Today in Science Blog Posts
Happy Birthday, Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr was a Hollywood actress who designed and patented a frequency hopping device that was a precursor to Wi-Fi technology and secure communications systems.
Shooting for the Stars: The History of Astrophotography
The first images of the Moon were taken in the 1800s. Astrophotography improvements have allowed distant subjects to be captured clearly today. Let’s dive into the history of astrophotography.
Happy Birthday, Victor Babeș
Romanian biologist Victor Babeș is best known for his research on infectious diseases. But did you know he was once on track to become an actor? Learn about his fascinating life and work here.
Happy Birthday, Vera Rubin
Vera Rubin found groundbreaking evidence of dark matter in the 1970s. Today, scientists know that dark matter makes up around 84% of the universe. Learn more about her discovery here.
Happy Birthday, William Robert Grove
William Robert Grove is considered the “the Father of the Fuel Cell”. Read about how he went from studying to become a lawyer to developing the Grove cell.
Happy Birthday, Henrietta Swan Leavitt
Henrietta Swan Leavitt was once hired to measure and catalog stars based on their color and brightness by hand. Learn how she went on to make significant astronomical discoveries.
From Science Fiction to Reality: 4 Examples Explored
Did you know that the submarine, cellphone, and virtual reality were all inspired by science fiction? Find out how here.
Happy Birthday, Chien-Shiung Wu
Chien-Shiung Wu conducted an experiment that changed the world of physics. Explore her life, discoveries, and legacy.
Happy Birthday, Harold Edgerton
Learn about the life, work, and legacy of Harold Edgerton, an engineer and photographer best known for revolutionizing strobe light and action photography.
5 Inventions Inspired by Nature
Birdwatching helped make Japan’s bullet trains quieter. Read more about this fascinating story and four other inventions inspired by nature here.
Happy Birthday, Hermann Staudinger
Hermann Staudinger developed a macromolecular theory that laid the groundwork for the development of polymer chemistry. Explore his life, discoveries, and legacy here.
Happy Birthday, Edward Condon
Edward Condon made many contributions to quantum mechanics, designed the Nimatron, and explored whether UFOs could be of extraterrestrial origins. Learn more about his work here.
Happy Birthday, Mary Anderson
During a snow storm in the early 1900s, Mary Anderson rode in a streetcar and noticed how difficult it was for the trolley driver to see where he was going. This observation led to the invention of the windshield wiper.
5 Inventions Discovered by Accident
Did you know the modern smoke alarm was discovered by accident? Learn more about this finding and 4 other important inventions from throughout history that were made as a result of accidents.
Happy Birthday, Douglas Engelbart
At a time when computers used punch cards for quantitative tasks, Douglas Engelbart envisioned a future of sharing information to solve complex human problems.
The Science Behind Preserving Museum Ships
Managing corrosion and decay are just 2 of the challenges associated with preserving historic vessels. Learn about the approaches that are being used to help keep these ships true to their best-known design.
Happy Birthday, Olive Dennis
Olive Dennis developed a variety of innovations for passenger trains, such as: reclining seats, ceiling lights, and dressing rooms. Learn more about her creations for improving railway travel here.
Happy Birthday, Johannes Rydberg
In 1888, Johannes Rydberg devised the Rydberg Formula, which is used to determine the wavelengths of photons that are emitted by changes in the energy level of an electron in a hydrogen atom. Learn more about his life and work here.
Happy Birthday, Elijah McCoy
Elijah McCoy is known for inventing a steam engine lubrication system. But did you know that he also filed 57 other U.S. patents, including a lawn sprinkler designed to look like a turtle?
Happy Birthday, Caroline Herschel
Learn about Caroline Herschel, a luminary astronomer who discovered multiple star clusters and laid the foundation for the star catalog.
Beulah Louise Henry and the Bobbinless Sewing Machine
Receiving 49 U.S. patents and creating more than 100 inventions, Beulah Louise Henry is remembered as a prolific inventor of the twentieth century.
Happy Birthday, John von Neumann
One of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, John von Neumann also left major marks on quantum mechanics and computer science. Learn more about this polymath’s legacy.
Happy Birthday, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek advanced the capabilities of microscopes and made invaluable contributions to the understanding of microbiology. Let’s take a look at his legacy.
Happy Birthday, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
A stellar finding: In the 1930s, it was discovered that certain dying stars will form into extremely dense alternative bodies. Learn about the theoretical physicist who brought this to light.