Seven Random Scientific Discoveries That Changed the World

In the history of science, many revolutionary discoveries occurred thanks to a lucky chance. Researchers who noticed anomalies in their experiments were able to transform humanity's understanding of the world. BAKU.WS, citing "Rambler," tells about the most significant of them.

Penicillin: mold that saved millions

In 1928, bacteriologist Alexander Fleming discovered areas without microorganisms in dishes with bacteria. The cause was Penicillium notatum mold that accidentally entered the laboratory. Fleming investigated the phenomenon and discovered the first antibiotic, which radically changed medicine. In the 1940s, penicillin was launched into mass production, saving thousands of lives during World War II.

Microwave oven: a candy bar in the pocket

Engineer Percy Spencer was working with magnetrons for radars in 1945 when he noticed that the chocolate in his pocket had melted. This observation led to the creation of the microwave oven - a device that has become indispensable in modern kitchens.

X-rays: through matter

In 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen, experimenting with cathode tubes, discovered unknown radiation that passed through opaque objects. By taking an image of his wife's hand, he initiated a revolution in diagnostic medicine.

Vulcanization of rubber: a fortunate carelessness

In 1839, Charles Goodyear accidentally dropped a mixture of rubber and sulfur onto a hot stove. The result was vulcanization - a process without which the production of modern tires and rubber products would be impossible.

Radioactivity: glow in the dark

Antoine Henri Becquerel in 1896 unexpectedly discovered that uranium salts exposed photographic plates even without sunlight. This discovery became the beginning of radioactivity research, leading to the development of nuclear energy and medicine.

Cosmic microwave background radiation: cosmic noise

In 1964, engineers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson tried to get rid of interference in a radio telescope. It turned out that the source of the noise was cosmic microwave background radiation, the most important evidence of the Big Bang theory.

Insulin: salvation for diabetics

In 1921, Frederick Banting and Charles Best unexpectedly discovered during experiments that pancreatic secretion reduces blood sugar levels. Thus, insulin was discovered, saving millions of diabetic patients.

Despite the element of chance, behind every great discovery stands the observant scientist ready to see the unusual in the ordinary and develop an unexpected observation into a breakthrough of global scale.