Over the past three decades, technological advancements have transformed the way we live, work, and even how we take care of our health. These innovations have not only made our lives more convenient but have also played a crucial role in saving lives. Here are 18 of the most significant inventions from the last 30 years.
DNA Testing
The invention of DNA testing has helped in solving crimes and also contributed to the understanding of genetic diseases and how to prevent them. It enabled developments in forensic science and meant that personal treatments could be provided, revolutionizing medicine. By the 1990s, there was also access to PCR testing, which meant it could also be used for personal reasons.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI scans have had a dramatic impact on medicine. It means diseases can now be diagnosed without invasive methods. It improved the detection of disease, and treatments could be quickly started for medical conditions. MRIs allowed for detailed scans of soft tissue, which also aided medical research.
Microprocessors
Tutorials Point writes, “From 1995 to until now this generation has been bringing out high-performance and high-speed processors that make use of 64-bit processors.” Microprocessors have become the backbone of modern-day electronics and are used in smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. They’ve paved the way for advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Fiber Optics
Fiber optics created faster and more reliable internet connections, which have revolutionized our telecommunications. In 1996, the first all-optic fiber cable was laid under the Pacific Ocean. They’ve enabled the expansion of high-speed networks globally and also reduced the cost and increased the number of data transmissions.
Office Software (Spreadsheets, Word Processors)
Office software has been able to streamline business operations and dramatically increase their productivity. The use of spreadsheets has enabled easy data management and analysis, while other documents have also been able to increase collaboration and allow for the easy creation of documents. Many office products can be used purely online, such as Google Docs and Microsoft Office.
Non-Invasive Surgery
According to an analysis by the University of Maryland, “The role of laparoscopy as a surgical tool has become better defined over the past couple decades.” It minimizes surgical risks and recovery times, along with improving the precision of surgical procedures. Non-invasive surgery has also expanded the possibilities for the treatment of complex conditions.
Open Source Software and Services
This democratized access to software and information. For example, anyone can contribute to Wikipedia, and you can find out information on pretty much anything from there. Wikipedia was invented in 2001 and encouraged innovation through community collaboration and reduced costs for businesses and consumers.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
LEDs transformed the world of lighting with energy-efficient solutions. They also enabled the development of new display technologies, such as the LED TV. LEDs have significantly helped the environment due to their much lower running costs and not using as much energy. It means they’ve not only helped the environment but also a person’s household bills.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Merck Group writes, “In the 1990s computer monitors, laptops, [and] notebooks [were] produced with liquid crystals – and ever-larger flat television screens.” LCDs revolutionized our television and computer screens. They allowed us to create thin and energy-efficient screens while also enhancing the visual quality of our digital media.
GPS Systems
GPS systems have transformed navigation to the point where we don’t use any kind of physical map anymore. We can access GPS through digital devices such as our mobile phones and enable them on our social media or shopping apps. GPS systems have been able to enhance safety and efficiency in transportation.
Online Shopping
Online shopping revolutionized retail and meant that products could be accessible from anywhere in the world. It saw the rise of digital marketplaces and other online markets, such as concert sales. It facilitated global trade and meant many more people could pursue their dream of being entrepreneurs.
Media File Compression (JPEG, MPEG, MP3)
These file compressions enabled efficient digital media storage and sharing. This is supported by Study Smarter, which writes, “During the 1990s, the focus shifted to lossy compression for multimedia data with the invention of JPEG, MPEG, and MP3.” These files also allowed for digital photography and online streaming to pave the way.
Microfinance
Microfinance has encouraged small businesses and entrepreneurs in developing countries. It has contributed to economic development and has significantly reduced poverty. It means that developing countries have had a sense of economic inclusion and have been able to pursue dreams they never thought they could.
Photovoltaic Solar Energy
Solar energy has contributed to the growth of renewable energy sources. It means we’ve been able to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which has helped with environmental conservation. Solar energy has become more and more accessible to homes and businesses across the world, helping to reduce our carbon footprint.
Internet, Broadband, and WWW (Browser and HTML)
The Internet may have been around before the nineties, but it was in this decade that it really got going. For example, History.com writes, “In 1991 the internet changed again. That year, a computer programmer in Switzerland named Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web.”
PC/Laptop Computers
Personal computers made computing accessible to the general public. They enabled the development of personal and business software and sped up the evolution of the home office. Ever since the first invention, we’ve seen personal laptops develop into touchscreen tablets, showing just how quickly technology has developed.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones transformed telecommunications. Now, people can call loved ones whenever they want, from anywhere in the world. Technology has developed further, so now mobile phones are databases full of applications from banking to shopping. Connections have also been enhanced, reshaping personal and professional interactions.
Email on Acid writes, “ISPs began bundling webmail into their offerings in the mid-‘90s. Hotmail and RocketMail, the latter of which became Yahoo! Mail, were the first free webmail services.” Since people were able to access emails on web browsers, it’s become an important part of everyday life and has significantly reduced the reliance on physical mail.