Sexy photos of historical figures in science.

Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin, a pioneering scientist in the field of DNA research, is best known for her work on the X-ray diffraction images of DNA. Her contributions were crucial to the discovery of the DNA double helix structure, a breakthrough that revolutionized our understanding of genetics.

Rosalind Franklin, born on July 25, 1920, in London, was a pioneering English chemist whose work significantly contributed to our understanding of molecular biology, particularly the structure of DNA. Raised in a family that emphasized education, Franklin displayed early brilliance in science. She earned a degree in physical chemistry from the University of Cambridge, where her interest in X-ray crystallography, a method crucial to her later discoveries, began. Throughout her career, Franklin encountered challenges as a woman in science, but her resilience and intellectual rigor helped her leave an indelible mark on scientific history.

Franklins most famous work took place in the early 1950s when she worked at King’s College London. It was here that she captured "Photograph 51," an X-ray diffraction image of DNA. This image became one of the most significant pieces of evidence in revealing DNA's double-helix structure. Her meticulous research and understanding of crystallography allowed her to conclude the helical form of DNA, a discovery that would later revolutionize biology and genetics. Despite the brilliance of her work, Franklin was often overshadowed by her male colleagues, especially James Watson and Francis Crick.

Watson and Crick, who are often credited with the discovery of DNA’s structure, relied heavily on Franklin's data, though initially without her permission. Using her "Photograph 51" as a foundation, they developed their famous double-helix model in 1953. Unfortunately, Franklin did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. In 1962, when Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on DNA, Franklin had already passed away, succumbing to ovarian cancer in 1958. Nobel Prizes are not awarded posthumously, which further contributed to the erasure of her contributions from mainstream narratives.

Aside from her DNA research, Franklin made significant contributions to virology. After leaving King’s College, she worked at Birkbeck College in London, where she studied the molecular structures of viruses like the tobacco mosaic virus. Her work in this field earned her considerable respect, and her colleagues deeply valued her scientific contributions. Franklin’s ability to switch focus from one challenging area of study to another showcased her versatility and deep intellectual curiosity.

Today, Rosalind Franklin is recognized as a crucial figure in the history of science. Her contributions to understanding the molecular structures of DNA and viruses have had lasting impacts on the fields of genetics, biology, and medicine. In recent years, efforts have been made to ensure Franklin's legacy is remembered, with buildings, awards, and even a Mars rover named in her honor. Though her work was underappreciated during her lifetime, Rosalind Franklin’s scientific legacy continues to inspire new generations of researchers.

Alice Eastwood

Alice Eastwood was a pioneering botanist and explorer who made significant contributions to the study of plants in North America. Her work focused on documenting and preserving plant species, particularly in the western United States and Mexico.

Alice Eastwood (1859–1953) was a remarkable botanist whose legacy continues to shape botanical science and conservation efforts. Born in Toronto, Canada, and later relocating to the United States, Eastwood became an influential figure in the study of North American flora. Her lifelong dedication to plant taxonomy and conservation established her as a pioneer among female scientists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when women faced numerous barriers in the scientific community.

Eastwood’s career as a botanist began after moving to California, where she worked at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Her deep knowledge of botany and passion for fieldwork set her apart from her peers. In a time when plant collection and classification were mainly done by men, she undertook extensive field expeditions across the western United States, often traveling alone. Her hands-on approach and sharp eye for detail led to the discovery of over 300 new plant species, which she documented and classified with precision. Many of these plants, some of which bear her name, are still recognized today.

One of Alice Eastwood’s most notable achievements occurred during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, when she demonstrated quick thinking and dedication to her work. At the time, Eastwood was the curator of botany at the California Academy of Sciences. As the earthquake ravaged the city, she rushed to the academy's botanical collection. In a heroic effort, she saved nearly 1,500 plant specimens by climbing five flights of stairs in the damaged building, securing these irreplaceable items before the building was destroyed by fire. Her actions preserved a wealth of botanical knowledge for future generations.

Beyond her role as a curator, Eastwood was also a strong advocate for plant conservation. As urbanization and agriculture spread across California and other regions, Eastwood recognized the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting endangered plant species. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the need for conservation, contributing articles and lecturing on the subject. Her influence extended beyond scientific circles as she championed efforts to establish protected areas, ensuring that native plants would survive in the wild for future study.

Alice Eastwood’s contributions to botany and conservation remain influential today. Her work not only expanded the knowledge of North American plant species but also laid the groundwork for modern conservation efforts. A trailblazer in her field, Eastwood's life and work continue to inspire botanists and environmentalists to explore, protect, and celebrate the natural world.

Annie Jump Cannon

Annie Jump Cannon was a pioneering astronomer known for her work in the classification of stars. Her groundbreaking system of stellar classification, known as the Harvard Classification Scheme, revolutionized the field of astronomy.

Annie Jump Cannon was a pioneering American astronomer whose contributions to the field of stellar classification transformed how scientists understand the universe. Born on December 11, 1863, in Dover, Delaware, Cannon grew up fascinated by the stars, an interest sparked by her mother’s love for astronomy. Despite facing the social and educational challenges that many women in science encountered in the 19th century, Cannon pursued her passion for astronomy with determination. She attended Wellesley College, where she excelled in physics and astronomy, and later studied at Radcliffe College, working under renowned astronomer Edward C. Pickering at the Harvard College Observatory.

Cannon's most significant contribution came during her time at Harvard, where she became part of a group of women known as the "Harvard Computers." These women were responsible for analyzing and cataloging astronomical data, which involved observing and classifying stars. In 1890, Edward Pickering had introduced the Harvard Classification Scheme, but it was Cannon who refined and perfected it into the system we use today. Cannon's version categorized stars based on their temperatures, which she organized into the now-famous O, B, A, F, G, K, M sequence. This sequence, known as the spectral classification system, remains the foundation of modern stellar astronomy.

What set Cannon apart from her peers was her incredible ability to classify stars quickly and accurately. Over her career, she classified more than 350,000 stars, far more than any other individual. Her work culminated in the publication of the "Henry Draper Catalogue," named in honor of the astronomer Henry Draper. This catalog became an essential tool for astronomers worldwide, enabling future research and discoveries about the nature of stars and the cosmos. Cannon's methodical and consistent work ethic, paired with her deep knowledge of astronomy, made her an invaluable contributor to the field.

Cannon's achievements were groundbreaking not just for the science of astronomy, but also for the progress of women in science. She broke many barriers in a male-dominated field, becoming the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Oxford University and the first woman elected as an officer of the American Astronomical Society. Her legacy inspired generations of women scientists to pursue careers in fields traditionally closed off to them. Cannon never married and dedicated her entire life to her work, earning the affectionate nickname "The Census Taker of the Sky" due to her unparalleled contributions to stellar classification.

Annie Jump Cannon’s legacy continues to shine brightly in the world of astronomy. Her work laid the foundation for modern astrophysics, and her spectral classification system remains relevant today. Cannon’s story is one of perseverance, brilliance, and a lifelong dedication to understanding the universe. She passed away in 1941, but her contributions remain a testament to the power of curiosity and the importance of women's roles in advancing science.

Emmy Noether

Emmy Noether was a German mathematician whose groundbreaking work reshaped both pure mathematics and theoretical physics. Born on March 23, 1882, in Erlangen, Germany, Noether was raised in an academic environment; her father, Max Noether, was a prominent mathematician. Initially, Noether planned to teach French and English, but her passion for mathematics eventually prevailed. Despite the restrictive academic climate for women at the time, she pursued her mathematical studies at the University of Erlangen, where women were not formally allowed to enroll until 1904. Undeterred, she audited courses and eventually earned her doctorate in 1907.

Noether's early work focused on abstract algebra, where she quickly made significant contributions. However, her most famous achievement, known as Noether's Theorem, would emerge from her later collaboration with physicists in the realm of theoretical physics. In 1915, she joined the University of Göttingen, where influential physicists such as David Hilbert and Felix Klein were working on Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Noether's Theorem, published in 1918, revealed the deep connection between symmetries in physical systems and conservation laws. This discovery provided a mathematical explanation for the conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum, and it has since become one of the cornerstones of modern physics.

Noether’s contributions extended far beyond physics. In mathematics, her work in abstract algebra transformed the field. She developed theories of ring structures, ideals, and groups, which are now foundational to modern algebra. Her approach to algebra was characterized by generalization and abstraction, allowing mathematicians to understand complex structures more deeply. Her work, often called "Noetherian" algebra, influenced generations of mathematicians and became integral to fields such as topology, algebraic geometry, and number theory. Noether’s ability to break down complex problems and see the underlying connections between seemingly disparate areas of mathematics made her a visionary in her field.