Accidental Invention

Accidental invention could light up the future
Quantum dot mixture takes LED lighting to a new level

The main light source of the future will almost surely not be a bulb. It might be a table, a wall, or even a fork.

An accidental discovery announced this week has taken LED lighting to a new level, suggesting it could soon offer a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative to the traditional light bulb. The miniature breakthrough adds to a growing trend that is likely to eventually make Thomas Edison's bright invention obsolete.

LEDs are already used in traffic lights, flashlights, and architectural lighting. They are flexible and operate less expensively than traditional lighting.

Cellophane: Learn how a failed tablecloth and the fibers from plants became the popular product known as cellophane.

Dynamite: The man that gave us the Nobel prize also gave us dynamite. As a bonus, take a tour of North America's only dynamite factory.

Matches: Interestingly enough, the cigarette lighter was invented before the match. Learn how this everyday item came to be. As a bonus, learn about the dangerous effects of pre-20th century match making.