August 10, 2015 – The crew aboard the International Space Station sampled, for the first time, Outredgeous lettuce that was grown in microgravity using Veggie hardware.
August 22, 2011 – At the University of Leeds’ School of Chemistry, researchers developed a peptide-based liquid that can reverse early-stage tooth decay without the use of a drill.
August 6, 1935 – The cathode ray tube was patented by William Coolidge. This innovation has been an essential component in a variety of electronics, including TVs.
August 5, 1914 – Cleveland, OH, became home to the first electric traffic light system, with a buzzer that activated to warn motorists when the lights would change from green to red and vice versa.
August 13, 1913 – A first in the field of metallurgy, stainless steel was cast when U.K.-based Harry Brearly was attempting to improve the erosion resistance of rifle barrels.
August 21, 1888 – American William Burroughs patented the first calculator, which used simple addition to calculate numbers.
August 22, 1865 – A first in American history, a liquid soap for both household and industrial usage was patented by William Sheppard.
August 12, 1865 – Dr. Joseph Lister developed a surgical antiseptic process using carbolic acid, which he applied onto his hands, tools, bandages, as well as his patients’ affected wounds.
August 19, 1856 – Gail Borden developed and patented a condensing process to increase the shelf life of milk. This commercial patent was responsible for improving the accessibility of milk in heavily populated areas.
August 31, 1625 – British William Beale was granted a patent for an anti-fouling paint made of cement, copper, and iron powder, which was applied onto the hulls of marine vessels.