On Google's home page is a special Google logo, aka Doodle for Eva Ekeblad, the Swedish plant scientist who is most well-known for discovering that you can make flour and alcohol out of potatoes. She was credited for helping reduce famine globally because of her findings.
She was born on July 10, 1724 in Stockholm, Sweden and died on May 15, 1786 in Sweden as well at the age of 61. Her discovery was made in 1746.
Google wrote:
Today we celebrate Eva Ekeblad’s 293rd birthday. The Swedish scientist brought potatoes, then a greenhouse curiosity, to the people. Eva discovered the starch was humble but mighty – potatoes could be ground into flour or distilled into spirits. Her discovery helped reduce famine in years to come.For her scientific and delicious work, Eva Ekeblad became the first woman elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1748. She was truly a pioneer - the next woman recognized in those ranks would come 203 years later.
Today we we honor Eva Ekeblad's ingenuity and her scientific achievements. Happy birthday, Eva!
Forum discussion at Google+.
