Unbelievable Ways Science Has Transformed Our Lives

It's hard to imagine a time when people didn't rely on their smartphones for... well, everything. But not so long ago, the idea of a touch-sensitive supercomputer in your pocket would've been ridiculous. Believe it or not, we used to wear fish on our heads to cure headaches and inhale scabs to fight off diseases. So, put that phone away and get ready for some amazing signs of just how far science has come, unless you're watching this on your phone, obviously.

1. Alarm Knocks: The Era Before Alarm Clocks

Do you think you'd be able to get out of bed on time, every day, without an alarm clock? Before alarm clocks became readily available, knocker uppers, a dedicated profession in Britain, would use long bamboo sticks to wake people up. One famous knocker upper even used a pea shooter. But who woke the knocker uppers up? They had a unique schedule that didn't require alarms, but their profession became obsolete when alarm clocks hit the market in the mid-20th century.

2. Pay By Magic: The Future of Contactless Payments

As physical cash is being phased out in many countries, technology allows us to pay with just our hand or wrist by inserting a tiny microchip under the skin. The Polish-British company Walletmor is planning to bring this technology to the market. This innovation could turn you into a "cyborg" and revolutionize the way we make payments.

3. Rock Bottom: The Evolution of Toilet Paper

Toilet paper wasn't widely available until China manufactured it in the 14th century, and it didn't make its way to the US until the 20th century. Before toilet paper, people used various unsavory alternatives, like dried corncobs, stones, and communal sponges on sticks. Thankfully, modern toilets come with the joy of soft, clean toilet paper.

4. Radical Rays: The Unusual History of X-Rays

X-rays have come a long way since their discovery in 1895. During World War I, they were used to ensure soldiers' boots were the correct fit. The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was a popular device that used X-rays to check the fit of shoes. Although it was banned as X-ray dangers became evident, it was a fascinating invention of its time.

5. Auto-Automobiles: The Evolution of Cars

Cars, as our preferred mode of transport today, were invented in 1886 by German engineer Karl Benz. The first car, the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, was significantly less high-powered than modern vehicles. The article also mentions the trials of self-driving cars in Cambridge, showcasing how far automotive technology has come.

6. Sk-wee-ky Clean: Unusual Laundry Practices

In medieval England, cloth-makers used urine to clean wool, as ammonia produced after urine decomposed effectively degreased fabric. The article also highlights how the use of urine extended to the Ancient Greeks for cleaning, and even teeth whitening in Ancient Rome.

7. Space Cam: Evolution of Space Photography

The article explores the history of space photography, from the first image of the moon taken in 1840 to the Hubble Space Telescope's contribution to space photography. It highlights the advancements in technology that have enabled us to capture clearer images of celestial bodies.

8. Zappy Happy: Electric Headaches

In ancient times, electric black torpedo fish were used to cure headaches. These fish would zap a person's head with electricity to numb the pain. While this practice may seem unconventional, modern science is also exploring the use of electrical shocks to soothe pain in a more controlled manner.

9. Vehicular Vacuum: The Evolution of Vacuum Cleaners

The evolution of vacuum cleaners is traced from the first vacuum, the Puffing Billy, which required horses to operate, to the compact, efficient vacuum cleaners we have today. The article emphasizes how this invention, albeit clunky at first, paved the way for modern cleaning technology.

10. Cloning Around: Cloning in the Real World

The article discusses the history of cloning, from the early experiments with salamanders to the more recent attempt to bring back an extinct species of wild goat. It also mentions the possibility of pet cloning services available today, raising ethical questions.

11. Not-So-Smart Watch: Early Smart Watch Attempts

The concept of a smartwatch was first marketed in 1984 with the Seiko UC-2000 wrist computer. This article highlights the advancements in wearable technology and how early attempts at smartwatches laid the foundation for modern smartwatches.

12. Terrible Toilets: The Evolution of Sanitation

The article explores the history of toilets, from medieval garderobes to the development of modern sewage systems. It emphasizes how sanitation has improved over the years, making our lives cleaner and more hygienic.

13. Propheting Off Pregnancy: Early Pregnancy Testing Methods

The article discusses early pregnancy testing methods, from using mice to sniffing out pregnancy in the 16th century. It highlights the evolution of pregnancy testing, from unconventional methods to the clinical, hygienic tests we have today.

14. Mercury Madness: The Deadly Allure of Mercury

The article delves into the historical fascination with mercury, which was believed to have magical properties. It also highlights how mercury was used as a treatment for various ailments before its extreme toxicity was understood.

15. Vile Vaccinations: The Dark History of Vaccination

The article traces the history of vaccination from early, crude methods involving disease-ridden substances to modern, clinical vaccinations. It highlights how science and ethics have transformed the field of vaccination.

Incredible as it may seem, the history of science is filled with fascinating and often shocking developments. From ancient practices that make us cringe to modern innovations that have transformed our lives, science has come a long way. These remarkable stories remind us of the progress we've made and the countless ways in which science has improved the quality of our lives. So, next time you pick up your smartphone, use a vacuum cleaner, or simply enjoy the convenience of modern life, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey that science has taken us on.