We know now that a journey to the centre of the earth would be nowhere near as fantastic as Jules Verne’s depiction, with dinosaurs, secret civilisations and sunken cities. Rather, it would be more like a hi-tech, brute force drilling exercise through gigatonnes of rock, much like what was seen in the 2003 science-fiction disaster movie, The Core. The film depicted a group of scientists who constructed a super drill to take them to the centre of the earth to restart the its core with a nuclear bomb. Well, if a bunch of pioneering scientists really took that journey, this is what they would find…
Journey To The Centre Of The Earth: Mariana To Mantle
Just like in the movie the scientists would probably start the journey at the bottom of the the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, which at 11km in depth, would cut out a lot of unnecessary drilling. Initially, they would encounter the Earth’s crust. This is the outermost layer of the Earth, ranging from about 20 to 80 kilometres in thickness beneath the continents and about 8 kilometres beneath the ocean floor. This explains why it would make sense to enter the earth through the thinner oceanic crust.
Beneath the crust lies the mantle, a layer of mostly solid rock made of iron, magnesium, and silicon that extends to a depth of approximately 2,900 kilometres. The mantle is dense, hot and semi-solid. and for any pioneering geonauts, they would be drilling through a caramel candy like substance. In the cooler first 200 kilometres of the mantle, they could encounter diamonds in crystalline form.
Outer And Inner Core
The next part of this geological journey to the centre of the earth would be the outer core, which is made of iron and nickel and is in pure liquid form, sitting around 5000 to 3000 kilometres below the surface. It’s heated by the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium, and the liquid churns in a huge turbulent current, which would make for a bumpy ride for any geonaut traversing it. These currents create electrical current and generate the earth’s magnetic field.
Having navigated the radioactive swamp of the outer core our geonauts would now arrive at the Earth’s core proper, the subject of the far-fetched disaster movie I referenced earlier. This is a sold metal sphere made from nickel and iron. With a radius of about 1,200 kilometres it has a temperature of 5,400 degrees Celsius which is almost as hot as the surface of the sun. Pressures here are thought to be 3,000,000 million times greater than on the surface of the earth. It’s mind-blowing! Scientists believe there may be an inner, inner core built of iron and the temperatures and pressures here would be unimaginable!
Such a journey might be purely hypothetical, but it is nonetheless an interesting one to make.
If you are interested in studying Geography or a Science subject, Oxford Home Schooling offers the chance to do so at a variety of levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us via this link.
Nikola Tesla was a famed inventor best known for his work in developing the alternating-current (AC) electrical system and Tesla Coil. He was a brilliant but modest man who spoke eight languages and had a photographic memory. His inventions changed the lives for future generations; we can power our homes with just the flick of the switch, listen to our favourite songs delivered on radio waves and buy electric cars branded in his name. Yet despite these incredible achievements, Tesla has often been underappreciated for his work and spent most of his life in poverty.
The History Behind The Man
Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia (formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian empire) in 1956. Even before immigrating to the United States to start his career as an inventor, Tesla always aspired to become an engineer. His dreams were met with resistance from his father, a priest of the Eastern Orthodox Church, who insisted he follow in his footsteps. His mother, however, spurred on his interest in electrical devices and the world of invention; She herself invented small household appliances during her spare time. Nikola followed his calling and went on to study mechanical and electrical engineering at the Polytechnic school in Graz, Austria.
The Early Work Of Nikola Tesla
Tesla was constantly inventing. Even while working as a telephone line repairman, he would tinker around with the equipment and through this invented a precursor to the loudspeaker – although he never filed a patent for it. It was, unfortunately this lack of business acumen that affected his financial success throughout his life. In 1884, Nikola moved to America and started working with the famous American inventor, Thomas Edison.
Their working relationship was, however short-lived; Edison was a businessman who had strong ideas for developing his direct current (DC) and also took advantage of Tesla’s own designs and work. After helping Edison to overcome a series of engineering problems, Tesla was offered very little in the way of remuneration and was also refused a pay rise. Because of their personal and scientific differences, they parted ways after just a year of working together.
The Battle Of DC vs AC
Soon after his departure, Tesla went on to develop his polyphase system of AC dynamos, transformers and motors at Westinghouse Electric Co. Edison believed that DC was the future for electricity distribution – which at the time, was the standard form of electricity supply in the USA. Tesla however, believed that due to the difficulty DC had travelling long distances and its voltage inflexibility, AC would provide the answer by overcoming these issues. With the help of promotional events, including the illumination of the Chicago World Fair in 1893, Tesla finally convinced the nation to adopt AC electricity.
The Tesla Coil
On top of his other inventions, Tesla imagined a method of transmitting electricity around the world without the need for wires or cables. It was here that he unveiled one of his most important inventions – the Tesla Coil – a high-frequency transformer capable of creating a very high voltage at a low current. Early radio antennas were able to harness the ability of the coil, which could transmit and receive radio signals that were tuned to resonate at the same frequency. The coil was so effective that it is still used today in modern day radio technology.
Throughout his lifetime, Tesla had filed over 700 patents, although many of ideas weren’t brought to fruition. He made a profound impact in the scientific world and with his invention of AC electricity, helped Thomas Edison bring the electric light bulb to the masses.
If you are interested in the study of Sciences, Oxford Home Schooling offers a number of courses to do so, at a variety of levels. You can see them below, and can Contact Us Here.
The Power To Transform The Future Of Genetic Engineering
In the field of science, few breakthroughs have sparked as much excitement and intrigue as CRISPR-Cas9. It’s probably not something you will have heard of, but is in fact a revolutionary genetic tool that has the potential to transform the future of genetic engineering, and thereby our lives. It is not without its critics or problems, as we will come to, but firstly, what exactly does CRISPR stand for?
CRISPR is short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, a system derived from the defence mechanisms of bacteria and archaea (microorganisms) against viruses. It was discovered relatively recently, but its applications have far-reaching implications for medicine, agriculture, and beyond.
Cas9 And Revolutionary Medical Applications
The core of the CRISPR system is the Cas9 protein, an enzyme capable of precisely cutting DNA strands at specific locations. What makes CRISPR-Cas9 truly remarkable is its ability to be programmed to target and edit specific genes within an organism’s genome. This level of precision was previously unimaginable. It offers a powerful means to address genetic diseases, develop new therapies, and modify organisms for various other purposes.
One of the most significant applications of CRISPR technology is in the realm of genetic medicine. In the past, treating genetic diseases often involved complex and invasive procedures. Now, with CRISPR-Cas9, scientists can potentially correct the genetic mutations that cause diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy. The implications for patients and their families are profound, offering hope for a future where these debilitating conditions could be effectively treated or even prevented.
Agriculture
Beyond medical applications, CRISPR holds enormous promise for aiding the Agricultural sector. It offers a way to engineer crops that are more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stress – an increasingly common problem. By modifying genes responsible for plant growth and disease resistance, scientists hope to develop crops that can thrive in challenging conditions and contribute to global food security. However, this technology also raises ethical questions and concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that need to be addressed as it continues to advance.
CRISPR has even found its way into the realm of environmental conservation. Scientists are exploring the use of gene editing to help threatened or endangered species adapt to changing habitats, resist diseases, and overcome challenges to their survival. While this application remains in its early stages, it offers a new dimension to wildlife conservation efforts.
Ethical Issues Surrounding CRISPR
To further the point, as with any transformative technology, CRISPR comes with ethical considerations. The ability to manipulate the genetic code of living organisms raises questions about potential misuse and unforeseen consequences. There are concerns about designer babies, gene doping in sports, and the very alteration of the human germline that could have permanent effects on future generations. As scientists and policymakers navigate these ethical waters, it is crucial to ensure responsible and transparent use of CRISPR technology.
Promise, Innovation And Careful Thought
CRISPR is a powerful tool that holds immense potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As we venture further into the era of genetic engineering, we must carefully balance the incredible promise of CRISPR with ethical considerations and a commitment to responsible innovation. The power of CRISPR is transforming the way we think about genetic engineering, offering hope for a healthier, more sustainable, and genetically edited future. So long as we are careful in monitoring its development, it should bring us great benefit.
Unravelling The Origins Of Life On Earth
The question of how life first emerged on Earth is one of the most fascinating and enduring mysteries in science. While we may never have a complete answer, the quest to unravel the evolutionary origins of life, often referred to as abiogenesis, has led scientists on a fascinating journey back through time and into labyrinthine chemistry.
Life on our planet is an intricate tapestry of DNA, proteins, and cellular structures, all of which exhibit remarkable complexity. Understanding how these components could have spontaneously formed and given rise to the first living organisms is a scientific puzzle of monumental proportions.
The Primordial Soup
One of the leading theories in the study of evolutionary life’s origins is the primordial soup hypothesis. This idea suggests that in the early Earth’s oceans, a mixture of organic molecules, including amino acids and nucleotides, formed through a series of chemical reactions. Over time, these molecules may have come together to create the first simple self-replicating structures.
Extreme Survival
The discovery of extremophiles, microorganisms that thrive in the most extreme environments on Earth, has provided valuable insights into the potential conditions under which life could have arisen. These resilient organisms live in scalding hydrothermal vents, acidic hot springs, and freezing Antarctic lakes, demonstrating the adaptability of life to diverse environments.
Evolutionary Ventilation
Another theory suggests that life might have emerged near hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. These vents release a rich mixture of minerals and energy, creating a chemical playground that could have kick-started life. Some researchers speculate that the first living organisms may have been extremophiles adapted to these harsh conditions.
Did We Come From Outer Space?
Beyond Earth, the search for the origins of life has extended to the study of meteorites and extraterrestrial environments. The discovery of organic molecules on comets, asteroids, and even the planet Mars has raised the tantalising possibility that life’s building blocks could have come from space.
The field of synthetic biology has also made significant strides in recreating the conditions of early Earth and experimenting with the synthesis of simple life forms. Researchers have built artificial cells and synthesised DNA and RNA molecules, shedding light on the potential pathways that could have led to the first living organisms.
The quest to understand the origins of life is not only a scientific endeavour but also a philosophical one. It invites contemplation of our place in the universe and the profound question of whether life may exist beyond Earth. The study of astrobiology seeks to explore the possibility of life on other planets, making it an exciting and interdisciplinary field that combines elements of biology, chemistry, astronomy, and planetary science.
While the mystery of life’s evolutionary origins remains unsolved, our quest to find it continues to inspire scientific curiosity and exploration. The search for life’s beginnings is a testament to our boundless curiosity and determination to understand the fundamental processes that underlie the existence of life on Earth and, perhaps one day, beyond.
Take a moment in your day to look up at the skies, and you’re likely to be confronted with a wide variety of continually shifting cloud formations. Gazing at the clouds can be calming, exhilarating, and awe-inspiring. Have you ever wondered what a cloud actually is, or thought about the different types of clouds you can see?
What Is A Cloud?
The sky is full of a gas called water vapour, which we usually can’t see. Higher up in the Earth’s atmosphere, where the air is cooler, this water vapour turns to tiny water droplets; a visible mass of these water droplets forms a cloud. A cloud usually seems white, because the dense mass of water droplets reflects sunlight, which our eyes interpret as white. When the air gets cooler still and it’s about to rain, the water droplets cluster together into raindrops with more space between them, and less sunlight is reflected, making the cloud seem darker in colour. Because these raindrops are heavier, gravity causes them to fall to Earth. If the air is really cold, the raindrops may become sleet, hail or snow.
Cloud Categories
In 1802, the British chemist and amateur meteorologist Luke Howard invented a system for naming clouds which is still in use today. Howard divided clouds into three main types: stratus, cumulus and cirrus. These names are Latin words which indicate their shape: stratus means ‘flattened’ or ‘spread out’, cumulus means ‘heap’, and cirrus means ‘tuft of hair’.
Stratus clouds are low-lying, horizontal and stratified (layered). They can look like white or grey blankets. The appearance of stratus clouds often means the weather is turning cold and dull.
Cumulus clouds are large clouds which stretch vertically, and form low down or in the middle of the Earth’s atmosphere. They can signal fair weather, but if they build up they can cause showers.
Cirrus clouds form high up, and are wispy and curly, resembling feathers. They’re sometimes known as ‘mares’ tails’. They’re usually a sign of fair weather, but can also indicate wind and/or a change in the weather.
It gets a bit more complicated beyond these definitions, however: there are also intermediate cloud classifications such as ‘cirrocumulus’, ‘altostratus’, and ‘cumulonimbus’. The prefixes and suffixes in these cloud names describe the height of the cloud above the Earth. The prefix ‘nimbo’ and suffix ‘nimbus’ refer to low-level clouds lying less than 2,000 metres above the Earth. The prefix ‘alto’ refers to mid-level clouds that lie between 2,000 and 6,000 metres above the Earth. Perhaps you’ve heard of ‘mackerel sky’; this expression describes cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds which have a rippling pattern resembling fish scales. Finally, the prefix ‘cirro’ refers to high-level clouds that lie more than 6,000 metres above the Earth.
So it’s time to get cloud-spotting: not only are clouds beautiful and fascinating, they can also help you to predict the weather! Sunrise and sunset are often the best times for cloud-gazing, but clouds can be enjoyed at any time of day. Don’t forget to take photographs to record the beauty and drama of the cloudscapes you see. For more information, check out the National Geographic and Met Office websites.
Plants And Their Medicinal Potential
In the world of healthcare, the power of nature has long been recognised and harnessed through the use of medicinal plants. From ancient civilizations to modern pharmaceutical research, plants have served as a valuable source of healing compounds, providing remedies for a wide range of ailments. The study of these medicinal plants, known as ethnobotany, continues to uncover the potential of nature’s pharmacy, offering promising solutions for human health and well-being.
Ancestral Knowledge
Throughout history, indigenous cultures around the world have relied on the knowledge of their ancestors to identify and utilise the medicinal properties of plants. From the rainforests of the Amazon to the traditional healing practices of Ayurveda in India, these ancient systems of medicine recognised the profound healing potential of the natural world. Plants such as aloe vera, ginseng, turmeric and lavender have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and their effectiveness has stood the test of time.
Modern Revelations
In recent years, modern science has begun to unravel the intricate chemistry of medicinal plants, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their healing properties. Pharmaceutical research has isolated active compounds from plants and developed synthetic derivatives that serve as the basis for many drugs available today. Examples include the discovery of the anti-malarial drug artemisinin from Artemisia annua and the development of the pain-relieving drug morphine from opium poppies. The healing potential of medicinal plants extends far beyond traditional remedies and continues to holds great promise for the future of medicine.
Furthermore, the use of medicinal plants not only offers potential treatments but also provides inspiration for the development of new drugs. Many pharmaceutical compounds are derived from natural sources, with an estimated 25% of prescription drugs containing at least one active ingredient from a plant. As scientists explore the vast biodiversity of the planet, they uncover new plant species with unique chemical profiles that may hold the key to novel therapies. The discovery of powerful antioxidants in fruits like blueberries and pomegranates or the anti-cancer properties of compounds found in certain mushrooms are just a few examples of nature’s pharmacy at work.
Other Benefits
The significance of medicinal plants goes beyond their therapeutic potential. Sustainable harvesting and cultivation can have a positive impact on local communities and the environment. Cultivation offers economic opportunities for communities while preserving biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
Furthermore, the reliance on natural remedies encourages a holistic approach to health and wellness, recognising the interconnection between humans and the environment. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, the study of medicinal plants offers a ray of hope. By embracing the wisdom of traditional practices and integrating it with modern scientific advancements, we can unlock the vast potential of nature’s pharmacy. Through further research, investment, and collaboration, we can discover new treatments, develop sustainable practices, and improve the health outcomes of communities worldwide.
Further Opportunities For The Future
Nature’s pharmacy is a treasure trove of healing compounds, waiting to be explored and utilised for the betterment of human health. As we delve deeper into the wonders of medicinal plants, we gain a greater appreciation for the power of nature and its ability to provide us with solutions. By tapping into this ancient wisdom and combining it with modern innovation, we can create a healthier future for generations to come.
Exams are, finally, over; revision notes are packed away, shredded, passed on to your sibling, or thrown on the BBQ; the endless balmy days of a British summer lie ahead of you. You can lounge in the sun, meet up with friends, and you don’t have to worry about setting an alarm. And then… and then… results day looms, that day in August* when you will open the envelope, or the message, and find out how well you have done. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s anxiety-inducing. It’s a day that some people would rather not have to deal with. But fear not. It’s not as bad as you think.
It is natural to feel concerned and worried ahead of receiving your exams results. In fact, it is healthy to feel a certain amount of anxiety about different life events. However, spending a lot of your waking hours, and maybe even being kept awake at night due to worrying, is not helpful. So if you are likely to suffer with anxiety in the run-up to your results day in August, the three top tips below might be of use.
What’s Done Is Done
Once you’ve finished your exams, you need to try and remember that there isn’t anything more you can do about results at that point. Some people forensically go back through their responses, they question their friends, they ask their tutors. In reality, it’s done. So, try and put your concerns on the shelf and move on to the next challenge, or relax.
Exams Results Are Not The End Of The World
Exams results days are important, yes, and can dictate what you do next – for example, A-Levels or university. However, if you are anxious about not doing as well as you would like, just remember: whatever results you receive, it will not mean the end of the world. Okay, so they may affect what you do next, albeit temporarily, but you can retake your exams, or maybe even your plans must change – and this might not be a bad thing. Try to rationalise the situation, it will make you feel better.
Enjoy Some “Me” Time
Feeling anxious about an upcoming event can be horrible. So, if you are affected by anxiety like this, try and build in some activities which can help to alleviate such feelings. You might take a walk in the fresh air, appreciate the environment around you. Maybe you get stuck into a good book, or go and kick a football around with your friends. Sitting around dwelling on a potential future situation is not healthy for you mentally or physically – and ‘escaping’ from this mindset in some way can be hugely beneficial.
So, if you start to feel anxious with exam results day looming, try to divert yourself. You’ll feel a whole lot better if you do.
*18th August, Exams Results for A-Level, and 25th August for GCSE.
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the globe on 8 March to recognise the achievements of women. In this article I look at the work of six women, past and present, who have contributed to scientific and technological advancements in their respective fields.
Anna Atkins (1799- 1871)
Anna Atkins was an English botanist and photographer as well as an accomplished watercolourist and lithographer. She was a pioneer in photography who is believed by some to have been the very first female photographer, the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images.
Atkins employed cyanotype, a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print, to record all the specimens of algae found in the British Isles. British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions was the first part of her work, appearing in 1843.
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)
Ada Lovelace has been called the world’s first computer programmer. Born in London in 1815, the English mathematician and writer translated an article, Analytical Engine by Italian military engineer Luigi Menabrea, supplementing it with a detailed set of notes. These notes are important in the early history of computers, containing what many consider to be the first computer program—that is, a machine algorithm.
Elsie Widdowson CH CBE FRS (1906-2000)
Elsie Widdowson was a British dietitian and nutritionist who is recognised worldwide for her research on nutrition and food composition. She co-authored The Chemical Composition of Foods with Dr Robert McCance, first published in 1940 by the Medical Research Council. This publication is now regarded as the foremost nutrition publication and is the basis of most nutritional databases worldwide. As a duo they also headed the first mandated addition of vitamins and mineral to food and in the early 1940s calcium was added to bread.
Dame Anne Laura Dorinthea McLaren, DBE, FRS, FRCOG (1927-2007)
Dame Anne Laura Dorinthea McLaren was a British scientist who was a leading figure in the field of developmental biology. Her studies as a pioneering scientist, researching how embryos develop, helped lead to human in vitro fertilisation (IVF). She received many honours for her contributions to science, including election as fellow of the Royal Society.
Lesley Jane Yellowlees, CBE FRSE FRSC (Born 1953)
First, a quick definition: Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation as a function of the wavelength or frequency of said radiation, to provide a more thorough analysis of any redox reactions and electron transfer dynamics that may be present.
Lesley Jane Yellowlees is a British inorganic chemist conducting research in Spectro-electrochemistry (The combination of two well-known analytical techniques, electrochemistry and spectroscopy), Electron transfer reactions and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (a method for studying materials with unpaired electrons).
Her interest and work in electrochemistry and combined spectroscopic techniques is an area in which she has established an international reputation. In 2005 she was awarded an MBE for services to science and a CBE in 2014 for services to Chemistry.
Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock MBE (Born 1968)
Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock is a British space scientist and science educator in the fields of Space science and Science communication, with a passion for building instruments to explore the wonders of space. She is an honorary research associate of University College London’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Her research investigated the development of an ultra-thin film measurement system using spectroscopy and interferometry (a measurement method using the phenomenon of interference of waves (usually light, radio or sound waves) to the 2.5 nm level.
In 2009, Maggie was honoured as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her work as a science communicator.
Red meat consumption in the UK has fallen by almost one third in the past ten years. There are many concerns over current farming practices, such as the treatment of animals, methane production of cattle herds, water usage and energy efficiency. Yet the public still crave the satisfaction of a meaty meal.
What if all these issues could be solved by growing meat in a laboratory?
The Race to Commercialise
The UK’s lab-grown meat company Higher Steaks is hoping to bring its first lab-grown burger to the British market in 2021. Worldwide, many other companies are in a similar race to commercialise.
‘Lab-grown’ or ‘cultured’ meat is made by replicating animal tissue invitro. This therefore reduces its environmental and ethical issues whilst producing ‘real’ meat with the same textural and nutritional properties. However, in order for lab grown produce to compete with its farmed counterpart, the cost of manufacturing will need to be dramatically reduced. The world’s first cultured meat was produced by Dr Mark Post from Maastricht University in 2013. A breakthrough for cultured food, the burger cost €250,000 to produce.
In 2020 this is a much less expensive process. San Francisco based ‘Eat JUST’ can produce 2 chicken breasts for the equivalent of around £40. However, when a McDonalds burger costs just 99p, the lab-grown industry still has a long way to go to be price competitive.
The Public are Unsure
Even if cultured meat companies perfect their process to provide a delicious burger at an affordable price, they still might struggle to access the supermarket shelves. On paper, the lab-grown product is physically the same as the farmed one. It is replicated from the same tissues and can even be produced to be lower in fat and biologically safer. But consumer perceptions of a man-made burger vary.
Many people consider cultured meat to be unnatural and unappetising. Fears have been raised that such a new technology brings along dangers, specifically in the intricacies of cell replication, that have not yet been fully investigated. Others argue that resources should instead be invested into the proper care of animals and farming practices.
Will the Classic Burger ‘Meat’ Its Match?
Currently, no countries worldwide permit the sale of cultured meat. A product such as this will most likely enter the market as a novelty – sold at a high rate for people wanting to taste the phenomenon. The difficulty will lie in getting it to be interchangeable with farmed meat in consumers’ minds, and until then it will likely be an expensive showpiece for artisan restaurants. As well as this, consumers would need to decide on a big question: if the meat is grown in a lab, is it vegetarian?
The Nobel Prize Foundation is a globally recognised organisation in its own right. It has celebrated candidates and laureates from nearly every country and focuses on a very broad range of human experience. You may want to know some more exact details about the Foundation, though, and how it came about. To answer your questions, here we take a look at the history of the Prize. In addition to this piece, there will be later posts on notable winners from past years.
In the cities of Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway, the 10th December marks an important occasion, one which resonates around the world for its notability and impact. On this day the Nobel Prizes are awarded to individuals in the service of the Arts, Science and Humanitarian Aid. The separate prizes for Physics, Chemistry, Medicine or Physiology, and Literature are all awarded in Sweden but possibly the most famous, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in its own ceremony in Oslo. Since 1969 an additional prize has been awarded at the Stockholm ceremony, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
The Nobel Prizes were set up in 1901, and subsequently instituted, as part of the vast financial estate of Alfred Nobel, a wealthy Swedish chemist, engineer, philanthropist, and avid inventor. Nobel held 355 active patents at the time of his death, most notably that for the commercial use of nitroglycerine. Following conversations in his earlier life with the Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero, who initially created the highly volatile liquid, Nobel spent years developing it into a viable commercial product and then marketing it into the most famous form of all, ‘dynamite’.
Laureates
The word ‘laureate’ rather than winner is ascribed to those given the Prizes, following the Ancient Greek tradition of honouring dignitaries with laurel leaf crowns, and is also in recognition of the Prizes being freely given to the recipient rather than being part of a competition or lottery. Since the Prizes’ inception it has occurred annually, with a few exceptions, during the First and Second World Wars. During its history there have also been 4 notable occasions when particular laureates have been forced, by political powers, to decline their Prize.
Whilst it is more common for an individual to receive a Nobel Prize, it is not unheard of for organisations to receive the accolade. The International Committee of the Red Cross has won the Peace Prize 3 times. In total, between 1901 and 2019, 923 discreet laureates and 27 organisations received awards.
Controversy
The Nobel Prizes can, unsurprisingly, be hotbeds of controversy. Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 5 times but never received it, a source of incredulity and sadness to many. More recently, as a result of the political situation in Myanmar and the genocide of the Rohinghe people in the country, there have been calls for the Nobel Peace Prize received by political activist and now Myanmar’s political leader, Aung San Sui Ki to be revoked. According to the Nobel Committee both of these situations, and many more, cannot be rectified. The Prizes cannot be given posthumously and cannot be taken back once freely given.
Over the past century the name of Nobel and his desire to recognise the very best in people’s intention to support and better humanity in whatever way resonates for them, has developed to a level of approbation outside its own bubble. To receive a Prize not only confers elevated standing on the beneficiary far beyond the monetary sum they received, it is an indication from their peers that they have achieved great things.
An Outstanding Recognition
The Nobel Prizes are recognised by humanity as a whole, as a signal that this individual or institution has achieved well beyond the norm, and that whilst they may ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’, their head and shoulders are grazing the edge of the stars and projecting the whole world in a globally recognised, positive direction. To accept a Nobel Prize is to be seen as part of an elite group of people who have done extraordinary things to ensure that humanity, both specifically and generally, is progressing socially, scientifically, and artistically, and that justice and humanitarianism flourish wherever possible.
