The world operates with the help of all sorts of inventions. From the wheel to the massive influence of social media platforms, innovations have played a role in the transformation of how people are living today.
Besides the cutting-edge technological advancements, there are simple innovations that, without them, the world would be a completely different picture than what it is today. Here are some of these small creations.
1. Soap
Soap is a little invention created four millennia ago, and it is one of the necessities people use today. From bathing to washing your clothes, this bubbly invention is a vital item that helps you fight bacteria and diseases.
Soap may seem insignificant at first, but people use it every day. Without it, cleaning is much more difficult. The best thing is that it’s cheap and portable, so you can get it anywhere and take it wherever you need it.
2. Chainsaw
A chainsaw was originally designed as a hand-cranked surgical device for problematic births. Now, it’s an incredible tool for cutting wood and other materials, revolutionizing the construction, forestry, and woodworking industries.
Without the chainsaw, imagine how difficult it would be to cut wood with just a simple saw. Manual sawing is way more laborious and time-wasting. Construction of buildings and furniture will take a longer time too.
3. Bicycles
The bicycle started as a running machine in the early 19th century, invented by Karl Drais. Today, it is the most eco-friendly and healthiest form of transportation you can use. Compared to other transport vehicles, it is also one of the cheapest.
If you’re part of the working class, your bicycle becomes an important investment to take you to and from work. It helps you avoid traffic so you can be at work on time and forces your body to be active, reinforcing your health.
4. Aircon/Refrigeration
The concept of air conditioning and refrigeration is an innovation that’s widely used today. From prolonging the shelf life of food to creating a cozy space you can stay in, air conditioners and refrigerators made people’s lives more convenient and comfortable.
More than just food and a comfortable home, this invention is very important in the healthcare industry. Some medicines are kept at a low temperature to preserve their potency and chemical stability. Without it, storing medicines becomes more difficult, and their availability in hospitals becomes challenging.
5. Post-Its
Post-it notes or post-its are adhesive notes you normally use to remind yourself of important things you may keep forgetting. They were invented in the 1970s by Spencer Silver and were popularized by Art Fry as Press n’ Peel.
If you tend to forget things, post-its are your saving grace. It’s a simple concept made from cheap materials too. You can just stick the small pieces of paper in places where you can easily see them to remind you of things.
6. Bass Synthesizer
When the bass synthesizer was invented in the 1980s, it was originally used as a stand-in for a live bass player. The product was a flop and was discontinued for three years before people decided to get creative and work on it.
Today, you will hear the weird squelchy sounds that were originally made by this bass synthesizer in techno dance music. Many musical devices and virtual instruments are now used to copy those original sounds.
7. Superglue
Created as a denture adhesive, super glue is one of the most versatile solutions people use in many ways. While it’s supposed to be exclusively used in teeth, its usefulness extends to many things, including plastics, wood, and even human skin.
Superglue is also the lifesaver for all your small repairs at home. You can use it when you’re making your crafts or making repairs at home. It’s also quick-drying and often comes in small single-use tubes you can easily bring around.
8. The Haber-Bosch Process
Developed by two German chemists, Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, the Haber-Bosch process involves the production of industrial-scale ammonia by synthesizing it from nitrogen and hydrogen. This helps produce nitrogen-based fertilizers and repair the nitrogen in the atmosphere for better plant absorption.
The Haber-Bosch process is a blessing to the agricultural industry. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are cheap and highly effective in enhancing soil fertility. Since nitrogen is an essential component of photosynthesis, the process fixes the Nitrogen in the atmosphere, making it easier for plants to absorb.
9. Lawnmower
The lawnmower is one of the basic gardening tools you will want to have at home. It developed from the early grass-cutting devices like shears and scythes.
It’s popular in suburban areas because of the wide plot of land that needs taking care of. It makes it easy to keep grasses at a manageable height and the lawn well-kept. It’s easy and fun to use too, which makes cutting grasses something you can look forward to.
10. Neoprene
Neoprene is a versatile synthetic rubber material developed in the 1930s by DuPont. It is another innovation considered underrated, especially its usage in electrical insulation, orthopedic braces, and industrial gloves and wetsuits.
The best contribution of Neoprene to people’s way of life is when this rubber is used to contain toxic waste. Since it is resistant to oils and chemicals, it can easily keep these dangerous chemicals away.
11. Contraceptive Pill
The development of contraceptives or birth control pills started in the early 20th century. This innovation brought the choice of pregnancy back to women. Contraceptive pills also address weight gain, hormonal changes, stretch marks, etc.
These pills have become so normal today that people forget the risks women had to face before the innovation. Women have more peace of mind and enjoy other beneficial side effects, including healthier skin and more balanced hormones.
12. Cola
Cola started as a tonic to be used for weaning people from their addiction. It was developed in 1886 by Dr. John Pemberton as a French Wine Coca made from coca leaf extract. He reformulated his recipe and created a non-alcoholic refreshing drink, which is how Coca-Cola started.
Truth be told, Coca-Cola is not a healthy drink, but it has been so popular that you will always find it in every home. This invigorating drink is an excellent alternative to hard alcohol, which is why it’s called a “soft” drink in the first place.
13. Internet
Everything happening online today is because of the creation of the Internet. Its roots can be traced back to ARPANET or Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, the communication system created by the United States Department of Defense. It was then improved by introducing the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and then, the Internet Protocol (IP).
Today, people can benefit from the new world opened up by the creation of the Internet. More than the access to infinite information, it also made social networking and remote communication possible.
14. Automatic Air Brakes
Considering trains have become a major mode of transportation for commuters, the system must be safe. This is why George Westinghouse worked on an efficient and safe braking system for trains in the mid-19th century.
Automatic air brakes or pneumatic brakes help to have a more uniform and quicker braking system for every car on the train. This reduces the chance of the trains encountering issues like car collisions and derailments.
15. Cement
The roots of cement go back to ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, but today’s cement can be associated with Joseph Aspdin’s Portland cement. It’s the combination of limestone and clay in a fine powder that makes the mixture easier to use and mix with other elements.
Cement has revolutionized the construction industry with its versatility and durability. It is also available anywhere and is cheap. Because of cement, creating building structures has become much more convenient and affordable.
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Source: Reddit
