Ep 18. Female Inventors

Innovation Nation season 4 episode 18 is titled "Female Inventors" and focuses on the contributions of women in the field of innovation. The episode begins with a profile on Dr. Nancy J. Cox, a geneticist and researcher who discovered a gene linked to breast cancer. Her work has helped to develop new treatments for the disease and has been instrumental in improving our understanding of the genetics behind it.

Next, the show highlights the work of Mary Anderson, who invented the windshield wiper in 1903. Her invention was initially dismissed as unnecessary, but ultimately became a crucial safety feature in all automobiles. The hosts also delve into the work of Stephanie Kwolek, who invented Kevlar, a lightweight, strong fiber used in a variety of applications, including body armor.

In addition to these groundbreaking inventors, the episode also focuses on contemporary women who are making significant contributions in the field. One such innovator is Limor Fried, the founder of Adafruit Industries, a company that produces open-source electronic hardware and educational resources. The company aims to democratize access to technology, especially for women and other underrepresented groups.

The show also features the work of Ayah Bdeir, the founder of LittleBits, a platform for prototyping and inventing with electronics. Her company's mission is to empower people to create and innovate, and she has partnered with organizations like UNESCO to bring her technology to children in low-income countries.

Finally, the episode turns its attention to women who are working to create social impact through their innovations. One such individual is Jessica O. Matthews, the founder of Uncharted Power, a company that harnesses the energy generated by human motion and stores it in batteries for later use. This technology has been used to power streetlights and other infrastructure in developing countries, providing much-needed electricity to communities without access to reliable power sources.

In all, "Female Inventors" celebrates the contributions of women in the field of innovation, both past and present. The episode showcases groundbreaking inventions and social impact, highlighting the power of innovative thinking to change the world and make it a better place.