Curies (Marie Curie, Pierre Curie)

Curies, specifically Marie and Pierre Curie, were pioneering scientists who discovered radioactivity—a process where certain elements emit energy spontaneously. Marie Curie, in particular, identified the radioactive elements polonium and radium, which helped revolutionize medical treatments and our understanding of atomic science. Their work laid the foundation for nuclear physics and medicine, earning Marie two Nobel Prizes. Radioactivity is now understood as the unstable nucleus of an atom releasing energy to become more stable. The Curies’ research significantly advanced science but also exposed them to risks from radiation, highlighting both groundbreaking discoveries and the importance of safety in scientific exploration.