Author: maryhalton

For decades, there was a ceiling not of glass but of ice, for women in science - the continent of Antarctica. The heroic tradition of polar exploration conducted solely by men meant that Antarctica itself was often thought of as a woman to be conquered.

Without its seamstresses, many of Nasa's key missions would never have left the ground. From the Apollo spacesuits to the Mars rovers, women behind the scenes have stitched vital spaceflight components.

Indigenous peoples around the world have understood the stars, tides and local ecosystems for hundreds of years.

There are more men named Robert on the list of previous chemistry winners than there are female laureates.

Ours is a restless planet. While we walk unawares over the remnants of massive eruptions, it is easier than ever to train a camera on Mount Etna’s latest effusions.

We’re all only a night or two of decent sleep away from being high functioning, entirely successful members of society – right?