Fanny Angelina Hesse changed microbiology in the 1880s. Her humble kitchen solution, agar-agar, allowed an unrivalled study of microorganisms. Her discovery became foundational to scientific advances ranging from antibiotics to gene editing.
The Unsung Hero of Science
Fanny Angelina Hesse – the surprise hero who changed the way that scientists analyse microorganisms. With just a simple household item, she addressed an enormous problem plaguing scientists in the 1880s.
The Sticky Science Problem
Prior to Hesse, researchers had a hard time cultivating bacteria. Gelatin didn’t work – it melted, did not even withstand being invaded by microbes, and utterly destroyed experiments. Researchers were longing for an improved method of experimenting on these microscopic organisms. The above image is an illustration by Hesse that was previously published in one of her husband’s articles about microbes.
A Solution Found in the Kitchen
Hesse’s secret to success was agar-agar, a jelly she already knew from Indonesian cuisine. When her husband grumbled about spoiled experiments, she, in passing, recommended the substance.
More Than a Housewife
You might think Hesse was more than just a dutiful wife from her role of supporting her husband’s work. But she was actually a talented scientific illustrator. She helped her husband’s research by making precise drawings of microscopic specimens (as seen above).
A Revolutionary Discovery
In 1881, Hesse proposed agar as a culture medium for microbes. It was solid at elevated temperatures and did not get consumed by bacteria. It thus allowed scientists to study and analyse microorganisms as never before.
Changing the World Silently
The above image represents petri dish cultures created by plating microbes on agar. Despite her groundbreaking discovery, Hesse never sought fame. She remained humble and did not announce her discovery. Even her own family members hardly talked about her scientific discovery.
The Impact
Agar became vital for scientific discoveries. It facilitated the mass production of antibiotics and the study of various diseases. It even led to the creation of gene editing technology like CRISPR (“clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats”). All due to a simple kitchen product.
A Legacy of Humility
While other scientists were flaunting their findings, Hesse worked quietly behind the scenes. Her discovery was so vital that the UK made agar a national emergency during World War II.
Rediscovering a Pioneer
Recently, her great-granddaughter helped to unveil the original scientific illustrations of Hesse. They uncovered the extent of her scientific aptitude and passion.
The Unsung Genius
Scientists all around the world still use Agar today. But few know about the lady who made it all possible. Fanny Angelina Hesse: the kitchen scientist who changed microbiology forever.
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Meet the Forgotten Woman Who Revolutionized Microbiology With a Simple Kitchen Staple
Meet the Overlooked Woman Who Revolutionised Microbiology Using a Simple Kitchen Staple
