Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben were physicists working at the University of California, Berkeley, when they discovered carbon-14 in 1940. This discovery was made possible through their experimentation with a cyclotron, which is a type of particle accelerator used to produce different isotopes. During their research, they produced an isotope of carbon that eventually proved to be essential for various scientific fields. Carbon-14 was recognized as a radioisotope, meaning it can be used to measure the decay of carbon materials in organic samples. As a result, it became a powerful tool for scientists to date ancient organic materials, such as bones, wood, and other carbon-based substances. This breakthrough represented a significant advancement in analytical methods in science and opened up new avenues for research in archaeology and paleontology.

The implications of this discovery were profound. Prior to this innovation, dating materials relied on less precise methods. The emergence of carbon-14 dating allowed researchers to establish timelines that were much more accurate, facilitating a better understanding of human evolution, the age of archaeological sites, and the life spans of ancient ecosystems. As more scientists adopted this method, the ability to date organic remains changed perspectives on history, including the timing of events in the development of civilization and the understanding of prehistoric cultures. The applications of carbon-14 extended beyond archaeology, influencing geology, environmental studies, and even forensics, showcasing its versatility and importance across various disciplines.