Maria Salomea Skłodowska-Curie (November 7, 1867 – July 4, 1934), known internationally as Marie Curie, was a Polish and French physicist and chemist known for her research into radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize twice, and as of this writing remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. During the First World War, she invented mobile radiography units to provide X-ray technology to injured soldiers in field hospitals. She discovered the element polonium. Her research into radiation revolutionized physics; she ultimately succumbed to the effects of radiation, however, and developed aplastic anemia due to bone marrow damage. After her death, her notes, papers, and even cookbooks were found to be radioactive, and as of this writing still are too dangerous to handle without protective gear.
