10 Technological Advances That Saved Lives and 10 That Cost Lives

Vaccination is one of the most effective advances in public health in history. Diseases such as smallpox once killed hundreds of millions of people worldwide, before large-scale vaccination campaigns succeeded in nearly eradicating them.

Before organized wastewater treatment became widespread, contaminated water regularly spread deadly diseases in overcrowded cities. In the 19th century, cholera epidemics claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people in Europe and North America before sanitation infrastructure improved.

Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 revolutionized medicine. Before the advent of antibiotics, relatively minor infections resulting from cuts, surgical procedures, or pneumonia could easily lead to death. 

Thanks to reliable refrigeration systems, food spoilage has been reduced and cases of foodborne illness have decreased in homes, restaurants, and medical facilities. Before the advent of refrigerated transportation and storage, bacteria spread rapidly in meat, dairy products, and other perishable foods. 

The seat belt has become one of the simplest and most effective automotive safety technologies ever developed. Studies consistently show that wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a traffic accident. 

Access to safe drinking water has significantly improved survival rates in both urban and rural communities. Filtration and chlorination systems have helped reduce the incidence of deadly diseases such as typhoid fever and dysentery, particularly during the 20th century. 

Before the advent of anesthesia, surgical procedures were often rushed, traumatic, and extremely painful for patients. The introduction of ether, followed by other anesthesia techniques during the 19th century, allowed doctors to perform longer and more complex operations safely. Modern medicine relies heavily on anesthesia, whether for emergency surgery or childbirth.

Airbags became standard safety features after studies showed that they could reduce fatal head and chest injuries in the event of a collision. When used in conjunction with seat belts, airbags have significantly improved the chances of survival in serious traffic accidents. 

Technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI have revolutionized doctors’ ability to diagnose injuries and diseases. Doctors were suddenly able to examine bones, organs, and internal injuries without having to immediately resort to invasive surgery. Faster and more accurate diagnoses have saved countless lives through earlier treatment and improved emergency care.

Before the advent of insulin treatment in the 1920s, type 1 diabetes was generally fatal shortly after diagnosis. The discovery and medical use of insulin have enabled patients to control their blood sugar levels and live much longer. Today, insulin remains one of the most important drugs in modern medicine.

High-rate-of-fire machine guns revolutionized the art of war in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Weapons such as the Maxim machine gun allowed armies to fire hundreds of rounds per minute, rendering traditional infantry charges disastrously ineffective. During World War I, machine guns played a major role in the massive casualties suffered by both sides.

Chemical warfare gained notoriety during World War I, following the use of chlorine and mustard gas on the battlefields. These substances caused blindness, lung damage, severe burns, and an agonizing death among soldiers trapped in the trenches. 

Nuclear weapons introduced a level of destructive power that humanity had never experienced before. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 killed well over 100,000 people, who died from shock waves, burns, and radiation. 

Landmines were designed to neutralize enemy soldiers, but they often remain buried long after conflicts have ended. Civilians, including children, continue to suffer serious injuries and even lose their lives due to unexploded mines in former war zones in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Clearing former minefields remains a costly and dangerous international operation.

Flamethrowers were widely used during both world wars as well as in several subsequent conflicts. These weapons projected burning fuel over large areas, causing devastating injuries and spreading terror among enemy troops. 

Missile technology has enabled nations to strike targets at very long ranges with increasing speed and precision. During World War II, German V-2 rockets demonstrated that it was possible to attack cities without warning from areas far beyond traditional front lines.

Submarines introduced stealth attacks that profoundly changed the nature of naval combat. During both world wars, German U-boats targeted both military and civilian ships, causing significant loss of life in the Atlantic Ocean. Their ability to strike by surprise made maritime trade and passenger transport far more dangerous during wartime.

In the 19th century, Alfred Nobel developed dynamite to improve mining and construction work. While it made it possible to build tunnels, railroads, and canals, this explosive substance also became a more effective tool for war and terrorism. 

Military aircraft revolutionized the art of war by making it possible to carry out air strikes against soldiers, factories, and civilian infrastructure. The strategic bombing campaigns conducted during World War II caused enormous destruction in cities across Europe and Asia.

Modern drones have revolutionized military operations by making it possible to carry out surveillance missions and strikes from a great distance without directly exposing pilots to danger. While some argue that drones reduce military casualties, their critics point to civilian casualties and the ethical issues associated with remote warfare.