(CNN) Vera Rubin, a pioneering astrophysicist who proved the existence of dark matter, had a gift for overcoming daunting challenges. While there were indications going back to the 1930s that dark matter existed, her work confirmed it. If dark matter doesn`t fit that description, I don`t know what does. Her colleagues and those who admired her spirit remember her as someone who revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos by confirming the existence of dark matter, invisible material that comprises more than 90% of the universe. Others worked on the subject of dark matter, and it`s important to remember that in science, each person`s achievements are built on the backs of those who came before.

?I refused to work for a company that expected women to wear makeup, heels and a skirt. She noted that it took until last January for British Airways to allow female cabin crew members to wear trousers. Its old code had warned employees against such things as greasy or highly gelled hair or wearing flowers as accessories. ?The company expected me to do a nine-hour shift on my feet escorting clients to meeting rooms,? she said. Britain?s 2010 Equality Act prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of gender, age or sexual orientation.

Image copyright Iceland Monitor/Eggert Johannesson Image caption Grimur Grimsson leads the investigation into the murderThis is unusual in Iceland. Image copyright Iceland Monitor/Eggert Johannesson Image caption Seven hundred people took part in the search for Birna when she was reported missingIceland is united in grief. Image copyright Iceland Monitor/Eggert JohannessonThe 20-year-old goes out on the Friday night, to a music venue. Anna Margret Bjornsson has covered the murder of Birna Brjansdottir for Iceland Monitor (mbl.is)Read more local coverage on the case here: Image copyright EPA Image caption Icelandic women have reacted defiantly to news of Birna`s murderTwo nations, united in grief over a girl who could have been anyone`s sister, daughter or girlfriend.