The Hedy Days of War

Many people using their smartphones today may not consider the impact of classic Hollywood, particularly the influential starlets of that era. However, without one of those stars, our cellular technology might not be what it is today; the entire information age could have evolved differently.

Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-born actress, was more than just a glamorous figure on screen. During WWII, she devised a method for Allied torpedoes to evade enemy jamming, despite lacking formal scientific training. Along with her collaborators, she created a technique for torpedo guidance systems to switch frequencies, ensuring accurate targeting during naval operations.

Hedy wasn't initially aiming to invent a portable phone; she simply sought solutions for immediate challenges. Others built on her ideas, ultimately contributing to the development of modern cellular technology. Although her frequency-hopping patent was never utilized as she intended, Hedy's contributions were recognized both during her life and posthumously, as is the case with many female innovators throughout tech history.

Next time you find yourself idly using your smart device, remember to channel a bit of Hedy's spirit.

How Jenner’s Maids Made History

Few realms of innovation have transformed our world as profoundly as medicine. Our prior research into coronaviruses significantly expedited the creation of an effective vaccine for the recent pandemic. Thanks to advancements in technology and communication, by 2019, we had established research facilities and data networks that enabled us to develop and distribute a viable vaccine for SARS-COV2 in a fraction of the time it would have taken generations ago.

To understand the reality of vaccination, we must look back two centuries and acknowledge a humble country doctor who helped us respond swiftly to viral outbreaks. Edward Jenner, a simple physician in the UK, conducted research on smallpox (not entirely ethical by today’s standards) and developed a means to inoculate people against this highly contagious disease, which was declared eradicated by the World Health Organization not thirty-two years ago. His groundbreaking work earned him recognition from leaders like Napoleon.

Jenner benefitted from prior research on a process called ‘variolation’ and noted that milkmaids, who worked with cows, appeared to be immune to smallpox. It was believed that exposure to cowpox, a milder form of the disease, provided them with immunity. By exposing people to cowpox, Jenner paved the way for significant advancements in vaccination, potentially saving countless lives.

So, if you've received your COVID vaccinations and emerged from the pandemic unscathed, take a moment to raise a glass to the anonymous milkmaids of history who made this progress in vaccination possible.

Sanger Me A Song of Liberation

Ladies, do you enjoy letting loose on a Friday night, engaging in a little fun? Do you appreciate the assurance that you can prevent unwanted pregnancies? Gentlemen, do you relish the knowledge that you can avoid unplanned fatherhood? If so, you have Margaret Sanger to thank for these modern comforts.

Margaret Sanger was a nurse who witnessed the challenges faced by poor women regarding reproductive health in urban areas. Due to laws prohibiting discussions about contraception, many women resorted to extreme measures to avoid unwanted pregnancies. To grasp the attitudes of her time, one can reference the HBO series ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ set in the 1920s, the same era as Sanger’s advocacy.

Sanger faced persecution from those opposed to her mission. She traveled to Europe, where she connected with influential figures who would support the advancement of family planning and women’s reproductive rights. She even helped smuggle diaphragms into the U.S. when importing such devices was illegal and secured funding for research into ‘the pill,’ an effective hormone-based contraceptive still relevant today.

Even today, Sanger remains a controversial figure, as some individuals attempt to restrict access to the tools she championed. If you appreciate having the freedom to enjoy intimacy without the overwhelming concern of unplanned consequences, it's essential to advocate for continued access to reproductive innovations.

And when you finish your passionate encounters, take a moment to express gratitude to Saint Maggy for the freedom to enjoy your relationships without the worry of unexpected outcomes.

Star Light, Star Bright, What Kind of Star Will I See Tonight?

Chances are, if you’ve ever looked up at the night sky, you’ve marveled at the stars and the constellations. The sun itself is a star, part of a classification system that helps us understand the universe.

Annie Jump Cannon, a pioneering astronomer, played a crucial role in developing the ‘Harvard Classification Scheme,’ which aids astronomers in studying celestial bodies. She also advocated for women in science during a time when men sought to exclude them. Despite being mostly deaf due to scarlet fever, she became a disability advocate, a STEM pioneer, and a suffragette. Notably, actress Marlee Matlin contributed voice work to the animated sequences in the 2014 series ‘Cosmos,’ which highlights Cannon’s contributions.

Cannon was part of a group known as the ‘Harvard Computers,’ renowned for their efficiency in classifying stars by their spectral types. At her peak, she could classify three stars per minute. Other notable women in this group included Mary Anna Palmer Draper, Henrietta Leavitt, and Williamina Fleming, each of whom made significant contributions to astronomy.

As Carl Sagan famously said, “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” It’s fitting to appreciate those who have deepened our understanding of the universe. So, the next time you gaze at the stars, take a moment to remember these pioneering women who made it possible for you to explore the night sky.

I could write endlessly about the achievements of women and their influence on our lives, but time is limited. Besides these four stories, I think of Ada Lovelace’s contributions to the internet, Rosalind Franklin’s work on DNA structure, and the development of CRISPR gene editing by scientists Doudna and Charpentier.

These remarkable narratives of innovation are just the beginning. I encourage you to explore your local library to learn more about these extraordinary women and uncover fascinating historical figures who have shaped our daily lives.

Adieu Mes Amies.