Meet The 2012 MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Scientists
Elissa Hallem MacArthur FoundationA parasite-fighting neurobiologist, a pediatric neurosurgeon, two Brilliant 10 winners, and other scientists awarded a 2012 MacArthur Fellowship. Every year, the MacArthur Foundation makes an investment--a $500,000 investment--in the future by handing out bags of money to people whose work shows promise. Of course that includes scientists doing world-changing research. The 2012 fellows were just announced, and here they are. Two of the winners have also been named one of PopSci's Brilliant 10: Maria Chudnovsky and Melody Swartz. Mathematician Maria Chudnovsky: Studies graph theory and its relationship to other branches of mathematics. Geriatrician Eric Coleman: Works to improve patient transitions between sources of care, like hospitals and homes. Optical Physicist and Astronomer Olivier Guyon: Designs astronomical instruments to be used in the hunt for Earth-like planets. Neurobiologist Elissa Hallem: Studies odor detection and chemoreception in invertebrates, which may help fight parasites. Medical Microbiologist Sarkis Mazmanian: Examines diseases through the relationship...