From Mistakes to Miracles: Unplanned Innovations That Shaped History

While studying staphylococcus bacteria, Alexander Fleming noticed a mold that killed nearby bacteria, leading to the accidental discovery of penicillin

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Microwave Oven: Percy Spencer discovered microwaves when a chocolate bar melted in his pocket near a magnetron

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Teflon: Chemist Roy Plunkett discovered a non-stick substance while working on a new refrigerant

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Velcro: Swiss engineer George de Mestral was inspired by how burdock seeds stuck to his clothes and his dog's fur

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Viagra: Initially for heart conditions, Viagra's side effects led to its use for erectile dysfunction

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Post-it Notes: A 3M researcher accidentally created a weak adhesive instead of a super-strong one

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