Chien-Shiung Wu vs Barbara McClintock
Two science prodigies, compared on what is actually documented: field, era, country and record. No invented numbers.
The record, side by side
| Chien-Shiung Wu | Barbara McClintock | |
| Field | Science | Science |
| Sub-field | Physics | Biology |
| Born | 1912 | 1902 |
| Died | 1997 | 1992 |
| Country of birth | China | - |
| Star sign | Gemini | Gemini |
Who they are
Chien-Shiung Wu
Wu Experiment 1956 — Proved parity violation, overturned a law of physics The First Lady of Physics · Columbia University · Wolf Prize 1978 Born May 31, 1912 · Liuhe, China · Died February 16, 1997
Full biography of Chien-Shiung Wu →
Barbara McClintock
Nobel Prize 1983 — Discovering genes that move Transposable genetic elements · Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · 35-year wait for recognition Born June 16, 1902 · Hartford, USA · Died September 2, 1992
Full biography of Barbara McClintock →
What they share
- Both are held here under Science.
- Near contemporaries - 10 years apart.
- Their lifetimes overlap.
- Both Gemini.
Questions people ask
- Who came first, Chien-Shiung Wu or Barbara McClintock?
- Barbara McClintock. Chien-Shiung Wu was born in 1912, Barbara McClintock in 1902.
- What field is each of them in?
- Chien-Shiung Wu is filed under Science (Physics). Barbara McClintock is filed under Science (Biology).
- Were they contemporaries?
- Yes - their lifetimes overlap.