UV-Protected Sunglasses
In the 1980s, scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs were tasked with finding a way to protect astronauts’ eyes from the intense sunlight they experience on the job. Scientists studied birds of prey, known for their incredible eyesight and accuracy, and discovered that their eyes secrete an oil that acts as a film to guard against harmful ultraviolet rays. The scientists used this to create a film that could be applied to sunglasses. Today, many eyeglasses and sunglasses companies utilize UV protection coatings.
Invisible Braces
Clear braces are made from a material called translucent polycrystalline alumina, which was developed to insulate the infrared antennas of heat-seeking missiles. This form of transparent ceramic is as durable as metal or plastic, but more aesthetically pleasing.
Pavement Safety Grooving
Everyone has seen this simple design: grooves etched into the sides of highways and bridges that wick away water to help prevent cars from hydroplaning. This ingenious technology was invented by NASA to aid in aircraft landings in the 1960s when a scientist discovered that etching grooves into the pavement improve traction (essential when landing aircraft at extreme speeds).
Baby formula
We’re not baby scientists (nor are we sure that’s a thing), but it doesn’t take a Dr. Spock, or even a Mr. Spock, to know that infants need nutrition. Luckily, NASA is on the case.
Back in the ’80s, NASA researchers were looking into how microalgae could be used on long space trips as a food supply. Their work led to the creation of Formula, a food additive found in most baby formulas. The fatty acids in Formulaid are essential for a baby’s mental and visual health. We’re impressed, even though we now just realized we drank algae as babies.
Computer Mice
Until we all get those sweet interfaces from Minority Report, the mouse will be the most common way to use our personal computers. And it exists because NASA needed it. With computers being applied to more and more aspects of space flight, money was funneled into a project to make them more easily interactive. The result was the computer mouse.
They probably didn’t predict that kids would go on to use them to draw dicks in MS Paint.