In the world of scientific research, the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries can become all-consuming. The intense drive to be the first to unveil a significant finding can lead to deep disappointment when one is surpassed by another researcher. While I have not personally experienced being scooped during my 25 years in science, the concept intrigues me. It creates a tension between two primary motivators for scientists: the thirst for knowledge and the desire for recognition.

A particularly notable instance of this phenomenon involves the 1961 breakthrough in deciphering the genetic code of DNA. Sydney Brenner and Francis Crick, both of whom are celebrated as pivotal figures in genetics, dedicated years to understanding this complex puzzle, only to be outdone by a lesser-known American biochemist.

In 2010, archivists released correspondence and lab notes from Brenner, as well as some of Crick's previously unaccounted-for papers. These documents revealed their reactions to being bested in their quest for knowledge: there was a palpable sense of excitement.

To delve deeper into this, I sought an interview with Brenner, who has offices across the globe and is frequently on the move. After some effort, I managed to arrange a meeting at his home in England. At 88, he remains one of the last pioneers of molecular biology, characterized by his lively demeanor and sharp intellect.

Our conversation took place in a sunlit room brimming with greenery, where his stepson prepared lunch. Though Brenner could have enjoyed a life of luxury given his historical contributions to science, he remains passionate about scientific inquiry rather than financial gain, residing in a humble home.

As we chatted, Brenner recounted how he became captivated by the challenge of understanding how amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are sequenced in DNA. Proteins, made up of various combinations of 20 different amino acids, resemble strings of beads, each contributing to life's machinery.

Before the 1950s, many believed proteins to be simple, repeating structures. However, by 1953, it became clear that they follow specific sequences dictated by DNA, which operates using a four-letter code: A, T, G, and C. The pressing question was how these letters corresponded to the arrangement of amino acids.

The challenge lay in the fact that a mere four letters could not encode all 20 amino acids. Using combinations of three letters instead, which resulted in 64 possible combinations, seemed to provide a viable solution, suggesting that the DNA code could comprise three-letter words.

Brenner and Crick were inspired by the theoretical physicist George Gamow, who proposed that amino acids might fit into specific slots on the DNA helix. However, they quickly realized flaws in Gamow's theory and shifted their thinking towards understanding the transfer of information within DNA.

This led to innovative ideas, including Crick's hypothesis that the protein synthesis machinery might recognize "sense" words within the DNA sequence, much like humans decipher words in a sentence without spaces. Although some of their initial concepts proved incorrect, they were crucial in formulating clearer questions about the genetic code.

In 1958, Brenner devised a method to manipulate DNA directly. He speculated that a dye could induce single-letter mutations in DNA, potentially disrupting the protein synthesis process. This insight sparked collaborative experiments between him and Crick, who became increasingly engrossed in hands-on research.

However, during the International Congress of Biochemistry in Moscow in August 1961, they received unexpected news: a breakthrough in the genetic code had been made by Marshall Nirenberg, an unknown American biochemist. Nirenberg's approach successfully identified the first word of the genetic code, indicating that he would likely unravel the entire sequence.

In pondering how I might have reacted in Crick's position, I admire his response. Instead of feeling resentment, he encouraged Nirenberg to present his findings to a larger audience, demonstrating grace in the face of competition.

Crick's actions were commendable. He personally ensured Nirenberg's achievements were recognized at the symposium he chaired, showcasing the spirit of collaboration that can transcend individual ambition.

Following the congress, Crick and Brenner made further contributions, realizing that inserting or deleting letters in DNA could affect the resulting protein's function. Their work ultimately supported the understanding that the DNA code consisted of three-letter "words."

Letters exchanged between Crick and Nirenberg later revealed Crick's acknowledgment of Nirenberg's pivotal role in the discovery. Brenner echoed this sentiment, expressing genuine excitement about the progress being made.

The significance of Nirenberg's work cannot be overstated; it laid the groundwork for many advances in modern biology. Though many researchers contributed to this field, the excitement surrounding these discoveries illustrates the importance of collaboration and the thrill of scientific inquiry.

The landscape of scientific research remains competitive today, with multiple researchers often pursuing similar questions. The tension between individual ambition and collective progress is ever-present. Crick and Brenner's exemplary response to being outpaced serves as a guiding principle for scientists: focus on conducting rigorous experiments and uphold integrity in all endeavors.

Bob Goldstein is a James L. Peacock III distinguished professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Originally published at Nautilus on February 26, 2015.