The final day we will be accepting Radioactive Materials for delivery or collecting waste in 2025 will be Tuesday, December 23rd. We will resume these activities on Monday, January 5th. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday break and look forward to seeing you all in 2026!

Who coined the term radioactivity and is the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields? Marie Curie was awarded two Nobel Prizes and coined the term radioactivity. As a new field of study, the hazards of radioactivity were not fully understood and her papers still need to be stored in a lead box because of radioactive contamination. Still, Marie Curie implemented safety measures that laid the foundation for today's standard safety practices. 

Check out more about Marie Curie and safety in the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Marie Curie’s Laboratory Safety Practices and Radiation Risks

Who invented Kevlar (poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide), which has been used for decades to keep many first responders safe? Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, also known as poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, which is a synthetic polymer known for its high strength. It is used in protective gear like bulletproof vests. Kevlar is five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis. Stephanie discovered Kevlar during her work on polymer research at DuPont, while she was aiming to create lightweight yet strong fibers for automobile tires. This discovery has improved safety for many people in different situations.