Gamow

Gamow is a surname. Notable individuals with this surname include George Gamow, a physicist, and Igor Gamow, his son, also a scientist.

George Gamow was a Soviet-American theoretical physicist whose work significantly impacted cosmology and nuclear physics. Born in Ukraine in 1904, he made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the Big Bang theory, proposing the concept of primordial nucleosynthesis which explained the abundance of light elements in the universe. Gamow also explored quantum tunneling, a phenomenon crucial for understanding nuclear fusion in stars. He emigrated to the United States in 1934 and held positions at various universities, including George Washington University and the University of Colorado. He was also known for his popular science writing, making complex scientific ideas accessible to a wider audience.

Igor Gamow followed in his father's scientific footsteps, becoming a molecular biologist. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado. His research focused on various aspects of molecular biology, contributing to the understanding of cellular processes. He also had a career in scientific administration and outreach, continuing the family's tradition of engaging with the scientific community and the public.