#8: Velcro
Can you hear this picture? It’s a microscope image of Velcro, so probably yes. This close-up gives us a fascinating look into how this ingenious invention works. As we can see, one side of the Velcro consists of larger hooks that entangle the fibers on the other side. The hooks catch the thin fibers, making both sides stick to each other.
Velcro really is one of the best inventions ever. It’s so simple yet effective. Swiss engineer George De Mestral invented Velcro in the 1950s. He was inspired by the burrs that would get stuck on his clothes after his long walks in the forest. Interestingly, the name “Velcro” is a portmanteau of “velour” and “crochet.”