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When physicist Florence Bell first moved to Leeds in 1937, she probably never expected to become a media sensation. But while Bell made headlines simply for being a female scientist, it’s more likely that she would want to be remembered for making the first attempt to solve the structure of DNA, the genetic material. Long before Rosalind Franklin who has been called the ‘dark lady of DNA’, it seems that the tale of the double-helix had another unsung heroine…read more here

With England celebrating the re-opening of pubs after lockdown, drinkers in ‘The Eagle’ pub, Cambridge might like to sample a pint of ‘DNA’ – a brew named in honour of James Watson and Francis Crick’s historic discovery of the structure of DNA. At the same time, they might like to work out why this plaque on the wall of the pub would have 19th century physiologist Johann Friedrich Miescher spinning in his grave….

When Michael Marks set up his penny bazaar in Kirkgate market, Leeds in 1884 and was joined shortly afterwards by Thomas Spencer, a household name in retail was born. But Leeds has also been home to another great M&S story thanks to scientists Archer Martin and Richard Synge who, working in a converted stable in Headingley made a discovery that would not only earn them a Nobel prize but help to unlock the secrets of DNA and insulin. As Leeds celebrates its sporting heroes at #LUFC, here’s a headline from the Yorkshire Post in 1952 in honour of the city’s scientific heroes…