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Podcast that inspires the next generation to stay curious. Cultivate Curiosity is brought to you by the Emerald Coast Science Center, a nonprofit.
Interactive science museum and STEAM educational facility in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
This podcast is perfect for anyone curious about the world we live in, because you never know what we'll talk about next.
Hey, everyone, my name is JC and I'm the social media coordinator here at the Emer Coast Science Center. And if this is your first time listening to an episode of Cultivate Curiosity, just wanted to let you know that this is now the third year we are today doing this podcast. We are on episode 49 now, and this is the first one of 2025. So in today's podcast, we'll be discussing the fascinating world of firsts in science. These are the moments when curiosity, determination, and courage led to groundbreaking discoveries and achievements. We'll celebrate some of the incredible individuals who broke barriers, defied expectations, and changed the world. But before we begin, let's reflect on something. The start of a new year is a perfect time to explore your own firsts. Maybe 2025 will be the year you discover something spectacular, like a new species of bird, or simply trying something new, like learning a language or taking your first airplane ride. Big or small, first have the power to change how we see the world and ourselves. Each new experience, no matter how big or small, can alter our perspective and spark curiosity in unexpected ways. So let's start with Valenty Tereshkova, a textile worker from the Soviet Union who became the first woman to travel in space in 1963 onboard Vostok 6, she orbited Earth 48 times and spent nearly three days in space. Her courage opened the door for future generations of women in space exploration, showing that space is for everyone, regardless of gender. Fast forward to 1983, when Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the Challenger. Both women's achievements remind us that firsts often paved the way for others to follow, and they are a testament to the transformative power of breaking barriers. Next, let's look inward to the discovery of DNA's double helix. While James Watson and Francis Crick often get the credit, Rosalind Franklin's pioneering work in X ray crystallography was key to uncovering the structure of DNA. As a woman in 1950s science, she faced many challenges but remained committed to her research, leaving an indelible mark on biology. Franklin's contributions, though overlooked at the time, have since been recognized as crucial to one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century Reshaping the field of genetics and modern science Age is no barrier to being a trailblazer. Just ask 17 year old Mary Anning, who discovered the first complete Ichthyosaurus skeleton in the early 19th century. Living in England's Jurassic Coast, Mary's keen eye and dedication to fossil hunting helped shape the field of paleontology. Her discoveries not only added to our understanding of prehistoric life, but but also challenged the idea that women were not suited for a scientific inquiry. And let's not forget Gitanjali Rao, who in 2017, at just 12 years old, invented a device to detect lead in water. Her innovation and drive earned her the title of Time magazine's first ever Kid of the Year. These young minds remind us that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limit and that every age offers opportunities for firsts. Now we all know representation matters in science. In 1984, kids Gwyn Bluford became the first African American astronaut to go to space. His mission aboard the Challenger was a historic step for diversity in STEM fields, proving that space is not confined to one race or gender. Another inspiring story is that of Mary Maynard Daly, the first African American woman to earn a PhD in chemistry in the US in 1947. Her groundbreaking research advanced our understanding of hypertension and cardiovascular health, breaking new ground in both chemistry and medicine. These moments of representation emphasize how diversity in science leads to richer, more inclusive advancements that benefit everyone. Now let's explore a different kind of first, the discovery of a new species. Maria Sibylla Marion, a naturalist and scientific illustrator from the 17th century, was one of the first to document the life cycle of insects, including species previously unknown to science. Her detailed observations and illustrations transformed our understanding of entomology and the natural world, challenging traditional views on insects and their role in ecosystems. She made these contributions at a time when scientific exploration was often restricted to men, making her work all the more remarkable. In the field of engineering, Ellen Swallow Richards stands out as a trailblazer. In the late 19th century, she became the first woman admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or mit, and later pioneered the field of environmental engineering. Her work in water quality and public health laid the foundation for modern environmental science, showing us how engineering can intersect with nature to improve lives. Ellen's legacy continues to inspire engineers today, especially those working to solve environmental challenges around the world. One more exciting first comes from the world of oceanography. In 1960, Swiss oceanographer Jacques Picard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh became the first people to reach the deepest part of the Earth's oceans. The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. Their journey in the submersible Triste took them nearly seven miles below the ocean's surface to a place so remote and inaccessible that it was largely a mystery to scientists. This monumental dive not only expanded our understanding of the Earth's underwater landscape, but also demonstrated the incredible potential of human ingenuity in exploring the most extreme environments on Earth. Jack Picard's pioneering journey helped lay the groundwork for future explorations of the deep sea, a field that continues to uncover new species and geological wonders to this day. Let's turn to a more recent first. In 2019, a team of scientists captured the first ever image of a black hole. This monumental achievement was made possible by the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration. Among the many contributors was Dr. Katie Bowman, who one of our crested geckos is actually named after, and her algorithm played a crucial role in processing the data to produce the historic image. This achievement marked a significant milestone in our understanding of the universe and showcased the power of teamwork and innovation in science. It also highlighted how women in STEM continue to lead the way in astronomical research and technological advancements. One more recent first in 2022, a team of researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, achieved a groundbreaking first by developing the first AI system capable of predicting protein structures with incredible accuracy. This breakthrough, known as AlphaFold, revolutionized the field of biology. The system's ability to predict the complex folding patterns of proteins, which are essential to understanding diseases and creating new treatments, has the potential to accelerate medical research and drug discovery. AlphaFold's success is a major leap forward in AI's application to science, bridging the gap between technology and biology in ways previously thought impossible. This achievement has already opened up new doors in scientific research, promising to improve lives and health outcomes globally. These incredible firsts remind us of the power of curiosity and determination. But here's the exciting part. Firsts aren't just for scientists or astronauts. They're for all of us. This new year, consider what firsts you might embrace. Whether it's exploring a new hobby, traveling somewhere you've never been, or even just trying a new recipe, every first brings growth and possibility. The journey of discovering something new, whether in the field of science or in our personal lives, is always rewarding and transformative. And who knows, maybe your first will inspire someone else, just like the trailblazers we've talked about today. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep cultivating curiosity thanks for listening to this week's episode of Cultivate Curiosity.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at social media@ecscience.org tune in for our next episode in two weeks.