Our Shameful Oversight: 13 Hidden Geniuses Who Revolutionized Our World, Yet Remain in Obscurity

Names like Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Nikola Tesla are well-known globally. These scientists are considered rock stars in their fields, and their names are amongst the most well-known personalities in history.

However, many innovators played a critical part in scientific advancements but never received the accolades. They made much of the progress possible with their critical contributions.

Let’s talk about 13 of these hidden heroes, learn their stories, and learn about their impact on our lives.

Hedy Lamarr – Wireless Communication Pioneer

Hedy Lamarr was a 1940s actress who was also a scientist when away from the screen. Hedy, along with her team, came up with something called “frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology.”

That’s a fancy term for the magic behind our Wi-Fi and Bluetooth today. It helps our phones and gadgets talk to each other without getting mixed up. So, in a way, Hedy Lamarr helped make all those wireless devices work smoothly. She was an inventor and a movie star.

Garrett Morgan: The Creator of the Traffic Signal

Back in 1923, a person named Garrett Morgan came up with the traffic signal. It was able to perform three functions, which are stop, get ready and go. With his three-position traffic signal, things changed.

It made roads safer because now drivers and pedestrians could better understand when to stop and when to go. Thanks to Garrett Morgan, cities all over the world have smoother traffic and safer streets.

Otis Boykin – The Resistor Whisperer

Otis Boykin is the mastermind behind some really cool stuff. He figured out how to make electrical resistors better. If you’re wondering about the electrical resistors, they’re tiny parts inside electronic gadgets that help them work smoothly.

Because of Otis Boykin’s improvements, we got things like pacemakers, which help people’s hearts beat right. And even guided missiles, which are used to keep us safe. Plus, everyday things like household appliances work better because of his ideas. So, Otis Boykin was a genius who made our electronic stuff work smarter and better.

Mary Anderson – Windshield Wiper Inventor

Mary Anderson’s 1903 invention of the windshield wiper made driving safer and more convenient. It’s like a magical arm that wipes away rain and snow from your car’s window so you can see clearly.

This simple yet brilliant invention made driving much safer, especially when the weather isn’t so nice. Thanks to Mary Anderson, we can drive more easily in rain, snow, or any kind of weather.

Charles Drew – Blood Banking Pioneer

Charles Drew was a real hero during World War II. In those days, finding the right blood type wasn’t easy to get. But Charles Drew found out how to store and preserve blood plasma, which is like a part of your blood that helps when you’re hurt or sick.

Because of Charles Drew’s work, we have modern blood banks today. They store blood so that when someone is hurt or sick, they can get the right type of blood quickly.

Ruth Wakefield – The Cookie Innovator

Back in the 1930s, Ruth was baking some chocolate cookies when she ran out of regular baker’s chocolate. As she pondered, she had a brilliant idea: “Why not add chocolate chunks to the cookie dough?” She believed they would dissolve into gooey goodness and create chocolatey cookies.

But you know what? The chocolate pieces didn’t fully liquefy. Instead, they turned into gooey, delicious chocolate chunks inside the cookies.  Ruth accidentally invented what we now call the chocolate chip cookie. Now, these cookies are loved by people all over the world.

Percy Julian – Synthetic Drugs Pioneer

Percy Julian figured out how to make important medicines in a lab. Before Percy’s time, these medicines were costly, and not everyone could afford them.

He found a way to make these medicines in a lab, which made them much cheaper. This means more people could get the medicines they need to stay healthy.

Stephanie Kwolek – Creator of Kevlar

Stephanie Kwolek found a material called Kevlar, which is really strong but also very light. This was a game-changing discovery since Kevlar is five times stronger than steel but as light as a feather.

Because of Kevlar, we have things like bulletproof vests that keep police officers and soldiers safe. They are also used in things like helmets, gloves, and other stuff that keep them safe. So, Stephanie Kwolek’s discovery made the world a safer place for many people.

John Bardeen – Semiconductor Pioneer

John Bardeen made improvements to the semiconductors, which act like the brains of all our electronic gadgets. He was the inventor of the transistor, a tiny but super essential part in our phones, computers, and more.

Because of John’s work, our gadgets became smaller, faster, and more efficient. So, whenever you use your smartphone or any electronic device, you can thank John Bardeen for helping make it work so well. He was a true pioneer in the world of electronics.

Richard Spikes – Automatic Gear Shift Pioneer

Richard Spikes is the person who made driving a whole lot simpler. In 1932, Richard came up with something really cool: the automatic gear shift. It is an excellent option for someone driving long distances and during rush hours.

Before that, when you drove a car, you had to change gears, which could be tricky manually. But with Richard’s invention, cars could change gears all by themselves. The manual gear change option is still available, though few people opt for it.

Dr. Patricia Bath – Ophthalmologist and Inventor

Dr. Patricia created the “Laserphaco Probe.” This device made cataract surgery much better. Before her invention, this surgery was more difficult and risky.

With the Laserphaco Probe, cataract surgery became faster and safer. Doctor Patricia Bath’s invention helped many people see better and live more comfortably.

Wilson Greatbatch – Inventor of the Implantable Cardiac Pacemaker

In the 1950s, Wilson was working on a device to help with heartbeats. But by accident, he made something amazing – the implantable cardiac pacemaker.

This little device goes inside a person’s chest and helps their heart beat regularly. Because of Wilson Greatbatch’s accident, many lives have been saved. People with weaker hearts can now lead a much more normal life thanks to the pacemakers.

Mary Kenner – Feminine Hygiene Innovator

Mary Kenner’s patents for better sanitary napkins and moisture-proof pockets for sanitary belts made women’s lives more comfortable and convenient, making a positive impact on their daily lives.

Prior to the sanitary napkins, women mostly used reusable cloth, which could lead to severe infections in women.

Conclusion

These 13 unsung innovators may not have enjoyed the same level of recognition as some of their contemporaries, but their inventions have left an indelible mark on our everyday lives.

As we celebrate the achievements of these forgotten heroes, let us also remember that countless others remain hidden, waiting to be discovered and celebrated for their contributions to our world.

Don’t Toss It Yet: 12 Overlooked Antiques In Your Home That Could Make You An Overnight Millionaire

Antique items have long captured the fascination of collectors and enthusiasts, and beyond their sentimental value, they hold the potential to bring considerable wealth to their fortunate owners.
Here are the 12 Overlooked Antiques In Your Home That Could Make You An Overnight Millionaire

Profitable Stock Traders are Using This Tool to “Hack” the Markets

This tool is helping traders beat the market compared to those who have no idea what is.
Here are the Top 28 Stock Trading Discord Servers Right Now.

10 Industries That Will Make The Most Millionaires In The Next 5 Years

If you are not paying attention to these 10 industries, you are about to miss out on the next boom of millionaires.
See the 10 Industries About to Make the Most Millionaires in the Next 5 Years.

8 Cryptos Set to Shoot to the Moon in 2023 – One Small Investment, One Giant Leap for Your Wallet

These are 8 cryptocurrencies you need to know about before you miss out on the next boom.
8 Cryptos Set to Shoot to the Moon in 2023 – One Small Investment, One Giant Leap for Your Wallet

10 Stocks in Bill Gates Stock Portfolio Smart Investors are Buying

We share the top 10 stocks that Bill Gates owns that smart investors are buying right now.
10 Stocks in Bill Gates Stock Portfolio Smart Investors are Buying

The wealthiest people on Earth share similarities in their habits. We break down the 27 habits you would not expect!
The 27 Unexpected Habits Of The Wealthy: Secrets To Maximize Your Money

This Options Discord Chat is The Real Deal

While the internet is scoured with trading chat rooms, many of which even charge upwards of thousands of dollars to join, this smaller options trading discord chatroom is the real deal and actually providing valuable trade setups, education, and community without the noise and spam of the larger more expensive rooms. With a incredibly low-cost monthly fee, Options Trading Club (click here to see their reviews) requires an application to join ensuring that every member is dedicated and serious about taking their trading to the next level. If you are looking for a change in your trading strategies, then click here to apply for a membership.

---