The woman scientist whose work formed a basis for the Nobel Prize for the structure of DNA has not ... [+] been appreciated until recently. And Rosalind Franklin's legend may not do justice to the compassionate, passionate scientist who brought the world its first true visions of the makeup of all life.
Recent years have seen landmark advances for women in science. The year 2009 saw three women receive Nobel prizes in the sciences: Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol W. Griede, and Ada E. Yonath. In 2018, Donna Strickland became the third female in history to win the Nobel Prize in Physics, and synthetic biologys own Frances Arnold became the fifth female ever to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Recent research from the National Science Foundation indicates that more women than men are receiving undergraduate degrees in science and engineering these days.
Still, enormous disparities persist. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, less than 30% of the worlds researchers are women. Particularly regarding the Nobel, only 3% of the science Nobel Prizes in Physiology and Medicine, Chemistry, and Physics have been awarded to women.
One of the most complicated cases of equity and the Nobel Prize is that of Rosalind Franklin. An English chemist, Franklin developed the methods that led to the capture of Photo 51 the famed x-ray crystallography photo that directly led James Watson and Francis Crick to the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA. But how Watson and Crick came to receive Franklins photography is problematic they obtained it without her knowledge from Maurice Wilkins, a researcher at the same lab. Wilkins and Franklin had a challenging relationship: as head of the lab, Wilkins never communicated to Franklin that she was not working under him and that the two were independent researchers.
Although Franklins work was essential to Watson and Cricks discovery, she was not appropriately credited in initial publications about the structure. Only in Watsons book, published years later in 1968, was the first mention of her contribution. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1962 for their work; Franklin died at the much-too-young age of thirty-seven due to ovarian cancer in 1958, just four years before the Nobel was awarded. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences does not confer the Nobel posthumously, but the Nobel Museum in Stockholm does note that she was not awarded her due credit.
Photo 51 is the nickname given to this X-ray diffraction image of crystallized DNA taken by Raymond ... [+] Gosling, a graduate student working under the supervision of Rosalind Franklin in May 1952 at King's College London, while working in Sir John Randall's group. The image was tagged "photo 51" because it was the 51st diffraction photograph that Franklin and Gosling had taken. It was critical evidence in identifying the structure of DNA.
Part of this doubt of whether or not Franklin would have been rightly awarded the Nobel is rooted in the circumstances under which she worked. According to her niece, also named Rosalind Franklin, Franklin was a gifted, methodical chemist with an incredible independent work ethic and sharp focus on work in a way that did not fit the mold of what a woman in a mans world was supposed to look like at that time. Her passion and intensity for her work, coupled with little patience for small talk and Wilkins great nervousness when around her, created a high-tension relationship between the two.
Watsons view of women also detracted from the power of her scientific work. Her niece recounts a time when Watson attended a talk that Franklin gave. Watson admitted that he really wasn't listening because all he could think was that she would be rather attractive if she changed her hair or dressed differently. According to a 2015 article from the Guardian, Ironically, the data provided by Franklin to the MRC were virtually identical to those she presented at a small seminar in Kings in autumn 1951, when Jim Watson was in the audience. Had Watson bothered to take notes during her talk, instead of idly musing about her dress sense and her looks, he would have provided Crick with the vital numerical evidence 15 months before the breakthrough finally came. For her niece, his outright concession that he wasnt listening at all pretty much says it that women and their work were not respected by Watson, despite Franklins obvious prowess and dedication to chemistry.
Franklin was an avid hiker and traveler, and usually spent her vacations walking or cycling with ... [+] family or friends such as Vittorio and Denise Luzzati. Here she is in 1949 on a hiking trip in the Alps.
Although Rosalind Franklins scientific contributions are better known today, there is much less of an accurate portrayal of who she was as a person as she is often presented just from an intellectual, intense perspective. The younger Rosalind has a plethora of incredible stories about her aunt as a woman who loved theater and mountain climbing and would walk 25 miles a day. Even more specifically as a scientist, Franklins character and dedication shone through in the smallest stories that have been vastly underrecognized.
Her legacy has been amazing [speaking to her] ethics...the way she did her work, the way she led her life with integrity, says her niece. She just loved that she was contributing, she was making a difference. That was important. She would never have thought of [science as] a race and it would have been anathema to do that. So she liked the process, she just loved that discovery and that opportunity to look at things as a contribution to mankind.
That love for the process with evident in her incredibly methodical approach of analyzing her x-rays of DNA. Watson and Crick jumped to analyze the B form to confirm the double helix structure as quickly as possible; however, Franklin, despite her intuition that the B form was correct, first eliminated the A form a methodology deeply rooted in a scientific and personal commitment to doing the right thing the right way. Her niece recounts an instance when Franklin had grant money remaining from a project and attempted to return it, only to be regarded with complete befuddlement because no one had ever done that before (and still generally do not today either). She was a bit of a martyr for the cause of equal representation and fairness and equity in science, says her niece. People like to put people in boxes, but they have so much more in their lives than ever seen. Franklin is a living testament to that fact a dynamic personality often overshadowed by the stereotypes of her time.
The irony of Franklins position in history does not escape her niece. [Her story today] would not be so prominent if Watson in particular had given her the credit that she deserved, she says. Its so important to stand on the shoulders of those who came before you. And Franklin did just that: surrounded by the strong women in her family who came before, she didnt feel limited in exploring her passions and advancing her learning.
Rosalind Franklin looking through a microscope in 1955, created at The MRC Laboratory of Molecular ... [+] Biology.
Although she did not have a family of her own, family was the cornerstone of Franklins life and made her who she was. Her niece believes that her aunts story serves as an invaluable lesson for parents today to empower children to discover what they want to do and be respectful of their journey as well, particularly for girls. It gives her hope that Franklins narrative is being reclaimed and presented in a more complete picture, rather than a one-dimensional story.
Its our time, Franklins niece says, a time for women to speak up and speak out. Rosalind would be thrilled to serve as an inspiration, especially for young girls today, but wouldn't want to see herself as the iconic feminist representative, just who women should be.
SynBioBeta 2019 was treated to a very special lunch discussion featuring Nobel Laureate Frances ... [+] Arnold, investor Una Ryan, and musician and consultant Rosalind Franklin, niece and namesake of the research pioneer. The three women engaged the audience in a thoughtful discussion about why there arent more women leaders in synthetic biology and how to change that. The unanimous advice: be kind to one another.
SynBioBeta 2019 featured a very special discussion featuring Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold, investor Una Ryan, and musician and consultant Rosalind Franklin, niece and namesake of the research pioneer. The three women engaged the audience in a thoughtful discussion about why there arent more women leaders in synthetic biology and how to change that. The unanimous advice: be kind to one another.
Acknowledgement: Thank you to Aishani Aatresh for additional research and reporting in this post. I am the founder ofSynBioBeta, and some of the companies that I write about are sponsors of theSynBioBeta conference(click herefor a full list of sponsors).
See the original post:
The Scientist Who First Showed Us The Double Helix: A Personal Look At Rosalind Franklin - Forbes
- Stop saying lactic acid causes fatigue! says physiology expert in response to Games in Paris - Loughborough University - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Physiological responses of Atlantic cod to climate change indicate that coastal ecotypes may be better adapted to ... - Nature.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Parvalbumin interneuron mGlu5 receptors govern sex differences in prefrontal cortex physiology and binge drinking ... - Nature.com - May 24th, 2024 [May 24th, 2024]
- Pharmacology and Physiology Faculty Awarded Grants Totaling $1.5 million - Saint Louis University - May 12th, 2024 [May 12th, 2024]
- ESAFE - Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Plant Physiology job with MOHAMMED VI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY ... - Times Higher Education - May 12th, 2024 [May 12th, 2024]
- Why psychology is as important as physiology for plastic surgery - The Times - May 12th, 2024 [May 12th, 2024]
- Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Teaching Level A/B) job with UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 372763 - Times Higher Education - May 12th, 2024 [May 12th, 2024]
- Andrew Nuss: Insect physiology lab - University of Nevada, Reno - February 29th, 2024 [February 29th, 2024]
- Professor awarded prestigious honor for contributions to physiology - University of Miami: News@theU - February 29th, 2024 [February 29th, 2024]
- Study details five cutting-edge advances in biomedical engineering and their applications in medicine - EurekAlert - February 29th, 2024 [February 29th, 2024]
- Contextualizing Cellular Physiology - 2024 - NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - February 29th, 2024 [February 29th, 2024]
- Salk Institute mourns the loss of Nobel Laureate Roger Guillemin, distinguished professor emeritus - Salk Institute - February 29th, 2024 [February 29th, 2024]
- Bacterial architects build the biofilm structures - Nature.com - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- I'm a professor of physiology - here are 15 ways cyclists can avoid winter illness - CyclingWeekly - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Understanding how natural genetic variation contributes to adaptive responses to low oxygen - News-Medical.Net - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- 'From slow visual feedback to real-time plant physiology' - Verticalfarmdaily.com: global indoor farming news - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- The Future of Space Biology, Physiology, and Medicine: Exploring the Effects of Gravity on Human Cells - Medriva - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Master of Science in Medical Physiology program admissions open office hour - The Daily | Case Western Reserve University - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- The Impact of GATAD2B Mutations on Brain Function and Development - Medriva - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Influence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Hypoxia on AF: A Pulmonary Physiological Perspective - Physician's Weekly - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- MBRSC to host International Society for Gravitational Physiology meeting - BroadcastProME.com - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- If anxiety is in my brain, why is my heart pounding? A psychiatrist explains the neuroscience and physiology of fear - PsyPost - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Renowned Researcher in Physiology to Chair UVA's Department of ... - UVA Health Newsroom - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Research Fellow (Aging and Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory ... - Times Higher Education - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Erratum. Integrated Physiology of the Exocrine and Endocrine ... - Diabetes Journal - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Survey on Value of Flight Nursing Certification Featured in New Air Medical Journal Research Article - Yahoo Finance - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Positive Relationships Can Keep You Healthy - Medscape - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Sex Doesn't Have to be a 'Taboo Thing' - Eagle News - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Kempf and Pakala honored by Boise State Foundation - Boise State University - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- How AI Will Revolutionize Personalized Fitness and Nutrition Plans - MUO - MakeUseOf - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- From the U.S. Navy to Atrium Health: A Nursing Journey - Atrium Health - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- The Importance of PALS Certification for Healthcare Professionals - Eye On Annapolis - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- LPU organized two-day International Conference on Plant ... - :: India News Calling :: - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Ancient human DNA was extracted from a 20,000-year-old deer ... - Science News Magazine - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- New tusk-analysis techniques reveal surging testosterone in male ... - EurekAlert - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Effective Physio Care for Mild and Chronic Pain - Movement 101 ... - Digital Journal - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Real Madrid and Abbott inaugurate the Innovation Lab - Real Madrid - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Student Poster Presentation Winners Announced | Northern Today - Northern Today - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- From Spiritual Journey to Physiological Phenomena: The ... - Pager Publications, Inc. - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- How 'digital twins' will revolutionise health - Newsroom - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Conference on role of livestock in food security begins at SKUAST-K - Brighter Kashmir - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Roles of the gut microbiome in weight management - Nature.com - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Noted Science Scholar Stuart Dryer Earns 2023 Farfel Award - University of Houston - May 5th, 2023 [May 5th, 2023]
- Announcing Virtual Press Conference for the American Physiology Summit - Newswise - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- 14 Ohio Indoor Track and Field Members Named Academic All-MAC ... - Ohio University Athletics - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Imagine a World Where You Control If and When You Go Through ... - Oprah Mag - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- HeartFlow, Leader in Revolutionizing Precision Heart Care, Closes ... - BioSpace - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Board grants faculty appointments, promotions - The Source ... - Washington University in St. Louis - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- The Productization of Translational Science, Upcoming Webinar ... - PR Web - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Suicide rate increases during the week of a full moon - Earth.com - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Innovative method predicts the effects of climate change on cold ... - Science Daily - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Research Staff Awards honor contributions to discovery | VUMC ... - VUMC Reporter - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Rady grad students shine at Three Minute Thesis final - UM Today - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- The Physical and Mental Benefits of Stretching Regularly - Laughing Squid - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Olympic silver medalist calls for Nike boycott after retail giant makes Dylan Mulvaney paid ambassador - Fox News - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Ethylene transcriptionally regulates cold stress in grapevine leaves - Phys.org - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Middletown's Libretti inducted into Biology Honor Society at Scranton - themonmouthjournaleastern.com - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Physical therapist assistant students learn compassion as ... - Pennsylvania State University - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Risk of ICU Admission and Related Mortality in Patients... : Critical ... - LWW Journals - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- Phi Beta Kappa Selects New Members at UW | News - University of Wyoming News - April 8th, 2023 [April 8th, 2023]
- National award honors UB biochemist's transformational leadership promoting inclusivity in science - UBNow: News and views for UB faculty and staff -... - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- These are the real benefits of running, according to the science - Livescience.com - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- Are Cold Showers Healthier Than Hot Ones? Science Is Weighing In! - Twisted Sifter - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- Cardiovascular physiology-changes with aging - PubMed - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology job with UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST - UNISC | 310457 - Times Higher Education - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Just 6% of sport science research focuses on female athletes - NutraIngredients.com - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Governor Abbott Announces $1.7 Million TWC Job Training Grant To Workforce Solutions Cameron - Office of the Texas Governor - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Aptar and Fluidda partner to ease inhaled drug regulatory pathway - OutSourcing-Pharma.com - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Studying yeast DNA in space may help protect astronauts from cosmic radiation - The Conversation - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Andre Balian '23 Is On Call for the Columbia Community - Columbia College - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Post-Acute Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Cardiac Autonomic Fun | IJGM - Dove Medical Press - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- IARI-ICAR Recruitment 2022: Check Post, Qualification and Other Details Here - StudyCafe - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- We are validating old knowledge with new technology to enhance mental performance:Nimrod Mon Brokman, Behavi.. - ETHealthWorld - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Sex differences in sprint running performance may be relatively small - News-Medical.Net - October 3rd, 2022 [October 3rd, 2022]
- Limbo is tackling obesity with a pair of wearables and decades of physiology - TechCrunch - September 25th, 2022 [September 25th, 2022]
- Integrative Physiology | University of Colorado Boulder - September 25th, 2022 [September 25th, 2022]
- From Africa to the Roman Empire: New Study Reveals 7,000 Years of Donkey Domestication - Horse Network - September 25th, 2022 [September 25th, 2022]
- Examining stress and the human body - News Center - The University of Texas at Arlington - uta.edu - September 25th, 2022 [September 25th, 2022]
- Study sheds light on how heat stress affects kidney function - News-Medical.Net - September 25th, 2022 [September 25th, 2022]
- Breakthrough prize recognizes discovery at MBL of new organizing principle in cells - EurekAlert - September 25th, 2022 [September 25th, 2022]