The yellow traffic light celebrated its centennial in 2023. This invention stemmed from a need to improve road safety during a time of rapid change in transportation. In the early 1920s, American streets were a mix of new and old. Cars, trucks, and streetcars shared roads with horse-drawn buggies and pedestrians. Many drivers lacked experience, …
Many inventors have shaped our world in ways we often take for granted. Their creations, now part of everyday life, were once groundbreaking ideas that faced skepticism or went unnoticed. Let's shine a light on some of these overlooked innovators and their impactful inventions. Peter Cooper: The Sticky Stuff Pioneer Glue is everywhere, but who …
Thomas Edison's journey as an inventor was filled with ups and downs. His talking machine amazed people who couldn't believe sound could be captured. This success brought in money from eager investors. Edison used the cash to hire lots of workers, nicknamed "muckers." The muckers helped Edison tackle the challenge of indoor lighting. Gas lamps …
William James Sidis might have been one of the smartest people ever, with some reports suggesting an IQ between 250 and 300. However, these estimates are speculative, as no formal IQ test result is documented. Born in New York City in 1898, he was the son of Boris Sidis, a psychologist, and Sarah Sidis, one …
Recent rulings highlight that even for AI-generated inventions, a human must be recognized as the inventor. According to the Federal Court of Justice in Germany, the key requirement is determining who influenced the invention's creation, no matter the type of influence. This person need not provide a creative contribution; rather, they just need to significantly …
Snow goggles, suspension bridges, and lacrosse are more than just items of cultural interest; they are enduring legacies of Indigenous peoples' ingenuity that have permeated various aspects of contemporary life. Despite their significant influence, the depth of Native American contributions to modern society is often overlooked. These early innovations showcase a rich history of scientific …
In recent years, the United States has seen a continuous influx of patent applications, with numbers reaching over half a million annually. Behind these applications are a diverse set of applicants ranging from well-established companies with ample resources to individual inventors embarking on the challenging journey of bringing their unique ideas to the market. Securing …
Image Credit: homank76 / Depositphotos.com In the landscape of culinary sweeteners, molasses once stood as a staple, especially prevalent in the 19th and early parts of the 20th centuries. Although its popularity was undisputed, there were times when an excess could lead to unforeseen events, like the tragic molasses flood in Boston during 1919 which …
Credit: zrfphoto / Depositphotos.com Throughout the annals of American history, Black innovators have consistently provided pivotal contributions across various sectors including business, industry, medicine, and technology. Their inventions and developments have played critical roles in shaping the nation's progress and daily life. Amongst these individuals are trailblazers whose legacies not only reflect their indomitable spirit …
Dr. Thomas Mensah, an esteemed Ghanaian-American inventor, impacted the world with his significant advancements in fiber optics technology. On March 27, 2024, at the age of 74, Dr. Mensah passed away after battling a brief illness. His innovative work served as a cornerstone in the evolution of telecommunications, facilitating the development of high-speed internet and …
