Kendra Pierre-Louis, filling in for Rachel Feltman on Scientific American’s Science Quickly, delves into the prevailing cultural perception that science is a male-dominated field. Despite advancements in gender equality, the image of a scientist as a man still persists. In the latest season of the podcast Lost Women of Science, the life of Katharine Burr Blodgett, an American physicist and chemist, is highlighted for her groundbreaking work in nanotechnology long before its time.
The podcast’s host and co-executive producer, Katie Hafner, sheds light on the new season titled “Layers of Brilliance: The Chemical Genius of Katharine Burr Blodgett.” Hafner admits that she was initially hesitant about focusing on Blodgett’s story due to the extensive research involved. However, her co-executive producer’s passion for Blodgett’s legacy eventually convinced her to explore the physicist’s contributions to industrial research labs.
Blodgett’s expertise in physics and chemistry, coupled with her early aptitude for mathematics, set her apart at a young age. Despite the challenges faced by women in science during her time, Blodgett pursued a career at the General Electric Research Laboratory, where she made significant advancements in her field. Hafner emphasizes the importance of pure science, which involves theoretical exploration of fundamental questions about the universe.
Blodgett’s achievements, such as being the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in physics from Cambridge University, underscore the barriers she overcame in a male-dominated academic and professional environment. Hafner reveals the personal struggles that Blodgett faced, including societal expectations that forced women to choose between marriage and their careers.
The podcast delves into Blodgett’s pioneering work in nanotechnology and her enduring legacy as a female trailblazer in the scientific community. Despite the adversities she faced, Blodgett’s resilience and dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration for future generations of scientists. The season promises to uncover the untold stories of women in science and shed light on their invaluable contributions to the field. Kendra Pierre-Louis had a conversation with Hafner discussing the importance of showcasing forgotten women in science. Hafner emphasized the need to tell the full story of these women, not just their scientific accomplishments but also their personal lives and interests. He highlighted the fact that these women were fully realized humans with a range of passions and talents beyond their scientific work.
Hafner explained that one of the goals of their show, Lost Women of Science, is to shed light on the stories of women who were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. He mentioned the case of Katharine, a brilliant scientist who worked alongside Irving Langmuir, a Nobel Prize winner. Hafner emphasized the importance of telling both Katharine’s and Langmuir’s stories to give a more complete picture of their collaborative work.
The conversation shifted towards the groundbreaking scientific work that Katharine and Langmuir did together. They delved into the field of surface chemistry, focusing on the creation of non-reflective glass coatings. Hafner explained how Katharine’s innovative approach to stacking molecular layers led to the discovery of non-reflective glass, a development with wide-ranging applications in various industries.
Pierre-Louis brought up the lasting impact of Katharine’s work, mentioning how her ideas are still being used today in fields like electronics and lenses. Hafner also highlighted Katharine’s pioneering work in nanotechnology, noting that she was engineering molecules long before the term was coined.
The conversation turned to the importance of highlighting forgotten women in science. Hafner expressed frustration at the historical erasure of women’s contributions to science and emphasized the need to rectify this injustice. He stressed the incredible potential that women in science had and how their achievements were often overlooked by history.
In conclusion, the discussion between Kendra Pierre-Louis and Hafner underscored the importance of telling the full stories of forgotten women in science. By showcasing their scientific achievements, personal lives, and passions, we can gain a better understanding of the significant contributions these women made to the field of science. When we look back at the history of women in science, we see a diverse group of individuals spanning different nationalities, races, ethnicities, and religions. Unfortunately, discrimination against women in the field of science was rampant, with many believing that women were not suited to be scholars or scientists. Despite these challenges, there were women who defied expectations and pursued their passion for science.
One such woman is Katharine Burr Blodgett, a scientist who has been the subject of extensive research. While I can’t reveal any spoilers, I can share that during our research, we made a surprising discovery in a family’s storage locker in New Hampshire. This finding underscores the importance of perseverance in journalism and the value of exploring every lead to uncover hidden stories.
What sets Katharine apart is her dedication to understanding herself as a scientist. She approached her work with the same curiosity and rigor that she applied to her research, making her a truly remarkable individual.
If you’re interested in learning more about Katharine Burr Blodgett and other overlooked women in science, you can listen to our podcast season on LostWomenofScience.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.
As we continue to shed light on the contributions of women in science, we invite you to share your most memorable kiss for a future episode of our podcast. Record a voice memo and send it to ScienceQuickly@sciam.com, along with your name and location.
Thank you for joining us today. Stay tuned for our weekly science news roundup on Monday. Remember to subscribe to Scientific American for the latest in science news and updates.
For Scientific American, this is Kendra Pierre-Louis. Have a wonderful weekend! It’s no secret that social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From keeping up with friends and family to staying informed about current events, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another. However, with this increased reliance on social media comes a host of potential risks and drawbacks.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding social media is the issue of privacy. Many users are unaware of the extent to which their personal information is being collected and shared by social media companies. From tracking our online behavior to selling our data to advertisers, social media platforms have come under fire for their lack of transparency when it comes to protecting users’ privacy.
In addition to privacy concerns, social media has also been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. While social media can help us stay connected with others, it can also lead to a phenomenon known as “social comparison,” where users compare their own lives to the curated, idealized versions of others’ lives that are often presented on social media. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Furthermore, social media has been shown to have negative effects on mental health. Studies have found a correlation between excessive social media use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The constant scrolling through curated feeds can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
On a broader scale, social media has also been linked to the spread of misinformation and fake news. The ease with which information can be shared on social media platforms has made it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction, leading to the proliferation of conspiracy theories and false narratives.
Despite these drawbacks, social media also has its benefits. It can be a powerful tool for connecting with others, building communities, and raising awareness about important social issues. Social media has been used to mobilize social movements, amplify marginalized voices, and spark conversations about important topics.
Ultimately, the impact of social media on our lives is a complex and multifaceted issue. While there are certainly drawbacks and risks associated with social media use, it is also undeniable that social media has the potential to bring people together, facilitate communication, and drive positive change. It is up to each individual to navigate the world of social media mindfully and thoughtfully, being aware of the potential pitfalls while also harnessing the power of social media for good.
