12 times science messed up—and created something incredible

Credit: Talha Hassan

Innovation often comes from the most unexpected places. Some of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were not the result of a planned experiment but rather accidents, mishaps, or just serendipity. From the creation of irreplaceable household items to revolutionary medical breakthroughs, these chance discoveries changed history. Here are 12 remarkable things invented or discovered purely by accident.

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In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin when he accidentally left a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria uncovered. A spore of mold landed on it, killing the surrounding bacteria.

Intrigued, Fleming continued experimenting with the mold, leading to the development of antibiotics that have saved millions of lives and continue to combat infections today.

Credit: CDC

In 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen discovered X-rays while experimenting with cathode rays in a dark lab. He noticed that a nearby fluorescent screen began to glow even though it wasn’t directly in the path of the rays.

This accidental finding led to the development of X-ray technology. Röntgen’s discovery opened the door for modern diagnostic imaging and is still widely used in hospitals worldwide.

Credit: The Oregon State University Collections and Archives

In 1945, engineer Percy Spencer accidentally discovered microwaves’ cooking potential when a chocolate bar in his pocket melted while he was working on radar technology.

He then experimented with popcorn kernels, further realizing the power of microwaves for cooking. This serendipitous discovery led to the microwave oven, which became a staple of modern kitchens.

Credit: Imthaz Ahamed

Charles Goodyear stumbled upon vulcanized rubber in 1839 when he accidentally dropped a mixture of rubber and sulfur onto a hot stove. The heat caused the rubber to harden and become more durable, which led to the invention of vulcanized rubber.

Vulcanization makes rubber stronger and more elastic, and the process is still used today in products ranging from tires to waterproof clothing.

Credit: Ian Talmacs

In 1826, chemist John Walker accidentally invented the first friction match when he scraped a chemical-coated stick on his hearth and saw it ignite. He had been experimenting with creating a new type of explosive but instead stumbled upon a practical way to create fire.

Walker’s matches were the first to be struck on any rough surface, paving the way for modern safety matches.

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In 1968, 3M scientist Spencer Silver was trying to create a super-strong adhesive but instead developed a weak one that could easily be removed.

Years later, his colleague Art Fry applied this adhesive to paper and created the now-iconic Post-it Note. Who could have guessed that a bad adhesive could become so popular?

Credit: Rob Wicks

In 1938, chemist Roy Plunkett was researching refrigerants when he accidentally discovered Teflon. While he was trying to make a new refrigerant, the gas he was working with turned into a solid, creating a slippery substance that was non-reactive and heat-resistant.

Teflon’s unique properties made it perfect for non-stick cookware. It also found uses in industries ranging from aerospace to electronics, making it a critical material in modern technology.

Credit: Carrie Borden

In 1903, French chemist Édouard Bénédictus discovered safety glass by accident. After dropping a glass flask coated with plastic, he noticed that it cracked but didn’t shatter.

This led to the invention of laminated safety glass, which is now standard in car windows and other safety applications, and has saved countless lives by preventing dangerous shards from flying during an impact.

Credit: Giorgio Trovato

In 1942, Dr. Harry Coover accidentally invented Super Glue while attempting to create a clear plastic for gun sights. He discovered that the substance he had created was incredibly sticky, but too sticky for its intended purpose. The compound, called cyanoacrylate, was shelved for being too impractical at the time.

However, when the remarkable adhesive properties of the substance were later re-examined, it was commercialized under the now-ubiquitous name “Super Glue” and quickly became a household staple for all kinds of quick fixes.

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In 1907, Leo Baekeland discovered the first synthetic plastic while trying to create a synthetic substitute for natural rubber. His accidental combination of phenol and formaldehyde led to a substance that was heat-resistant and very durable.

In fact, Bakelite marked the beginning of the plastic age. It revolutionized manufacturing worldwide, allowing the creation of everything from household items to electrical components.

Credit: jesse orrico

In 1956, engineer Wilson Greatbatch accidentally invented the pacemaker while attempting to build a heart rhythm recording device. By installing the wrong resistor, he unknowingly created a device capable of regulating heartbeats.

Who would have thought that a simple circuit mix-up would lead to such a revolutionary medical breakthrough?

Credit: Alexander Grey

In 1879, chemist Constantin Fahlberg accidentally discovered saccharin while working with coal tar derivatives. He forgot to wash his hands and later noticed a sweet taste on his fingers.

Curious, he traced the unusual taste back to his experiment and recognized the potential of the new substance. Saccharin went on to become the first artificial sweetener, still widely used today in diet sodas and sugar substitutes.

Aren’t we all a bit narcissistic? 12 terms we owe to Greek mythology

Credit: Chelsea Scott

We’ve already explored English words inspired by movies, or derived from the works of popular authors. But have you ever noticed how many everyday words go back to Greek mythology? Sure, we have the more obvious ones—like “narcissist” or “nemesis”—but you might find in this list terms that you didn’t know were so old. Read on!