Did you know that some of the everyday items we use were originally created for the military? From bug spray to EpiPens, many inventions started on the battlefield before becoming part of our daily lives. Let’s dive into some surprising military-originated inventions!
Next time you’re enjoying a mosquito-free day outside, you can thank the military. In the 1940s, soldiers needed a better way to keep bugs away. The USDA worked hard to create a bug repellent that lasted longer. By 1957, this repellent, known as DEET, was available for everyone. DEET doesn’t kill mosquitoes; instead, it confuses their senses so they can’t find us.
During World War II, materials like rubber were hard to get. Scientists tried to find substitutes, and James Wright accidentally created Silly Putty while experimenting. Although the military didn’t use it, Silly Putty became a hit when Peter Hodgson sold it in plastic eggs in 1950. It was an instant success!
The Slinky, a classic toy, also has military roots. In 1943, Richard James, a Navy engineer, was working on a project when he dropped a coil of wire. It moved in a fun way, inspiring the Slinky. It became popular after a demonstration at a department store in 1945. Interestingly, soldiers used Slinkies to improve radio signals during the Vietnam War.
Even Cheetos have a military connection! During World War I, scientists developed processed cheese to last longer in warm climates. The military ordered lots of it, helping Kraft become successful. After the war, leftover powdered cheese led to the creation of cheese-flavored snacks like Cheetos.
World War II also led to the development of concentrated orange juice. Scientists found a way to make it taste better and easier to transport. This innovation made concentrated orange juice a common item in American homes.
While working on the Atlas missile, the U.S. Air Force helped inspire WD-40. In 1953, Rocket Chemical Company created a rust-prevention product, which became the WD-40 we know today.
Super glue was discovered during a military project. Chemist Henry Coover found cyanoacrylates, which stuck to everything. In the 1950s, these sticky compounds became super glue. During the Vietnam War, medics used it to seal wounds quickly, saving lives.
EpiPens, crucial for people with severe allergies, also have military origins. In the 1970s, NASA asked for a device update for astronauts, leading to the development of auto-injectors. These were later adapted for civilian use as EpiPens.
Finally, duct tape was invented during World War II. Vesta Stout, working in an ammunition plant, suggested a fabric tape to seal boxes better. Her idea reached President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Johnson & Johnson created duct tape. Originally called “duck tape” for its water-repellent properties, it became known as duct tape for its use in wrapping ducts.
These are just a few examples of how military needs have led to inventions we use every day. It’s fascinating to see how innovations from the past continue to impact our lives!
Research the timeline of each invention mentioned in the article. Create a visual timeline poster that shows when each invention was developed and when it became available for civilian use. Include images and brief descriptions to make your timeline engaging.
Choose one of the inventions and imagine you are the inventor presenting it to the military for the first time. Prepare a short presentation explaining its purpose, how it works, and why it would be beneficial for military use. Perform your presentation for the class.
Think about a current problem that could be solved with a new invention. Design a prototype or draw a detailed diagram of your invention. Write a short paragraph explaining its purpose and how it could be used by both the military and civilians.
Form two groups and debate the impact of military-originated inventions on civilian life. One group will argue that these inventions have significantly improved daily life, while the other will discuss potential negative impacts. Use examples from the article to support your arguments.
Create a scavenger hunt where you find everyday items at home or school that originated from military inventions. Take photos or make a list of these items, and share your findings with the class, explaining their military origins and current uses.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Drones, Jeeps, GPS—you might not be surprised to learn that these inventions had military origins and were later adapted for civilian use. Today, we’re going to explore everyday items that were originally developed for the front lines, from bug spray to EpiPens. I’m Erin McCarthy, and this is The List Show. Let’s get started!
Next time you’re enjoying a mosquito-free afternoon outside, take a moment to thank the military. In the early 1940s, the armed forces were using a repellent that had to be reapplied every two hours—not exactly convenient in life-or-death situations. The USDA worked for a decade to develop a solution that repelled bugs for 10 hours. The Army put it to use immediately, and by 1957, it was available for commercial use. Today, we know it as DEET, a compound found in many insect repellents. Contrary to popular belief, DEET doesn’t actually kill mosquitoes; it interferes with their neurons and receptors, preventing them from detecting human scents like lactic acid and carbon dioxide.
During World War II, certain resources were scarce. Some materials, like metal and paper, were reserved for the war effort, while others faced supply issues when the U.S. rubber supply from Southeast Asia was cut off. The U.S. War Production Board called for potential substitutes, leading scientist James Wright to experiment with boric acid and silicone oil, resulting in the creation of Silly Putty. Initially, the government had no use for it, but in 1950, Peter Hodgson helped bring Silly Putty to the mainstream by packaging it in plastic eggs and selling it for a dollar around Easter. Sales took off, hitting a quarter of a million orders in just three days.
Another classic kids’ toy, the Slinky, was also born from a military project. In 1943, Richard James, a mechanical engineer with the Navy, was working on a device to secure equipment at sea when he accidentally dropped a coil of wire. He watched as it tumbled in a fluid motion, leading to the creation of the Slinky. After some initial struggles, the Slinky gained popularity, particularly after a demonstration at Gimbels department store during the 1945 holiday season. Interestingly, during the Vietnam War, soldiers used Slinkies to improve radio signals.
The invention of Cheetos can be traced back to military innovations as well. Scientists sought better ways to preserve cheese for warmer climates, leading to the development of processed cheese. The U.S. military placed large orders for this cheese during World War I, which helped Kraft achieve success. After the war, the surplus of powdered cheese was sold to grocery manufacturers, leading to the creation of various cheese-flavored products, including Cheetos.
World War II also spurred the development of concentrated orange juice. Efforts to sell it had been ongoing since the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the war that scientists created a vacuum evaporation method to improve the taste and reduce bulk. This innovation helped make concentrated orange juice a staple in American households.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force was developing the Atlas missile, which led to the creation of WD-40. In 1953, Rocket Chemical Company developed a line of rust prevention solvents, resulting in the now-famous product.
Super glue, another household staple, originated from a military project. Chemist Henry Coover was working on clear plastics for military sites when he discovered cyanoacrylates, which stuck to everything. Fast forward to the 1950s, and a young chemist working under Coover recognized the potential of these sticky compounds, leading to the creation of super glue. During the Vietnam War, medics used it to seal wounds, saving lives.
EpiPens, which are now essential for those with severe allergies, also have military roots. In the early 1970s, NASA contacted Survival Technology to update a device called the Atro Pen for astronauts. This led to the development of auto-injectors, which were later adapted for civilian use as EpiPens.
Lastly, duct tape has military origins as well. In 1943, Vesta Stout, working in an ammunition plant, proposed a fabric tape to seal boxes more effectively. Her idea reached President Franklin D. Roosevelt, leading to the creation of duct tape by Johnson & Johnson. Originally called “duck tape” for its water-repellent properties, it became known as duct tape due to its later use in wrapping ductwork.
That’s it for this episode of The List Show. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you next time!
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This version removes any potentially sensitive or inappropriate content while maintaining the core information and flow of the original transcript.
Inventions – New devices or processes created to solve problems or improve existing solutions. – The invention of the telephone revolutionized communication in the late 19th century.
Military – Relating to the armed forces or to soldiers, arms, or war. – The military played a crucial role in the outcome of World War II.
Bug – An error or flaw in a computer program or system that causes it to produce an incorrect or unexpected result. – The scientists worked tirelessly to fix the bug in the software controlling the space probe.
Spray – A liquid that is blown or driven through the air in the form of tiny drops. – The researchers used a special spray to protect the crops from pests.
World – The earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features. – The world witnessed significant technological advancements during the 20th century.
War – A state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country. – The war led to major changes in the political landscape of Europe.
Scientists – People who study or have expert knowledge of one or more of the natural or physical sciences. – Scientists have discovered new elements that have expanded our understanding of chemistry.
Cheese – A food made from the pressed curds of milk, often used in scientific studies to understand fermentation processes. – The study of cheese fermentation helps scientists learn about beneficial bacteria.
Glue – A substance used for sticking objects or materials together. – The invention of a new type of glue has improved the construction of lightweight materials.
Tape – A narrow strip of material, typically used to hold or fasten something. – Scientists used special tape to secure the samples during the experiment.
