Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Kamen and Ruben Discover Carbon-14 Isotope

2/27/2026

39 7

Summary

Story summary

On February 27, 1940, American chemists Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben discovered carbon-14, a radioactive isotope of carbon, at the University of California Radiation Laboratory. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for radiocarbon dating, a method used to determine the age of archaeological and geological samples, revolutionizing fields such as archaeology and geology.

1 of 1

Story summary

On February 27, 1940, American chemists Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben discovered carbon-14, a radioactive isotope of carbon, at the University of California Radiation Laboratory. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for radiocarbon dating, a method used to determine the age of archaeological and geological samples, revolutionizing fields such as archaeology and geology.