The Hispanic Inventors Changing the World
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th) is a time to recognize and celebrate the profound contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals to our society. Among these contributions are remarkable innovations that have transformed industries, improved lives, and expanded human knowledge. Today, we highlight seven pioneering Hispanic inventors whose work has left an indelible mark on the world.
Neonatal artificial bubble.
Born in Perú, Claudio Castillón Lévano invented the "neonatal artificial bubble", designed to improve the intensive medical care of high-risk newborns.
The colour TV
Born in Guadalajara Mexico, Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena was an electrical engineer credited with the invention of a colour-wheel type of television. His was the first colour TV patented in the US and Mexico, and is still used by NASA today.
Luis E. Miramontes
Inventor of the Oral Contraceptive
Mexican chemist Luis E. Miramontes is celebrated for his role in the creation of the first oral contraceptive pill, a groundbreaking development in the field of medicine. In 1951, as a 26-year-old undergraduate student, Miramontes synthesized the hormone norethindrone, the active ingredient that became the foundation of the birth control pill.
This invention not only revolutionized reproductive health but also played a pivotal role in the women’s liberation movement by giving women greater control over their bodies and their futures. Miramontes’ work continues to be a cornerstone of modern medicine, impacting millions of lives worldwide.
The electric brake
Victor Ochoa was a Mexican inventor and revolutionary who patented the electric brake in 1907. It uses magnetic attraction to make it easier for trains to slow down. Ochoa is also known for inventing the ochoaplane, an adjustable wrench, and a pen and pencil clip, among other Inventions.
The Mondragón rifle
Manuel Mondragón was an officer in the Mexican Army who designed a gun capable of reloading a new bullet without the shooter having to manually eject the spent cartridge. It was used during World War I and the in the Mexican Revolution.
The ballpoint pen
László József Biró, Argentinian by naturalization and Hungarian by birth, was a journalist and inventor. He designed a pen with oil-based ink and a tungsten ball that allowed the ink to roll smoothly on to paper.
The artificial heart
Dr Domingo Liotta was born in Argentina, the son of Italian immigrants. In 1969, he created the first artificial heart to be successfully transplanted into a human being. His creation is on display at the Smithsonian Museum.
The annoying online access code format used to prevent spam was invented by Guatemala-born doctor Luis Von Ahn.
Inventor of CAPTCHA, reCAPTCHA, and Duolingo
Guatemalan-born computer scientist Luis von Ahn has profoundly impacted both online security and language learning. As a co-creator of CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, von Ahn developed tools that protect websites from bots by requiring users to solve simple puzzles, thereby verifying their humanity. His work not only enhanced cybersecurity but also utilized reCAPTCHA to digitize books and improve accessibility online.
Von Ahn didn’t stop there; he later co-founded Duolingo, a free language-learning platform that democratized education, making it accessible to millions around the globe. Duolingo’s innovative approach to language learning has earned it a place as the world’s most popular language-learning app, highlighting von Ahn’s commitment to making knowledge accessible to all.
The stent
Argentine vascular radiologist Julio C. Palmaz invented the balloon expandable stent used to treat cardiovascular disease. In 2006 he was immortalized in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Bandage for administering drugs
Uruguayan Alejandro Zaffaroni has been granted more than 45 patents to date, including a bandage for administering drugs through the skin.
Arturo Arias Suárez
Earthquake Sensing Technology Developer
Arturo Arias Suárez, a Costa Rican engineer, made groundbreaking contributions to earthquake-sensing technology that have had a lasting impact on structural engineering and seismic safety. He developed the Arias Intensity measure, a seismic parameter that quantifies the strength of ground shaking during an earthquake.
This innovation is crucial in assessing the potential damage to structures, helping engineers design buildings that can withstand seismic forces more effectively. Arias Suárez’s work has been instrumental in improving building codes and safety standards in earthquake-prone regions, saving countless lives and reducing the economic impact of natural disasters.
Albert Baez
X-Ray Microscope
Albert Baez, a Mexican-American physicist, made significant strides in the field of medical imaging with his development of the X-ray microscope. This invention allowed scientists and doctors to observe living cells at unprecedented levels of detail, advancing the fields of biology and medicine.
Baez’s work laid the groundwork for modern imaging techniques that are now standard in medical diagnostics. Beyond his technical achievements, Baez was also a committed educator, passionate about making science accessible to all, particularly in underserved communities. His legacy lives on not just in his scientific contributions, but also in his dedication to education and social justice.
Rea Ann Silva
Beauty Blender Inventor
Rea Ann Silva, a Latina makeup artist, transformed the beauty industry with the invention of the Beauty Blender, a makeup sponge that has become a staple in cosmetic application worldwide. Silva’s invention was born out of a need for a tool that could seamlessly blend makeup, creating a flawless finish suitable for high-definition television. The Beauty Blender’s unique teardrop shape and material allow for effortless blending of foundation, concealer, and other makeup products, making it a favorite among both professional makeup artists and everyday users.
Silva’s innovation has not only changed the way people apply makeup but has also empowered individuals to achieve professional-quality results at home.
