Girl Power Alert! LEGO Intros New Female Scientist Set

Kristen Green
Jun 07, 2014

We have mega love for all things LEGO at Brit + Co., so the recent announcement revealing an all-new female-focused minifigure set as the next LEGO Idea to be produced has us super stoked! The set is titled “Research Institute” and will feature an astronomer, chemist and paleontologist. And, yup, all are women. The idea was submitted by Dr. Ellen Kooijman, a Geochemist from Stockholm. Dr. Kooijman wanted to submit her girl powered minifigures to “…show that girls can become anything they want, including a paleontologist or an astronomer.” We couldn’t agree more.

Plus, she didn’t stop there! If you explore her submission (below!) she even included the possibilities of a falconer, a judge and a robotics engineer.

We’re excited to see LEGO promoting more toys featuring women, which will help encourage girls to explore any career path that suits their passion — especially if it might open them up to more STEM-related pursuits. As fellow builders, champions of innovation and believers in the power to do what you set your mind to, we are anxious to get our hands on this glass ceiling-breaking set. Plus, the LEGO dinosaur looks like it would be a pretty incredible addition to our desks.

Interested in submitting your own stellar LEGO Idea? The process is simple, and a collaborative effort similar to how Quirky works. Head over to ideas.lego.com and submit your idea. Once an idea has received 10,000 votes from the community, it will go to the LEGO Idea review board.

Dr. Kooijman’s “Research Institute” set is expected to hit shelves this August. The next round for review includes a range of submissions, including the set from Big Bang Theory. Who wouldn’t want a LEGO Sheldon? Be sure to stay tuned as LEGO Ideas continues to bring brilliance from around the world into tiny pieces of inspiration to add to your favorite sets.

Hmm… we’re contemplating what our submission would be. Maybe a replica of B+C SF with mini 3D printers, cool inventions and all?! We think it’d be great to represent the Makers of the world, especially if they just happen to be women who were once little girls with big dreams :)

What about you? Share your idea for the next set of LEGO awesomeness in the comments below.

(h/t Mashable)

Bill Nye & Mayim Bialik Share Science Facts & Hacks

Bill Nye The Science Guy and neuroscientist and Emmy-nominated actress Mayim Bialik join Brit for a supersized episode about the science lessons all adults should know. First up, listen in to my conversation with Bill as we cover science hacks for everyday life, how to stay healthy according to science, and his thoughts on climate change.

Then, catch our special bonus segment with Mayim as she connects science and mental health. To learn more about all the things with Brit, subscribe to Teach Me Something New on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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5 "Outdated" Engagement Ring Trends That Have Lost Their Touch

Surprise proposals are always magical (hi, Benny Blanco & Selena Gomez!), but we've gotten picky about which engagement rings make us swoon these days. Some of our prior favorite trends have become outdated, and it would more sad if they weren't other gorgeous options on the market. Even so, it's not easy to narrow down which ones will overpower or age your hands. Thankfully we've solved the big mystery for you so you can flaunt your fiancée title with the best accessory!

Scroll for engagement rings that aren't worth adding to your "secret" Pinterest board!

Gabriel & Co.

1. Double Halo Engagement Rings: Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Double Halo Ring

Once upon a time, double halo engagement rings were widely popular and a good indicator that someone was willing to make your hand look extremely good. But that's not the case anymore! As coveted as this style used to be, it now comes across as gaudy and overpowering.

If you're dropping hints to your partner, perhaps leave this "outdated" style in your drafts!

Kay Jewelers

2. Princess Cut Engagement Rings: Kay Jewelers Lab Grown Princess-Cut Solitaire Ring

We were sure princess cut engagement rings meant we were going to embody the lives of our favorite Disney princesses — mainly Cinderella. We even told ourselves we'd be 100% okay with just a single diamond in the middle of a plain band. Now we know there's other options we can choose from. From cushion to emerald cut, none of us have to relegate ourselves to a style of the past!

Brilliant Earth

3. Thick Band Engagement Rings: Brilliant Earth Alden Ring

Did you just yelp or was that us? Maybe it was a collective sound heard around the world because wearing an engagement ring with a thick band seems like something our grandmothers would love. Though we don't always question their personal style, there's something "vintage" about this trend that doesn't make us feel great. Also, this ring will likely swallow your finger if your hand is on the slender side!

Shane Co.

4. Excessively Vintage Engagement Rings: Shane Co. Natasha Lab-Grown Engagement Ring

Hear us out — vintage rings are gorgeous and have the rare ability of being unique in a sea of familiar engagement choices. But reaching for something that feels like you can buy it from somewhere like Shein for way less than the market price shouldn't make anyone feel good.

Believe us when we say this trend is "outdated!"

Vrai

5. Rose Gold Engagement Rings: Vrai Side Cluster Cathedral Oval Engagement Ring

Rose gold engagement rings were an alternative to the general metals we're used to seeing (i.e., white gold, platinum or yellow gold), but we think they're losing their touch. We've also noticed that some jewelers have their own definition of how this trend looks so it's not as easy to tell what people consider to be "rose gold."

Your best bet is to try engagement rings on in person to see what looks best on your skin so your partner's able to make a more informed decision!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more trends you should and shouldn't invest in!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Dr. Crystal Dilworth Teaches Brit About The Science Behind Addiction

Dr. Crystal Dilworth (also known as Dr. Brain on the popular CBS show Mission Unstoppable) is a neuroscientist, addiction expert, and a vocal advocate for women in STEM. Today she's teaching us about social media dependency, the chemical messengers in the brain that influence our mood, and the science behind habit building, stress, and getting better sleep. It's a fun and stimulating conversation sure to leave you feeling smarter and more in tune with what's really happening in your brain.


To learn more about all the things with Brit, subscribe to Teach Me Something New on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Leighton Meester Just Revealed A Surprising Detail About Her 2 Kids With Adam Brody

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester are definitely one of our favorite celebrity couples, but they’re also some of our favorite celeb parents. The couple has two children together, and they keep their family life pretty private.

But while getting all dolled up during a video interview on February 27, Leighton Meester offered a rare update about their kids, including a glimpse into their work-life balance as a family of 4.

Adam Brody & Leighton Meester’s kids aren't "fazed at all" by the Hollywood life.

Leighton Meester's kids understand the Hollywood of it all.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

While recording a Vogue Beauty Secrets video, Leighton Meester revealed that her kids are pretty used to traveling for her and Adam Brody's work.

“My kids, they get what we do," she says. "They come on location a lot." And while both Leighton and Adam have worked on some pretty big projects (and Leighton just joined Nobody Wants This season 2!), the Gossip Girl actress doesn't "think they're fazed at all."

"They get a lot of us off set and a lot of us not working, which has been always a really big benefit for both of us," she continues.

She also revealed to Brit + Co exclusively that Arlo is pretty helpful in the kitchen. “What I try to do is meal prep as much as I can. Sometimes that doesn't work out for me, but for my kids — I'll make things ahead of time," she says, adding that she's in “one of the luckiest positions that a mom could be.”

“When I was still nursing or my babies were still young, I had plenty of space and time to [be with my kids]," she continues. "And I know most women who are mothers don't have that opportunity at all.”

What has Adam Brody said about his parenting style?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

When asked about his parenting style with Leighton Meester, Adam Brody told Today's Hoda & Jenna that he feels like their parenting is the "perfect" balance. "Of course, I’m going to feel like it’s the perfect balance of all of it," he says, adding that they're "very honest."

"We have some very truthful conversations, for better or worse. But other than that, I wouldn’t say overly strict," he continues. "There is a helicopter, you know, to keep them safe. I’m not overly strict but I see the sharp edges, literally...I want to keep those heads maintained."

What has Leighton Meester said about their family traditions?

Paulina Stevens/Exmas Film Inc/Amazon Freevee

When it comes to spending time together during the holidays, Leighton also opened up to Brit + Co exclusively about their go-to activities in an interview for her 2023 rom-com EXmas.

"We do a lot of hanging out," Leighton says in our conversation. "It's infuriating to people who live in cold weather but we go to the beach or we go in our pool or jacuzzi. We have snacks by the jacuzzi — we call it jajuterie!" Can I get in on that?

How many children does Leighton Meester have?

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester have two children, a daughter named Arlo, and a son whose name they haven't told us yet.

What are Leighton Meester's kids ages?

Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Arlo is 9 years old and was born on August 4, 2015. Leighton Meester and Adam Brody's son was born in 2020 and is 4 years old.

How old was Leighton Meester when she had her first child?

Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Leighton Meester was 27 years old when she had Arlo in 2015.

Check out Ryan Reynolds And Blake Lively Want Their Kids To Have “As Normal A Life As Possible” for the latest news on another Gossip Girl cast member's family.

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This Sci-Fi Young Adult Book Just Won The Highest Literary Honor!

Millions of Americans tune into award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys every single year. Yet, you may not know that the Newbery Medal predates all of them — and this great literary honor historically celebrated and exulted some of your favorite childhood reads.

The latest Youth Media Awards took place on January 27, 2025, at the LibLearnX conference in Phoenix, Arizona. There, this year's Newbery Medal winner was officially announced. Keep reading to find out the exciting new winner!

Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Newbery Medal winning book!

What is the Newbery Medal?

Amazon

The Newberry Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children on a yearly basis. The American Library Association (ALA) gave the very first Newbery Medal to Hendrik Willem van Loon, author of "The Story of Mankind," in 1922.

This honor, named after John Newbery, an English children's book publisher, ultimately became the world's first children's book award.

Since its inception, the Newbery Medal has been awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children. Numerous revered works have been given this honor, ranging from The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle in 1923 to Summer of the Swans in 1971 and The Tale of Despereaux in 2004.

Who won the 2025 Newbery Medal?

Erin Entrada Kelly

The honor was given to The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. The book, which came out on March 5, 2024, is set in 1999 and follows a 12-year-old boy named Michael Rosario, who is consumed by anxiety as he prepares for a potential Y2K disaster.

Then, one day, Michael encounters a teenager named Ridge, who stands out with his unusual clothing and strange way of speaking. It turns out that Ridge traveled back in time from the year 2199 with the help of his mom's scientific experiments following a dare from his siblings.

Michael is tempted by the opportunity to find out about the future. However, he realizes that his priority is helping Ridge return to his own time.

This feat represents Erin Entrada Kelly's second Newbery Medal win. She previously won the honor for the first time in 2018 with her book, Hello, Universe.

Along with this prestigious award, the committee also awarded Newbery Honors to other books deemed attention-worthy. These titles included Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller, One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome, and The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy.

Amazon

While the Newbery Medal is perhaps the most famous children's book award, the ALA also recognizes outstanding literature across a variety of categories. These awards, including the Randolph Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the William C. Morris Award, and the Michael L. Printz Award, are determined by committees of children's librarians and other literary experts.

This year, the Randolph Caldecott Medal was presented to Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. It's awarded to the most distinguished American picture book for kids.

Amazon

Twenty-four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds received the Coretta Scott King Book Award, which honors African American authors and illustrators who create exceptional books for both children and young adults. My Daddy Is a Cowboy, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza, won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book Award.

The William C. Morris Award, given to books by debut authors writing for teen audiences, was presented to Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. Finally, the Michael L. Printz Award, which recognizes excellent works across YA fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic novels, and anthologies, was awarded to Brownstone by Samuel Teer and illustrated by Mar Julia.

Order 'The First State of Being' Here!

Amazon

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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