Top 10 Cool Inventions by Women That Changed the World

Summary

This video from M, Mojo highlights the top 10 products invented by women that have significantly shaped the modern world. From Margaret E. Knight's square-bottomed paper bag to Stephanie Kwolek's Kevlar, each invention showcases the originality and impact of female ingenuity. Other notable inventions include the modern diaper, non-reflective glass, the automatic dishwasher, and Ada Lovelace's pioneering computer algorithm. The video also mentions the contributions of Grace Hopper and the Harvard Mark1 computer, emphasizing the technological advancements driven by women.

Takeaways

• 🛍️ The square-bottomed paper bag, invented by Margaret E. Knight, revolutionized packaging and supply chain efficiency.
• 👶 Modern diapers owe their existence to Maran Donovan's waterproof version and Valerie Hunter Gordon's disposable design, significantly easing childcare.
• 🏆 Katherine Blodgett's non-reflective glass, or 'invisible glass,' transformed various industries including cinema, military, and museum display.
• 🚔 Stephanie Kwolek's Kevlar has become synonymous with bulletproof protection but also finds use in a wide array of products from sports equipment to industrial materials.
• 🧊 Florence Parpart's modern electric refrigerator design made food storage more convenient and hygienic, replacing the traditional ice box.
• 📡 Hedy Lamarr, along with George Antheil, developed frequency-hopping technology which laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication systems like Wi-Fi and GPS.
• 🧬 Ida Henrietta Hyde's microelectrode invention was pivotal for the study of electrophysiology, allowing for the measurement of electrical activity within cells.
• 💉 Letitia Mumford Gear's one-hand medical syringe simplified medical procedures and improved patient care, becoming the standard in hospitals.
• 💻 Grace Hopper's work on the Harvard Mark I computer and her development of programming languages helped initiate the computing revolution.
• 👩‍💻 Ada Lovelace, through her collaboration with Charles Babbage, created the first computer algorithm, earning her title as the world's first computer programmer.

Q & A

Who is credited with inventing the square-bottomed paper bag?

Margaret E. Knight is credited with inventing the square-bottomed paper bag, which made packing groceries more convenient.

What innovation did Maran Donovan contribute to the diaper industry?

Maran Donovan created the first waterproof diaper by fastening part of a shower curtain to a diaper, which included snap fasteners.

Who developed disposable diapers with removable cellulose pads?

Valerie Hunter Gordon developed disposable diapers with removable cellulose pads and an outer plastic garment, patenting the design in 1949.

What is the significance of Katherine Blodgett's work on non-reflective glass?

Katherine Blodgett developed 'invisible glass' by coating it with barium stearate, which allowed 99% of light to pass through while being non-reflective, used in the movie industry and military applications.

Which material did Stephanie Kwolek invent that is known for its strength?

Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, a material known for its strength and is used in bulletproof vests, among other applications.

What was Florence Parpart's contribution to the modern refrigerator?

Florence Parpart's design for the modern electric refrigerator was the first to be commercially viable, improving upon previous refrigeration systems.

Who is known for inventing the automatic dishwasher?

Josephine Cochran is known for inventing the automatic dishwasher, which she patented in the mid-1880s.

What technology did Hedy Lamarr co-develop that has influenced modern wireless communication?

Hedy Lamarr co-developed a radio guiding system for torpedoes that led to spread spectrum communication technology, which is the basis for Wi-Fi, GPS, and other wireless technologies.

Who developed the microelectrode and how was it used?

Ida Henrietta Hyde developed the microelectrode, which is used to gauge the electrical properties of nervous tissue by stimulating and recording electrical activity within cells.

What was Laticia Mumford Gear's contribution to medical equipment?

Laticia Mumford Gear invented the one-hand medical syringe in the 1890s, which improved medical care and became the standard in hospitals.

Who is considered the first computer programmer and why?

Ada Lovelace is considered the first computer programmer because she created the first computer algorithm for Charles Babbage's analytical engine.