SEEDS OF DISCOVERY How Barbara McClintock Used Corn and Curiosity to Solve a Science Mystery and Win a Nobel Prize

Rebecca Stern cheerfully narrates this illustrated biography of scientist Barbara McClintock (1902-1992), whose pioneering work on maize genetics helped form our understanding of DNA. Stern's playful narration of McClintock's early life portrays her as a tree-climbing, baseball-playing child who grew into a determined young woman who was willing to ignore norms so she could pursue advanced education in botany. As McClintock's career progressed, she found both success in tracking the "jumping genes" that led to mutations and frustration in dealing with the prevailing prejudice against women in science. Stern takes on a more mature yet still approachable tone during McClintock's later years, when she continued to do research and mentor young scientists. In 1983, she finally received widespread recognition, including a Nobel Prize, for her contributions to genetics. N.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2025]