About this episode
Award-winning science writer Dava Sobel returns to AMSEcast to discuss her latest book, The Elements of Marie Curie. She and host Alan explore Curie's groundbreaking research, her struggles against societal barriers, and her enduring impact on science and women in STEM. From her discovery of polonium and radium to mentoring future pioneers like Ellen Gleditsch and Marguerite Perey, Curie's legacy shaped cancer treatment and scientific research. Sobel also highlights Curie's daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, and her Nobel-winning work on artificial radioisotopes. Tune in for a fascinating look at one of history's greatest scientific minds.
Guest Bio
Dava Sobel is an award-winning science writer known for bringing history and scientific discovery to life. She has authored acclaimed books including Longitude, Galileo's Daughter, The Glass Universe, A More Perfect Heaven, as well as the play And the Sun Stood Still. In her latest work, The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science, Sobel explores Curie's groundbreaking research, resilience, and lasting impact on women in STEM. Returning to AMSEcast, she joins host Alan to discuss Curie's legacy and the challenges she overcame in pursuit of scientific discovery.
Show Highlights
- (1:25) What led Marie Curie to a life of science
- (6:28) Marie Curie's Nobel Prizes
- (11:47) Her role in creating a radium standard and why that's important
- (13:31) Madame Curie's pioneering role in the use of radiation for medical therapies
- (15:00) Her role as mentor and teacher to other to other women in science
- (20:54) Curie's reception in the United States
- (22:04) Her daughter's scientific legacy
- (28:23) What's next for Dava Sobel
Links
- The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science: https://groveatlantic.com/book/the-elements-of-marie-curie/
Get every episode summarized
Each time AMSEcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from AMSEcast
How Chemistry Shapes Us and Our World: AMSEcast with Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu
AMSEcast
Aug 12, 202650:20pending
The Story Of Rapa Nui: AMSEcast with Mike Pitts
AMSEcast
Jul 29, 202646:51pending
How Life Works: AMSEcast with Philip Ball
AMSEcast
Jul 15, 202649:17pending
The History of Trademark: AMSEcast with Jason Clark
AMSEcast
Jul 2, 202625:13pending