Influential women have changed the way the general population lives in—and thinks about—the world for centuries now. This is especially true for female scientists who have defied odds and blazed brand new trails in their chosen disciplines. Historically speaking, women have often been underrepresented in various fields of science, which is why we should laud their contributions and discoveries.
So let’s examine closer a few pioneering women who made scientific history. Here are some key names to recognize and know more about.
Mary Anning (1799-1847)
Although she was one of the pioneering women who made scientific history, Mary Anning was self-taught in the field of paleontology. As a revolutionary British fossil hunter, she recognized, excavated, and preserved relics when the field was closed off to women. At the age of 12, she was the first individual to discover skeletal fossils of the ancient, extinct beings known as the ichthyosaur and plesiosaur. Thanks to her observations, the world has an augmented understanding of diverse prehistoric creatures.
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Marie Curie is recognizable as the only person—male or female—to win the Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. As a profound Polish-French physicist and chemist who performed extensive research on radioactivity, she is known for her discoveries of the chemical elements radium and polonium. She headed a leading research center for radiation treatment, and her long-lasting influence still helps modern scientists carry out significant applications for radioactive phenomena in radiochemistry today.
Virginia Apgar (1909 -1974)
Virginia Apgar was an American medical researcher and physician-scientist. She’s notable for her development of the Apgar Score, a brilliantly designed examination that assesses the health of newborn babies. The standardized worldwide scoring system has reduced infant fatality rates ever since. She was also an educator to the public. Her pioneering research in anesthesiology and obstetrics gave rise to the field of neonatology. As a result, she has changed countless lives for the better.
Chien-Shiung Wu (1912-1997)
Chein-Shiung Wu grew up in China before moving to the United States for PhD studies. She was a pioneer in the experimental physics field and the first woman faculty member of the physics department at Princeton University. She later worked at Columbia University in NYC. Shortly afterward, she was recruited into the Manhattan Project for top-secret work during World War II. Most known for the Wu Experiment, the nicknamed “First Lady of Physics” proved that particles in nature aren’t always symmetrical.
Ellen Ochoa (1958-Present)
As an electrical research engineer and former astronaut, Ellen Ochoa has made remarkable accomplishments and contributions. She assisted with the creation of patented systems and methodologies that NASA used for object recognition. She also served as a mission specialist on the space shuttle Discovery, becoming the first Latina woman to travel to space. Since retiring from almost a thousand hours of spaceflight, she has held several directorial roles and is now an agency executive of the National Science Board.
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
