Embedded Files
The history of the discovery of the function and structure of DNA is interesting because it is a nice example of interdisciplinary research with chemists, physicists, and biologists all playing their part. It is also one of the first times that the research process was described in a book for non-scientists, The Double Helix, by James D. Watson, one of the scientists responsible for the discovery of the structure, was an excellent text that including the personal issues that can arise during collaborations, highlighting the human aspect of the research process.
The web site of the Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory has a nice interactive timeline of the history of DNA.
In general, reading autobiographies and biographies of scientists is a great way for aspiring scientists to integrate themselves into the scientific world because they do a great job describing the nonlinear path of scientific research.
Do you have a favorite science biography ? Let me know and we can make a list to add to this page (bianca DOT ourbacteria AT gmail.com).
Google Sites
Report abuse