SERENDIPITOUS SCIENCE

Did you know X-rays were discovered by accident? 10 happy mistakes

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Most of the time, science is a painstakingly slow process where hypotheses are tested again and again through experiments, often without conclusive results. Yet, some of the most groundbreaking discoveries have come about not through careful planning, but by sheer serendipity.

Here are 10 instances where accidental findings changed the course of science and history.

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In 1928, Alexander Fleming returned to his laboratory after a long holiday, only to find a strange mold contaminating his Petri dishes of Staphylococcus bacteria. Surprised, he noticed that the mold was somehow preventing the bacteria from growing around it, as if it produced some kind of chemical that killed the bacteria. This chance encounter led to the discovery of penicillin, the world's first antibiotic, revolutionizing medicine and saving millions of lives.

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During World War II, engineer Percy Spencer noticed a chocolate bar melting in his pocket while working with radar equipment. Known for being a curious individual, he tried the same thing with other foods, discovering that the electromagnetic waves were quickly cooking anything that was put too close to the source. Soon, his colleagues were sampling the first microwave-cooked meals, and this eventually led to the development of the microwave oven.

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In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen was experimenting with cathode rays when he noticed that a platinocyanide screen (a material that happens to glow fluorescent in the presence of gamma and x-rays) almost nine feet away from the source started glowing. His curiosity was sparked, and after a few more experiments, he concluded that this type of radiation could pass through most substances, including soft body tissues. The unexpected phenomenon, later dubbed X-rays by Roentgen himself, eventually revolutionized medical imaging and diagnostics.

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In 1938, chemist Roy Plunkett accidentally discovered Teflon while working on refrigerants, when a batch of coolant gas polymerized overnight into a mysterious slippery substance. After a few tests, he discovered that the new material was non-reactive to most chemicals, leading to the creation of the most versatile non-stick material.

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In 1839, Charles Goodyear accidentally dropped a mixture of rubber and sulfur onto a hot stove. The resulting hardened material, known as vulcanized rubber, revolutionized industries from transportation to footwear. Although the world-shaking discovery was accidental, Goodyear had spent many years trying to create a stable form of rubber, a finding that changed his life and the lives of millions forever.

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While the term was coined by Marie Curie and her husband Pierre, it was Henri Becquerel who actually discovered radioactivity. In 1896, he was researching the properties of the recently discovered X-rays, when he found out that a sample of uranium could emit energy without an external source. His momentous discovery eventually led to our modern understanding of atomic physics and the development of nuclear energy.

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While taking his dog out for walks in the woods in 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed how burrs would easily stick to the fur of the animal and his clothes. Intrigued, he examined them under a microscope, giving him the idea of creating a simple fastener with a similar principle. He patented his idea in 1955, and gave it a name: Velcro, a portmanteau of the French words for velvet and hook.

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In 1968, a 3M scientist called Spencer Silver was attempting to develop a strong adhesive but "failed," instead creating a weak one. He still tried to put it to some use, but no one could think of any practical application for it. Years later, Art Fry - one of his colleagues at 3M - found it was very useful to keep bookmarks in place, and this eventually led to the manufacturing of the ubiquitous Post-it Notes.

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In 1879, Russian chemist Constantin Fahlberg was working with a coal tar derivative when he noticed it left a sweet taste in his hand. Realizing this particular compound was the culprit, he named it saccharin and began commercializing it as a food additive. The product was almost banned right away by concerned chemists, but after a few hiccups, the first artificial sweetener was born.

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In 1965, radio engineers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson stumbled upon cosmic microwave background radiation while testing a sensitive antenna. At first, they thought the strange heat being picked up was the fault of a family of pigeons that settled inside their antenna, but after removing them, the anomaly persisted. This accidental discovery provided compelling evidence for the Big Bang theory -predicted almost 20 years before by theoretical physicists- and shaped our modern understanding of the universe's origins.

USE BIG WORDS WITHOUT BEING SESQUIPEDALIAN

What are You Doing? Uncommon Verbs for Everyday Activities

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The English language is a bottomless source of linguistic treasures and nuances designed to describe in very specific detail absolutely everything and anything that can be fathomed. Common everyday words have equivalents that are rarely used or went out of style at some point in time in favor of more modern analog terms.

We have assembled a modest list of seldom-used synonyms for your perusal. These twelve outcasts are the rarely-heard cousins of very popular words that are an important part of our daily vocabulary.

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Why would you "declare" something when you can "aver" it? The verb "aver," a lesser-known synonym of "declare," originates from the Old French word averrer, which means to affirm or confirm.

In its modern usage, "aver" retains its essence as a formal declaration or affirmation, often employed in legal contexts or when making solemn statements. It conveys a sense of seriousness in asserting the truth or validity of a statement. Though not as commonly used as its more popular counterpart "declare," "aver" endures in specific registers.

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Perhaps one of the most common words on this list, "livid" is a synonym for "angry". It traces its roots to the Latin word lividus, meaning envious. Over time, it evolved to describe the darkening or discoloration associated with bruises, and eventually, it assumed its current use to define intense anger or fury.

When someone is described as "livid" it suggests a level of anger so deep that it manifests physically, as if the individual is figuratively turning blue with rage. This word adds depth to the expression of anger, communicating a sense of both the emotional intensity and the potential consequences of such strong feelings.

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A godly term related to the Roman god Mercury, the term "mercurial" originated from the Latin word "mercurialis". It serves as a lesser-known synonym for "moody." Drawing a linguistic parallel to the unpredictable nature of the Roman god, "mercurial" describes the essence of wild mood swings and temperament.

Describing an individual as "mercurial" implies attitudes that shift rapidly and unpredictably. This term goes beyond a mere description of moodiness, suggesting a dynamic and changeable disposition.

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Meaning to fall or dive, the term "plunge" comes from the Old French word plongier. It describes an abrupt descent or submersion, like a forceful dive into water. Beyond the very act of descending, "plunge" conveys a sense of rapid and often intense movement.

Whether used in the context of a literal fall or a metaphorical descent into a situation, "plunge" works as a more spectacular synonym for "fall".

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Coming from the Latin word acquiescere with "ad" (to) and "quiescere" (to rest), "acquiesce" is a less common synonym for "agree." This term goes beyond mere agreement, suggesting a passive acceptance or compliance with a request or situation.

When one acquiesces, they yield without protest, possibly with a sense of resignation. The term carries an undertone of submitting to circumstances rather than actively embracing them.

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Another term that is heard from time to time, "digress" serves as a lesser-known synonym for "deviate". It comes from the Latindigressus which means "to deviate" or "to wander off".

When an individual digresses, they depart from the main topic of discussion or deviate from the intended course of conversation, often into a tangent or a side note. Unlike a straightforward deviation, "digress" implies a purposeful or incidental departure.

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A magical term that originated from the Old French word alurer meaning to entice, "allure" is a lesser-known synonym for "attract." This word describes more than mere attraction, expressing a sense of charm and appeal.

When something or someone has allure, it possesses an irresistible charm that draws attention and interest. If a more sophisticated yet intense synonym of "attraction" is called for, "allure" is the word.

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In a similar but not equal vein to allure, the word "enrapture" serves as a lesser-known synonym for "captivate". It originated from the Latin word raptus, which also gave rise to "rapture". This term expresses the idea of being intensely captivated or delighted.

When something or someone enraptures, it goes beyond simple fascination. It evokes a state of being entranced or carried away with joy.

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For a term that encapsulates a popular concept so well, "gallivant" doesn't get used a lot. The word originated from the Middle English word galevant which meant to gad about or travel for pleasure. "Gallivant'' is a lesser-known synonym for "in search of amusement".

This term implies a carefree and leisurely journey, often undertaken for the sheer joy of exploration or adventure. When one decides to gallivant, they embrace a spirit of spontaneity and amusement, allowing themselves to wander without a specific destination.

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A very rarely used word, "abscond" came from the Latin word abscondere, meaning "to hide or conceal". The term is a more succinct and lesser-known synonym for "leave abruptly".

When one chooses to abscond, they not only depart suddenly but also do so clandestinely or with an intent to evade detection. This term transmits a sense of mystery and secrecy, suggesting a departure that involves a deliberate effort to disappear or escape notice.

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Although the term is definitely not popular, it describes an activity that it very much is. Derived from the word "lolly" meaning "to idle", and "gag" suggesting a joke, "lollygag" is a lesser-known synonym for the concept of spending time aimlessly.

This idiom implies a leisurely approach to time, often with a playful quality. When one decides to lollygag, they engage in activities without a specific purpose, reveling in the unhurried and carefree passage of time. "Stop lollygagging and get to work" could very well be an expression heard at offices all around the world.

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Why wrap up when you can "mabble?" A word derived from the Old Frenchmabillon, meaning a cloth or garment, "mabble" describes the act of enveloping or covering, often in an informal manner.

Even though it is not frequently used in modern language, "mabble" could enrich the vocabulary by providing a softer and more charming alternative to describe the simple act of wrapping something up.