Science students don’t often learn about the trials, tribulations and outright failures of histories science rock stars, and that may be hindering them. A recent study found that students actually improve their science grades after learning about the struggles of famous scientists including Albert Einstein and Marie Curie.

For one physicist, making science accessible to a wider public is a personal mission. Brian Greene stresses the importance of breaking down abstract ideas into ordinary language, as well as weaving them into both thrilling and engaging narratives. Greene turns to the classic Greek tale of Icarus to unravel Einstein’s theory of relativity.