.

Although we had not been in direct contact in recent years, in 2024 I was deeply moved to receive—through a friend, as he was already very ill—a copy of his famous book The Double Helix, with a personal dedication that I still cherish. That gesture remains a precious memory and a symbol of a bond that has profoundly marked my human and scientific journey.

In remembering James Watson, it is only fitting to also pay tribute to Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin—without whom the incredible discovery of the structure of DNA would not have been possible. Their genius, tenacity, and vision changed biology and medicine forever, opening horizons that continue to inspire research today.

The passing of James Watson marks the end of an era, but his inexhaustible curiosity, pioneering spirit, and unwavering belief in science as an adventure of the human spirit will remain a beacon — for me and for all those who believe in knowledge as a force for a better world.

Sono nato nel '62 a Napoli dove mi sono laureato in Medicina e Chirurgia. Sono direttore dello Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine della Temple University di Philadelphia dove vivo con la mia famiglia. Dal 2004 sono professore per “chiara fama” all’Università di Siena. Di me dicono che abbia una certa esperienza nella genetica del cancro e nella regolazione del ciclo cellulare. Di sicuro c'è che i miei studi hanno contribuito alla comprensione di alcuni dei meccanismi alla base dello sviluppo del cancro e al disegno di una nuova generazione di farmaci. Ho all'attivo oltre 600 pubblicazioni e più di 30 premi. Sono appassionato della squadra di calcio del Napoli. www.drantoniogiordano.com www.shro.org Antonio Giordano is Professor of Biology at Temple University in Philadelphia where he is also Director of the Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine. He is also ‘Chiara Fama’ Professor of Pathology at the University of Siena, Italy. His research interest includes both molecular and translational mainly focused on cell cycle deregulation in cancer. Dr Giordano identified a tumor suppressor gene, Rb2/p130, that has been found to be active in lung, endometrial, brain, breast, liver and ovarian cancers and also discovered Cyclin A/p60, Cdk9, and Cdk10. Cdk9 is known to play critical roles in HIV transcriptions, inception of tumors, and cell differentiation,[3] They also play a part in muscle differentiation and have been linked to various genetic muscular disorders. He has published over 600 articles and received over 40 awards for his contributions to medical research. www.drantoniogiordano.com www.shro.org

The Los Angeles Lakers have made headlines recently with their latest signing, Anton Watson, a young talent who previously played for the New York Knicks. This move is part of the Lakers’ strategy to bolster their roster for the upcoming NBA season. In this article, we’ll delve into who Anton Watson is, his journey through basketball, and what he brings to the Lakers.

Anton Watson: A Rising Star

Anton Watson was born on March 23, 2001, in Spokane, Washington. He showcased his basketball skills early on, excelling at Gonzaga Prep High School, where he was a standout player. During his high school career, Watson was known for his versatility on the court, demonstrating the ability to play multiple positions. His exceptional performances earned him a spot in the top ranks of high school recruits, making him a sought-after player by many collegiate programs.

After high school, Anton Watson committed to Gonzaga University, where he played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. His time with the Bulldogs was marked by significant contributions to the team, helping them reach the NCAA Tournament and making deep playoff runs. Watson’s style of play is characterized by his athleticism, defensive prowess, and ability to score both inside and outside. Throughout his college career, he developed a reputation as a reliable player, which ultimately caught the attention of NBA scouts.

Transition to the NBA

Anton Watson entered the NBA Draft and was selected by the New York Knicks, where he began his professional career. In his time with the Knicks, he showed promise as a young player, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. The Knicks, known for their storied history and passionate fan base, provided Watson with a platform to develop his skills further.

During his stint with the Knicks, Watson had moments of brilliance, showcasing his potential as a future star in the league. His performances in both regular-season games and practices indicated that he could become a significant contributor to any team.

In a surprising turn of events, Anton Watson was recently signed by the Los Angeles Lakers. This move is seen as a strategic decision by the Lakers, who are looking to strengthen their roster after a challenging previous season. Watson’s ability to play multiple positions and his defensive capabilities align well with the Lakers’ needs as they aim for a championship run.

What Anton Watson Brings to the Lakers

One of the most appealing aspects of Anton Watson is his versatility. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, he has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. His skill set includes a solid shooting touch, which can stretch defenses, and the ability to drive to the basket, making him a dual threat on offense.

Additionally, Watson’s defensive skills are noteworthy. He has shown the capability to guard both forwards and guards, providing the Lakers with the flexibility to switch defensive matchups effectively. His work ethic and determination have also been highlighted by coaches and teammates alike, suggesting that he will fit well into the Lakers’ culture.

With the Lakers aiming to reclaim their status as championship contenders, Watson’s addition could prove to be a pivotal move. His energy and youthful enthusiasm can inject new life into the team, particularly in a league where depth and versatility are increasingly important.

Head Coach Darvin Ham is likely to utilize Watson in various lineups throughout the season, allowing for strategic matchups based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. This adaptability could be crucial in tight playoff scenarios, where every possession matters.

The Lakers’ Strategy Moving Forward

The signing of Anton Watson is part of a broader strategy embraced by the Lakers, focusing on young talent while maintaining the experience of veteran players. This approach aims to create a balanced roster that can compete at the highest level while also developing future stars.

The Lakers have a rich history of attracting top-tier talent, including superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. By integrating young players like Watson, the franchise not only secures its future but also allows established stars to mentor the next generation of players. This mentorship can be invaluable both on and off the court.

Lakers fans are known for their passion and high expectations. The addition of Anton Watson has sparked excitement and curiosity about how he will fit into the team’s dynamic. As a franchise that prides itself on winning, the Lakers’ leadership will be closely monitoring Watson’s development and contributions throughout the season.

Conclusion

Anton Watson’s journey from Gonzaga to the NBA exemplifies the hard work and dedication required to succeed in professional basketball. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he integrates into the team and contributes to their aspirations for a championship. With his talent and potential, Watson could very well become a key player in the Lakers’ quest for success.

FAQs

Anton Watson is a professional basketball player who was recently signed by the Los Angeles Lakers after playing for the New York Knicks. He is known for his versatility, athleticism, and defensive skills.

Anton Watson primarily plays as a forward but has the versatility to play multiple positions, making him adaptable to various team strategies.

Anton Watson played college basketball at Gonzaga University, where he was a key player for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The Lakers signed Anton Watson to strengthen their roster with young talent that can provide depth and versatility, contributing to the team’s championship aspirations.

Fans can expect Anton Watson to bring energy, defensive capabilities, and a potential scoring threat to the Lakers, along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth within a championship-contending team.