The Aqualung is invented, enabling under-water breathing. Otto Hann of Germany wins the Nobel prize for Chemistry for his discovery of atomic fission. First microwave ovens go on sale. Bardeen, Brattan and Shockley devise semiconductors and transistors. Diner's Club introduces the first charge card.
Velcro is patented.
Telstar, the first active communication satellite, relays the first trans-Atlantic television pictures. Neil Armstrong is the first man on the moon. The floppy disk is introduced for storing data used by computers. Smallpox is eradicated as a disease through a worldwide vaccination program. Barney Clark becomes the first person to recieve an artificial heart.