19. Smart Dust
One of the most important technological discoveries on this list is definitely the development of smart dust. University of California, San Diego is home to graduate student Jamie Link who created this amazing technology when developing a multi-layered silicone film. While working alongside her advisor Michael Sailor, the film suddenly broke. Making the best out of the circumstances, Link noticed that each broken piece maintained the original properties, thus being able to function properly. The original smart dust technology has made huge breakthroughs in medical procedures, development, drug delivery, environmental testing, and the list keeps growing. Link, being an outdoor enthusiast, is most excited for the environmental applications, “When I went down to Baja to test the polluted bay, I was shocked to see how dirty the water was. It made me realize how much we need tools like this”, according to the Universities website.